So all kinds of wrong happened last night at CTC, as the Senators walked away with a 3-2 overtime win over the Florida Panthers.
The Senators pride got in the way of keeping themselves in 30th spot and having the second best odds at getting the first overall pick, and taking a point from the Panthers also officially clinched a playoff spot for the rival Maple Leafs. The Leafs playoff clinching was obviously inevitable, but some Sens fans will have a problem with the Senators being the team to officially put them there.
I do jest a little bit, because nobody wants to lose and the difference between second and third is 2%, and they weren't likely to allow Buffalo to reel them in for the big 18.5% chance to get the first overall pick. Regardless of where they finish, they will still be within a couple of percentage points either way of having a 90% chance that they don't get the first pick.
For the Panthers, they missed out on an opportunity to gain a much needed point on the Devils for the final playoff spot. While they were given a gift from the Penguins, who beat New Jersey in overtime, the best the Panthers could do was keep pace with the Devils by matching their single point.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored twice, including the game winner on a penalty shot in the extra frame with 15 seconds left. He had opened the scoring just 1:24 into the second period.
Aaron Ekblad and Evgenii Dadonov scored 1:31 apart to give the Panthers the lead, but Magnus Paajarvi scored when the ice was still wet in the third period to tie the game, that eventually forced the entertaining extra frame. Both teams had prime opportunities to end it in overtime, but both James Reimer and Craig Anderson stood tall.
Erik Karlsson had an assist on his countryman's goal, bringing him to 59 points on the season as he played over 30 minutes for the second straight game and third in his last 5 outings. He spoke to the media for the first time since his personal tragedy, indicating he would make the quick trip to Detroit and play at home on Tuesday, and then will likely sit out the final 3 game road trip to be with his wife and help each other through this difficult time.
The Senators head to Detroit on Saturday night before coming home to play their final home game of the season against the Jets on Tuesday.