The game didn’t exactly start off all that interesting, it took awhile to get going but the third period was much more entertaining. The Senators really looked like a top team tonight being patient and waiting for a chance to take advantage of the Rangers. Just like the score, the Sens took the season series 3-0. It seems like forever now, that every game these teams play, end up being a one goal game but that wasn’t the case tonight as Ben Bishop recorded his first shutout of the season to lead the home team to victory.
Mar 28, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing
Erik Condra(22) takes a shot on New York Rangers goalie
Henrik Lundqvist(30) in the second period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
GAME RECAP
There isn’t much to report on the first period as it didn’t really generate much of anything on the excitement scale. Not to say that neither team played badly, the Sens did manage to finish the period with more shots on goal and did play a little better than the Rangers. It was nice to see the Sens come out and put up a much better effort than they did a couple nights ago against the New Jersey Devils.
As the second period got underway you could notice the pace of the play had changed a bit. both clubs were given an opportunity with he man advantage but the Rangers couldn’t get anything passed Ben Bishop, as the 2nd best rated penalty kill continues to have success. Ottawa, did in fact take advantage of the 2 minute power play they were given as they controlled much of the play as Andre Benoit scored his first power goal in the NHL, it was his second goal of the season.
In the last frame of the game, the Rangers came out of the gate fast and controlled the play for a good portion of the third period, but once again could not get anything passed the big goaltender. The change in momentum happened after Bishop made a big diving save. On the next shift it was Mika Zibanejad, who got a pass from his fellow countryman Jakob Silfverberg, pushed the puck up the ice and then passed it to Guillaume Latendresse to shoot one passed Henrik Lundqvist. As the Rangers coach decided to pull his goaltender a full two minutes before end of the game, Colin Greening sealed the win with an empty net goal.
OBSERVATIONS
Gui gui Gui – Guillaume Latendress has 5 goals since his return from injury. He has been a consistent contributor and has really established himself in the top six. He is really showing he deserves another contract beyond this year and if he can keep up this pace the Senators will have no issues giving it to him.
73-93-33 – This line has been nothing short of astounding since it was put together. It seems like everytime they hop over the boards, scoring chance after chance after chance is created. the quickness of the Swedes plus the shot and positioning of Latendresse seems to be a big issue versus other opponents. I really hope Paul MacLean keeps this line together as they are really exciting to watch!
Big Ben – It was over a month since the big goaltender received back to back starts but he really showed us MacLean made the right choice tonight, with his perfect evening. He is showing the league he can be a legitimate number one and the Sens are loving every minute of it!
SENSHOT PLAYER OF THE GAME
How could I not say, Ben Bishop. Twenty four shots twenty four saves, he bailed out the Sens when they needed it and made all the saves he was supposed to. I don’t see how he won’t get the start versus the Leafs after tonight’s performance. Mika Zibanejad is definitely an honorable mention as he used his speed to terrorize the Rangers all night and was a force.
UP NEXT
The Ottawa Senators will host their hated rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, to wrap up their home stand. the Sens will look to extended their winning streak as the Leafs will also look to keep adding points to solidify a playoff spot. This might be the most meaningful game these two teams have played in quite a few years, it should be a good one!