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Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Senators Lose More than the Game |
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The Ottawa Senators played another really good game against the Vancouver Canucks, but again found themselves on the wrong side of the win column thanks to a 3-2 shootout loss. Losing a game isn't the end of the world for the rebuilding Senators, but losing key bodies to injury as they did in this one hurts in a major way. Here are tonight’s thumbs:
Thumbs Down: Crease Crisis
Matt Murray is out. Marcus Hogberg is out. And, now, Joey Daccord is out. After a bit of a rough start to the game today, Daccord settled into an excellent rhythm and made a number of saves that allowed the Senators to position themselves to claw their way back from an early 2-0 deficit. More and more, he has been looking like a goaltender that can be relied on by this organization to provide competent minutes and a chance to win. So, of course, the Hockey Gods had to throw a wrench in things. Daccord left the game early in the third period with what looked like a very uncomfortable injury; he struggled to leave the ice after twisting his leg.
Thumbs Up: Filip Gustavsson’s Response
Unexpectedly thrust into his first NHL game, Filip Gustavsson battled admirably. He stopped everything the Canucks fired his way for the rest of the game – being eight shots against. It was a good news story for a Senators team that has experienced only pain in the crease to this point in the season. He was excellent.
Thumbs Down: Colin White’s Injury
As if the Daccord injury wasn’t bad enough, the Senators also lost Colin White to injury. He was having a phenomenal game until he awkwardly fell into the boards, which resulted in him missing the last few shifts of the game. There was no update on his status post-game.
Thumbs Up: The Little Things Brady Tkachuk Does
Too much of the conversation about intangibles in hockey serves as a defence of players who simply aren’t very good. Brady Tkachuk is the exception to that rule, and his uncredited work on Josh Norris’ game-tying goal is a perfect example of why. He did such great work to win the puck battle on that play, which is a testament to his strength, tenacity, and offensive instincts. He really is the whole package.
Thumbs Up: Christian Wolanin Shines
It’s been a rough go at times for Christian Wolanin this season, especially on the defensive side of the puck. But tonight emphasizes why so many people in the Senators fan base are excited about his potential. Per Natural Stat Trick, he generated five-on-five expected goal and shot attempt shares north of 60% -- though, the real highlight of his night was the stretch pass he delivered on Ryan Dzingel’s goal.
For all his efforts, he was essentially benched for the third period. Makes sense.
Thumbs Up: Ryan Dzingel’s Continued Production
That’s now four goals in eight games with Ottawa for Dzingel this season, after only two in eleven with the Hurricanes to start the year. Nobody is happier about it than his agent.
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The Senators now have an extended break before taking on the resurgent Calgary Flames next Monday.
As always, thanks for reading.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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