Sens Beat Pens

The Sens got back in the win column tonight, winning a wild one against Pittsburgh 6-4 with several Sens having very big nights. Rookie stay at home defenceman Jared Cowen had a goal and 3 helpers, while Jason Spezza 2 of each to vault him into 3rd overall in the NHL scoring race. Erik Karlsson also had a big night with 3 assists and #11 had a goal and 2 helpers as well. Alex Auld was his usual subpar self but all's well that ends well and the Sens got the important 2 points.

Sens Choke Away Lead, Lose In Shootout

The Senators looked great for 2 periods tonight, before having one of the worst 3rd's in recent memory to fall to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. Ottawa was up 3-0 and cruising before giving up 4 unanswered goals, including 2 shorthanded one's to go behind 4-3. Jesse Winchester saved the day, scoring with 4.9 seconds left in the game to rescue a much needed point, but the game has to be considered a disappointment regardless. Alex Auld remains win less this season and made zero saves in the shootout.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Sergei Gonchar left the game in the 2nd and didn't return, making it even more likely that Carkner will suit up Saturday for the first time this season.
• As a result of the Gonchar injury, rookie Jared Cowen played 31:42 tonight. Unbelievable! I thought he had maybe his best game as a pro.
• Big fight between Zenon Konopka and Ottawa native Mark Fraser.
• With his 18th goal tonight, Milan Michalek took over sole possession of the NHL goal scoring lead.
• Nick Foligno scored a beauty again. He has 10 goals now this season. Impressive.
• Alfie scored again too. He is clearly not his old self anymore but proves he can still contribute.
• Alex Auld struggled again tonight. Not all of the goals were his fault but he never really made the big save. Including not making a stop in the shootout, though the first shooter Kovalchuk missed the net.
• Parise showed what an all around player he is again tonight. I know many Sens fans are hoping he lands in Ottawa this offseason. I can't see Jersey letting him go.
• Sens chased Marty Brodeur from the nets after the first. He never plays well against us for some reason.
• Rundblad had a very weak attempt in the shootout.
• Zack Smith was very quiet for him tonight. Fatigue perhaps?

 Picture of the night is Chris Neil after taking a rough high stick to the face. It resulted in a lot of blood and a 4 minute powerplay for the Sens. It's been a rough couple of days for the Sens vet hasn't it?

 With 31:42 worth of ice time tonight and being a +1, as well as being just a solid all around player, Jared Cowen wins the night for the first time.


Thoughts on the shootout loss?