Game Report: Sens Run Wild over Minny 3-1

Your Ottawa Senators battled the Minnesota Wild tonight with many of the Sens fathers in tow, and they did not disappoint them. Coming off an emotional overtime loss to Atlanta on Monday night, Ottawa has seen signs of improvement in their play over the last few games. With both teams out of the playoff picture, one had to wonder how this game would play out. Being outplayed in the first, Ottawa used the powerplay to take control of this game and never looked back.

Scoring a goal against Atlanta to break out of his career-high ten game pointless streak, Daniel Alfredsson  got Ottawa going in the second with his sixth powerplay goal of the year. Alfie was skating hard and leading the Sens offensive attack as he also added an assist on the night.

Erik Karlsson  continues his offensive assault these past few games as he racked up three assists and was in on every goal. With seven points in his last five games, Karlsson is now in sole possession of second in team scoring and he leads the team in assists with 14. The kid is heating up and hopefully he can keep it up. 

Chris Phillips  had a solid game defensively as he is starting to get back into Chris Phillips form. Since being paired with Karlsson a few games ago, Phillips has gone back to his bread and butter and is just focusing on shutting down teams in his zone. Being a plus-5 in the last three games, Phillips is earning more ice time and is helping to shore up the defence.

Pascal Leclaire  came back from his minor injury that caused him not to start Monday’s game to record his fourth win of the season. Leclaire has been solid as of late and is beginning to find his rhythm. Winning three of his last four starts, Leclare is bringing back the ‘old goalie controversy’ to our nation’s capital.

Brian Lee  suited up for a rare game tonight as Matt Carkner was scratched due to a cut on his leg. Having not played in almost two months, a span of 25 games, Lee was steady as he played a season high 17:15 in ice time. We’ll see if tonight’s performance leads to more playing time or possibly a trade.

The powerplay  won the game for Ottawa as they went 2-for-2 on the night. When Ottawa is winning, it usually coincides with their powerplay producing as was the result tonight. 

Here are the game highlights  courtesy of NHL.com.

***Three Stars***

First Star: Daniel Alfredsson – earns it with a goal and an assist and for sparking the attack.

Second Star: Erik Karlsson – earns it with three helpers on the night.

Third Star: Brian Lee – for playing in his first game in almost two months.

This is a game Ottawa needed to have. Playing a team lower in the standings are games you need to win. With the win tonight, Ottawa has now won three of their last six games and seem to have got their offence going with 16 goals in the stretch. However, Ottawa won those games over weaker opponents and will face stronger teams the rest of the month. Is this a turnaround in Ottawa’s season, or are they just beating weaker competition? ‘Til next time, GO SENS GO!!!!!

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Note: Here are the game highlights of Ottawa’s loss to Atlanta on Monday night.