Game Recap: Ferguson Shines in Senators win over Penguins
By Daniel Bruce
Ferguson’s 47 saves lift desperate Senators to a 2-1 victory
It wasn’t quite the effort the Ottawa Senators were looking for when they entered Pittsburgh, however, thanks to Dylan Ferguson‘s 47 saves and Drake Batherson‘s game-winner in the final minutes, the Senators were able to prevail by a final score of 2-1.
Making his first career NHL (second appearance) start after a tumultuous few years, 24-year-old Dylan Ferguson was spectacular between the pipes, making countless saves to break a Senators 5-game losing streak.
First Period
Dylan Ferguson was under fire early and often in this one, stopping an early Penguins push that saw numerous high-quality chances denied by the young goaltender.
How do you do, Dylan Ferguson?! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/OtMZvBJskq
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) March 20, 2023
As the opening frame winded down, Thomas Chabot was able to activate off the rush and bury a chance past Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry for his 10th goal of the season.
Thomas Chabot with a dynamic play to get Ottawa on the board! #GoSensGo
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) March 20, 2023
That movement is what’s been missing from Chabot’s game. Love it. pic.twitter.com/2foZC8Lf26
Claude Giroux and Ridly Greig picked up assists on the opening goal at 16:46 of the opening period.
Despite a one-sided period for the Penguins, outshooting the Senators 18-7, the visitors led on the scoreboard after one.
Second Period
Ferguson was under fire yet again in the middle frame, stopping all 14 shots directed at the Senators’ net, some of which were high-quality chances. Ferguson flashed the leather to deny one of the 3 powerplays that the Penguins had, holding them without a goal on their opportunities.
Dylan Ferguson with a glove save on the PK. #Sens #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/yPVSEuR7bl
— Pesky Sickos (@PeskySickos) March 21, 2023
Third Period
For the majority of the final frame, there wasn’t much going on in the way of offence for either team, however, with just over 5 minutes left in the game Rickard Rakell was able to squeak one by Ferguson to tie the game all at one.
Rickard Rakell's 25th of the season comes at the perfect time for the Penguins to tie things up! 🐧 pic.twitter.com/BKL2TS0F4K
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 21, 2023
The Senators were able to draw a penalty in the closing minutes, giving them their 2nd powerplay of the game and one they wouldn’t squander. Off a nice dish by Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson was able to re-direct home his 21st of the season, and the game-winner at 17:51 of the final frame, assisted by Jake Sanderson and the aforementioned Tkachuk.
The Ottawa Senators are right back on the ice tomorrow at 7 PM EST against the league-leading Boston Bruins at TD Garden.