Ottawa Senators Beat Tampa Bay Lightning – First Win In Over Two Weeks

The Senators avoided losing seven straight in a 4-3 OT win in Tampa. The Senators blew yet another two goal lead, but unlike so many other games with blown leads, they managed to hold on and add to the win column for the first time in 16 days.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

GAME RECAP

The Senators opened the scoring three minutes into the opening frame. Erik Karlsson put a quick shot past Ben Bishop for his twentieth of the season, setting the franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a season (he’s also tied for second with his 19 goal 2011-12 campaign). Less than two minutes later, Nikita Kucherov one-timed a pass from Tyler Johnson past Robin Lehner. The game was tied at one after 20 minutes.

Milan Michalek put a Karlsson rebound on goal, then Jason Spezza got Michalek’s rebound past Bishop to open the second period scoring. Just over 40 seconds later, Mark Stone, behind the Lightning net, found Kyle Turris alone in front. Turris made a few moves to get Bishop out of position, then tucked the puck in around his pad. And there it was, the dreaded two goal lead. Victor Hedman brought the Lightning within one on the powerplay. Hedman shot a rocket from the point that blew past Lehner.

The Lightning tied the game in the third period, because of course they did. Steven Stamkos, parked beside the net knocked the puck in midair. The initial call on the ice was no goal, but upon further review, they decided that it was fair to be that good at baseball while being a pro hockey player.

After five scoreless minutes of overtime, we were off to the shootout. Spezza scored the only goal to give the Senators a much needed win.

UP NEXT

The Senators take on the Panthers on Tuesday night at 7:30.