Senators play entertaining hockey, but lose 7-5 to Detroit
The game started off with a shock, the Ottawa Senators playing actually fun to watch hockey. Western Conference hockey, if I must say. To make things even more insane, Ottawa's first goal was a powerplay goal from Alex Kovalev! Johan Franzen would answer back and score two goals in under a minute to get Detroit the lead, and as we Senators fans expected, the win. But then, a miracle happened. Peter Regin tied the game with his first goal since November 11 against the Vancouver Canucks, and Chris Campoli gave Ottawa the lead off a nice pass from Daniel Alfredsson. For the first time in what seemed like years, Ottawa was fighting back, and playing some entertaining hockey.
Ten minutes into the second, Detroit tied the game and took back the lead with two goals in the span of 13 seconds. Ending Robin Lehner's day, which upset the crowd. However, about a minute latter, Milan Michalek tied the game, and continued this awesome game of hockey!
As soon as the third period started, and Johan Franzen got his first hat trick in the regular season. But the Ottawa Senators answered as quickly as they did with the other goals, as Alex Kovalev Milan Michalek scored his second of the game 29 seconds later. Later Detroit would get a 5-on-3 powerplay, and Johan Franzen would score his fourth goal of the game, for the second time in his career. Ottawa came close to tying it up with a Chris Neil goal later, but the officials ruled no goal because Jimmy Howard was "pushed into the net." Johan Franzen would put the game to bed, with an empty-net goal, becoming the first player since Marian Gaborik on December 20, 2007, to score five goals in a game.
Senators Hero: Chris Campoli
Chris Campoli had three points, one goal and two assists, and looked like the Chris Campoli that came over from Long Island two seasons ago. He was moving the puck, taking advantage of little coverage from the defenders, and very fun to watch. He also ended a 43-game drought with his second goal of the year.
Senators Killer: Johan Franzen
Scores five of the seven goals for the Red Wings, and was unstoppable. He had the hot hand since the first, and Ottawa's defense did little to nothing to stop him from getting the puck.
Senators Hero: Alex Kovalev
Don't look now, but Alex Kovalev has four points this month, three of them from tonight. He scored Ottawa's first goal, and had two assists. For all things said about Alex Kovalev, this game shows he still has something left in the tank. This was the second time he's scored in consecutive games this season. Scoring three goals in two games against Phoenix and Florida on October 26th and 28th.
Senators Zero: Filip Kuba
A recurring theme in this awful season has been Filip Kuba's awful play. He was a minus-three and pretty much invisible out there--well, invisible until he made an awful giveaway that cost the team. Kuba had less ice time than any other defender aside from Brian Lee, and finished with a team-worst -3 on the night, and was credited with two giveaways even though he made more than that. It's gotten to the point where every time he's on the ice, the other team has the man advantage.
Senators Hero: Milan Michalek
Milan Michalek has scored six goals in the new calendar year, and has been one of Ottawa's best forwards on the ice. He was credited with Ottawa's last goal, which gave him his second of the night, and he's tied for second on the team with Mike Fisher with 13 goals.
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