The Lightning stopped the Ottawa Senators from taking a 4th win in a row, and Tampa Bay improved their record with another tally in the win column.
GAME RECAP
Ottawa got off to a fast start as it was Kyle Turris beating Ben Bishop over his shoulder. Turris scored his 9th of the season, and after 2 months with only 2 goals; it’s nice to see Kyle get on the board.
Penalties were a big story in the first, Ottawa took 3 of them. Tampa Bay did not convert on three PP opportunities, and only registered 2 shots on goal. Turris’ 0:32 goal was the only offence in the 1st, 1 – 0 Senators after 1.
Victor Hedman ripped one past Robin Lehner, who kept Ottawa in the game most of the way through. Mark Stone got the lead back for Ottawa a few minutes later on another nice shot. That would be all that Ottawa would produce for the rest of the night.
Hedman, who looked brilliant before an injury continues to be one of the league’s premier defenseman. Look for him to contend for the Norris trophy this season. But I’m not saying anything shocking here.
Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson were the other two who scored for Tampa Bay. 4-2 was the final, and despite pushes; Ottawa loses this one.
"Tyler Johnson is an interesting case. 43 points already this season as he leads Tampa Bay in scoring."
GAME NOTES
- Cody Ceci took a minor penalty, his first of the year.
- Alex Chiasson continues to be Ottawa’s penalty king, with his 14th minor of the year.
- It’s nice to see Mark Stone and Kyle Turris score. Two guys I would like to see score more often.
- Jared Cowen is really coming into form. Elliotte Friedman mentioned that in an intermission segment as Cowen looked solid tonight.
- Tyler Johnson is an interesting case. 43 points already this season as he leads Tampa Bay in scoring.
- I did a piece on how Colin Greening was Ottawa’s best analytics player last week. He went 11% on CF% tonight, not good.
- Mike Hoffman seemed off tonight — to be expected with a new NHLer.
- Let’s stop talking about McDavid to Ottawa, Ottawa is too good; but may not be good enough to make the playoffs.
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