Senators lose 2-1 in shootout to Ducks despite solid effort

by Alexander Calloway on Jan 18, 2011 11:06 PM EST in Ottawa Senators game recaps

The Senators put forth their full effort for 65 minutes tonight, and were rewarded with one point. Well, at least Ottawa played their hearts out and didn't fall apart in the third. The first period was a summary for the Ottawa Senators offense all season: Plenty of chances, but no goals to show for it. Corey Perry scored the Anaheim Ducks' only goal in regulation, but that didn't break the Senators' hearts. The second frame was Ottawa's best, as they held the Ducks to only three shots and Mike Fisher scored Ottawa's lone goal of the night. In the third, Brian Elliott -- who had only faced 13 shots in the first 40 minutes -- put us at ease by making many game-saving stops. The game went to overtime and then the shootout, where Bobby Ryan would break the hearts of everyone at Scotiabank Place.

Sens Hero: Mike Fisher
Ottawa's only goal scorer had a battle tonight with every shooter's worst enemy, the post. As is usually the case, the post won. I didn't count how many times he hit the post, but he did it in overtime and then again in the shootout. Besides that, he had a fantastic game. He had seven shots on goal (more if the post shots were added), and looked fantastic with linemates Nick Foligno and recent call-up Bobby Butler.

Sens Killer: Jonas Hiller
Hiller was a killer; his 39 saves don't tell the story of how much of a pain he was to the offense. Ottawa's effort was at its highest in weeks, and here's Jonas Hiller and his friend the post, blocking everything that comes his way. Don't let the score fool you, Ottawa would have won this game if not for this man!

Sens Hero: Milan Michalek
Milan Michalek, Milan Michalek, Milan Michalek! Where have you been? He may have had only 1 point, but Milan Michalek was alive and on fire. He played on ice more than any forward (21 minutes) and gave his heart and soul out there. His skating was fantastic, his shots were on the mark, and of all the games I've seen Milan Michalek play, this was his finest!

Sens Hero: Brian Elliott
Looks like Elliott was able to put the past behind him, as he played terrific. While he only faced 27 shots, Elliott was the goaltender we needed him to be when we needed him to be it. Brian Elliott's shoulders were wide Tuesday night, he carried the team to shootout, and even though he made one mistake, he still was Ottawa's best player on the ice.

Sens Badass: Mike Carkner

Could Colton Orr be next? Please say yes.

Shot chart:

Game highlights:

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Hey now

Michalek had an assist while falling to the ice!

Trying to be Erik Karlsson's agent since October, 2010.

by Adnan on Jan 18, 2011 11:09 PM EST reply actions

Whoops

Well that makes the game less tagic

Mariners, Senators, Trail Blazers, Seahawks fan that also covers the Ottawa Senators prospects for Silver Seven. All from Sunrise, FL. And I do for you guys! Silver Seven

by Alexander Calloway on Jan 18, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions

When does Michalek not fall when going to the net?

Buying out Kubas since July 2010

by GelatinousMutantCoconut on Jan 18, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

No wonder he has bad knees...

He’s down on them more than Paris Hilton.

Buying out Kubas since July 2010

by GelatinousMutantCoconut on Jan 18, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

He was the victim of a can opener move

I saw that goal and he had an opposing players stick between his legs, the fact that he made that play is amazing and the ref saw nothing and was calling nothing.

by Hockey Playoff Run SensFan on Jan 19, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

Naw he just fell, no stick between the legs

It was a good hard play by Michalek, and a good non-call.

Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em. Cant do it.

by Andrew J on Jan 19, 2011 8:33 PM EST up reply actions

Is it a coincidence that we've seen more effort from our boys since Kovalev has sat

Then we’ve seen since they’ve signed him? He really seems to cast a shadow of apathy on his teams. The first year after he leaves Montreal, they go to the Conference Finals. It’s really time to cut ties…

My line-up going forward would have to be:

Michalek-Regin-Alfredsson
Foligno-Fisher-Shannon
Butler-Kelly-Neil
Winchester-Smith-O’Brien

Gonchar-Karlsson
Kuba-Lee
Campoli-Carkner

With Ruutu and Phillips traded for picks at the deadline.

Buying out Kubas since July 2010

by GelatinousMutantCoconut on Jan 18, 2011 11:40 PM EST reply actions

Butler's best NHL game, without a doubt.

Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.

by DarrenM on Jan 19, 2011 12:41 AM EST reply actions

Butler played solid as did Campoli...

…still Ottawa management, don’t buy fool’s gold and sign Campoli. Better deal him at the deadline for a draft pick. Oh and trade Kuba too, there is a market for him (Columbus?).

Butler needs to go back to ’Bingo. We need him next season not now unless he is guaranteed 2nd or 3rd line minutes and PP time.

Great effort from the ‘SENS’ tonight (god those jerseys are awful, glad we get new ones next year). But we have zero players who can score in OT or the SO.

by Czar123 on Jan 19, 2011 1:42 AM EST reply actions

I’d like Campoli next year. I don’t think you’ll get a very high pick for him and he’s been a solid player all season long. Great 5th defenseman.

Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.

by DarrenM on Jan 19, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

i agree

Campoli was made the goat for one bad game, imo, but otherwise he’s been one of our more consistent/reliable d-men all season. And he’s cheap. Sometimes it actually makes sense to hold onto assets.

by west-sider on Jan 19, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

I'm with you, too

Although it depends what he asks for. It’s obvious that his $1.4M salary this year was based on an expectation of more production, but it hasn’t materialized; the team will ask him to stay at that as a maximum, and will probably want him to come down. He’s certainly not worth twice as much as Carkner, as they’re about even defensively, and Carkner’s physicality is more worthwhile than Campoli’s offence.

An Ottawa Senators fan blogging at www.silversevensens.com

by Peter Raaymakers on Jan 19, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions

We're never gonna win again. :(

Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.

@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard

by Bloggy on Jan 19, 2011 7:00 AM EST reply actions

I liked the effort I saw..

I LOVED watching Mihalek play yesterday… he is stepping up and it’s great to see! As for Butler! What a game from him, it is definitely his best NHL showing so far. These things are getting my excited for next season… yeah next season :(

I hope they beat the Habs on Friday! My sister is going to the game with her Habs-die-hard boyfriend… and it would be great if they could kick Habs ass.

At least Federer won earlier today! Wooooo .. in five sets though :s

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jan 19, 2011 9:08 AM EST reply actions

Haha you like Federer too?

He had never beaten Simon before (0-2) so I was worried it might be tough. Glad he came through though! The final is obviously on a weekend, but I might take a day off to stay up all night and watch the semifinal (assuming he makes it of course).

Also, Michalek was great again, it’s good to see. He just seems to blow by people on speed lately, and has had one or two lovely dekes too. If only he could work on finishing though…

Trying to be Erik Karlsson's agent since October, 2010.

by Adnan on Jan 19, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

One thing at a time! Mihalek is gaining his speed and his puck skills, which is good.

His finishing will follow.

As for Federer! I love him!! I am huge fan. I stay up for the Australian Open every year on the weekends… it’s great. I grew up as a futbol and tennis fan, whereas hockey and NFL followed recently. Yeah I know he hadn’t beaten him, but I was hoping he would go under 5 sets, but hey a win is a win!

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jan 19, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Why do I keep spelling his name wrong! *Michalek... geez

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jan 19, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

It was a tough draw for him

World #34 in the 2nd round, but yeah win is a win. I love tennis (and Federer) too. I have been watching it forever, my first favourite player was Boris Becker way back in the day. Plus, while I love hockey and all, my lack of skating ability means tennis is the only sport I actually play, hah!

Hopefully everything goes to plan and Federer/Nadal in the final, with Roger winning of course. :D

Trying to be Erik Karlsson's agent since October, 2010.

by Adnan on Jan 19, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

If you’re a tennis fan read Andre Agassi’s autobiography “Open.” It’s a really good read.

by The Tif on Jan 19, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah I have heard of it but...

I won’t read it because it will profit him. It was a clear cash grab to admit he took drugs in his book, now that it is too late to punish him. But of course it makes massive headlines and helps his sales.

Trying to be Erik Karlsson's agent since October, 2010.

by Adnan on Jan 19, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

I borrowed it from the Ottawa Public Library. :)

by The Tif on Jan 19, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

The book is a lot more about his childhood (being raised to be a #1 ranked tennis player) and life as a famous tennis player. That is the focus and most interesting part. The drug thing was a part of his life (admittedly a small/stupid part) and a tiny part of the book. give it a chance if you like tennis.

by billshabsriders on Jan 19, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

I was a Sampras fan when I was kid!!!

Awwwwwwwwwwww the good old days!

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jan 19, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

Lady to me on the train this morning

“Nice tuque”. My tuque being a Sens one of course, woo! Now if only women under 50 would stare at me, I would be set!

Trying to be Erik Karlsson's agent since October, 2010.

by Adnan on Jan 19, 2011 9:28 AM EST reply actions

hahahaha awesome!

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jan 19, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

Lots of discussion on Karlsson as shoutout choice on the radio

I have a thought on Karlsson being in the shootout. Seems to me this team has switched from making the playoffs to evaluating talent mode. Karlsson is an elite puck handler who will only get better. What better time to introduce him to the pressure of a shootout than in games that don’t matter. Who knows he might become a sure thing next year.

by Hockey Playoff Run SensFan on Jan 19, 2011 10:47 AM EST reply actions