Ottawa Senators Fall In Rematch Against The Penguins

Last night the Ottawa Senators were faced with their first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins since the Eastern Conference Final. Unfortunately, they shared a result with the playoffs and were defeated, this time by the score of 3-1.

Returning from Sweden the Ottawa Senators had four days and a trans-Atlantic flight between games. As a result, they weren’t at their best and fell to Pittsburgh by the score of 3-1.

First Period

The first period was the best of the game for the Ottawa Senators. They outshot Pittsburgh and outplayed them for the majority of the period. There was no scoring, but it was a period the Sens should have come out of the period with a lead. Normally just outshooting your opponent does not warrant someone saying they definitely should be leading. However, this was a different case. With roughly six minutes remaining period, Matt Murray made what may have been the save of the year on Mike Hoffman. He dove across the crease to deny a shot on the open net. In doing so he kept the score even as the period closed.

Second Period

The second period was a poor one for the Sens. They were outplayed and couldn’t get anything done on the powerplay. Luckily, they managed to keep the score even, that is until the last four minutes. The Penguins scored twice near the end of the period including once with nine seconds remaining to head into the third with a two goal lead.

Third Period

The third period saw the Sens get on the board off Pageau’s second goal of the season. However, with the goalie pulled the Penguins scored to win 3-1.

Top Performers

The best players for the Sens last night were Craig Anderson and Matt Duchene. Anderson kept the Sens in it by stopping 26 of 28 shots. Duchene had five shots, the most of any player on the Sens, and drove the offence for a team that struggled for most of the game.

An Acceptable Loss

A loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins is not the end of the world. Despite being outplayed the Sens kept things close against one of the best teams in the league while still likely being affected by the Swedish trip.

Next: Ottawa Senators Recall Nick Paul From Belleville Again

Next Game

The Sens play next on Saturday when they take on the Arizona Coyotes. This is a game that the Sens have no excuse to lose. The Coyotes have just three wins in 21 games and it should be an easy win for the Ottawa Senators.