Sens give up early lead, lose 5-2 to Flames
The first period opened with the Flames being the far better team, racking up seven shots before the Senators had their first. However, the Senators ended the period up 2-1 thanks in large part to stellar goaltending from Robin Lehner, who made some incredible highlight-reel saves. In fact, the only goal that went in on him that period was a puck that bounced in off a Calgary forward after Lehner made a save. Ottawa's goals that period were a beautiful top-corner snipe from Chris Kelly and a Chris Campoli point shot.
The second period was all Flames, as they popped in two goals -- the first a powerplay marker where Lehner overcommitted and gave Olli Jokinen and easy goal, while Curtis Glencross got a breakaway goal after Matt Carkner was trying to intercept the breakaway pass (but failed). The third period was more of the same, with the Flames putting up two more powerplay goals and the Senators looking increasingly lost as the game went by.
Sens Killer: Anton Babchuk
Babchuk was a rock for the Flames tonight, putting up a goal, two assists, and blocking six shots. Just a great all around effort from him tonight.
Sens Killer: Penalties/Penalty Kill
The Senators took a number of undisciplined penalties tonight, which were evident on the score sheet -- 5 powerplays for the Flames, 3 powerplay goals. The Senators' PK was unable to get bodies out of the front of Robin Lehner, and let the Flames walk all over them.
Sens Killer: Tim Jackman
A two goal night from a guy who has 20 goals in 247 games.
Notable Stats:
Every Senators goal scorer was named Chris.
Ryan Shannon finished the game +1, making him even on the season. He's the only Senator with more than 20 games this season to have a +/- that is not negative.
Peter Regin had a team low 8:08 time-on-ice tonight, with zero powerplay time.
Chris Kelly's goal was his 12th on the season, only three less than his career high of 15. Considering how awful his entire team has been (and that he still doesn't get PP time), that's very impressive.
Bobby Butler is still pointless in 11 NHL games.
Highlights: