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Game Recap: Senators can’t manage a comeback, lose to the Devils 5-3

By Michael Czar

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 25: Tim Stützle #18 of the Ottawa Senators and Yegor Sharangovich #17 of the New Jersey Devils battle for the puck during the first period at Prudential Center on March 25, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 25: Tim Stützle #18 of the Ottawa Senators and Yegor Sharangovich #17 of the New Jersey Devils battle for the puck during the first period at Prudential Center on March 25, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Some defensive lapses cost the Sens a crucial win

While the Ottawa Senators managed to fight against the strong New Jersey Devils and keep the game tied heading into the 2nd and 3rd period, they couldn’t manage to scrape a needed win and lost 5-3.

The game was back and forth, with plenty of good chances for both sides. When Tkachuk and Stützle made waves for the Sens, so did Hughes and Mercer. Both goaltenders didn’t have their best showing, but weren’t to blame for most of the goals conceded.

Jack Hughes (R) and Ondrej Palat (L) of the New Jersey Devils control the puck as Thomas Chabot (L) of the Ottawa Senators defends in Newark, New Jersey. | Photo by Sarah Stier for Getty Images.
Jack Hughes (R) and Ondrej Palat (L) of the New Jersey Devils control the puck as Thomas Chabot (L) of the Ottawa Senators defends in Newark, New Jersey. | Photo by Sarah Stier for Getty Images. /

First period starts quick thanks to the captain

When it comes to the first period, all you need to know is that the Devils dominated the faceoff dot to start. Not only did they win the first tipoff, but they were around 10 faceoff wins higher than the Senators towards the end of the first.

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In true hockey fashion, the team that started with more possession and better chances got scored on first. Thanks to a staple left-side shot from Brady Tkachuk (33) hitting the top right corner of the net over the shoulder of Mackenzie Blackwood, the Sens got an early lead. Stützle (45) had the only assist on the play, hitting 80 points for the season.

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Just as the Sens looked to be headed towards the first intermission with the lead, a Sens penalty led to a highlight reel sprint and score from Jack Hughes (40) on the powerplay. Even after some time afterwards, the teams headed towards the intermission tied.

Second period starts sloppy for the Sens, but they fight back

As soon as the second period started, the speed of the Devils forced the Sens into their zone for a while. Afterwards, in true Senators fashion, a giveaway led to a prime scoring chance that Jesper Bratt (31) finished.

Not even a minute later, another bad giveaway along the boards in the defensive zone led to a pass by Nico Hischier (39) and a goal from Dawson Mercer (23).

Avid Sens fans got flashbacks to their poor performances against the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the season; with horrible giveaways in their own zone and cheating in the offensive zone to try and score a quick goal. Thankfully, as the period went on, the Senators started to put together some good offensive zone time.

After going on the powerplay, DeBrincat scored a goal but was ruled offside prior to the goal. Luckily enough, just as a powerplay ended, Thomas Chabot (11) put a strong shot towards the middle-left of the net to bring the game within one. Stützle (46) and Batherson (36) got assists.

As the Sens continued to fight, some great keeps from Travis Hamonic (14) on the blue line led to one of his shots going in from a tip off Mark Kastelic (5). Game tied, second period over.

https://twitter.com/Senators/status/1639792115990364160?s=20

Third period strong for Sens, but come out with nothing against Devils

Just after bringing the game back after going down 3-1, the Senators started the third period with good energy, getting some chances on Mackenzie Blackwood. However, just when the Devils got their first strong chance of the period, a good entry from Jack Hughes (46) and Ondrej Palat (12) led to Dougie Hamilton (19) scoring on Dylan Ferguson.

That was the Senators goalie’s first truly bad goal of the game, stumbling while moving over and letting the goal in at a sharp angle.

The New Jersey Devils celebrate the game-winning goal by Hamilton on March 25, 2023. | Photo by Sarah Stier for Getty Images.
The New Jersey Devils celebrate the game-winning goal by Hamilton on March 25, 2023. | Photo by Sarah Stier for Getty Images. /

While the Sens kept on pushing for another equalizer, the Devils started to hold possession and cut time from the Sens. Ottawa couldn’t even pull the goalie until there was just over a minute left, and a clean exit from John Marino (10) and Hischier (40) led to a Tomas Tatar (17) empty-netter.

The Devils ended up with the shots on their side, 35-28. Neither goaltender had a save percentage above .900, with Ferguson at .882 and Blackwood at .893. For the Devils, the out-of-town scoreboard led to their qualification to the playoffs. Plus, while the Sens didn’t win, the teams in the playoff hunt in the East also didn’t fare well on that night.

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