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Power play propels Senators to win over Penguins

January 13, 2017, 11:20 AM ET [5 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
If Thursday was a statement game for the Senators, fans in Sens Army have to be happy with what they saw.

There was even a Bobby Ryan appearance, as the much maligned winger had more bounce in his step than he has displayed in a while, perhaps all season. Ryan scored the game's opening goal on a power play and was noticeable on many occasions, something that you have not been able to say on too many nights so far this year.

Erik Karlsson also added a pair of assists and Mike Condon was spectacular in shutting down one of the league's most prolific offences and holding them to just one goal.

The Senators jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the strength of power play goals from Ryan and Mike Hoffman. Tom Pyatt continued his strong play and upped the lead to 3-0 in the second and it looked like the Senators were in great shape. But the pessimists among the fan base probably were concerned, and based on past history would have reason to be, when despite being outplayed the Penguins notched one with seconds remaining in the second period to get back within two.

While the Senators played a very conservative style for the entire third period in Sunday's win over the Oilers, it was a dangerous game to play and they got away with it. For the first few minutes against Pittsburgh, it looked like they were going down the same road and tempting fate. But Guy Boucher lit into his team on the bench during a TV timeout, presumably about playing on their heels, and that seemed to spark the Senators to playing a game where the puck wasn't in their zone the entire period.

Mark Stone delivered the knockout blow near the midway point of the final frame, and that was more than enough as the Senators skated away with the win.

They have played some very good games this season, but this one would rank up there among the best when you consider a full team contribution as well as the quality of opponent they faced. Yes, they were rested while the Pens were perhaps a bit travel-weary, but you can only play in the circumstances you are handed, and the Senators did a stellar job of limiting chances to the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Up next is a visit from Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs, on Saturday night. The Leafs will also be coming in off a road game, playing tonight against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.


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