Senators Top Ducks, Win 3-0
A recap of tonight's game between the Ottawa Senators and the Anaheim Ducks.
Anaheim stormed out of the gate tonight, with the Getzlaf line having several good chances to score first. However, Ottawa struck first midway through the period. An Eric Gryba slapshot from the point deflected off Erik Condra's shin and into the net for Condra's seventh goal of the season. Ottawa benefitted from Anaheim's lack of discipline in the first; the Sens went to the power play on three occasions, yet failed to generate much with each chance. At least the third penalty of the period would continue into the second frame. There was a scary moment late in the period, as David Legwand accidentally caught linesman Steve Miller under his visor with the butt end of his stick off a faceoff. He was attended to by both trainers and the game continued with three officials. The period finished with Ottawa up by one. Shots 10-9 in favour of Anaheim.
Ottawa started the second period with almost a full two minute power play. Ottawa wasn't able to breakthrough, but did have a few chances. The hot start to the period continued when Mika Zibanejad made it 2-0 a few minutes later, by slotting a Mike Hoffman rebound past John Gibson. On the whole it was a solid second period for the Sens. The Ducks had a late surge, brought on by a Kyle Turris penalty and carried that play to the end of the period, but Anaheim couldn't solve Andrew Hammond. The period finished with the Sens up 2-0. Shots 13-8 for the Senators in the second.
Ottawa continued strong for the first half of the third period, generating more chances than Anaheim. Midway through the period, Francois Beauchemin throw two big hits: one on Mike Hoffman and another on Bobby Ryan in quick succession. Ryan was more obviously irritated by it, but teammate Mark Borowiecki was quick to jump in and tussle with the veteran Duck. With seven minutes left in the period, Ryan was sprung at centre ice and skated in alone on a breakaway. Third period ice being what it is in Anaheim, he couldn't handle a bouncing puck and lost control of the puck as he reached Gibson. Ryan crashed hard into the boards, but the impact didn't slow him down. He's line responded with a dominant shift in the offensive zone, with Gibson robbing Ryan as he once again tried to extend Ottawa's lead. Anaheim pressed late, Hammond made a couple nice saves, and the game was secured with a Kyle Turris empty-netter. Ottawa played a great road game against a good team and deservedly won 3-0. Shots 34-25 in favour of Ottawa.
Sens Hero: Andrew Hammond
The biggest hero on the night. While it was not a flawless performance, he made some great saves and registered his first NHL shutout in just his third start. Can't argue with that.
Sens Heroes: Erik Condra, Curtis Lazar, Jean-Gabriel Pageau
Yes, Condra's deflection goal was somewhat fluky, but this line was great all night and his goal was a reflection of that. Condra's hard forecheck and solid offensive zone play were apparent on the goal and indicative of the play of the line as a whole. Add to that quickness and some decent physical play from wingers Condra and Lazar, and it's a great depth line.
Sens Hero: Erik Karlsson
He was held off the score sheet for the first time in a few weeks, but Karlsson had a whale of a game tonight. He was explosive breaking out of his own end, made several great defensive plays, and drove his team's offense.
Honourable Mention: Mark Stone
Another good game from him. His work away the puck is tremendous.
Shot Chart via ESPN:
Game Flow via Natural Stat Trick: