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Senators show off in front of Dads, get valuable two points in Jersey

February 17, 2017, 9:53 AM ET [6 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It wasn't a perfect game, but as far as road games go, it was pretty darn good.

Ottawa held the Devils to just 21 shots as Mike Condon recorded his fifth shutout in 30 games as a Senator. Dion Phaneuf and Erik Karlsson each scored their ninth of the season and Kyle Turris sealed the deal with an empty netter as the Senators skated to a 3-0 win.

Cory Schneider continued to be a thorn in the side of the Senators, making 32 saves, but a Phaneuf cannon from inside the blue line on a late second period power play was the difference, a shot that not many goalies in any league would be able to save. Karlsson's shot late in the third was a different story, as it was one that got right through the New Jersey netminder.

Ottawa held the Devils to just 40 shot attempts, while garnering 62 of their own.

Credit the Senators for doing what needed to be done, and for remaining patient while the game remained scoreless for a majority of the game. And then when they did take the lead, for keeping the foot on the pedal and not allowing the Devils to gain any sort of momentum. something that thy haven't been able to do lately.

It was also good to see Condon get a start, even with Craig Anderson back in the fold. Spitting the duties between two capable goalies will keep both sharp, even if not 50-50 but 75-25. I am sure the fact that the Dads are along on the trip also weighed in the decision, making sure each goalie would get to start with their pops in the stands.

There was some concern when Mike Hoffman took a spill and appeared to be injured, but after a couple of shifts where he skated rather gingerly, he finished the game and got an assist on Turris' empty netter.

The win sets up probably the most important battle of Ontario in many years on Saturday evening, which also happens to be Hockey Day in Canada. The Senators have a chance to move 5 points up on the Leafs with a game in hand, as they play their final head to head match-up of the (regular) season. It will also move them four points up on the idle Bruins. On the flipside, a (regulation) Leafs win moves them ahead of the Bruins and within 1 of the Senators, and also means Ottawa will have taken just two of the six points available to them while the Bruins were enjoying their bye week, and the games in hand they hold over the Bruins will be reduced to 2 with just a two point cushion.
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