For Sunday’s game against the Boston Bruins the Ottawa Senators were able to kick two bad habits, but against The Buffalo Sabres they weren’t able to get a third.
Winning both in Boston and an afternoon game two days ago looked to spark a turnaround for the Senators, but a weak second period and equally disappointing third proved to be their undoing as the Senators weren’t able to beat a team they should have (at least according to the standings).
GAME RECAP
The Senators were able to get on the board first after some sloppy play by Buffalo in their own end. Mika Zibanejad was able to corral the puck behind the Sabres’ net and move it up to Mike Hoffman, who in turn was able to pass it cross-crease to an open Bobby Ryan. Ryan was then able to backhand it in past Jonas Enroth as he sped from behind to out in front of the net and give the Sens a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the game.
The lead would last the rest of the period as Buffalo was unable to capitalize on a couple of power plays and a 9-6 shot advantage over Ottawa.
The second period was not a kind one for the Ottawa Senators. Buffalo would score just four minutes in on a power play to tie the game at 1-1, as shoddy defensive coverage left Rasmus Ristolainen completely wide open after a cross crease pass from Chris Stewart, and Robin Lehner did all he could, but wasn’t able to cross over in time to get in a good position and make the save.
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Three minutes later the Sabres would continue to make the Senators pay for their absented minded defensive okay. Matt Moulson and Marcus Foligno would scored 32 seconds apart to put the Sabres up by two. All was not lost though, as Mark Stone was able to salvage the second period with a late goal off a nice cross ice feed from Kyle Turris and some good rushing by Cody Ceci.
The Sabres would take the 3-2 lead into the third period, outshooting the Senators 10-9.
The third period continued what was a wild game with a goal that was significant for a few reasons. Most immediately was that it allowed the Senators to get back in the game and tie things at three. Perhaps most importantly, Curtis Lazar was the goal scorer, giving the rookie his first ever National Hockey League goal.
Amazingly, the Senators completed the mid-game comeback and ended up taking the lead shortly thereafter. Alex Chiasson was able to enter the zone creating a two on one, choosing to keep the puck and launch a backhander on net which managed to bounce off of someone or something and end up behind Jonas Enroth.
But it would be too uncharacteristic of this team to simply coast the lead to the end of the third and quietly complete the comeback.
Brian Flynn would throw a wrench in things with his fourth of the season! just four minutes before the end of the third, sending the game to OT.
As former TSN anchor Jay Onrait loved to say, OVERTIME SOLVED NOTHING, although both teams traded some exciting scoring chances.
In the shootout Buffalo would ultimately prevail with Enroth winning the game off a save on Bobby Ryan, ending Ottawa’s modest one game winning streak.
Dec 15, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth (1) makes a save on Ottawa Senators left wing Clarke MacArthur (16) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
NOTES & OBSERVATIONS
Curtis Lazar!
Finally, Ottawa’s much hyped rookie was able to get his very first NHL goal, and it could hardly have come at a better time. Funny moment when the referee was searching in the net for the puck, only to realize Alex Chiasson had skated away with it already. Lazar needed this badly as it seemed lately he has been playing in survival mode for quite a few games now; hopefully this can give him more confidence to be the player management and Sens fans know he can be.
Cameron’s mark so far?
1-2-0 in his first three games, not sure if we’re seeing much change under new head coach and British Prime Minister Dave Cameron. The Senators continue to be plagued by mental lapses defensively, and it’s cost them wins in LA and now Buffalo. One good thing though, fans are getting a better indication of what this team is really capable of (however uninspiring that may be) since Cameron has been willing to ice, through his own decisions and injuries, what many perceive to be the Senators’ best roster. The team has at least looked more involved in the games, which is a marked improvement, but are still suffering from the same defensive miscues that likely cost the Paulrus his job.
No Pa-geau, Pageau-Pageau-Pageau?
Called up today, Jean Gabriel-Pageau will have to wait at least one more day to make his 2014-15 season debut. Any who thinks he’ll be the answer to the Senators’ woes is sadly mistaken, but he’s been stellar in the AHL this season, playing tough minutes in all situations for Richardson’s BSens while registering 18 points in 25 games and leading the league in shots.
Pageau has earned his chance, and fans can at least look forward to seeing what the most recent player etched in Ottawa Senators playoff lore can do now that he’s been given an opportunity and appears to be more well rounded and hopefully more capable of handling the rigours of the NHL. Here’s hoping he’s here to stay.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT CARD
UP NEXT
The Ottawa Senators’ next challenge comes Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils.
Also, Shout-out to Charlie Arsenault for being the only pre-game prediction winner of the SenShot crew. This game made us sad, but at least we can be happy for you.