The Senators had a typical first period against the Montreal Canadiens. They gave up the game’s first goal for the 28th time. They gave up two power play goals against, worsening one of the worst penalty kills in the league. They also gave up the two goals on just six shots, lowering their league-worst save percentage.
They followed that up with a fantastic second period, scoring four goals and going into the third up one. When Jake Sanderson scored to make it 5-3 in the third, that would’ve been enough for most teams. When you have the goaltending that the Senators do, though, no lead is safe. The Canadiens scored two goals late in the third to tie it, and then Cole Caufield won the game in overtime, ruining a fantastic effort by the Sens offense, particularly Sanderson. Let’s dive into the details.
READ MORE: A Look at the Disastrous Goaltending of the Ottawa Senators
Goaltending Woes Continue
What the Senators have received from a goaltending perspective this season is nothing short of pathetic. They limit shots time and time again but it doesn’t matter. Leevi Merilainen faced 19 shots today. Even an average game would’ve allowed the Senators to win this game with ease. Sure, not all the goals are fully on him, but how many times has he been beaten this year by simple shots from distance? That was the case on Josh Anderson’s goal after the Sens had tied the game at two. That’s also how the game was tied at five by Alex Carrier. When the game went to overtime, there was no doubt that the open ice would lead to a chance that Merilainen was not going to save. The fact that the Senators have their worst team percentage since 1993-94, their second year of existence, tells you everything you need to know.
Sanderson’s Brilliance
Sanderson was on his way to being the game’s first star before the collapse. It was his rush up the ice right to the Canadiens net that led to Brady Tkachuk’s goal to get the Senators on the board. He then assisted on Cozens’ power play goal to tie the game at three, and on Perron’s goal to take a 4-3 lead. His goal to make the game 5-3 was a beauty, with Sanderson using his speed to join the rush and ripping a shot high. Add it all up and Sanderson scored a goal and three assists, one of the best offensive games of his career. There’s not much more Sanderson can do to help this team, besides maybe trying to play goalie.
Additional Notes
Tim Stützle’s between the legs goal was phenomenal. It’s one thing to try that move, it’s another to roof the puck top shelf while doing it. Claude Giroux has been great on faceoffs all year. He chose a bad time to lose one clean in his own end after the Habs had pulled the goalie. This of course led to the Slafkovsky goal to make it a one goal game. Before that, Shane Pinto had a breakaway chance to make it a 6-3 Sens lead. He missed of course, and the rest is history. Anyway, is James Reimer ready to play yet?
