Depending on whether you are a glass half full or a glass half empty type of person, there was plenty to support your case in Thursday's Senators' season opener, a 5-4 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals.
On the plus side, the line of Derick Brassard (1G, 2A), Mark Stone (2G) and Bobby Ryan (2A) was dominant at even strength, accounting for all four goals. They combined for 7 points and were each +4 on the night. Ottawa managed to snag a point in a game against an elite Metropolitan division team, and did so without their best player, captain Erik Karlsson. They outshot the Capitals 32-28, and also managed to stay out of the box, giving Washington just one opportunity on the man advantage.
If you are the pessimist, the Senators lapsed defensively after gaining a 3-1 lead and in short order allowed Alex Ovechkin a hat trick within about 6 minutes of game time. After Ovechkin scored twice to tie the game, Ottawa took the momentum back but then allowed the tying goal shortly thereafter, and that third one was a goal that Craig Anderson probably should have had. During that stretch Cody Ceci struggled, giving up the puck that resulted in the first Ovechkin goal and scrambling to find position on the second one. And Johnny Oduya left the game part way through with an injury that left his status for Saturday unsure. The Senators also went 0-for-5 on the power play, including a full 2 minutes in overtime. That is not a great start to the season for a team that needs to have better special teams this time around.
There is good news on the horizon, as Karlsson could be ready to play as early as Saturday night when they host the Detroit Red Wings. A return that soon would be a great boost to the Senators, who as late as two weeks ago thought it could be early November before Karlsson might be in the lineup.