With the Sabres and Capitals breathing down their necks, the Ottawa Senators turned in their best performance in weeks, routing one of the best team's in the East to the tune of 8-4.
On a night where stars like Malkin and Crosby came to town, it was Sens Captain Daniel Alfredsson that stood out, racking up two goals and four points in a wildly entertaining game at Scotiabank Place.
As bad as the Senators looked on Friday night, they looked every bit as impressive against the Penguins. And while Ottawa obviously took advantage of a back up goalie, the outburst of offence was a welcome change for a team that has struggled to score goals.
Alfie scored two and Spezza, Michalek, Gonchar, Turris, Greening and Phillips each chipped in with one.
And while he wasn't one of the goal scorers, Nick Foligno picked up three assists and looked fantastic on a line with Alfie and Turris. Here's hoping that's a trio MacLean sticks with down the stretch.
I mentioned this on Twitter but I was blown away by just how aggressive the Pens were in this game. They always seemed to be attacking with four guys in the offensive zone and were cheating all over the ice. The result was a seemingly unlimited dose of odd man rushes for the Senators. I haven't watched enough of the Penguins to know if this is their normal approach but I can't imagine any team playing like that come playoff time.
With a huge two points against the Penguins, the Sens continue to hold down the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference, three points back of the division leading Boston Bruins. Here is how the standings look after Sunday's action.
Panthers 87 (7)- @Mtl, @Min, @Clb, @Det, WPG, @Wsh, CAR
Devils 90 (6)- CHI, TBL, @Car, NYI, @Det, OTT
Senators 86 (6)- @Wpg, @Phi, @Nyi, CAR, BOS, @Nj
Capitals 84 (6)- BUF, @Bos, MTL, @Tbl, FLA, @Nyr
Sabres 84 (6)- @Wsh, PIT, @Tor, TOR, @Phi, @Bos
The Sens now travel to Winnipeg with a chance to extinguish the Jets fading playoff hopes on Monday night.
- It wasn't all good news for the Senators as last night's starter, Ben Bishop, left the game with a lower body injury. The club is expected to provide an update on his status at some point this afternoon.
