It took absolutely everything the Senators had to win this one. Even a  shootout. Yes, a shootout win. Amazing, no? But Alex "AK-27" Kovalev, and Danaiel "Alfie" Alfredsson came out roses. Kovalev the deke to the backhand and roofed, Alfie with the bullet wrist shot.


Three times the Sens held the lead, three times they lost it within a minute. Brian Elliott was pretty darn good, and two of the goals were quasi-unpreventable. He dove for the first one off a stanchion, to no avail. Anton Volchenkov was the perfect screen on the second shot, and by the looks on their faces, they both knew who was to blame. Elliott was playing too far back in his crease on the second, and that one can be laid at his feet. I think he plays deeper to give himself reaction time in case of a last minute pass.

While Jason Spezza picked up a goal and an assists, he wasn't fantastic again, but he was trying, and succeeding more. Let him get his confidence up, I say. Bring back the Spezz who took chances that paid off at least half the time. I loved the play of the third line again. Jarkko Ruutu pick up a goal because of their work.

The team effort was much better. Yeah, it was disappointing to see a retaliatory goal every time we scored. Yeah, it was too bad we left a point on the table. But it was a gritty road win. We need some more of those.