Senators lose 2-1 in shootout to Ducks despite solid effort
The Senators put forth their full effort for 65 minutes tonight, and were rewarded with one point. Well, at least Ottawa played their hearts out and didn't fall apart in the third. The first period was a summary for the Ottawa Senators offense all season: Plenty of chances, but no goals to show for it. Corey Perry scored the Anaheim Ducks' only goal in regulation, but that didn't break the Senators' hearts. The second frame was Ottawa's best, as they held the Ducks to only three shots and Mike Fisher scored Ottawa's lone goal of the night. In the third, Brian Elliott -- who had only faced 13 shots in the first 40 minutes -- put us at ease by making many game-saving stops. The game went to overtime and then the shootout, where Bobby Ryan would break the hearts of everyone at Scotiabank Place.
Sens Hero: Mike Fisher
Ottawa's only goal scorer had a battle tonight with every shooter's worst enemy, the post. As is usually the case, the post won. I didn't count how many times he hit the post, but he did it in overtime and then again in the shootout. Besides that, he had a fantastic game. He had seven shots on goal (more if the post shots were added), and looked fantastic with linemates Nick Foligno and recent call-up Bobby Butler.
Sens Killer: Jonas Hiller
Hiller was a killer; his 39 saves don't tell the story of how much of a pain he was to the offense. Ottawa's effort was at its highest in weeks, and here's Jonas Hiller and his friend the post, blocking everything that comes his way. Don't let the score fool you, Ottawa would have won this game if not for this man!
Sens Hero: Milan Michalek
Milan Michalek, Milan Michalek, Milan Michalek! Where have you been? He may have had only 1 point, but Milan Michalek was alive and on fire. He played on ice more than any forward (21 minutes) and gave his heart and soul out there. His skating was fantastic, his shots were on the mark, and of all the games I've seen Milan Michalek play, this was his finest!
Sens Hero: Brian Elliott
Looks like Elliott was able to put the past behind him, as he played terrific. While he only faced 27 shots, Elliott was the goaltender we needed him to be when we needed him to be it. Brian Elliott's shoulders were wide Tuesday night, he carried the team to shootout, and even though he made one mistake, he still was Ottawa's best player on the ice.
Sens Badass: Mike Carkner
Could Colton Orr be next? Please say yes.
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