Game 5 Recap – Anderson, Spezza and Stone Give Sens Series Lead
Craig Anderson earned his first shutout of the Playoffs, and only Jason Spezza was able to beat Henrik Lundqvist as the Ottawa Senators took their first lead of the series and hung on to take the game and a 3-2 series lead. Spezza added his second of the game into the empty net in the final minute to give Ottawa the 2-0 victory.
Assisting on Spezza’s first goal was rookie Mark Stone, making in his NHL debut and obviously getting his first NHL point. Spezza’s goal came just before the midway point of the first, and from that point on it was a goaltender’s duel, with Lundqvist stopping Erik Condra and Milan Michalek on breakaways, and Anderson facing a barrage from the Rangers, especially in the third period as New York pressed for the equalizer.
Stone started the game on the 4th line, but with penalties etc, saw a shift with Spezza, and fed a nice pass through the feet of Ryan McDonaugh for Spezza to put through Lundqvist’s legs.
SENSHOT’S THREE STARS
3. Jason Spezza – Scored the goal and even laid out to block a shot in the third period
2. Henrik Lundqvist – Kept the Rangers within striking distance
1. Craig Anderson – Perhaps his best game as a Senator since his first against the Leafs last season.
GAME THOUGHTS
It is hard to tell what is going to be a penalty any more. There were questionable calls both ways, and there is no consistency within a game, let alone game to game with different officials.
Anderson was spectacular, on his game all night and even his shaky plays were made with confidence (if that makes any sense.)
It was a great game for the Ottawa PK unit, as they were a perfect 4 for 4, while the PP struggled, going 0 for 4.
Ottawa will have the chance to complete the upset on home ice on Monday night, with the puck drop at 7. With Boston on the verge of elimination, and the Panthers up 3-2 on New Jersey, it could be a Ottawa-Florida second round. Not to look ahead, but that would be the ideal 2nd round opponent with eyes towards moving to the third round. Perhaps this is a team of desinty?