Last night’s game was a bit like… well, the other two Tampa Bay Lightning games we’ve seen in the last month, but mixed. The Ottawa Senators didn’t dominate the Lightning 7-1 like they did on October 15th and they weren’t dominated like the 5-2 drubbing from the Bolts last week. And I’m pretty sure Steve Stamkos has scored in all three Sens/Bolts games.
Coming off a four day break since their last game (a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers), the Senators got off to a bit of a slow start. Getting doubled in shots and taking three penalties in the first period isn’t a great start. The third period was a bit weird too, with two goals called back late in the game (although the Kelly tip was pretty hard to argue). The Senators pulled out a pretty clutch win on a Jason Spezza powerplay goal to earn the two points, pushing their record to 7-4-2. Strangely, I expected a bit more bad blood between these two teams but the game felt hollow at times, especially with Chris Neil’s huge hit on Victor Hedman.
But anyways, without further delay, here are the Classy, Non-Classy and Could-Have-Been-Classier from last night’s game.
The Classy
Without a doubt, this one goes to star center Jason Spezza. Fresh off his upper body injury which saw him miss two games (Lightning and Thrashers), Spezza returned in a very big way. Setting up the 2nd period Mike Fisher powerplay goal with a great cross-ice saucer pass to Alex Kovalev (who passed it to Fisher) was something only few playmakers in the NHL can do. However, this one-upped by his game winning goal. Spezza’s slapshot from the top of the faceoff circle on the Senators 4-on-3 overtime powerplay was an absolute rocket. Lightning goalie Antero Nittymaki stood no chance on the shot. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’s still trying to find the puck. Nice to see Spezza’s first goal this season be such a big one for the team.
An honorable mention goes to the speed of Milan Michalek. As each game goes by, I’m becoming more and more impressed with his speed and hockey smarts. He reads the play so well and always gets himself in the right places on the ice.
The Non-Classy
A few things come to mind here and we’ve discussed this before, but how about the ridiculous NHL schedule? Ottawa Senators fans will go from one or two games per week to one every other night in November and December. The Ottawa Senators have already had three series of three days off or more between games in this young season. What’s up with that? A little consistency never hurt anyone. Just sayin’.
Could-Have-Been-Classier
Zenon Konopka. Yeah, I know – who?? Seriously, this guy makes me laugh. He definitely could have been classier in his post game remarks suggesting Chris Neil should be disciplined for his hit on Victor Hedman. Konopka enlightened his media audience that if he were the NHL commissioner, punishment would be handed out to Neil. Konopka suggested Neil’s hit had bad taste as a result of the devastating OHL hit from last weekend. In the same sentence, Konopka admitted he’d be making significantly more money if he were the commissioner… Classy.
In a response to Konopka’s comments, this is what Chris Neil had to say of his big hit to Hedman:
“I think it was a clean hit; I didn’t leave my feet. Even if I did leave my feet, I probably still wouldn’t of hit him in the head – he’s like 8 feet tall.”
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Next up, the Senators host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. This marks the first time this season the two clubs play each other. It should be noted the Devils are a perfect 7-0 on the road this season.
Stay classy, clutch scoring-big hitting Ottawa Senators.
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I was at the game andI couldnt have dreamed up a better game than watching Spezza score his first goal of the season and in OT too :D
Also that Neil hit was absolutely rockin and there was nothing dirty about it. Also for Classy I’d say Hedman for saying it was a clean hit and he holds no grudge against Neiler.
And what the hell was up with the officiating!!