Erik Condra's first NHL goals lead Senators to 4-1 win over Flyers
This one looked like it was going to be ugly. Ottawa finished the first period down 1-0 and behind 15-3 in shots to a dominant Philadelphia Flyers team. However, the second period saw a complete reversal of fortunes, with Ottawa putting up 14 shots to Philly's 8, and scoring two goals to take a 2-1 lead. Ottawa's first was a powerplay goal by Nick Foligno, who used a great individual effort to beat a couple of Flyers and roof the puck top-shelf. Erik Condra then got his first career NHL goal off a great feed from Ryan Shannon.
From that point on, it was all Senators, as Chris Phillips picked up his first goal of the year on a lucky shot from the point and Eirk Condra picked up his second career goal by tipping in an Erik Karlsson point shot. That's right, the Senators beat the Eastern Conference's first place team 4-1 on the second night of back-to-back games. Unreal.
Sens Hero: Craig Anderson
It's becoming a common refrain to name Anderson a Sens Hero, but this guy was the difference tonight. Had he not kept Ottawa in it early with his stellar goaltending, the game would've been out of reach by the end of the first. Instead, Anderson kept the game close until the Senators were able to get a few on the board and get their confidence rolling. Anderson made 30 stops on the night.
Sens Hero: Erik Condra
What a night for the recent AHL call-up, who had a team-high five shots and picked up his first two career NHL goals in the same game. Condra now has 4 points in 6 NHL games, which is certainly impressive. He also played 21:38 tonight, second only to Jason Spezza among Senators forwards.
Sens Hero: Chris Phillips
Phillips got his first goal of the season, was +2, blocked a game-high 4 shots, and was not on the ice for a goal against (despite lining up against the other team's top lines, as usual). The highlight of the night, for sure, was seeing Phillips' huge grin and fist pump upon getting that goal. Great night for a guy who has a lot on his mind right now.
Sens Hero: Ryan Shannon
Shannon used his speed extremely effectively against the Flyers tonight, and notched two assists, including his beautiful set up on Condra's first goal.
Injury Woes: Milan Michalek
Michalek took a shot to the foot in the second period and left the game. With Michalek out in the third, Ottawa had a line-up with only 3 forwards who started the season in the NHL (Spezza, Shannon, Foligno). Hopefully it's nothing serious and Michalek can join the team again next game.
Do It For Daron
Tonight was Do It For Daron night at Scotiabank Place, in memory of Luke Richardson's daughter. Both teams had DIFD stickers on their helmets, and the head coaches wore purple ties in recognition. There was plenty of purple in the crowd to support the cause, too (including a box filled with Do It For Daron supporters), and the night raised over $200,000 for mental health.
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