Erik Karlsson appears to have company near the top of the NHL’s defensive scoring this season. As a guy who once dominated that category, he’s now 8th as defensive scoring isn’t as rare as it may have been 2 seasons ago. Near the top of that list, is Justin Faulk a freshly named All-star with 26 points now on the board.
GAME RECAP
It would be the aforementioned Faulk who led Carolina in this effort. His name was often spoken by the PxP crew as his 1G, 1A effort was good enough to lead the cause in a 3-2 win.
The first period had a slow pace to it, despite three Ottawa penalties. Brad Malone opened the scoring after a feed from Patrick Dwyer found its way to Brad Malone’s stick. 1-0 Carolina with 30 seconds left in the third.
The goal is just the 9th of Brad Malone’s career, as it wasn’t a noted goal scorer who opened the scoring here.
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Ottawa gained a little jump in their step in the 2nd. Cody Ceci scored 4 minutes into the period, marking his 3rd goal of the year.
We’ve seen flashes of greatness from Ceci, but we’ve also called for him to become a healthy scratch. Ceci, along with Eric Gryba and Erik Karlsson have been the only Senators defenders to avoid time in the press-box this season.
Anton Khudobin put out a good effort in this one, stopping 29 shots and robbing Erik Karlsson on one shortly after Ceci’s goal.
We wouldn’t see scoring again until Mark Stone gave Ottawa a 2-1 lead. Stone marked his 11th of the season as he continues to have a good offensive output.
Justin Faulk was the man who responded for Carolina, making the game a 2-2 tie. Nathan Gerbe scored the game winner with 4 minutes left in the 3rd.
A disappointing loss for the Senators, who fail to gain any traction on teams ahead of them. After a game where Ottawa put their best forward vs MTL, they fail to do so here.
GAME NOTES
- I don’t see why this team should become buyers.. at all.
- Mark Stone scored, and has points in his last 5 games. Why isn’t he on the top-line. It’s worked before, and Chiasson hasn’t.
- Anton Khudobin had a great outing for his team.
- Nathan Gerbe always seems to play well against Ottawa.
- We saw Hoffman moved away from Zibanejad/Ryan later on tonight. Interesting to see him with Legwand.
- Todd Bertuzzi said today his goal is to play in the NHL, I think we see him in Ottawa this season.
- Erik Karlsson was Ottawa’s best player tonight. Gaining a star of the game honour in a pointless outing.