Senators win third straight Battle of Ontario with 3-2 victory over Leafs
The Senators came into this game looking as flat as they did in their awful game against Winnipeg last night, and it looked like things could be pretty grim for the Sens. Craig Anderson letting in a soft goal just 7 minutes into the game didn't help matters, and when the Senators went down 2-0 late in the first while being badly outplayed, it looked like it might be a long one. However, Daniel Alfredsson managed to tap in a goal with just seven second remaining in the first period, keeping the Senators in the game and getting the first of three unanswered goals for the Senators.
The second period was again dominated by the Leafs: by the end of the first two periods, the Leafs had outshot the Senators 31-15. Craig Anderson was putting up yet another outstanding performance, standing on his head to keep the Senators in this one. Just as things were looking their worst for the Senators, Dion Phaneuf decided he was going to instigate a fight with Nick Foligno. The decision went to Foligno, and suddenly the Senators had new life. A scramble in front of the Leaf net saw the puck deflect off Kaspars Daugavins' skate, then Jason Spezza's stick, and then find its way into the net. Tie game. The Senators ended up controlling the bulk of the play in the third period, with Kyle Turris making it 3-2 with what would go on to be the game winner.
Let's be honest -- the Senators did not deserve to walk away with the win, and it was a combination of luck and Craig Anderson that got them out with 2 points, while the Leafs left without any. The Senators were out-shot 39-21 and out-chanced 28-11 by the Leafs. They can't expect to continue to win if they play like they did tonight, but these are two more big points from the Battle of Ontario that the Senators are more than happy to take.
Sens Hero: Kyle Turris
Turris seems to get better with each game, and tonight was one of his finest performances. He had an assist on the first goal, and he scored the game winner -- and absolutely beautiful snipe that was perfectly placed in the top glove-side corner. Turris now has 11 points in 15 games with the Senators, and the Sens are 11-2-2 since acquiring him.
Sens Hero: Craig Anderson
The Senators won a game they had no business winning because Craig Anderson stood on his head this game. Sure, he let in a weak goal to start the game, but he had no chance on the second goal and shut the door after the first period. He made 37 saves on the night -- a number of them difficult -- and I hope that someone on the Senators buys him dinner tomorrow.
Sens Hero: Daniel Alfredsson
There's no doubt that a lot of Turris' success has come from this man, as Daniel Alfredsson continued his recent torrid pace with another goal and an assist. He also made countless great plays in the team's defensive zone, leading all forwards with a +2 on the night. A great night for the surprisingly young looking captain.
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