Senators Three Stars of the Week: Week 4
The Sens saw some excellent performances from a few surprising faces.
It was another frustrating week for the Ottawa Senators. While the team may have managed to take home four points out of a possible six, they were badly outshot in two games, lost two more shootouts, and very nearly blew an early three goal lead against the Philadelphia Flyers. The week was entertaining, sure, but I think most of us would be happy with a return to boring hockey if that means the team plays a little better.
Still, we shouldn’t be too down on the team just yet. The Sens have had terrible luck with injuries so far, and though losing in the shootout is the cheapest and least satisfying way to lose, it’s still a lot better than losing in regulation. Thanks to all those loser points, we’re now second in the division, ahead of the “Stanley Cup favourites” (just picture me rolling my eyes here), the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Three Stars
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The centreman was in playoff mode this week, with a total of four assists and a goal. Considering how many injuries the Sens have at forward right now, it’s nice to see one of the bottom six guys stepping up.
- Tom Pyatt. Speaking of players low on the depth chart playing well, Pyatt has had an excellent week, with a goal and an assist on top of a shootout goal that unfortunately didn’t lead to win. He also generally looked very good on Pageau’s line throughout the week.
- Erik Karlsson. The captain slowed down a bit compared to last week, but was still the best player on the ice. We missed him.
Trending Up
Chris DiDomenico. This week was generally a big one for the guys you wouldn’t necessarily expect to shine. The rookie picked up his first NHL point, along with Filip Chlapik.
Dion Phaneuf. The defenseman quietly racked up two goals and an assist over the course of the week.
Mike Hoffman. Two goals and two assists for the Hoff. Just business as usual.
Mark Stone. His best moment was a well-timed goal against Philadelphia that kept the game under control and righted a rapidly sinking ship. He was also great the rest of the time, as he usually is.
Mark Borowiecki continues to be… surprisingly good?
Trending Down
Derick Brassard wasn’t bad, but he certainly wasn’t as impressive in these last three games as he was during the first few weeks of the season.
But you know what gets a giant zero for this week, and this entire season so far? The Sens’ ability to hold a lead. That’s right. Not even a “trending down.” I’m not pulling any punches. It was hot garbage. Please, please fix it. My heart can’t take any more of this.
Who to watch this week
I know I gave Jean-Gabriel Pageau the first star this week, but he’s playing the Habs tonight and you all know what that means.