Senators score a shootout goal, but still lose 4-3 to Islanders
Tonight was a night of firsts. Ottawa's first shootout goal (of the season), Erik Condra's first NHL point, Jason Spezza's first... 500th point, and first, well that's about it. The first period was pretty entertaining, with the Ottawa Senators' offense getting some decent chances, and Ottawa was able to get on the board earlier thanks to Bobby Butler. It was Butler's second goal in two games, and his first career powerplay goal, but that wouldn't be the last we heard of him. With an assist on that goal, Jason Spezza scored his 500th career point in just his 501st career game. The only other Senator to do that was none other than Daniel Alfredsson himself. Spezza is second on the list of All-Time modern day Senators in scoring, as well as second in assists.
The New York Islanders would answer back in the second, off a very unpopular mode by the officials. Chris Neil was down and hurting on the ice, but the Islanders had the puck, and as the rules state the play isn't dead until the team with the injured player has the puck, and the Islanders Blake Comeau scored. Ryan Shannon answered back on powerplay for his fifth goal of the season, ending a 20 game drought. Bad news followed after the goal, though: Both Chris Campoli and Sergei Gonchar left the game due to injury, leaving Ottawa with only four defensemen to finish the game.
The Islanders took the lead in the third period, with goals from Michael Grabner and Josh Bailey. With the game looking just about over, Erik Karlsson tied the game up, and taking him the team leader in points. Erik Condra was credited with the assist, earning his first NHL point in his first game. The teams went into overtime, and then into the shootout, where Alex Kovalev scored Ottawa's first shootout goal of the season. But Brian Elliott allowed two goals, and neither Jason Spezza nor Bobby Butler could get the job done. So the Senators fell the Islanders by a 4-3 score, Ottawa's 18th loss in 20 games.
Sens Hero: Bobby Butler
The Bustler had his second career NHL goal tonight and had his second two point night of his career. And first star honors. He recorded a hit, his seventh of the season, while playing on 12:55 minutes on ice. He didn't have a positive night, as he went -2 on the night, but he'll take the two points.
Sens Hero: Milan Michalek
In just over 20 minutes TOI in the game, Michalek put up a couple of assists, recorded four shots on goal, and even blocked a shot, his 41st of the season. The assists were Michalek's first assists since the game against Anaheim on Jan. 18 (also a shootout loss, and recapped by me).
Sens Hero: Erik Karlsson
Karlsson may have only recorded one point, but with only four defensemen for Ottawa to use, the Senators' leading scorer played 31:52 minutes on the ice! Give those young legs a break, we're going to need them once the Senate Reform is over.
Sens Congratulations: Erik Condra
Record his first NHL point off the game tying goal in his first game, on home ice. He went positive with a +1, too, making him the only plus player on the Senators' active roster. It's Condra time!
Sens Killer: Michael Grabner
Grabner had a short-handed goal and an assist tonight, giving him 10G and 3A in the last six games. This kid in unreal right now.
Shot chart:
Game highlights:
