Ottawa Senators: 3 Takeaways From Game Two Win Against Boston

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1. The Sens Can Score

Apr 15, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) scores against Boston Bruins goalie Tuuka Rask (40) in the third period of game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

We’ve been discussing the Sens problem in front of goal for a while now. In their last ten games before the playoffs they scored only 21 goals, a 2.1 GPG, so the scepticism was expected. To then go 3-1 down in an incredibly important playoff game, not too many were holding their breath. For the Sens to then score 3 unanswered goals and double their GPG was astounding.

Not surprisingly half of last night’s goals came from blue-liners, the team has been reliant on top-scorer Erik Karlsson who chipped in with an assist and what a vital assist it was with that cross ice pass to Derick Brassard. Dion Phaneuf with a three point night (1 goal, 2 assists) was a surprise but a welcome one at that.

The points were also split in half, five points for the D and five for the offense. It was the Sens second line offensively that proved insightful, four points between them. Brassard walking away with two points after his head was nearly taken clean off by Erik Karlsson.

Clarke MacArthur was the man to spur this team forward, thriving on his return to fitness.

2. Anderson isn’t invincible

Apr 12, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing David Backes (42) shoots the puck against Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) in the third period as part of game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. The Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Craig Anderson is worth every ounce of credit he has received this season, bar Karlsson he is integral to this team. This doesn’t excuse the goaltender from analysis and criticism. Yes, Anderson has won the Sens games single handedly, but last night he almost lost one. Why he comes for the puck is a mystery, many stating Brassard screamed for it but that was unlikely. Of course, Brassard can do more to get back and Karlsson’s pep talk more than warranted.

Anderson’s departure of his crease was expected given the powerplay, but must be more careful against the league’s best penalty kill.

Not only the blunder, there were a few shots I think he would like to have back. Rask won the Boston Bruins game one and Anderson will need a few nights like that, last night wasn’t one of those.

Finishing with a .896 save percentage saving 26 of the 29 shots he faced, the Sens can and should expect more from their talented pipemaster.

3. It isn’t all doom and gloom

You’d be mistaken, just like myself if you thought “here we go again” when the Bruin’s third goal nestled in behind Anderson. At the end of the second period, twitter was rife with negativity and apocalyptic mood.

The Ottawa Senators proved everyone wrong, including their own fan base. I’m sure a few people left at the end of the third. The last ten minutes were brutal.

Ottawa once more, showed the character we’ve seen in patches this season and when they do everyone rallies around them. The plucky underdog that could. They cut out the cheap penalties, which were born out of frustration and got back to what they do best. Rolling up their sleeves and grinding.

Next: Ottawa Senators Game Two: A New Hope

Game 3 is close enough, and get ready to do it all again folks.

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Rub your eyes, and then rub them again, look at the screen and it is still 4-3 to the Ottawa Senators. Here’s our three takeaways from last night’s epic.

1. The Sens Can Score

2. Anderson isn’t invincible

3. It isn’t all doom and gloom