In a game I was fortunate enough to attend the Ottawa Senators came up short once again. They fell in the shootout by the score of 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings.
In their second game of the season the Ottawa Senators have lost in the shootout for the second straight time. Although they managed to get one point it was a game where they should only be satisfied with two.
First Period
The first period started off slow for the Sens as they took an early penalty. However, following that the Sens had four straight powerplays in the first period. None of which they were able to convert. As the Sens headed to the dressing room for the first intermission the game remained scoreless.
Second Period
The second period overall was the best period of hockey for the Sens. They looked dominant as they should over a weak Red Wings team. However, despite this they were unable to find a goal during even strength or the powerplay. Many chances were lost this period including Mike Hoffman ringing one off the post.
Third Period
The third period was much of the same for most of the period, that is until the final minutes of the game. With less than three minutes left in the period the Detroit Red Wings scored to take the lead late. However, despite the late goal the Sens were not deterred. Just 40 seconds later the Sens answered back off of a point shot from Dion Phaneuf tying the game. The period would wind down with any more action and the game would go to overtime.
Overtime And Shootout
Overtime saw both teams get their opportunities as the play was very back and forth. However, Detroit took a penalty for too many men on the ice with 30 seconds left in overtime. Unfortunately the Sens were unable to convert and the game would go to a shootout. In the shootout the Red Wings scored on their first shot and there were no more goals. As a result the Red Wings left with a victory and the Sens a loss.
Failure On The Powerplay
The story once again this game was an inability to score on the powerplay. The Sens went 0 for 7 on the powerplay last night. That’s a stat line that will have to change fast if the Sens want to remain competitive. Overall the Sens outplayed the Red Wings, but they ran into a hot goalie. Jimmy Howard stopped 37 of 38 shots to give the Red Wings the win.
Alex Formenton
In his NHL debut Alex Formenton looked good overall but didn’t see much ice time. He was deployed for just under five minutes. Despite this he looked decent enough but nervous in his first game. He had one bad giveaway which can mostly be attributed to nerves. Other than that he displayed his speed and was a workhorse whenever he was on the ice.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Detroit Red Wings Come To Ottawa In Game Two
Next Game
The Sens play next on Tuesday when they head to Vancouver to take on the Canucks.