Paul Maclean has said it on a couple of occasions.
If the Senators are going to be successful they are going to need contributions from the veteran players and tonight they got exactly that. Chris Neil sparked the home side and Alfie sealed it in a thrilling home opener at SBP.
The mistakes were there again and the Senators found themselves in a hole for the third time this year. But as we saw in the two previous games, the Sens found a way to battle back.
A massive hit by Neil ended up being the spark the home side needed.
Neil laid out a Wild defender Clayton Stoner behind the net, picked up an assist on the Foligno goal and brought the home side within one half way through the third. Neil was at his best tonight and may have actually had one of his best games as an Ottawa Senator.
A power play goal from Colin Greening drew Ottawa even and ignited the home town crowd with plenty of time to go in the third.
You have got to admire the heart shown by this team through the first three games of the season. They refuse to give up and are giving fans in this city something to get excited about.
Michalek, Spezza and Alfredsson all buried in the shootout and sent the crowd into a frenzy. It may have been an early season game but there was a playoff style excitement in the building tonight and the players on the ice felt it.
And while it may go unnoticed by some, I absolutely love the players raising their sticks at centre ice following the win. This is a hard-working team that people can rally around and gestures like that are exactly how you get the home town crowd behind you.
GO SENS GO!
- Disappointed by the fans that decided to boo a couple of our players in the opening. I understand that the performance has not been what some expected but at the home opener, you have to support your players.
- Love the new goal song! It will take some getting used to but the Seven Nation Army chant will be a hit at SBP by the end of the year. And to add to that, loved the music choice tonight. Certainly makes for a more upbeat atmosphere in the building.
