That game on Saturday was perfect.
Some called it boring. Habs fans called it disappointing. Sportsnet called it Auston Matthews. But to me, it was perfect.
Despite having a lineup jammed with young players, the Senators turned in what was probably their best defensive effort of the season. While Matt Murray made plenty of good stops, the guys in front of him did a great job keeping shots from the outside and limiting second chances.
It hasn’t been handed to them this year and many young players had to earn their spots but in the process, this team is learning to play the right way. And it’s going to pay off down the line.
Watching so many young players in key roles was another good reminder that Ottawa’s time is coming. And while some have suggested they may still be a couple seasons away, I really believe this team can contend for a playoff spot as early as next season. Hell, if not for that debacle of a nine-game losing streak back in January, they’d be contending for a playoff spot this season.
The Ottawa Senators head to Calgary to take on the Flames on Monday night.
No game day skate in Calgary today so we’ll have to wait until 6:25 PM to hear what the Coach has in mind for a lineup.
Based on yesterday’s practice, it seems like the plan is to go with the same look as Saturday in Montreal. Tough to argue with that although I’m certain we’ll find a way.
Tkachuk-Norris-Batherson
Stützle-White-Dadonov
Formenton-Pinto-C. Brown
Paul-Tierney-Dzingel
Chabot-Zaitsev
Brannstrom-Zub
Mete-J. Brown
Matt Murray is expected to get another start in goal for the Senators.
It’s a late one with puck drop scheduled for just after 9:00 PM in Calgary. The game is available on TSN5, Sportsnet West and RDS. TSN 1200 has the radio coverage and some guy named Steve is providing the illegal streams. Thanks Steve!
Here’s a closer look at the match-up between these two teams.
BRADY TKACHUK AND MATTHEW TKACHUK ARE BROTHERS!
| HEAD2HEAD |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 15-26-4 (34 pts) | 19-22-3 (41 pts) |
| Goals For | 2.67 (21st) | 2.61 (24th) |
| Goals Against | 3.62 (31st) | 2.91 (17th) |
| Power Play | 16.2% (26th) | 20.0% (T-17th) |
| Penalty Kill | 76.8% (24th) | 81.2% (11th) |
| Shots For | 30.8 (8th) | 29.9 (T-13th) |
| Shots Against | 32.5 (28th) | 29.0 (11th) |
| Leading Scorers | Batherson- 28 pts Chabot- 28 pts Tkachuk- 28 pts Norris- 27 pts Brown- 25 pts |
Lindholm- 38 pts Gaudreau- 32 pts Tkachuk- 30 pts Backlund- 26 pts Monahan- 25 pts |
| Starting Goalie | Matt Murray 8-13-1 3.62 GAA, .886 sv% |
Jacob Markstrom 15-15-2 2.79 GAA, .903 sv% |
