Danny McCloskey
In a game that the Senators could not afford to lose, they managed to come away with a 2-1 road victory over the New York Rangers. Along the way, though, they lost two more defensemen, including Thomas Chabot. Let’s dive into the details.
Senators Defense Further Depleted
It’s time for a not-so-fun recap. On March 7, Jake Sanderson was injured and has yet to return. Two games later, Nick Jensen was hurt and lost for the rest of the season. In the Senators last game, Dennis Gilbert was hurt, which will force him to be out for a while. Tonight, Thomas Chabot left the game at the end of the first period after taking a crosscheck to the wrist area by JT Miller. Later, Lassi Thomson left the game in the second with an injury.
The Senators were forced to play the second half of this game with just four defensemen. On the left side, they were left with just one healthy d-man, Tyler Kleven. It was Kleven that had to kill an entire two minute penalty in the third period tonight with the injuries, plus Zub in the box.
As for who will be called up next, the obvious answer is Carter Yakemchuk. He’s had a solid rookie season in the AHL with 10 goals and 36 points in 50 games. Of course, he shoots right handed. The left shot d-man who would likely be the next call up is Jorian Donovan. Wouldn’t you know it, he’s hurt right now.
Stellar Defensive Play
The four defensemen that were left standing deserve all the credit in the world. Here they are, by the numbers:
- Spence: 1 assist, 4 shots, 2 blocked shots, 26:44 time on ice
- Kleven: 6 shots, 2 hits, 24:01 time on ice
- Zub: 2 blocked shots, 23:15 time on ice
- Matinpalo: 5 blocked shots, 2 hits, 18:19 time on ice
The forwards deserve plenty of credit too, with the whole team buying into such a strong defensive game. The best stat of the night? The Senators gave up just 9 shots against.
Additional Notes
Igor Shesterkin is a great goalie, but against the Senators he turns into prime Dominik Hasek. Coming into tonight, he had gone 6-1-2 with a .938 SV% and two shutouts. Tonight, he was the only reason the Rangers were in this game, saving 31 of the 33 shots he faced, including a ton of saves in tight. Warren Foegele with the Kings this season: 7 goals in 47 games. Foegele with the Senators: 5 goals in 9 games. What a great addition he’s been. Now, the Senators have to head right to Detroit to play their biggest game of the year while shorthanded. No pressure!
