Sens Lose 5-4 In First Shootout of the Season
Impressive comeback!
Coming off a nice win against the Panthers, the Sens were hoping to revive some of the excitement with the first of a home and home series against the Islanders. While it’s getting harder to watch games (I skipped a few), it’s still worth watching players like Tkachuk, Chabot and new phenom Gibbons on most nights.
The Sens came out with a good first period; they were speedy and looking to match the Isles intensity. The mistakes were visible, but you could tell the team was collectively trying to recover, and for the most part, it was working.
Some plays just can’t be recovered and they usually include one of three great defensemen (Ceci-Harpur- Boro). This time, the honour goes to Boro with a special guest appearance by Harpur.
With a little over 10 mins left in the period, seasoned veteran Mark Borowiecki decides to clear the puck out of his zone with one of the worst attempts I’ve seen in a long time. As a Sens fan, that’s impressive. It, of course, landed onto Nelson’s stick who not only makes a fantastic pass (because Harpur was the one defending) but also gets the ensuing rebound to make it 1-0.
Period ends with the Sens outshooting the Isles 10-6 and looking good for the road team.
The second period was a whole different story. After the Sens started with a beautiful redirect from Gibbons to tie the game; they fell apart. That Chabot shot though; can’t get enough.
The Isles went on to score two more before newcomer Lindberg attempts to salvage the period.
The Isles would have none of that, and they make it 4-2 on a great scramble goal by Ross Johnston; first of the season! You will be shocked to learn that Ceci and Harpur were part of that scramble, shocked!
You could say Andy didn’t have a great period, but in reality, he did. While allowing three goals, he also made 23 saves. Yes, in one period the Sens managed to allow 26 shots on goal. Impressive! If you must know, the Sens themselves had 8 quality shots on net.
The third period came around with some drama. To their credit, the Sens came out firing on all cylinders. There was a ton of energy from both teams, and the Sens seemed to have had an inspirational second intermission.
I believe in signs and omens and when the third period started with a scoring change; I knew it would be a good period. The assist Ceci had collected on Lindberg’s goal was given to Duclair instead. I’m horrible I know, but at this point, my frustrations know no limit.
With around 13 minutes left to go; the absolute nightmare could have happened. Eberle on the rush against Cody Ceci! Horror! Luckily, the day was saved, and the Sens were able to come back.
Shortly after, Wolanin had a blast from the blue line that was tipped in by Ryan to get the Sens within a goal. It seems Tkachuk has been giving everyone tips on goalie coverage.
Speaking of Tkachuk; he was a full force throughout the game and was making life extremely uncomfortable for Lehner. Maybe too uncomfortable. With less than 5 minutes left, Tkachuk charging the net gets pushed from behind by Nelson and crashed straight into Lehner. This left the net wide open for Pageau to slip in the tying goal. Lehner seemed to be badly shaken up, and the Islanders are not impressed with Tkachuk’s “attack”. Someone must have shown Islanders fans a picture of John Tavares because that crowd went into a full booing storm. What happened next will be debated to no end:
- The goal on ice disallowed for goalie interference
- Lehner goes to the dressing room with an apparent injury
- Crawford challenges review
- Tkachuk somehow thinks that Jamie McLennan has anything to do with the decision as he furiously explains his point of view to him by the bench
- Call on the ice is overturned and Sens have tied the game
- Isles fans in complete disarray switching between boos and refs suck chants; have to say, I like this pesky fanbase/
My opinion? It can be argued both ways, but the truth is; Nelson did push Tkachuk even if slightly. The push was forceful enough to make the impact that it did on Lehner and eliminated any chance Tkachuk had to stop.
More importantly, I just hope Lehner is not seriously injured.
Moving on, the Sens finish the third on a high note with a few chances on the “cold” goalie Griess.
It should be noted that the Sens didn’t have a single power play in this game. Maybe in overtime?
Onto OT; the Sens had no business coming out of this OT still tied. The Islanders dominated most of the 5 minutes except for two brilliant chances by Thomas Chabot. We need more OT Chabot magic, we really do. Also, we never did get a PP in OT either.
I can’t be the only one who thought that Pageau and Ryan bumping into each other at the blue line was the most hilarious thing all season? If you could summarize the Sens season with one play.....
The Sens go on to their first shootout of the season, and the inexperience was evident. Both Eberle and Barzal score almost identical goals while Chabot and Ryan both miss. Credit to Chabot on the dazzle move even if it didn’t go in.
Notable Performances:
- Thomas Chabot: he hasn’t been himself the last few games, but tonight he was fantastic especially in overtime.
- Brian Gibbons: back to back goals will earn you a lot of love from this fanbase.
- Christian Wolanin: Crawford should be fired if he ever scratches him again.
- Brady Tkachuk: was just present all game especially in front of Lehner. He’s starting to settle into life without Stone.
- Bobby Ryan: I don’t usually give Ryan a lot of credit, but he’s shown some leadership by stepping up his game post the collapse deadline./