Make it two in a row for the Ottawa Senators in as many nights! Fresh off a solid defensive effort in their 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, the Senators offense led the way tonight in an 8-4 victory over the New York Rangers. It’s never easy to win the second game of a back-to-back situation, but it’s even harder when the second game is on the road. Here’s one way to solve that issue- score four first period goals to completely silence the crowd. Let’s dive into the details.
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Tkachuk’s Big Night
Brady Tkachuk had himself a massive game tonight, finishing with a classic loaded Tkachuk stat line. Here it is:
- 1 goal, 3 assists, +3, 6 shots, 2 hits
The goal was the 200th of his career. With the Senators up big early, Travis Green was able to roll the lines, so Tkachuk was able to accomplish all that in just 13:18 of ice-time. With the Senators struggles this season, the captain has received his share of criticism. While Tkachuk’s physicality isn’t quite the same since his hand injury prevents him from fighting, his production has been rock solid. He now finds himself at 25 points in 26 games.
Offense From the Defense, Again
Last night, it was Zub and Spence scoring. Tonight, Jensen, Sanderson and Chabot scored. That leaves Tyler Kleven as the lone Sens defensemen without a goal in these last two games. Both Jensen and Sanderson added an assist tonight, as did Zub. Yesterday, I wrote that the Senators d-men were on pace for 38 goals for the season. With tonight’s big game, their pace has now increased to 43. Individually, Sanderson is on pace for just over 60 points. That would put him in exclusive company. Only Erik Karlsson and Norm Maciver have ever eclipsed the 60 point mark amongst Senators defensemen.
Additional Notes
Just last night I mentioned how Dylan Cozens was struggling lately. He was fantastic tonight, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Also with three points tonight- Ridly Greig, with all of them being assists. Despite the Sens scoring seven goals with just under a minute to play, Tim Stützle had somehow been held off the scoresheet. He then went and scored the empty netter for his 20th goal of the season.
One critique of the Senators from this game- giving up three third period goals. The game was out of reach, but with goaltending being such an issue this season, it would’ve been nice for Leevi Merilainen to have his second straight low goals against game in a row. Next up for the Senators, a massive game on Saturday night at home against the Montreal Canadiens.
