The Senators played an inspired game without Daniel Alfredsson, but their key offensive players came up blank and the team fell to the counter punching Rangers. The game lacked the circus atmosphere, with referees Brad Watson and Mike Leggo setting the tone early. Here’s the box score.
First Period
The Sens had two chances in the period, the best coming via a tip from Condra with three minutes left. Anderson made big saves off Boyle and Dubinsky while Karlsson made a fantastic defensive play on a 2-on-1.
Second Period
Ottawa had four opportunities, including O’Brien unable to get the puck past Bickel into an empty net (the others came from Smith, Foligno on a wrap around, and O’Brien again on a tip). Spezza also had a great chance but choose to pass instead of shoot. Fedotenko and Dubinsky had the chances for the Rangers, with Spezza saving the day on the former. Kuba also made a great defensive play at the end of the period.
Third Period
The Sens had five more great chances to score (beginning with Cowen, then Greening, Condra in the slot, Karlsson in tight, and in the final minute Turris on the doorstep), but couldn’t beat Lundqvist. Anderson stopped two breakaways (Boyle and Callahan), but couldn’t stop a backhand from Boyle in tight which decided the game.
Here’s a look at the goal:
1. Rangers, Boyle
The puck bounces off the backboards and no one is ready for it except Boyle, who beats Anderson with a backhand to the far side
Top-performers:
Craig Anderson – the Boyle goal was stopable, but he made other great saves that makes this a positive game for him (the team has to score for to win after all)
Jim O’Brien – he played less than 7 minutes but had two glorious scoring opportunities
Erik Karlsson – drove the offense and was excellent defensively
Players Who Struggled:
Jason Spezza – no scoring chances, refused to shoot the puck, and turned the puck over; didn’t step up in Alfredsson’s absence
Milan Michalek – no scoring chances; didn’t step up in Alfredsson’s absence
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