Game Report: A Sleepy Game as Sens Fall 2 – 1 to Stars

Your Ottawa Senators lost to the Dallas Stars last night 2 – 1 in a game that could put babies to sleep. With only 19 shots on net, the Senators seemed like they just went through the motions until the game was over. Now having lost five of their last seven games, and with a quarter of the season in the books, the Senators find themselves outside the playoff picture and looking like they are pretends in the East.

In between nodding off and watching this game, here are the few positives from the game.

Starting his second game in a row, Pascal Leclaire  was the best Senator against Dallas. He kept the game close all night and made 24 saves for a .923 save percentage. Leclaire has given Clouston a reason to start a third game in a row Friday afternoon against Pittsburgh.

Ryan Shannon  got his third of the year as he was the only Sen to put a puck in the back of Dallas’ net. Playing solid hockey as of late, and with three shots on goal, Shannon now has more goals than Peter Regin, Nick Foligno and Chris Campoli combined.

With the slow pace of the game, a few Senators stuck out like a sore thumb.

Mike Fisher  played just over 13 minutes against the Stars, down almost five minutes from his season average ice time. Fish has struggled all season, and now with his playing time cut down, he might find himself off the top two forward lines.

For a guy who has not scored this season, Nick Foligno  has to do better than no shots on goal in under 13 minutes of ice time. Having gone 22 games without a goal, Nicky only has two goals in the calendar year of 2010, which is a span of 56 games. Simply put, Nick needs a goal like Brian Lee needs a trade.

Usually on Clouston’s good side, Matt Carkner  had his ice time reduced and was in the dog house. Playing only 10:53, Carks was down almost six minutes from his average. This game needed Carks physicality to spark the team and the crowd as this game had a lull over it.

Here are the game highlights courtesy of NHL.com.

***Three Stars***

First Star: Andrew Raycroft – earns it with 18 saves and for closing the door at the end of the game.

Second Star: Pascal Leclaire – earns it with 24 saves and for keeping the game close.

Third Star: Ryan Shannon – earns it with a team high three shots and a goal.

This game was a snooze fest and the shot totals prove this. Ottawa has to find some offense soon as they don’t have the goalie’s to shut teams out every game. Clouston already changed up his lines and has had limited success. What tricks does he have up his sleeve for Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon? ‘Til next time, GO SENS GO!!!!!

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