FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-It was a game like so many others. Give up the first goal, generally outplay the opposition most of the way and lose. Except this time, instead of losing, the Ottawa Senators found a way to win a hockey game on a day when they deserved it. It’s actually a script that is playing out with increased frequency over the last few weeks and maybe an indication that this team is truly starting to turn the corner. That their luck may finally be turning. They picked up three outta four points on this mini-road trip and now have at least a point in six of their last eight games. Nine points back of the final playoff spot with a couple games in hand
-Drake Batherson has not been himself this year. Sure, he has managed to put up points at a decent rate but he just hasn’t been controlling the puck in the offensive zone the same way as he was before the injury last year and his decision-making in all three zones has been questionable at times. That’s why yesterday’s performance was so encouraging. Batherson was the best player on the ice for the Senators and is probably the reason they came away with the two points. The determination, skill and patience he showed on that breakaway goal is exactly what makes him such an effective player. DJ Smith mentioned it post-game but that was the best game Drake has played in a long, long time.
-When the Ottawa Senators signed Claude Giroux this summer, it was a big moment for the franchise. That they were able to attract a top talent in free agency represented a turning point of sorts for the franchise. Yet despite all the excitement that came with the acquisition, not sure any of us thought he would be this good. Another big goal yesterday and continues to hum along at close to a point-per-game pace. As impressive as he has been offensively, it’s the little things that continue to stand out in his game. Always in the right spot, always making the right play with the puck late in games and always winning those big faceoffs, like he did late in yesterday’s game. He’s 62.7% on draws this year, by the way.
-Maybe that lucky bounce is the one that finally gets Alex DeBrincat going a little bit. He was credited with Ottawa’s second goal on the night but really, it was just a lucky bounce. But the hockey gods owe him a few at this point. That wide-open net where he hit the post is a pretty good indication of how things have gone for him this season. Doing everything right, generating quality looks and just…not finishing. Despite the horrible curse that hangs over him for some reason, he’s still racking up points. Points in five straight and at least a point in eight of his last nine games.
-He has been a target of internet fan rage for most of the year but full credit to Nikita Zaitsev for playing better hockey since returning from Belleville. As a defenceman, he had entered that unenviable zone where everyone is watching and waiting for you to make a mistake, which is a tough place to be when you play a sport that is full of them. But over these last few games, he’s kept his game simple and it’s worked out for him. He has been up around 19 minutes a game over the last four contests and done an admirable job filling in for the injured Artem Zub. Yesterday, he was credited with five blocked shots and by the ol’ eye test, seemed to be making good decisions with the puck on his stick.
Loading …
