Pre-Game Warmup
The Senators came into the capital city for the final game of a three-game trip after splitting the first two games 1-1, the most recent being a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Sens were looking to have a bounce back game in their rematch versus the Washington Capitals. For the Sens, Chris Neil made his way back into the line-up and Bobby Butler moved up to his old first line spot as Filatov was the healthy scratch.
First Period
The game started out quickly with the Senators and Capitals exchanging chances early on. Washington was the first to capitalize though as Nicklas Backstrom was allowed to skate straight into the zone and throw a shot on net that beat Anderson glove side. The goal was a result of bad defense, continuously backing up and giving backstrom all the time in the world, however the shot was also stoppable and I’m sure Anderson would like that one back. The first powerplay of the game went to the Caps as Kaspars Daugavins went off for hooking. The Sens penalty killers did a good job of keeping the dangerous Washington power play without a goal and keeping the game close. The Sens got their man advantage opportunity not long after when Chimera was caught for slashing but the Caps also killed it off. The Backstrom goal remained the only one in the first twenty minutes of action.
Second Period
Within the first minute of the period Ottawa tied it as Karlsson fired in a pass from Jason Spezza. The only penalties of the period went to the Senators’ Karlsson and Foligno but the Ottawa penalty killers proved effective once again, in large part to Craig Anderson. Washington doubled the Sens in shots this period firing 16 in compared to Ottawa’s 8, but Karlsson‘s goal was the only of the period.
Third Period
The Caps regained their lead with a 2 on 1 as Ovechkin slid a pass to Brouwer who fired it passed a sliding Anderson. The pressure was put on as the Senators went to the penalty kill again with Neil getting a cross checking call. Ottawa ended up a perfect 4-4 on the penalty kill, keeping it a one goal game. The Sens gave themselves a chance to tie the game and they made no mistake doing so. Who else but Michalek to do it with his NHL-leading 16th of the year (tied with Kessel and Stamkos). With just under 5 minutes remaining in the period, number 9 fired it past Neuvirth to make it a 2-2 game. And so it would remain come the end of regulation.
Overtime
Not too much to say about this as it was over within seconds. An unfortunate and untimely fall by Erik Karlsson led to an odd-man rush into the Sens zone, with Brooks Laich firing the game-winner past Craig Anderson just twelve seconds into extra time.
Game Highlights
Will be posted when available
*** Senshot’s Three Stars ***
1. Brooks Laich, WAS – Overtime game winner, solid all around game playing 20+ minutes
2. Michael Neuvirth, WAS – 32 saves for a .941 save percentage, kept his team in it when Ottawa came on strong
3. Erik Karlsson, OTT – 1 goal, plus-1, 26+ minutes, kept Ovechkin to a single assist. Other than the one unfortunate incident in OT, he had a great game shutting down Washington’s big guns
Final Thoughts
The Senators had a good overall effort, but didn’t convert on their chances to take the lead in the game. They didn’t give up when they fell behind though and did manage to get at least one point. The team ends the three game trip with 3 points, which is nothing to be sad about. In the end the team should be happy to be going home for a bit after 9 of the last 10 on the road. Until next time, Go Sens Go!!
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