Pre-Game Warmup
The Senators faced the New Jersey Devils in the second of four meetings this year, and the first at Scotiabank Place. Losing their first matchup against the Devils in December after blowing a three goal lead, the Sens entered the game looking for redemption.
First Period:
The game started quick, the two teams exchanging odd-man rushes in the first few minutes of play. Ottawa had a great chance on a 2 on 1 with Alfredsson passing the puck to Condra, but he, for some reason, elected not to shoot. The Sens penalty killers were then forced to go to work when Erik Karlsson went off after taking his man down while trying to get back during a devils rush but they a good job of killing it off and the game remained 0-0. It looked as though the devils had taken the first lead as the fans at Scotiabank watched the ref point to the Sens net after a turnover by Brian Lee but upon video review, the puck rode the crossbar from post to post before bouncing out, never fully crossing the line. Shots finished at 9-9 and though the period ended scoreless it was far from dull.
Second Period:
The Second period saw a continuation of Ottawa’s turnovers but this time they weren’t as lucky. The Devils took the lead as a bouncing puck Zubrus sent on goal got past Anderson and slid into the net. The devils then increased their lead with a goal by David Clarkson who was the first to find a puck sitting behind Craig Anderson. The shots were tied 9-9 for the second straight period but this time Devils led 2-0 going into intermission.
Third Period:
All Ottawa fans know this is where all the action is in a typical sens game. The team – dubbed the cardiac kids for their late comebacks – leads the league in third period goals with 54 (which is 45% of Ottawa’s total goal tally). The Senators did not disappoint. Jason Spezza got the first goal of the game for the Senators just a minute into the final frame. It was then none other than Erik Condra who netted his first career short-handed goal to tie the game. Condra who had seen plenty of time with the puck all night was finally able to get it past Marty Brodeur. The game ended tied at 2, sending Ottawa to extra-time for the third time in as many games.
Overtime:
There aren’t a lot of things more deadly in hockey than the 4 on 3 power play in overtime. The Sens showed that in their game last week against Calgary with Alfredsson netting number 400 while doing so. The Sens got the chance again as Clarkson went off for hooking with two minutes remaining and they didn’t fail to capitalize. It was Daniel Alfredsson (again) off a pass from Erik Karlsson (again) to complete a come from behind victory – again.
Game Highlights:
(will be posted when available)
***SenShot’s Three Stars***
*1st Star: Erik Condra – Was a big part of the Senators penalty kill unit that went 3 for 3, before going on to get a short handed goal. He tied the game and guaranteed at least a point for the team.
**2nd Star: Daniel Alfredsson – Alfredsson was a big part of the game as always, creating lots of scoring chances in regulation. Alfie then scored the game-winning goal in overtime, getting Ottawa the extra point.
***3rd Star – Erik Karlsson – Led all players with a whopping 32+ minutes of ice-time, and was making plays happen every time he was on. He was plus-1, with 6 shots on goal and two assists.
Final Thoughts:
The Sens showed the meaning of “Déjà-Vu” as they won in an almost identical fashion to last week’s game versus the Calgary Flames – coming from behind with the same player getting the same goal on an overtime power play. But all that really matters is that they won, and gained an important two points to move them into 6th overall in the Eastern Conference. The Senators play again at home Thursday and will have to face Tampa and the trap. They proved they can beat it once already this season, and look to do it again. Until then, Sens fans.
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