Ottawa Senators: Sens Silence The Toronto Maple Leafs

Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman (68) is greeted by team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Senators won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman (68) is greeted by team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Senators won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Blue-Line Dominance

It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest failing is their defense. Once again glaring as the Sens took control. As phenomenal as the Leafs offense play has been (and my word has it been exciting to watch) they are two defensemen short of a nailed on playoff side.

Where Toronto have excelled this season, is against teams who have attacked them, finding gaps in their opposition and simply outscoring them. However, when they come up against a team who revolves around a solid defensive unit. Like the Ottawa Senators they have been found out.

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Some may not enjoy watching the Ottawa Senators ‘brand’ of hockey. However, for those involved with the organisation and those watching, it gets results.

Furthermore, Ottawa’s defense in recent games have been fundamental to their offensive output too. Boucher wants the team to build from the back. They do exactly that with Phaneuf’s recent output. Last night, Methot and Karlsson combined for three points.

The opening goal of the night from Dennis Wideman showed their effective game plan in action. Pre-game yesterday, I was hoping that the Sens would pepper Anderson from range, it was where I could see a break through occurring. The Sens did exactly that, put a shot in front of traffic and who knows where the puck will end up.