Ottawa Senators: Bruising in Buffalo

In a divisional match-up the stakes are usually high at this point in the season. The Ottawa Senators sit second in the Atlantic division knowing that a win in Buffalo, and a loss for Montreal would leave only five points between. With three games in hand. The Canadiens did their part, the Senators came nowhere near.

1^st Period:

The 1^st period was one that all of those connected with the organization would like to forget in a hurry. An in-form team, exceptionally slow to get out of the starting blocks. Jack Eichel continued from where he had left off with the Sens, tormenting them. Pulling the strings on most Buffalo plays. Only playing 5:17 of the first but it felt that he was on the ice for the entire period. Buffalo focusing on working the puck below the goal-line, a clear gameplan.

Buffalo took the lead at 10:11 with Kyle Okposo, seemingly walking past the Sens defense, backhanding it past Mike Condon. Starting his 18^th game in a row, and 26^th consecutive appearance kept his team in the contest. Leaving the 1^st with a .900%, it felt more like a .933% the saves he was making to keep Ottawa within one. With all eyes on the goaltenders with their ‘new’ pads, many expected a goal fest.

This is not the team Sens fans are used to seeing. Normally quicker to the puck and more composed with it. Bobby Ryan epitomising their 1^st period performance when he missed the puck heading towards his own net. Luckily Condon was there once more to bail out his team.

Turris having the best chance with four minutes left to play in the first, shooting low and wide left on Lehner from close range. Should’ve done better. Sabres outshooting the Senators 10-8, in truth, it felt like more.  Winning only 40% of the draws.

Highlight:

Gionta heading the puck on the blue-line.

2nd Period:

A much improved Ottawa Senators side returned to the ice for the 2^nd period at First Niagara Center. After a woeful start, the Sens finally got their game plan up and running.

The 4^th line provided Ottawa with some zone time early into the period. Tiring out the Sabres defense which allowed Erik Karlsson to lead some rush play, Brassard should have finished off his chance.  This was to be the story of the frame as the Senators just could not get the puck past Lehner. The Sens would outshoot the Sabres 11-9 in the period.

The speed that the Senators are so accustomed with began to return, working harder in every puck battle. Everything was there for the Sens in the first ten minutes of the period, outshooting 8-1.

The beauty of hockey is that a game can turn in an instant. Unfortunately for Ottawa it turned against them as Ryan O’Reilly made it 2-0 with a tip that Condon could do nothing about. His save percentage dropping to .882%.

The passion boiled over as Mark Borowiecki had a scrap with Marcus Foligno, with Eichel being the target of a few select hits. It had worked for most of the period, keeping the young star quiet who has a history of scoring against the Sens. Notching 5 goals and 7 points in 5 games.

It seemed as if Ottawa ran out of steam with five minutes to play in the period, and they were made to pay. Lacking in puck-luck, Hoffman was denied by the glove of Lehner with thirty seconds to play.

Highlight:

Marked improvement, rush play returning.

3rd Period:

The third began with hope, two goals down but a strong second made them believe. A powerplay for the Sens increased that, a hooking penatlty on Josh Gorges at 3:24.  A nifty play followed, but yet again Lehner denying Brassard. Vastly improved organisation on the powerplay but still no goal. Leading to an unfortunate call on a no call for Gorges touching the puck whilst still in the box. At this point though, Ottawa were clutching at straws.

Better composure in the offensive zone was evident, but not in the defensive as Buffalo breakaway with Eichel and Sam Reinhart gets his own rebound to stick it high past Condon. Kelly and Phaneuf both go for Eichel leaving Reinhart alone. 3-0.

A cheap giveaway by Dion Phaneuf (who did not have his best night) gives it to Foligno who sticks it past Condon.He is then finally pulled. In his last 9 games he has a save percentage of .898%. Mike needs a rest, he’s played far too much hockey and it finally caught up on him. Hammond goes between the pipes. No blame can be placed on Condon who has aided Ottawa to where they are. His teammates in front of him not doing enough to help him out. 4-0 the final score.

Lehner deserved his shutout and became the first former Senator netminder to record a shutout against the club. Saving all 37 shots fired at him.

Highlight:

Nothing, a lacklustre tired effort in the third.

Final Thoughts:

A tired looking Senators got what they probably deserved against a faster team. They could not quite crack the wall that was former netminder Robin Lehner. While outshooting the Sabres by 37-26, they weren’t of the quality that Buffalo produced.  Not an ideal end to the road-trip with the reinvigorated Blues up next at the start of a four-game home stand.