Ottawa Senators: Leaving It Late In The Desert
It wouldn’t be an Ottawa Senators performance if they didn’t leave you on the edge of your seat. Never making it easy, but at present, always securing the two points.
New addition for the Ottawa Senators Chris DiDomenico had himself a period to forget, offering up two powerplay opportunities with in five minutes of each other. Luckily for him, the 27th ranked powerplay in the league couldn’t offer up much damage against the 11th ranked penalty kill.
Brendan Perlini opening up for the Arizona outfit 11:30 into the second frame. The Sens then struck back 41 seconds later, Jean-Gabriel Pageau netting with the assists of Fredrik Claesson and Erik Karlsson. Pageau has now increased his point streak to four games, three goals and two assists in that span.
Fredrik Claesson now with three points in two games, further cementing his place in this lineup, playing the left side opposite Wideman. See our thoughts on Claesson below.
Lawson Crouse scored a rare goal, his fourth of the season, as the Coyotes regained the lead. Further penalties ensued with no consequence on either side.
12:47 into the third, captain fantastic once again delivered his team from danger, tying the game up with an assist from the inform Pageau. Karlsson who didn’t have a hand in any of the goals against Dallas got himself back on the board. Five points in his last four, continuing to strive for that point-per-game average.
The game was then dragged into overtime, getting the point was crucial for the Sens, but the motivation in their eyes to grab the second was clear to see. It only took 40 seconds of the additional five for the Sens to bring home the goods. Erik Karlsson fighting for the puck, getting a clear breakaway and rifling it past Smith, who only heard the sound of the post as the puck barrelled in.
First Star
No over person to award it to than the captain. Leading this team by example, the hunger to advance this season is so evident. If Ottawa ever want to win a Stanley Cup in the next ten years, they need this man to steer the ship. It is easy to forget that he is only 26, it feels like he has been in the league so much longer.
Three points for the captain and the game-winning goal.
Second Star
Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The second line centre has fundamentally stepped up his game in recent weeks. Enjoying the challenge of the final stretch. Showing he is much better than the 26 points in 66 games he has put up.
Two points, a goal and an assist.
Third Star
Mike Condon. Quite simply, the Sens are spoilt with goaltending talent. To think he was picked up so easily is a mystery. Some players just excel in certain markets, and Condon has flourished in the Canadian Capital. Dipping slightly in his last two starts, .850 and .853 percent respectively, Condon has once again answered the call.
.951 save percentage on 41 shots is phenomenal, it’s these sort of performances that will make the Ottawa Senators a nightmare to face in the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
It was a grind, no doubt about that. The Ottawa Senators should’ve had this game wrapped up, going to OT doesn’t matter against Arizona, as long as they secured the two. They did, in style.
Here comes the fun part, two points off Montreal who were thumped 5-0 by in Calgary last night. With two games in hand.
Up next for the Senators? Colorado again, Pepsi Centre is the arena and two points are the minimum. Beat the worst team in the league, and the Sens can dream of clinching that Atlantic Division. With games against Tampa and Chicago on the horizon it would be wise to lock up some points.