Thomas robs Senators
The final score in no way represented what it should have been. The Sens were firing on all jets, but kept getting denied by last year's Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas. He was incredible with a diving save against Alfredsson, and he robbed Spezza, Cheechoo, and Philips as well. Without him the score would have been totally different.
I bet I know what Clouston will have the booys work on: 6-on-5 hockey and shoot-outs.
Upside
The Sens were a complete package against the Bruins. The offense, especially the Spezza line, was constantly on the attack, befuddling the Bruins defense, and putting 10 of Ottawa's 30 shots on goal. Fisher picked up a goal and and assist, further cementing his position in the Sens' top scorers.
Elliott was extremely solid in nets, never better than on a toe save on a wrap-around attempt. After 2 games, Elliott has a .911 save percentage, and I think it's going to be a break-out year for the young goalie. You have to feel for the guy, though, as the last time he faced the Bruins, the Sens lost in the shootout 4-3.
The defense was virtually flawless except for those two mistakes in the 6-on-5 late in the third. The penalty kill was also flawless, although the power play is still tentative, trying for the perfect play instead of putting the puck on the net. It's also the second time Fisher fails to clear the zone, leading to a goal. At this level of play, the tiniest things can cost a lot.
Overall, I am very pleased with the way the Senators played tonight. Dynamic offensive hockey, steady on the defensive, and dominating in the neutral zone. Hard on the forecheck, hard on the opposition (especially Wideman who got a taste of both Michalek and Neil), and winning more races to the puck. You can't ask for better except maybe for an off night on Tim Thomas's part.
 Alfie makes no mistake |
As it was the Sens made only two mistakes (actually the same mistake twice) in leaving the cross ice passing lane back to the point open when the Bruins pulled Thomas. It cost the Sens twice. When the game went to a shoot-out, well... the Senators have the worst shoot-out record in the league. |
Upside
The Sens were a complete package against the Bruins. The offense, especially the Spezza line, was constantly on the attack, befuddling the Bruins defense, and putting 10 of Ottawa's 30 shots on goal. Fisher picked up a goal and and assist, further cementing his position in the Sens' top scorers.
Elliott was extremely solid in nets, never better than on a toe save on a wrap-around attempt. After 2 games, Elliott has a .911 save percentage, and I think it's going to be a break-out year for the young goalie. You have to feel for the guy, though, as the last time he faced the Bruins, the Sens lost in the shootout 4-3.
The defense was virtually flawless except for those two mistakes in the 6-on-5 late in the third. The penalty kill was also flawless, although the power play is still tentative, trying for the perfect play instead of putting the puck on the net. It's also the second time Fisher fails to clear the zone, leading to a goal. At this level of play, the tiniest things can cost a lot.
Overall, I am very pleased with the way the Senators played tonight. Dynamic offensive hockey, steady on the defensive, and dominating in the neutral zone. Hard on the forecheck, hard on the opposition (especially Wideman who got a taste of both Michalek and Neil), and winning more races to the puck. You can't ask for better except maybe for an off night on Tim Thomas's part.
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