The Ottawa Senators continued to do their best to give Anaheim the worst first round pick that they can (it’s still pretty good). A big shootout win against the Devils puts them ahead of the Leafs, making for a very exciting game on Saturday night.
Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
GAME RECAP
The opening period was quite boring when compared to most games, although the Sens were playing the Devils, so what can you expect? No goals were scored, even though Ottawa had two chances on the powerplay.
The first half of the second period was much of the same. Not many chances either way. Ales Hemsky was given a golden opportunity with a penalty shot, but couldn’t beat Cory Schneider. Mike Hoffman opened the scoring not quite halfway through the period. Mika Zibanejad looked like he was about to take the puck around the New Jersey net, but sent Hoffman a pass before he would have been blocked by the back of the net. Hoffman let a shot go before anyone knew where the puck was, and gave the Senators a 1-0 lead. With just a few minutes remaining in the period, Michael Ryader tied the game. The Devils had an extra skater as the Senators had a delayed penalty. After the initial shot, a crowd formed around Robin Lehner and Ryder found the loose puck and tied the game at 1.
Zack Smith took a penalty just 18 seconds in, giving the Devils the early powerplay. New Jersey was unable to convert on the man advantage, as well as the remainder of the period. Both goaltenders were perfect in the third, not allowing any goals. Lehner made a very impressive glove save with only 11 seconds remaining to ensure a point for the Senators.
Overtime solved nothing (largely thanks to some more amazing saves by The Lehner), and we were off to the shootout.
The Devils remain winless in the shootout as Karlsson scored the winner.
UP NEXT
The Senators take on the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.