Alex Kovalev nets 1000th point as Senators beat Kings 3-2
Alex Kovalev finally hit the 1000 point milestone tonight on a powerplay goal (somewhat amazingly at 10:00 into the first period), joining Sergei Federov and Alexander Mogilny as the only Russians to reach that milestone.
The Kings took control of the game after Kovalev's goal, though, going up 2-1 midway through the second period thanks to goals from Anze Kopitar and Ryan Smyth. The Senators tied it up with less than a minute left in the second, after Daniel Alfredsson had a sneaky takeaway from Jack Johnson and then fed the puck to Milan Michalek for a one-timer.
Jason Spezza scored a beautiful goal off a great individual effort to start the third, and despite the Kings' best efforts, they were unable to get a goal that the refs accepte. Thus, even though they were outshot 30-19, the Senators finished with a 3-2 victory.
Sens Hero: Alex Kovalev
Kovalev had a goal and an assist on the night (points 1000 and 1001, respectively), and was creating plenty of chances in the offensive zone with linemate Peter Regin.
Sens Horseshoe: David Hale
The Senators are now 8-3-0 with Hale in the lineup. The team is 10-10-1 on the year.
Feelin' bad for: Kings fans
To be honest, the Senators could have lost 4-3 tonight if a couple of calls went the Kings' way. There were two Kings goals that ended up disallowed: the first was called off because the net had been helped off its moorings by Matt Carkner, while the second was a Ryan Smyth tip-in with 3 seconds left in the game that was ruled a high-stick on the ice, and no camera angle could conclusively prove otherwise. If I was a Kings fan, I'd be pretty irate tonight.
Finally, a win!: Pascal Leclaire
Pascal Leclaire made 28 saves to nab his first win of this season, and it's no doubt a relief to Leclaire and the organization. He had some help from the refs (see above), but it's good to see him finally win one.
Sens Killer: Ryan Smyth
Smyth had one official goal, and then a tip-in that was ruled a high stick on the ice, and after a ridiculously long review, that call stuck. Whether he got one goal or two on the night, he was still the best King in the line-up, throwing his body around and showing his always-impeccable work ethic.
Potential Injury: Chris Neil
Chris Neil injured himself in the second period while beating 6'5" Kevin Westgarth to a pulp, and did not return. Let's hope it's nothing serious.
Worrisome: Shots favour Kings 30-19
The Senators got the win tonight, but they can't expect to win them all thanks to fluke calls from the referees. Getting more than 19 shots next game is a good first step.
Highlight of the night: Jason Spezza's goal
Highlights:
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Alex Kovalev post-game:
