Avoid the sweep, that’s the immediate goal. With a little help from Mike Hoffman’s wrist shot and some intelligent play, the Senators found a way to accomplish just that. Up next? Game 5 in Montreal, and try not to lose it.
GAME RECAP
It was mainly a slow one, but unlike the rest of the series, Montreal was the team getting off to the quick start. Ottawa was outshot 7-0 until the 15 minute mark where they first got on the board.
Mike Hoffman found some time on the second line for the first time this series, pushing Milan Michalek down the left-wing depth chart. Hoffman had a few good chances early, but also had a lost-puck battle later on that ended in a Brandon Prust breakaway and near goal.
The first and second periods were relatively slow, the teams traded power play chances as special teams continues to be a non-factor in this series. A rather strange penalty was called in the second when Bobby Ryan served what is known as a “face-off violation”, where a penalty is assessed when a team violates face-off rules twice. It’s a rarely called play and certainly generated some controversy amongst fans.
Kerry Fraser, a former NHL referee often chimes in on NHL controversies and questions regarding on-ice calls. He offers a good explanation here:
Linesman should only drop puck after coaching player(s) to have sticks down & skates in place following initial ejection.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 23, 2015
2'nd face off is a penalty BUT linesman responsible with organizing a fair face-off. Both face-offs looked suspect in players set-up.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 23, 2015
That’s how the story went through 40. In the third, it was Ottawa who got on the board first for the 4th consecutive game. Mike Hoffman, the previously mentioned player who had struggled to find top 6 time was the hero in this one, as his shot beat Carey Price, the only goal scored tonight.
The pressure from the Canadiens late was weak, as the Habs weren’t able to get Carey Price out of the crease until the 35 second mark. The Senators were able to shut it down for 5 minutes as they continue to give the Habs a fight each night.
The series stands at 3-1, but if Ottawa is able to continue their play of late and keep the pressure on, who knows how far they can come back.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS
- P.K. Subban hasn’t been the factor many thought he would be in this series. PP is his specialty and Montreal’s has been awful
- That said, if Ottawa wants to put a little run on and can find a way to dominate special teams, that could be an easy key to success.
- Carey Price deserves the MVP award, he does more for this team than anyone. An absolute star in net.
- Alex Chiasson and David Legwand scratched. Probably the right moves and probably makes the futures for these two in Ottawa hazy.
- Is Mike Hoffman one of the most gifted guys in the league? Has the speed and hands, the skill is absolutely incredible.
- A cool little observation, the series’ scores have perfectly descended each game. Game 1 = 4-3, Game 2 = 3-2, Game 3 = 2-1, Game 4 = 1-0.
- Bobby Ryan had a good game in game 2, and another one tonight. Getting a goal this series will be a nice lift for him.
- Erik Karlsson had a slower night by his standards.
- Eric Gryba has me nervous most of the time he touches the puck.
Next: Senators' Run Has Been Incredible, Believe.