Senators lose 3-2 in shootout despite wacky shootout attempt from Daugavins

The Senators got off to an unusually quick start against the Bruins as Guillaume Latendresse, in his first game back from injury, took advantage of the Bruins defender bobbling the puck and created a breakaway, scoring on a nifty backhand deke just 55 seconds into the game. A few minutes later, the Senators would go up 2-0 as another Bruins turnover found its way onto Kyle Turris' stick, and he fired a wrister from the slot that fooled Rask. The Senators couldn't take the 2-0 lead into the second period, though, as the Bruins created sustained pressure in the Sens' zone and Shawn Thornton scored a weak goal that Robin Lehner no doubt wants back.

The Bruins tied it up midway through the second period as Daniel Paille came off the Bruins bench unnoticed by the Senators and a stretch pass left him with a clear breakaway. Paille's quick shot beat Lehner on the blocker side to bring the game even at 2 apiece.

The teams played tight once the game got tied up -- perhaps both just waiting to take home the overtime point -- rarely taking offensive risks and combining for just 15 shots in third period. The strategy appeared to work flawlessly as the 2-2 tie held until overtime, and both teams took home the extra point.

The Senators carried the play through overtime, but despite a few good chances created by Kyle Turris, they couldn't get anything past Tuuka Rask, meaning this was yet another game that had to go to the shootout.

After the first three rounds, the Senators had a goal from Kyle Turris while the Bruins had one from Patrice Bergeron, meaning extra shooters were needed to settle things.

That's when things got weird.

Paul MacLean sent Kaspars Daugavins for the Senators' next shot, and he flipped his blade around and used the toe of his blade to hold the puck to the ice while he did a spinorama move. He did it in the AHL and it worked, but he wasn't so lucky here:

Meanwhile, David Krejci followed him with a far more standard deke and won the game for the Bruins. So it goes.

Sens Hero: Sergei Gonchar
Gonchar got an assist from his stretch pass that turned into a McQuaid bobble on the Latendresse goal, and he had an all-around solid night for the Senators, logging 27:29 and creating countless chances in the offensive end.

Sens Hero: Chris Phillips
Although not usually known for his offensive prowess, Phillips led the team on the scoresheet tonight with assists on both Ottawa goals. His 28:01 time on ice was the most of any player in the game.

Sens Zero: The "2 Minutes for Fighting with a Visor" rule
During the first period, Chris Neil was taken out with a hit from behind by Adam McQuaid, and Patrick Wiercioch decided to stick up for his teammate and dropped the gloves with McQuaid. Fair enough. However, even though McQuaid was going to be getting a penalty for boarding Neil on the play, it was the Senators who ended up on the penalty kill. How? McQuaid got 5 for fighting and 2 for boarding, while Wiercioch got 5 for boarding, 2 for instigating, and another 2 for instigating with a face shield (plus an additional 10 minute misconduct). So although it seemed as though Wiercioch's instigator penalty should be offset by McQuaid's boarding call, Wiercioch's decision to wear extra safety equipment ended up penalizing his team when he dropped the gloves. Makes sense.

Kelly Takes A Knee
There was a scary moment early in the second period as Chris Kelly and Chris Neil went knee-on-knee, leaving Kelly writhing on the ice in pain. He left the game and didn't return, but hopefully he'll be alright. No word yet on whether Neil will have a conversation with Brendan Shanahan tomorrow.

Shot Chart:

Highlights:

Forthcoming