Islanders Erase Senators’ Playoff Dreams

Is it over? Are the Senators’ playoffs hopes officially over? Technically no, but even if they manage to win each one of their remaining games, there’s still no guarantee they will make the playoffs.

Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

GAME RECAP

Despite being in complete control of the game for the first few minutes, the Senators were unable to score on any of their early chances. The Senators continued to have chances in bunches, but the Islanders kept fighting back, keeping the shot count even throughout most of the period. It wasn’t until after the 17 minute mark of the first period that the scoring was opened. Josh Bailey shot a rocket over the shoulder of Craig Anderson to give the Islanders the lead after 20 minutes.

The second period had a whole lot of, well, nothing. No goals were scored, and there was only a total of 13 shots between the two teams.

The Senators tied the game in the third period around the seven minute mark. Patrick Wiercioch took the point shot, giving all four Senators skaters standing in front of the Islanders net a chance to poke at the rebound. Milan Michalek found the puck on his stick, and put it past a busy Anders Nilsson. Then not three minutes later, Casey Cizikas gave the Islanders the lead. With Eric Gryba in the box, and for some reason, nobody properly placed in front of the net, the Senators were in a bit of trouble. Some very good passing led up to the goal. Anderson found himself way out of position, with no one behind him. Cizikas found the loose puck and put it in. Final score, 2-1 Islanders.

UP NEXT

The Senators take on the Canadiens on Friday night in Ottawa.