FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-In the biggest game of their season, the puck just wasn’t bouncing Ottawa’s way. If a few shots that hit the post had gone in during that frantic second period, this is a different hockey game. Overall, the Senators probably outplayed the Bruins but the difference was Tuukka Rask and the metal posts behind him.
-And even though Ottawa did end up outplaying Boston over the 60 minutes, this certainly should not be confused with their best effort of the season. They were tentative from the moment the puck was dropped and maybe let the magnitude of the game get to them a little bit. Not surprising for a young team though.
-The goalie questions are not going to go away until poor Andrew Hammond gets lit up but the reality is this- Dave Cameron made the right decision starting Craig Anderson in the last two games. Yes, there were a couple goals Anderson would like back but he’s the number one guy and the right choice for these games. With a back to back coming up, Hammond will get back in the net soon.
-Now deciding which game to start Hammond will not be easy for Cameron. My inital thinking was to go to Hammond for the game in Montreal and then back to Anderson the next night on Long Island. But I could easily be convinced to do it the other way around and have already seen many fans suggesting that in the comment section. No matter who starts, the Senators have to score more than one goal.
-With last night’s loss, the team’s playoff chances obviously take a significant hit. The gap is once again seven points with the Senators holding a game in hand. These two teams meet again on Thursday in what may end up being another huge game. Both teams play four games before then- Boston plays Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Washington and Buffalo. Ottawa plays Montreal, New York Islanders, Philadelphia and Carolina. The Senators have to narrow the gap to four or five points over that stretch. Not over yet!
