There are many ways I could start this blog - Who needs Matt Duchene when you could have Alex Burrows? Maybe Pierre Dorion knew more than those who questioned the deal after all.
Burrows scored on his first shot as a Senator in the first period, and then for good measure added what would turn out to be the game winner in the second as his new team held on for the 2-1 win over the last place Colorado Avalanche.
As I said would be the case, I didn't get to see this one, but I was able to stream the audio while driving through Leafs country. It seemed like the Senators dominated at times, especially in the second period, but passed up shot opportunities on multiple occasions.
So with the ear test (no eyes from this guy) it didn't seem like it was the statement game against a very weak opponent that I was looking for, but the final tally of 42-23 in shots on goal is pretty telling. Two points is two points and they got some help with the Bruins losing, the Panthers falling in overtime and the Habs winning so they maintain their lead in the division (the Leafs are leading at the time I am writing this).
Burrows became the 4th Senators player to score a pair of goals in his debut with the franchise. Both goals were set up by Mike Hoffman.
Rene Bourque made it interesting in the third period, but was the lone Avalanche player to beat Craig Anderson, who continued his excellent play since returning from his hiatus.