Today was a truly special day for Daniel Alfredsson, his family, the Ottawa Senators organization, and all Senators fans. Despite all the hype going into todays game and the extra motivation the team had, the Islanders were able to sweep the Senators in their mini back-to-back series, by a score of 2-1. Before the game, Alfredsson held a press conference and also took warmup with the team. Before puck drop there was an amazing tribute to Alfie, and the chants of his name were chilling. He was clearly emotional, and it was so amazing getting to see him in the jersey that he wore for so long one last time. I think I say for all Senators fans that I truly hope he stays in the city of Ottawa and that in the near future he joins the staff for the team. Long live Alfie. Anyways, onto the game.
GAME RECAP
The first 20 minutes were very uneventful, with the only real standout from the period being a missed wide open net from Bobby Ryan (although the puck was bouncing). In fact, the first period was so low-key, that the shots were 5-4 New York, and the shot attempts were at 13-13.
The second period provided a bit more drama, although it still was a far cry from an exciting game. 10:41 into the period Kyle Turris took a bad hooking penalty in the offensive zone that was too easy to call. Then 1:04 later, Brock Nelson had given the lead to the Islanders thanks to a fortunate bounce that Craig Anderson never even saw. Fortunately for Ottawa, Nelson would give the Senators a favour just a few minutes later as he got called for a cross-checking penalty, and just 43 seconds after that Brain Strait received a high-sticking call.
While on the 5 on 3, Ottawa had some good movement. Mika Zibanjead was at the top left circle with Erik Karlsson to his right, and they kept passing back and forth waiting for the perfect shot. After a couple passes, Zibanejad took a fantastic one-timer from Karlsson and it squeaked in between the legs of Jaroslav Halak. Going into the third period, it was tied at 1.
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Even in the third, there wasn’t a whole lot happening. There were no penalties (until the last 2 minutes), and no goals–until Casey Cizikas changed that. With just 6:27 left to play, the puck came out to Cizikas where no Ottawa player was close to covering him, and he easily scored on Anderson, giving the Islanders the lead again. In the last 6:27, Ottawa out-attempted the Islanders 8-1, and Karlsson even hit the post in the last second, but it wasn’t enough to score on Halak.
The hooking penalty that Alex Chiasson took with 1:32 left essentially killed any potential comeback, but there was still some fight from Ottawa. They came close, but ultimately it came down to a lucky bounce or two going the Islanders way.
THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
- What an amazing night it was for Alfredsson. Watching him in a Sens uniform was just fantastic, and he looked so happy to be back. I will never forget the “Alfie” chants, as the fans at the game were so great. It sounds as if all the wounds have healed, and he can perhaps come into a role as a staff member on the Senators. Alfie is the Ottawa Senators.
- It was Marc Methot‘s first game of the season tonight, and I didn’t notice him much–in a good way. Usually when defensive defenceman aren’t noticeable, it means they haven’t made many mistakes. I think that was the case with Methot tonight. Good to have him back.
- Surprised that Bobby Ryan was able to come back into the lineup so soon. He’s a warrior that’s for sure.
- Ottawa actually outplayed the Islanders, and the stats back it up as well. Although the shots were 25-21 New York, the shot attempts were 63-48 Ottawa. Another loss is frustrating, but there is at least a small silver lining.
- Ottawa has to hit the net way more often. In total, they missed the net 20 times, which is why they only had 21 actual shots.
- At what point does Curtis Lazar get questioned about his play? I think he has played decent (especially for a teenager), but he has 0 goals in 21 games. Something has to give.
- Ottawa’s record sits at 10-10-5, and things are not looking good. Remember, for this season, it isn’t the end of the world to not make the playoffs. If they clearly aren’t going to make it, I’d rather just try to “retool” and go for the higher pick. I know that’s sometimes blasphemous talk, but it has to be considered.
- There will most likely be a demotion/trade at some point soon, because I highly doubt that Patrick Wiercioch and Robin Lehner are seriously hurt. They are on the IR just so the team has more time to decide what to do.
- It’s still very early in the season, but these losses are starting to pile up, and it’s getting frustrating for a lot of players and fans I’m sure.
UP NEXT
The Senators head to Pittsburgh for the day on Saturday as they face off against the Penguins in a dreaded afternoon matchup.