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Ottawa Senators: Sens Edge Nail-Biting Game 4 Thriller

By Conor Peniston-Bird

Apr 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (9) score the winning goal on Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the first overtime period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. The Ottawa Senators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (9) score the winning goal on Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the first overtime period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. The Ottawa Senators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NHL playoffs leave no nail unbitten on the hands of hockey fans. Game 4 of the first-round playoffs were no exception, it wasn’t pretty but the Ottawa Senators got the job done.

Where do we begin? There’s only one place really, Craig Anderson. After a woeful second period in Game 3, Anderson romps back to form. Saving all 22 shots that were thrown his direction. After being quiet if not somewhat peeved with the press the morning before the game it seemed to focus the Ottawa Senators goaltender. Anderson looked far more composed, less flustered and in completely dialled in. If we hark back to the beginning of the series, all of the pundits stated that Anderson would have to win games single handedly in order for the Sens to progress. Anderson hasn’t won games on his own, and has arguably put his team under pressure with some cheap goals. Push came to shove last night and Anderson stood up and was counted, a shutout in a playoff game is so hard to come by.

Erik Karlsson

Could Karlsson prove himself anymore? The Sens captain is overshadowed and underrated league wide, there is no dispute in that. He wont win the Norris Trophy this year and it will be a tragedy when that eventuality comes around. Brent Burns has had a great year but to my knowledge (which may well be limited) Karlsson has been so superior. Burns is surrounded world-class players is Karlsson, arguably not.

Karlsson has been the best player in the playoffs so far, a bold statement perhaps but he has proven his worth. THAT pass to Hoffman should go down as one of the best plays in NHL history, for both Karlsson and Hoffman.

Last night, Karlsson once again with the winning assist with his pass to Bobby Ryan in the third period. Captain, Leader, Legend.

Bobby Ryan

It would appear that Bobby Ryan has arisen from his regular season coma. After netting the game winner, Ryan sits on 5 points with 3 goals in the playoffs. Ryan only netted 13 in 62 regular season outings.

Not only is the point scoring up, but the intensity, he seems hungrier to score and help his team. Long may it continue for the Cherryhill, New Jersey native.

One More Win

The Ottawa Senators are one win away from the second-round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and you should be excited. They’ve punched above their weight all season and it will continue. It comes with a word of warning, Boston don’t half love a 3-1 comeback do they Toronto? Get it done Friday and then Sens Army can relax.

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