The game started at a snail’s pace with about 300 whistles in the first 5 minutes. But once the game got going it was at a very decent pace. This was definitely a show of how Paul MacLean‘s puck possession system works. The Sens carried the puck everywhere along the ice and constantly pressuring the Canes into their zone but had a hard time figuring out Ward while also not getting some bounces the right way. It ended on a bad note after looking like maybe they could get 2 points out of this game but just could never finish it. The Sens lose this one in a back and forth game but still walk away with a point.
Sens lose a close one 3-2 in OT to the Canes. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
GAME RECAP
Erik Karlsson kept up with his scoring ways opening the scoring at the 18:03 mark but didn’t have to do much of the work as Zack Smith hustled his way into the zone to create the scoring chance.
As he always seems to do, Chad Larose continued his scoring ways against the Sens and tied it up at the 12:59 mark with a shot that went in off the post. Then three minutes later Kyle Turris stays strong on the puck at center ice falls to one knee and manages to pass it to Daniel Alfredsson who then shot from an impossible angle and got the Sens ahead by one again at the 16:04 mark.
After buzzing around all night Alex Semin finally managed to solve Anderson at the 12:27 mark on the power play assisted by Jordan Staal and Tim Brent
To end this game Benoit just couldn’t contain Jordan Staal, allowing Jay Harrison hit the puck in the net after Anderson couldn’t find it by his side
OBSERVATIONS
- Cam Ward, who started the year slow is really starting to turn it around after a strong 40+ save night against the Leafs. He played very well against the Sens too had it not been for him the game would have been completely different. He almost by himself won this game he was unbelievable.
- Mika Zibanejad is showing he belongs with the big club, he really skates well down the wing and plays well on the boards. I can definitely see him sticking around the wing with Turris.
- Mike Lundin made his official debut with the Sens and played admirably, he can skate pretty well and made some pretty nice defensive plays along with almost scoring a goal.
SENSHOT PLAYER OF THE GAME
Cam Ward has to be player of the night. He was unreal tonight and seemed to stop everything. He is proving everyone wrong by continuing to play well, had it not been because of Ward, the Canes would have been on the losing end of this one. It is solely because of that reason he is the player of the game. Craig Anderson was also great tonight as he seems to always play well this year and is showing why he was named player of the month. He is an honorable mention tonight!
WORTH SAYING
- After probably having his worst defensive game in a long time against the Sabres, Karlsson came back with a very strong defensive game tonight. He had a great takeaway from Staal early in the game and also had a great play near the end of the game to break up a odd man rush.
- Robin Lehner keeps rolling for the B-Sens, had another shut out last night Vs. Phantoms with 29 saves.
UP NEXT
Sens host the Jets in their 3rd game of their 4 game home stand, then play back to back on Tuesday and Wednesday vs. the Sabres and Pens. Bishop is most likely going to get one of these games.