Spezza hat trick leads Senators to 4-0 win over Lightning

Erik Karlsson scored just 64 seconds after the opening face-off from an incredible Jason Spezza pass and Ottawa never looked back. The Senators would take a 1-0 lead into the intermission after some great play from Craig Anderson, including a flashy pad-stack. The shots were 10-7 Tampa Bay at the intermission while the scoring chances were 5-2 for the Lightning.

The Senators started the second period well with Ottawa getting the first six shots on net. However, after that the Lightning wouldn't allow another shot for over 12 minutes. The Senators would keep the lead during that drought thanks to Craig Anderson and then struck on the power play on a Jason Spezza slapshot. Shots were 11-11 in the second period and scoring chances were also even at 6-6 but the score was 2-0.

Ottawa had blown some third period leads recently, but this time they shut it down very well in the final frame. Tampa Bay would only get seven shots in the third and although Kyle Turris failed to ice the game on a penalty shot, Spezza made no mistake shortly after to make it 3-0 with 7:23 left. Ottawa's leading scorer would complete his hat trick with an empty net goal at the 18:58 mark.

The game was evenly played with shots 28-27 for Tampa Bay and scoring chances 18-16 for Tampa Bay. The Senators were able to capitalise on their chances but did not sit back and continued to pressure for the most part. It was certainly great to see Ottawa score early in the game and play with the lead for almost the entire game.

Sens Hero: Jason Spezza
The Senators are turning their play around and Jason Spezza has been a big part. His three goals and an assist tonight brought his total to 10 points in the last four games. He is also back above a point a game with 60 points in 59 games.

Sens Hero: Craig Anderson
Anderson hadn't played well recently but came up with the saves tonight, some of the spectacular variety. His second shutout of the season brought his goals against average under 3 once more.

Sens Hero: Erik Karlsson
Though Karlsson had two points, including the game's opening goal, he didn't create too much tonight. However, going up against Steven Stamkos and coming out even on the scoring chances (4-4) was a great defensive performance from Karlsson. As usual, he led all Senators with 25:02 of ice time and the two points didn't hurt either. He's 13 points ahead of the next closest defenceman and on pace to finish with 73 points in 81 games.

Shot Chart

Game Highlights