Ottawa Senators Poised For California Sweep With Win Over Los Angeles Kings

The Ottawa Senators just can’t figure out what they are, but one thing is for sure, they end up on top 1-0 with Mike Hoffman providing the lone goal . One second, they’re in contention for Connor McDavid, and the next , they’re in contention for a playoff spot. It’ll be difficult for Bryan Murray to decide what direction the team should go in come Monday.

RECAP

The first period was somehow both surprising and expected. If someone had told me about a month ago that the Senators would not only look strong against the Kings, but that Andrew Hammond would stop all 11 shots he faces I would’ve called you crazy. Even before today, I would’ve expected the Senators to slow down eventually, yet they showed no signs of this at all in the first 20 minutes. Despite being out shot 11-6, the Senators looked like they keeping up with the Kings without much problem. It was scoreless after 20.

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The Kings came close to tying the game early in the second period, though it was called off due to an early whistle. The second period was essentially the first period on steroids. There were more scoring chances, and it was even more physical. The Senators were close to opening the scoring twice as Curtis Lazar and Jean-Gabriel Pageau both beat Jonathan Quick, but hit the post. Scoreless after two periods, but the Senators out shot the Kings 16-13.

The scoring opened less than 2 minutes into the third period. Mika Zibanejad won the race to the puck going into the offensive zone, and made the pass across the zone to Mike Hoffman who deposited the puck past Quick. The rest of the third period was scoring chances back and forth, as it continued to be a goaltender’s duel. Andrew Hammond continued to make save after save, each seeming to be even more amazing than the previous. Senators win 1-0.

THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Curtis Lazar had six hits in the first period alone. He isn’t at the top of my list of guys who I’d expect to play an impressive physical game, but I’m sure the Senators will take it.
• Keep Erik Condra please.
• Andrew Hammond. Like dude, what is going on?