Three Stars of Week 25: Duclair Dominates

We all get a star for beating the Leafs.

The Senators came out on top in their three games this week. They blanked the Buffalo Sabres 4-0, and once again beat the “Cup-contender” Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. A 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers was the lone blemish on their record, so all-in-all, pretty good week in SensLand.

The team is playing better they have in months, and they were plenty of notable performances, so here are the Ottawa Senators’ Three Stars of Week 25.

Three Stars

  1. Anthony Duclair - The former Blue Jacket came in at #3 last week, but he was far and away their best performer of the past seven days. Duclair tallied 3G and 2A in the week that was, and led the charge offensively in the tremendously satisfying win over Toronto. He sealed the game with an empty-netter, but it was his bullet of a one-timer that opened the scoring. The 23 year-old also voiced his desire to stay in Ottawa, so hopefully his wishes come true.
  2. Magnus Paajarvi - Two words: Leaf. Killer. The former second overall draft selection had another solid week in a contract year, with 2G and 1A, with a two-point night against the Leafs. It was a gorgeous passing-play against the Sabres, however, that was one of the highlights of the week. I will not, however, be advocating for a contract extension here.
  3. Brian Gibbons - Last week’s First Star was held pointless against the Maple Leafs, but still turned in a hell of an effort. Back-to-back two-point games against the Sabres and Panthers brought his total to four on the week, and it was Saturday night that ended a four-game point streak. He now has 12 points in his first 16 games as an Ottawa Senator, and has remained a fixture on this list. It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of him this summer.

Trending Up:

  • Brady Tkachuk turned in another solid week, with his 20th goal of the season against Florida, and a two-point night against the Leafs. It’s super cool to see a 19 year-old be the leader of the team. Depressing, but cool.
  • Thomas Chabot is looking like himself again, with another three points this week. /

Trending Down:

  • Mikkel Boedker was a healthy scratch against the Leafs, and deservedly so. His last point game on March 16th, and he just hasn’t looked like an NHL player since coming to Ottawa. That Hoffman trade looks worse every day./

Who to Watch:

  • Rudolfs Balcers broke a nine-game goalless skid against Buffalo, and remains solid in the offensive zone. The Senators might have something here./

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