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Yet again, the Ottawa Senators dealt with adversity and truly put it all on the line in a 2-0 loss to the LA Kings tonight. This team can't be faulted for their effort as they lost 3 players throughout the day to covid and then lost Artem Zub mid 1st period to a right shoulder injury. That brings the total to 13 regular players out of the lineup with either injury or covid illness.
I guess the biggest question is, if more positive covid tests happen tomorrow, how does the league allow Ottawa to continue playing? How do the league not pause all activities for a 4-5 day stretch if the covid numbers continue to climb? Ottawa started a stretch of 10 games in 17 nights against LA!
Quick thoughts about tonight's game:
Filip Gustavsson was outstanding again stopping 34 of 36 shots, both goals were deflections! The more you watch him, the more you have to think Matt Murray will be the backup in Ottawa if Gus keeps up this great goaltending.
Lassi Thomson played his first NHL game, his play was terrific. His gap control and physicality were refreshing to see considering what Sens fans have endured with their blueline this year. He was rewarded with playing almost 23 minutes of ice-time. But after he played that same amount of time last night with the BSens, Ottawa needs to be careful here with him as the Sens play Saturday and Sunday night at home. He can't be playing those types of minutes 4 games in 5 nights.
Dillon Heatherington had a solid too in his first action with Ottawa this season. You can tell, he definitely likes to play the body and it's something Ottawa can use on this blueline. I barely saw him on the ice in the 3rd period, so I'm not sure if he was injured or was benched?
Erik Brannstrom got better as the game went on and was rewarded with a TOI in the 3rd period. Let's hope the coaching staff can get some regular pairings set up with the top 4 on the blueline for the next game. Expect Jacob Benard-Docker to be called up for the weekend games as Zub looks to be out for at least the weekend games.
Scott Sabourin got little TOI, so if Shane Pinto can return on Saturday night, then it will allow much more flow in rolling the 4 lines that this team will have to do with so many players out of the lineup. Kopitar and Denault dominated Ottawa in the faceoff circle, so getting Pinto can only help out the Sens in this area.
Tim Stutzle continues to struggle but it sure would be nice if he had a playmaker at center for him. He was noticeable all night, he definitely brings a great intensity to the game but you can definitely see his frustration starting to get to him.
Ottawa now hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday and Calgary on Sunday. Thoughts Sens fans on what you liked and didn't like tonight for the Sens? Thanks for reading.