In a season with more than their fair share of adversity, and in the face of a seemingly endless supply of "season ending" twists and turns, the Ottawa Senators are headed to the NHL playoffs.
Sergei Gonchar scored the winner and Erik Karlsson turned in a heroic effort playing his first game in more than 10 weeks as the Sens edged the Washington Capitals by a 2-1 final. The win moves Ottawa into 6th in the Eastern Conference, which would mean a playoff rematch with these same Capitals.
It was hard to know what to expect from Karlsson after more than 10 weeks of rehab from a 70% cut to his Achilles tendon but it's safe to say he exceeded all expectations in his return. 27 minutes of ice time, 8 shots on goal and two assists including a helper on the overtime winner.
Scary to think what he can do once he shakes the "rust" off.
With all eyes on Karlsson in the first, it was another recently rehabbed Senator that stole the show. Craig Anderson was his team's best player, stopping ten shots including a couple high quality scoring chances.
In the second, Karlsson looked noticeably more comfortable to start the second and not surprisingly, figured in on the Sens first goal of the game. His point shot that was deflected out front by Jakob Silfverberg to give the Senators a 1-0 lead. Karlsson's ability to get pucks through traffic and on net is something this team has missed over the last ten weeks. Ottawa would carry that one goal lead into the final frame.
The Sens came out guns a blazing in the third period, registering the first ten shots of the period but could not get one by Washington starter Michal Neuvirth.
Ottawa appeared to have the second goal of the game but Tim Peel, who is Mr. Popular with Sens fans, determined that Mika Zibanejad made contact with the Washington goalie and waived it off. Just a couple minutes later, Alex Ovechkin tied the game with a heck of an individual effort as he walked around Chris Phillips and tucked a backhand past Craig Anderson.
MacLean's team stuck with it though, continued to outplay the Caps and were rewarded when Mike Ribeiro took a bonehead penalty late in the third period. With the 4 on 3 advantage and plenty of ice to work with, Sergei Gonchar ripped a low hard shot through a perfect screen by Mika Zibanejad.
Perhaps the best part of the GWG was watching Daniel Alfredsson come flying into the goal celebration. His team is back in the NHL playoffs and as the Kings proved last season, all you need is an invite to the dance.
The Sens are back in action on Saturday night when they play their final home game against the Philadelphia Flyers. They'll then close out the regular season the next night in Boston against the Bruins.
GO SENS GO!
