For the first time since January 3rd, the Senators allowed less than three goals against. That also happens to be the last time the Senators won. Wouldn’t you know it, goal prevention once again proved to be the key to victory as the Senators were able to snap a four game losing streak tonight, winning 2-1. It helped to play a struggling Vancouver Canucks team, who have now lost eight in a row. Let’s dive into the details.
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Offense From the Defense
The only two goals for the Senators came from the blueline tonight. It was Artem Zub opening the scoring, his fourth of the season. Jordan Spence made it 2-0 just 15 seconds later, his third this year. That makes it 21 goals for Senators d-men this season through 45 games. That puts them on pace for 38 goals. Last season, their defensemen scored 32.
Shot Dominance
The Senators outshot the Canucks 40-21 tonight. That included a 32-11 shot advantage through two periods. The 2-0 score really should have been worse had it not been for a few ridiculous saves from Kevin Lankinen. The best of which was a desperation save on Cozens as Lankinen dropped his stick and did his best Dominik Hasek impression to make the save with his blocker. This was a particularly dominant game from the Senators on the shot clock, but it hasn’t been all the uncommon to see the Sens win the shot battle, and often the chance battle, but lose where it matters. Fortunately tonight, they came away with a win.
Additional Thoughts
Leevi Merilainen wasn’t particularly busy, but this was a much-needed solid game for him. He made a few key saves in the third to secure the win. In 11 starts last season, he had six games giving up one goal or less. This is his first game giving up less than two goals this season, in 17 starts. Dylan Cozens is having a rough stretch. He’s now been held pointless in four straight, and has just one goal in his last 10 games. It was his awful turnover that led to the one Canucks goal. With their struggles, the Senators need to keep the wins coming. They’ll look to make it two in a row tomorrow night in New York against the Rangers.
