After what was a game to forget on Monday night, the Senators took to the ice again on Wednesday in hopes of finding any improvement in their game.
That they… sort of did? I’m trying here, okay?
The Senators once again hit a brick wall after Josh Norris tied the game in the first. Except, this game is what we fans have been screaming from rooftops for since the start of the season. Losing games, but make it sexy by playing the young core of this team!
Most impressive player of the game: The first line
It’s no secret that the Senators’ first line has been a treat to watch this season, and I’m not going to pick favourites for this one. All three players are going to be nominated for this award today.
Not only are they fun to watch, this line knows how to drive puck possession and maintain pressure in the offensive zone. Last night alone, the first line was a 60% CF when the game wrapped up. The next closest line was at 54%, but Tkachuk-Norris-Batherson took the cake on this one easily.
Even if the Sens aren’t playing great, that line has something about it that flourishes the second they get on the ice. When the other three lines are stuck in the mud, you can count on the Chuck Norris to flip the script around and create some high danger chances in the offensive zone. While they weren’t on the ice for any goals for or against last night, their xGF% was 75.64 (!!!).
There hasn’t been a ton of things Sens fans have been able to appreciate this year, but watching that first line on a nightly basis has helped.. even if it’s been minimal help.
Grade: A
Least impressive player of the game: Mike Reilly, 0G, 0A, 20:25 TOI
Unfortunately, this one was easy to choose after last night.
Mike Reilly looked off all night long and was on the ice for three of the Canucks’ goals. From turnovers in his end, and falling near the boards and creating havoc in the Senators’ end, it’ll definitely be one to forget for Reilly. To be honest, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he’s scratched for tonight’s game.
It’s a shame because if you ask me, I haven’t minded Reilly so far this season before whatever that was on Wednesday. His play on the J.T. Miller goal is really hard to understand what exactly was going on there. He attempts a solo zone exit, and he gets spun by a forecheck before he even reaches his blue line. From there, it’s all downhill and he’s way behind the way to even do anything. All he can do is dive which is essentially what he did.
As I mentioned, I would expect Reilly to be scratched for tonight’s game. Who draws in? Let’s see what D.J. Smith decides to go with tonight. Don’t forget about Christian Wolanin leaving the game yesterday with a lower-body injury too. It’ll be interesting to see what happens tonight. PLEASE GET A WIN.
Grade: D
