FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-Well that was to be expected. The Vegas Golden Knights are one the best teams in the league, they came into this one on a four game slide, they just fired their Coach and their best player was taking on his former-team. Honestly, it’s a miracle the Senators didn’t lose this game by double digits. This fan base knows exactly what Mark Stone can do when he’s at his best and last night, we got a taste of what it’s like to be on the other end of it. Stone set up the first goal 34 seconds in, prevented a goal later in the period and then scored one of his own in the second. Mark Stone is one of those players that can single-handedly win a game and he did that last night. Although the way the Senators have been playing lately, the Golden Knights probably could have handled this one without him too.
-One of the things that makes Stone’s legacy in Ottawa a little different than say a Karlsson or an Alfredsson is the lack of a signature moment in the post-season. As Captains, both Karlsson and Alfredsson had playoff runs where they basically put the team on their back. Whereas Mark Stone never really had that magical, hero-like run in the playoffs. Obviously he was front and centre during the Hamburgular Run but that damn micro-fracture derailed that season. And then in 2017, when everything else was clicking for the Senators, Stone was oddly quiet. There was talk of an injury at the time but when the run was over, he said he was healthy. Hard to believe. I have always said that if Karlsson and Stone were both at 100%, the Senators win the Stanley Cup that year. Either way, that will always be my biggest regret with Mark Stone. That we never really got to see him at his best in the playoffs.
-It’s almost certainly a case of “returning fan favourite” fatigue but it was sort of interesting how little I felt during Mark Stone’s return to Ottawa. It’s becoming a little bit concerning how little I feel during a lot of Sens related moments this season but still- I expected this night to be tougher. Mark Stone was one of my favourite players when he was here, it sucked when he left and it’s really a shame that he wasn’t a Senator for life. But as I watched the tribute video and the standard wave of thanks to the fans, there was almost a sense of relief. Almost like it was nice to just have it out of the way and to finally close the chapter on an ugly period in Sens history. Maybe there’s another one of those nights coming if Pageau leaves and maybe Anderson plays another season and starts against the Senators some day but it won’t be on the same level. I’m ready to stop worrying about the former fan favourites that left town and shift my focus to supporting the guys that are here. All the best, Mark and thanks for the memories.
-There’s just no sugar-coating it- this season has been a disaster for Colin White. It’s safe to assume that the early hip flexor injury is a big reason for his struggles but it’s been a pretty steady tailspin from there. Lack of confidence and the pressure to live up to a big contract are likely part of the equation too but whatever it is, the Senators need to see more from him in the second half. The good news is in the last few games, there are some signs of life. Confidence is a big thing for a hockey player and last night, you could sort of see it returning for White. In his case, when he’s feeling good about his game he’s holding on to the puck for an extra second looking to make plays and he’s engaged physically- getting to the front of the net and generally being a thorn in the side of the other team. Baby steps but after an ugly six game pointless streak in December, White has now racked up six points in his last 12 games.
-Some eyebrows were raised last night when Jean-Gabriel Pageau was a last minute scratch with an upper-body injury. There was no indication Pageau was dealing with an injury earlier in the day and he took the pregame warm-up too. According to DJ Smith, Pageau was hoping to be able to play but just didn’t feel comfortable after the warm-up. All eyes will be on Pageau over the next month or so as the Senators decide whether or not they’ll move the unrestricted free agent to be or keep him around. It doesn’t sound like there have been any contract talks to date but as Dorion reminded us recently, these deals can happen pretty quick when both sides want to make it work. From Ottawa’s perspective, they need to know exactly what they can get in a trade and have a general idea was Pageau would be looking for on a new deal before they can make a decision. Clock is ticking.
Smith’s Post-Game Comments
Player Interviews
Advanced Stats
Boxscore
Loading …Next up- vs. Flames (Saturday), vs. Devils (Monday), @ Sabres (Tuesday)
