FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-With all the complaining and nitpicking we’ve seen from the fan base so far this year, you would think this Sens team was a bottom-feeder in the Eastern Conference. Yet with last night’s win, they have now improved their record to 7-4-2 on the season, good enough for second place in the Atlantic Division. Ya, second place. There are obviously still areas for improvement but all things considered, this has been a pretty solid start for the Ottawa Senators.
-For the second straight game, Craig Anderson stole the show for Ottawa. He was sharp through the first two periods but took it to another level in the third, overtime and then the shootout. The thing that’s so fun to watch about Anderson when he’s on is it’s not just that the puck is hitting him because of good positioning, he’s actually MAKING saves. There were a couple little blocker and shoulder saves in overtime that were so subtle but were the product of a goalie just out-waiting and out-thinking shooters. Same thing with that incredible poke check in the shootout.
-The Senators have had some of the least interesting 3 on 3 games of any team but the last two have been fun to watch. Earlier in the year it almost seemed like the Sens were being a little too careful with three skaters aside. As much open ice as there is, it still comes down to taking chances. The Senators have done a better job of that the last two times around. That five minutes of three on three last night was probably some of the most entertaining hockey played in Ottawa all season. Both teams had terrific chances and both goalies stood on their heads.
-I’m not sure what Daniel Alfredsson said to Bobby Ryan at yesterday’s morning skate but it clearly worked. The one-timer off of a Mika Zibanejad pass and then the wicked wrister he took in the shootout were two of the best shots Ryan has taken all year. For all the heat Ryan has taken in the early going, I really do feel like his game is trending in the right direction. And now, the puck is starting to go in for him a little bit. More good things are coming for Bobby Ryan.
-And lastly, I wanted to close with some praise for the Senators organization for the addition of Club Bell. I realize that not everyone will have an opportunity to sit in there but if you hear of someone with tickets available, get your hands on those tickets! It’s an experience unlike anything I’ve seen in Ottawa (or any sports stadium for that matter). Full credit to the organization for making this investment. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is terrific and it really a unique way to watch a hockey game. Thanks to Hyperline, an Ottawa-based cabling systems company, for the invite! Expect to hear more from them around these parts this season, including mayyyybe a few Club Bell ticket giveaways!
