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Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Senators Sink Flames Again |
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When the Ottawa Senators look back on this North Division arrangement in future years, they will fondly recall memories of beating the Calgary Flames over and over again. Last night was no exception, as the Senators earned a 4-2 victory over their Western Canadian foes. Here are last night’s thumbs:
Thumbs Up: Matt Murray’s Goaltending… Again
It was another great night for Matt Murray, who has simply been fantastic for the Senators since returning from injury. On a night when his team was probably outplayed, Murray was a major reason that the Senators were able to secure a win in this game. He made the routine stops, and he threw in some spectacular saves for good measure. When the Senators get goaltending like this, they can give any team in the division a run for their money.
Thumbs Up: Josh Norris is Becoming a Beast
With a goal and an assist tallied in last night’s game, Josh Norris now has scored eight points in his last five games. It’s been an incredible run for the rookie pivot, who has shown no signs of slowing down. His assist was a great example of how an effective forecheck can create offensive opportunities, and his goal was just a straight up goal scorer’s snipe. This is a player who can do – and is doing – a little bit of everything for the Senators.
Beyond the tangible offensive contributions, Norris was one of a few players who always seemed to be moving the puck in the right direction last night. His hockey sense might be his best asset.
Thumbs Up: Connor Brown Snaps the Slump
After a dreadful two-game scoring slump, Connor Brown returned to his goal scoring ways last night. On top of a late empty-net marker, Brown scored a key shorthanded goal at the end of the middle frame to give the Senators a major boost.
Thumbs Up: Mobility on Defence
I don’t know that I noticed it quite to the same extent as the opposing coach, but it sure was refreshing to hear Darryl Sutter say that Ottawa’s defence being faster than Calgary’s was a major reason for his team’s loss. Considering that the Senators were rolling with players like Braydon Coburn and Erik Gudbranson not too long ago, it’s a real testament to the work that Pierre Dorion did at the trade deadline. Getting Erik Brannstrom a semi-permanent spot in the lineup and claiming Victor Mete waivers has given this Ottawa blue line a completely different look… and it’s completely different in a positive way.
Thumbs Up: Tkachuk Triumphs
This was yet another monster performance from Brady Tkachuk. Find me another player who can shoot the puck like he did for his 15th goal of the season, and battle on the forecheck with the degree of tenacity that he brought to almost every shift. It’s a unique combination, one that continues to pay dividends for the Senators.
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The Senators are scheduled to see the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.
As always, thanks for reading.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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