Senators Finish Off Vancouver Trip with a 6-2 Win

The Ottawa Senators played their second of back-to-back games against the Vancouver Canucks with a roster featuring some exciting names including Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk and Logan Brown. There were some nerves coming into this game after the questionable hit by Chris Tierney on Brock Boeser last game, and many were worried a retaliation hit would be in store.

The Senators started the game sloppily, allowing the Canucks to capitalize on some terrible plays from the veterans. The game settled down a bit until Sven Baertschi made it 2-0 but this time, Connor Brown responded quickly and got one back for the Sens with a laser shot. It was a bit of a tough period for Ron Hainsey.

It didn't take long for Brady Tkachuk to put his mark on the game, he scored the equalizer early in the second after tipping a shot by Cody Coloubef. He was right in front of the net, right where you want Tkachuk to be. Last game, the Canucks PP destroyed the Sens but this game it just seemed to have drained the Canucks. The Sens were pummeled with shots in this period but Anderson did a good job of neutralizing the attack. There were a lot of mistakes being made, but definitely an upbeat tempo by both teams. Chlapik finished off a Borowiecki shot with a gorgeous backhand to give the Sens the lead in a period that saw them being outshot 16-8.

The third period showed some real promise for the Senators special teams. While they were still heavily outshot, Anderson was holding the fort. The Canucks attempts at retaliation may have come through Jay Beagle’s slew foot on Chabot but that ended up giving the Sens a 4-2 lead on a power play goal by none other than Thomas Chabot. Anisimov added a shorthanded goal, and Tkachuk gracefully ended the game with the 6-2 score. Heavily outshot again, but I think everyone will be happy with the result.

Highlights:

Game Thoughts:

• While Anderson saved the game tonight, the team really needs to work on getting their shots against totals down.
• Borowiecki now has 4 assists; a new offensive spark? Is it self found or something to do with the new coaching?
• Speaking of the new coaching staff, maybe it’s just the pre season games but it does seem that the younger players have been given a longer leash to take risks and make mistakes which could mean an extremely entertaining season to come.
• Logan Brown may finally have the season he’s been yearning for, Tkachuk may have a lot to do with it.
• Even on bad nights, there seems to be a huge difference in how the special teams look. Let’s hope it’s a pattern they follow.
• This young team may not win a lot of games, but judging from tonight they may be resilient and not a team that just packs it in after early downfalls. /