Milan Michalek has appeared to be much more of the player we’ve known since the calendar changed. Despite a slow start to the month of January, Michalek has put up 8 points in 11 games since January 10th and has looked much more like the player we’ve come to know.
GAME RECAP
It certainly was a slow one. The Senators and Sabres clearly were two basement level teams facing off, and it showed through the on ice product.
Erik Karlsson opened the scoring for the Senators in the first. Karlsson’s goal is his 14th of the year as he has a down year in terms of offence, specifically 5v5 production.
Karlsson is on pace for a low 57 points, which would be his lowest total since his sophomore season of 2010-11. Specifically, Karlsson’s 5v5 production is at an all-time low but has picked up since normal D-partner, Marc Methot has returned to the lineup.
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The 2nd didn’t result in much in terms of offence. Neither team generated anything despite a trio of penalties from Ottawa, resulting in some chances for Buffalo. In terms of shots on goal, Buffalo led it most of the night. The Sabres posted 37 SOG, where it was Robin Lehner who kept Ottawa in this one as he was named first star of the night.
Off to the final period, where Buffalo re-gained some life. It was a similar goal to that of Karlsson’s, but it was Buffalo’s big-man, Tyler Myers whose point shot found its way to the back of the twine.
1-1.
In what may have appeared to be a game heading to extra minutes and the dreaded 3-point game, Milan Michalek generated a rush up ice that led to a Patrick Wiercioch shot on goal and a solid second effort from Michalek to give Ottawa the lead.
2- 1 the final, as Ottawa’s Lehner and Michalek lead the way to a “W”.
GAME NOTES
- Nice to see Milo generate something, he continues to be good. I’d still off-load the contract if I’m Ottawa, though.
- Clarke MacArthur continues to be unlucky. Only on pace for 41 points this year.
- Erik Condra is an unlucky hockey player.
- The Fans didn’t seem to be too happy with Eric Gryba in this one. Perhaps it is time he sits more often
- Cody Ceci scratched, his first of the year after being a minus-4
UP NEXT
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to arrive in Ottawa to take on the Senators. Ottawa takes on an eastern conference powerhouse, high-lighted by one of the league’s best offences.
After that, It’s Edmonton in town in what’s sure to be another Lottery battle.