Ottawa Senators Fall to the New York Islanders in the Pre Season, Twice.

The Senators continued their annual pre-season tradition of losing to the New York Islanders twice in one day, for the second year in a row. Monday’s games did not go in Ottawa’s favour on the score sheet, but Ottawa will be pleased with the outcome of certain players.

Ottawa kept it close in game 1 and game 2, with the games finishing late in the 3rd and in the shootout, respectively.

GAME RECAPS

Game 1 of the pre season got off to a poor start with a penalty within the first 15 seconds, and a goal within the first 50. Ottawa kept the game close with goals from Alex Chiasson and Cole Schneider. Resulting in a 2 – 2 tie after 40 minutes. The game went in Ottawa’s favour most of the way but the goaltending of David Leggio was a dominating factor for New York. It was Jack Skille, an Islanders UFA signing and former top 10 pick who tallied the “go-ahead” late in the third. Ottawa would not reply, leading to a 3-2 regulation loss.

Game 2 was a similar story, with Ottawa keeping the game close throughout. A productive first period saw a 2 – 0 Senators lead, on goals from Curtis Lazar and Clarke MacArthur. The Sens would allow the Islanders to tie it up from tallies by Josh Bailey and Mikhail Grabovski. A head-to-head 3rd period resulted in a 2-2 tie.

Overtime solved nothing and the shootout was the decider. After 4 rounds of scoreless play, It was Josh Bailey who scored for the Islanders. Colin Greening was given a chance in front of his home crowd to keep Ottawa alive and succeeded under pressure. Finishing it for New York was Cal Clutterbuck when Matt Puempel was unable to answer for Ottawa.

NOTES & OBSERVATIONS

• Former Ottawa Senator, Cory Conacher was an impactful player playing on a line with Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin.
• The Ottawa Senators potential 2nd line trio of Michalek – Zibanejad – Chiasson had a noticeable impact in Game 1
• Mark Stone impressed in Game 2, with MacArthur and Turris.
• Curtis Lazar was named TSN 1200’s 2nd star of the night and had a goal in his well balanced performance.
• Frederik Claesson may have been a little overwhelmed at times, where in one instance he allowed a 2 on 1 after being caught at the blueline; which resulted in a goal.
• Goaltending was not a huge factor for Ottawa, either way.

UP NEXT

Ottawa’s next pre season games are Wednesday against Toronto in a split squad, same time game. Followed by a battle vs Winnipeg on Tuesday the 3oth.