Your Ottawa Senators battled the broken-down losers of eight in a row Washington Capitals Sunday night in a game of two teams needing a win badly. With the Sens fading in the East, and the Caps being followed 24/7 by HBO, one had to wonder which team would break first. Ottawa dominated the first period and looked like the Caps woes would continue. But Ottawa forgot the game was 60 minutes long (not 20) and were humbled by the Caps in the last two periods.
Erik Karlsson continues to be the best defenceman for Ottawa. Playing in a game and season high, he was on the ice for 28:35 minutes, over five minutes more than the next closest Senator. Even though he did not register any points on the night, Karlsson has eight points (2g, 6a) in his last seven games.
Since being scratched four games ago, Ryan Shannon has been playing solid hockey in his limited time on the ice. Having got two points (1g, 1a) in his last four games, ‘Wee-Man’ has been making the most of his ice time.
Since breaking his ten-game pointless streak against the Rangers two weeks ago, Chris Kelly has notched nine points (5g, 4a) in his last eight games. Playing a solid two-way game, Kelly is keeping his game simple and is leading this team (along with Karlsson) offensively as of late.
Brian Elliott had a bounce back game as he stopped 31 out of 34 shots. At times, Elliott was the only reason the Sens were in this game. The game would have been closer if Elliott received any help in front of the net where nobody was clearing Washington players from his crease. Having only won once (1-6-3) in his last ten games, Elliott showed signs of coming out of his horrible play of late.
Two veterans have been in Clouston’s doghouse of late. Alex Kovalev and Filip Kuba have seen their ice time reduced lately and their role on the team diminished. Both players are on the wrong side of thirty and it seems age has affected both as their play has dropped off significantly.
Coaching is creeping back into the ring as a reason for Ottawa’s struggles as of late. The Sens can’t seem to keep a lead, have problems with discipline, and are being out worked every night. With the Sens grinders scoring in the first, Clouston turned to his top six forwards late in the game in favor of players that have actually been putting points on the board. Have the players given up on Clouston or is he not the coach we all hoped he was?
Here are the game highlights courtesy of NHL.com. —check for the Capitals winning the Stanley Cup at the end of the game. Oh wait, they just celebrated like they did.
***Three Stars***
First Star: Mathieu Perreault – two goals on the night for the youngster.
Second Star: Erik Karlsson – was the best D-man on the ice.
Third Star: Ryan Shannon – for a big effort from the little guy.
Even though the Caps came into town losers of eight in a row, Ottawa was in no position to take any team lightly. The Sens played hard for 20 minutes, then fell asleep at the wheel and let the Caps back into the game. With only one game left before the Christmas break, it is getting close to decision time for players, coaches, management and the team as to where the future of the franchise is headed. ‘Til next time, GO SENS GO!!!!!
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