The build-up to tonight’s game was shrouded in mystery as to who would play in net for the Ottawa Senators against the Blues. We got our answer Tuesday afternoon:
The coach confirms that Andrew Hammond will start in goal tonight against the Blues.
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 7, 2017
First Period
The game started with intensity and ferocity as both teams had a point to prove. Zack Smith and David Perron both getting penalties (roughing and interference respectively). Smith looking to provoke Perron who wasn’t quite ready to drop the gloves.
The Blues dominated on the shot count 13-5, the Sens frankly not working struggling goaltender Jake Allen enough. A first period goal might have opened the flood gates. Both sides tried their hand at the powerplay, failing in their efforts.
To be honest, Ottawa played a better period than 13-5, Andrew Hammond slotting in well so far during the game. The Hamburglar was duly tested in the period and was frankly exceptional as shots rained down upon him, with little to know support from the defence.
Second Period
Magnus Paajarvi opened up the scoring in the game 2-0 after the powerplay, Vladimir Tarasenko. 6:46, powerplay goal. Perfect 1:59 PK. Awful call at 11:05, the puck clearly wasn’t covered . Bobby Ryan heads to the locker room after a high stick. Getting too bunched in front of the net, not effective traffic in front of the goalie.
At times in the offensive zone, the Sens once again appear far too static. Similar to Buffalo again but the 2nd period is reversed, concede early then dominate the rest of the period. Once again, Blues are beating the Sens to pucks when they are dumping it. Should not be happening to this team who pride themselves on fast, effective hockey.
Third Period
Indiscipline marred the start of the 3rd as Wideman gifted the blues their third penalty of the night. The Blues then convert on their opportunity. Lazy defending, puck watching leading to the goal. Play was reviewed but stood, Berglund netting. The lack of scoring in over 100 minutes was getting to the players on the bench and the fans in the crowd. The Sens simply seem a yard of the pace currently.
In hockey anything can happen, even 3-0 down but the Sens did not look capable of getting back into the game. Just like in Buffalo, they look ragged and worn down. Simply losing too many personal battles.
Steen then makes it 4-0, with yet another soft goal. Can’t blame Hammond, the media circus around the goalies just masking the problems within the organisation. Tarasenko completing the embarrassment to make it 5-0. The Sens really not offering Hammond any sort of protection, Ivan Barbashev getting his first NHL goal. 6-0.
Thoughts
Quite frankly, the worst Sens performance of the season. Absolutely capitulated in the third. I would like to know what their fitness regimes are, because they don’t seem to be in shape at all. Or worse, they simply don’t care. The last two games can’t simply be brushed off, it’s been an embarrassment from start to finish. I was confident that Buffalo was a blip, a one off. Now i’m not so sure.
So much made of the Senators goalie dilemma, but let’s look at the forwards when they are gifting opposition goalies shutouts and confidence.
Worst shutout at home since 2006 against Toronto, same score.