Your Ottawa Senators busted out of their losing slump with a 3 – 0 shutout victory over the Toronto Make Me Laughs. With both teams riding losing streaks, Ottawa seems to have turned the page as they dominated the Leafs from puck drop to the final whistle. With the line of Fisher, Kovalev and Michalek all having a multi-point game and Elliott pitching the shutout, Ottawa now leads the Battle of Ontario two games to one.
Here are the positives from the game.
Brian Elliott returned to the net after a three game absent to record his 10th win of the season and his second shutout. With 29 saves tonight, Elliott rebounded from his last outing when he was shelled for five goals against the Blues.With Elliott’s solid play last night, and Pascal Lelcaire’s strong play the last three games, Coach Clouston will have to decide which goalie to ride going into Monday’s game versus the Oilers.Alex Kovalev continued his hot streak with three points last night and five in his last four games. Kovi wanted to play against the Leaf and was a factor in all three goals scored last night. If Kovi and the rest of the 2nd line continued this offensive output, Ottawa may have finally found two lines that can score. And what a pass Kovi made to Fisher for his second goal (see game highlights).
Mike Fisher had a great night with two goals and an assist and overall strong play. Fish earned both of his goals as he made great defensive plays in his own end and skated hard down the ice to put the puck in the back of the net. Being streaky this year, Fish broke out of a three game pointless streak which came off a seven game pointless streak. Hopefully this game will break his streaky habits.
Milan Michalek had the most ice time of any forward against the Leafs and was rewarded with two assists. Playing better of late, Milan may have found some chemistry with Fish and Kovi. And he seems to have gotten his legs back as he was flying all night.
Ottawa’s special teams also had a good night as the powerplay was one-for-one and the penalty kill shut the Leafs out on all three of their chances.
For the first time in a long while, the Sens had no glaring negatives to mention. Here are the game highlights courtesy of NHL.com.
***Three Stars***
Fisrt Star: Mike Fisher – earns it with two goals, an assist and his tireless effort.
Second Star: Alex Kovalev – earns it with his magic and three points.
Third Star: Brian Elliott – earns it with 29 saves and his 2nd shutout of the year.
This game proved that Ottawa is better than the NorthEast basement. With another winnable game on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa has the chance to put a few games together and feel good about their game. The next win can put Ottawa back at .500 for the season, but they will need to put forth the effort they have the last two games in order to stay on track. ‘Til next time, GO SENS GO!!!!!
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