In an entertaining, sloppy game filled with turnovers and scoring chances, the Sens won through excellent goaltending from Craig Anderson and efficient scoring. The win sinks the Jets chance at the playoffs while putting the pressure on Buffalo to keep pace. Here’s the box score.
First Period
Ottawa opened the game with a pair of bad turnovers (Kuba and Michalek; the first resulted in Wheeler missing the net on a breakaway, while Anderson made the stop on the second). During an ineffectual powerplay the Sens gave up a mini-breakaway to Bogosion (Karlsson fell asleep on his coverage). Spezza had a great chance off a turnover, but couldn’t beat Pavelec five-hole. The Jets dominated most of the first period, playing a wide open style and capitalising on Senator turnovers. Spezza created another great chance, but Michalek wasn’t able to bang home his rebound. Late in the period the Sens switched to trap-mode to cut down on the chances against. In the closing seconds the Sens scored, with Neil cleaning up the garbage on a great shot by Spezza.
Second Period
The Sens opened the period strongly and Daugavins scored a beautiful goal off a turnover created by Condra. The Jets got the goal right back after Kuba took a penalty. Winnipeg tied the game as the Neil got watching the puck and Wellwood scored on Kane‘s rebound. There was the oddity of a penalty call against the Jets being whistled down when the Sens had possession. Condra hit the crossbar on a floater from well out, then short-handed Daugavins nearly scored on the identical move from earlier in the period followed by Michalek missing an empty net on a beautiful set-up from Karlsson. Spezza, clearly ticked off after back-to-back tripping penalties, walked through the Jets and then gave Turris an empty net to give the Sens back the lead. Ottawa gave the lead right back as Cowen can’t get to the puck Anderson leaves behind the net and Miettinen has a wide open cage to tie the game back up (Neil losing his check once again).
Third Period
Daugavins turned the puck over at his own blueline which resulted in a Wellwood penalty shot, but Anderson bailed him out. A great turnover created by Karlsson lead to a goal by Alfredsson. The pair nearly combined for another goal, but Alfredsson just missed the net. Smith then had a mini-breakaway, but couldn’t beat Pavelec. The Jets got the momentum towards the end of the period and through a scramble Kane put the puck in with his arm (the played was reviewed, but counted). Alfredsson scored on the next shift, giving the Sens back the lead, and Michalek sealed it away with a bank shot into the empty net.
A look at the goals:
1. Neil (Spezza, Karlsson)
Spezza creates something out of nothing and Neil bangs home his rebound
2. Daugavins (Condra, Smith)
Condra creates the turnover and Daugavins out waits Pavelec to score on the empty net
3. Winnipeg, Miettinen (pp)
Bangs in a rebound Anderson loses sight of
4. Winnipeg, Wellwood
Neil loses track of his check, leaving Wellwood wide open to score off Kane’s rebound
5. Turris (Spezza, Karlsson)
Great individual effort by Spezza gives Turris an empty net to score in
6. Winnipeg, Miettinen
Anderson tries to leave the puck to Cowen, but Stapleton is closer and gets the puck to Miettinen before Anderson can effectively get back in the net (Neil lost Miettinen in coverage)
7. Alfredsson (Karlsson)
Karlsson picks off an outlet pass and gets the puck down low to Alfredsson who beats an outstretched Pavelec
8. Winnipeg, Kane
A big scramble in front and the puck bounces off the arm of Kane (the play was reviewed)
9. Alfredsson (Kuba, Turris)
Alfredsson cleans up the garbage off Kuba’s blast from the point
10. Michalek (unassisted) (en)
Top-performers:
Craig Anderson – despite giving up four-goals he was a huge reason why the team won
Erik Karlsson – three assists and a plus five in the game
Daniel Alfredsson – scored two key third period goals, including the winner
Players Who Struggled:
Chris Neil – he scored, but defensive lapses lead to two goals against
1 Comment
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
eyeonthesens 
The Ottawa fans must be very relieved at this win, things were looking very grim. This might give them a playoff spot at the expense of Winnipeg. Good game all round and very entertaining.