Ottawa Senators- 2, Columbus Blue Jackets- 1

So I was fortunate enough to attend the game this time around, and even more fortunate that the Sens pulled out the win.

I think one of the biggest things to take away from the game was that the Ottawa Senators are showing some incredible resiliency and tenacity. Considering the number of players they’re now missing (especially key players), and that they played 2 games in as many nights, the team is showing a willingness to win and do the right things to get there.

The officiating was pretty suspect again for the game (more on that later), but the Senators still found a way to pull this one out. Considering the amount of goals that Columbus usually allows, it was kind of weird to only see a 2-1 final. But chalk it up to both teams playing cautiously smart hockey for 60 minutes. Ottawa just played smarter.

So with that, here’s last night’s Classy, Non-Classy, and Could-Have-Been-Classier.

The Classy

As with any win, there’s lots that I can throw in here. As you may recall, I kind of called Spezza out for the Could-Have-Been-Classier after the last game. I promised him that if he did indeed begin to shoot more, he could expect some praise and be added to the Classy. So I’m not going to disappoint. Jason Spezza: You are Classy. Particularly when you shoot the puck. I’m pretty sure I heard the net whimper when that shot hit. Well done sir.

Honourable mention does go to Jesse Winchester. Ever since his rehab stint in the AHL, he’s been itching to make an impact. Whether he’s playing 6 minutes or 10 minutes a game, Winnie seems to make an difference on the ice. He’s fast, strong, has great hockey sense, and he seems to just make the right plays. Keep it up.

As well, Brian Elliott demonstrated again that the future is bright in Ottawa’s goal.

Non-Classy

As I had a chance to watch the game live, I really didn’t get to experience the verbal suck that Pierre McGuire seemed to be espousing all night. But I did read my Twitter. So Pierre McGuire, for all intents and purposes, and by majority rule, you were Non-Classy.

Could-Have-Been-Classier

This one is going to have to go to the refereeing. And before people jump on me for that last comment, yes, I am well aware that Dave Jackson blew both his ACL and his MCL with that solid takedown from Rick Nash. And yes, I know there was only one referee for the rest of the game. But come on. I texted my buddy Charly during the game about this very topic, and here’s what I got:

Tambland- “It’d be hard to call a game fairly when you’re only used to looking one way.”
Charly- “So he can pretend he’s crossing the street then…no excuses.”

Again, I don’t want to take away from the fact that the referee was having to do twice the work, but Charly has it right. No excuses. These are professionals, but yet we continue to talk about how bad the refereeing has been this season. So refs, get Classier.

- –

Next up for the now rolling Senators is the Boston Bruins. It looks like Boston might be waking up from their slumber, but Ottawa shouldn’t be counted out like they would have in the beginning of the season. Interdivision matchups are always a blast, and with the implication this game could have for the Eastern Conference standings, I expect a few fireworks. It’s just too bad Neil isn’t in the lineup to rematch with Lucic. But Matt Carkner is always good to go, right?

Stay classy new movie title: “How Senators Got Their Groove Back”.

Follow Tambland on Twitter or be a Stayclassy.net fan on Facebook.

• Previous Entry: Is Tomas Plekanec really that good?
• Next Entry: November update: The top NHL rookies of 2009-2010