Game 3 Recap – Boyle Continues To Make His Presence Felt
By Kevin Lee
Pre-Game Warmup
The Ottawa Senators returned home looking to take the lead against the New York Rangers. Matt Carkner and Carl Hagelin would both be out serving suspensions resulting from Game 2. Daniel Alfredsson would also remain out due to the concussion received from the Hagelin elbow. Henrik Lundqvist and Craig Anderson would get the nod in net for each team.
The First Period
Ottawa came out very strong behind a loud and supportive SBP crowd. They ended up controlling the majority of the period. However, Lundqvist would stand tall stopping all 12 Senators shots. Anderson also held his own stopping 10 Rangers shots.
The Second Period
The Sens would unravel a bit in the second turning over the puck and allowing a few odd man rushes. Anderson stood tall though making several highlight reel saves and receiving chants of “Andy, Andy, Andy” from the home crowd. Although Ottawa would outshoot New York 13-8, the best chances of the period did belong to the Rangers. Nevertheless, the score remained tied after two.
The Third Period
A goal would finally be scored in the third, and it would be by none other than Ottawa’s nemesis Brian Boyle. He would pounce on a rebound and beat Anderson short side on a goal you know Andy would like back. The Sens would press for the rest of the period to try and get the equalizer. There best chance coming late in the game with Kyle Turris staring at a partly open cage but unable to convert. The Rangers would hold on to win 1-0.
+ Pluses +
+ Bobby Butler: With Alfredsson out, Butler was called upon to take a place on the top 6 on a line with Foligno and Turris. Placed in this tough situation he actually played extremely well, with that line creating the best of Ottawa’s chances throughout the game.
– Minuses –
– Jason Spezza: A rough game for Spezza where he didn’t quite look like his usual dominant self. Almost seemed like he was trying to put the entire game on his shoulders.
– Milan Michalek: Not to be outdone, Michalek also struggled tonight making almost no impact at all offensively. Both him and Spezza need to start going if this team has any hopes of winning this series.
Game Highlights
Will Post When Available
*** Senshot’s Three Stars ***
* Henrik Lundqvist: 39/39 – Got the shutout and frustrated Sens fans all night long who were probably wishing they could be playing Fleury or Bryzgalov.
** Craig Anderson: 22/23 – Although the one goal he allowed was a bit of a softy, he more than made up for it with the numerous big saves he made to keep the Sens in this game.
*** Brian Boyle: 1G 0A – Boyle has been the main catalyst for the Rangers this series. This was his third goal in the series in as many games.
Final Thoughts
This game could have easily gone either way with a lucky bounce. However, the Rangers shot blocking continues to impress and Ottawa will have to work on getting shots off quicker before New York can get in the shooting lanes. Craig Anderson shined tonight, it was nice to finally have a goalie that you don’t have to worry about. Bobby Butler looked very good tonight, I would think you have to keep him in the lineup if Alfredsson returns for Game 4. If the Sens play like this for the rest of the series, I don’t think there will be many people complaining. One aspect they do have to work on is turnovers though which gave the Rangers several great chances this game. Game 4 is scheduled for 7:30 on Wednesday. Until next time, Go Sens Go!
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