Kelly to the rescue
In the end, it took nearly 203 minutes for the Senators to score a goal again. Their last one was against the Edmonton Oilers some 3 games ago. But when the dam broke for Chris Kelly, it broke in a big way.
Kelly ripped a shot from the high slot in the first period, only to see it ding against the crossbar and float into the crowd. Kelly said after the game that he had some very black thoughts after that shot: why won't the puck just go in?!? But it was only a matter of time for Kelly, who scored a short-handed goal, a full strength goal, and capped it all with an empty netter with less than a second to go in the game for his first hat trick ever.
The Senators were as good as they've been in a while, building on their success against the Sabres. Althought the Sabres game was a loss, the teamwork was apparent, and the Sens continued to play with the same heart. A key factor was Pascal Leclaire who made save after save to keep the Senators in the game. The Senators now profit from two great goaltenders, and if the scoring can start happening, they will be a dangerous team indeed.
Bobby Butler who was called up last night to lend some energy to the top line - replacing Peter Regin who was a healthy scratch - was also key. Although he had difficulty playing his assigned left wing position, Butler was all over the map, and it was easy to see why he is the best scorer in the AHL. Butler has learned where to position himself to get chances.
The most threatening line for the Senators was the fourth line of Nick Foligno, Jesse Winchester, and Ryan Shannon. Shannon was particularly effective, skating well, and making himself felt all over the ice. He made some key plays in the defensive zone, stripping the puck from players nearly a foot taller than he is.
Overall, I liked what I saw. Even if this game had ended in a tie and gone to overtime, like the Sabres game, it would still have been a great effort for the Senators. All the boys need to do is carry that into their next game against the redoutable Canadiens on Tuesday.
GO SENS GO!!
Kelly ripped a shot from the high slot in the first period, only to see it ding against the crossbar and float into the crowd. Kelly said after the game that he had some very black thoughts after that shot: why won't the puck just go in?!? But it was only a matter of time for Kelly, who scored a short-handed goal, a full strength goal, and capped it all with an empty netter with less than a second to go in the game for his first hat trick ever.
The Senators were as good as they've been in a while, building on their success against the Sabres. Althought the Sabres game was a loss, the teamwork was apparent, and the Sens continued to play with the same heart. A key factor was Pascal Leclaire who made save after save to keep the Senators in the game. The Senators now profit from two great goaltenders, and if the scoring can start happening, they will be a dangerous team indeed.
Bobby Butler who was called up last night to lend some energy to the top line - replacing Peter Regin who was a healthy scratch - was also key. Although he had difficulty playing his assigned left wing position, Butler was all over the map, and it was easy to see why he is the best scorer in the AHL. Butler has learned where to position himself to get chances.
The most threatening line for the Senators was the fourth line of Nick Foligno, Jesse Winchester, and Ryan Shannon. Shannon was particularly effective, skating well, and making himself felt all over the ice. He made some key plays in the defensive zone, stripping the puck from players nearly a foot taller than he is.
Overall, I liked what I saw. Even if this game had ended in a tie and gone to overtime, like the Sabres game, it would still have been a great effort for the Senators. All the boys need to do is carry that into their next game against the redoutable Canadiens on Tuesday.
GO SENS GO!!
Posted by Zamboni at 12/5/2010 9:57 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Ottawa Senators New York Rangers Chris Kelly Pascal Leclaire Bobby Butler Peter Regin Nick Foligno J
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Ottawa Senators New York Rangers Chris Kelly Pascal Leclaire Bobby Butler Peter Regin Nick Foligno J
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