Ottawa Senators Blank Maple Leafs 1-0

Apr 12, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs golaie James Reimer (34) makes a save on a breakaway shot from Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Maple Leafs 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

In a season that went horribly wrong for both teams, the Ottawa Senators got one measure of revenge over their provincial counterpart Toronto Maple Leafs.  Ottawa’s 1-0 shutout win assures the Senators of finishing ahead of Toronto in the final standings, as Toronto is now finished for the season and Ottawa pulled ahead of them with one game to play.

Jason Spezza scored the lone goal of the game on a second period power play, wiring a one-timer after the Senators executed a perfect umbrella play.  Spezza started the play with a cross ice pass to Ales Hemsky at the far faceoff dot, who dished to Erik Karlsson mid-point, whose perfect and quick relay to Spezza was pounded home.

Craig Anderson made 28 stops for his 4th shutout of the season as the Senators put a 4 game winning streak to climb a bit in the standings and avoid giving the Ducks a  top 5 pick, assuming they don’t win the draft lottery.

On the whole, the game lacked the usual intensity of a Battle of Ontario, with both teams playing out the string.  James Reimer made 37 saves and was the busier goalie and also faced much better chances despite Anderson being named first star.

UP NEXT

Ottawa will finish their season on the road in Pittsburgh and they will face a bare bones Penguins lineup that will likely rest a number of their stars for the playoffs after an intense game in Philadelphia yesterday.