5 Wins In A Row, Ottawa Senators Looking Bright Heading Towards Playoffs

The Ottawa Senators head into this one having not allowed a goal against two other Californian teams. Ottawa is rolling, with Andrew Hammond at the top of  Ottawa’s success.

Here’s some thoughts post-game, including some tid-bits on Kyle Turris, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman and others.

GAME RECAP

This one doesn’t get off to the start Hammond would have liked. The sharks chip one in at Hammond early on and Tommy Wingels bats home the rebound for a 1-0 Sharks lead. The first was a period mostly dominated by the Sharks, as they outshot Ottawa 8-1 at one point through the first 20 minutes.

Matt Puempel came close to his 1st NHL goal in the first but was robbed by Sharks goaltender, Antti Niemi as was Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the rebound.

It wasn’t until mid-way through the second when Ottawa got on the board. Senators captain, Erik Karlsson sneaked his way to the front of the net and put the puck by Niemi. The sharks would jump ahead again on a goal by Patrick Marleau to make it a 2-1 game.

2-1 after 40.

Mark Stone would tie up the game, with his 15th goal of the season. Ottawa now has 6 15-goal-scorers as Offence hasn’t been troublesome throughout the year. Let’s remember, Ottawa has yet to have had a shutout recorded against them.

San Jose’s offence had put forth all of their efforts for the night, as Mike Hoffman stepped up and gave Ottawa a 3-2 lead with his 22nd goal of the season. Hoffman also added the empty netter as Ottawa takes this one, 4-2.

NOTES & OBSERVATIONS

• Kyle Turris has been hot. 5 goals in his last 8 games, including 11 points in the same span.
• Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman are still damn good. Let’s keep these guys, ok.
• Trading Erik Condra would be a huge mistake, despite youngsters still up and coming, Condra isn’t the guy you need to replace. That’s certain.
• When does Andrew Hammond cool down?
• The Sharks completely out-played Ottawa in the first. They are a fast team with good defence.
• There will be a number of good teams outside of the playoff picture this season.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to slide, which scares me. I would not like to see TOR obtain one Mr. McDavid.

UP NEXT

The Senators have a little break in between games, as they faceoff against the Winnipeg jets on Wednesday. Ottawa continues their road-trip as they look to sweep the entire thing in hopes of a playoff push to come.

Next: The Methot Effect, Erik Karlsson Stepping Up, Ottawa's Playoff Hopes