A total of 3 goals were produced on 73 shots Thursday between the Ottawa Senators and host Florida Panthers, indicative of offensive struggles both clubs have endured for considerable time.
It truly was a twenty-minute affair; very little to write home about through the first two periods beyond a barrage of penalties – six in the opening 13 minutes – slowing the pace to a crawl until the final frame, when everyone involved apparently realized a game was up for grabs to whomever chose to take it.
Sens’ defenseman – and leading scorer – Erik Karlsson decided he’d seen enough, banging in two quick goals in a span of 3:38, the second on a power play as Mike Santorelli sat following a hooking call.
Craig Anderson was everything we in South Florida know him to be when he’s in top form: 33 saves – 15 in the third period – were enough to give the UFA-to-be his sixth win in nine games for Ottawa. He’s allowed 1 goal or less in seven of those starts. Incredible.
At the other end, Tomas Vokoun was his generally reliable self, allowing a scant 2 goals on 39 shots with the only offensive support coming from the hands of defenseman Clay Wilson‘s second of the year. Taken a look at his numbers this season? 5 games, 2g, +2, 3 hits, 4 blocked shots, 8 SOG.
Notes: Assists (OTT) – Filip Kuba, Nick Foligno, Bobby Butler, Sergei Gonchar; (FLA) – Niclas Bergfors, Michal Repik. Jason Garrison led in TOI (23:09) and hits (4…not a good sign). Karlsson had 10 SOG; Mike Santorelli had 1. Stephen Weiss went 10-7 on faceoffs. More from Silver Seven here.
Next up: Tampa Bay on Saturday; Live Game Thread at 6:30 (this will be another “road trip” thread with Raw Charge; details to follow).
Also: Injured Florida center Shawn Matthias will be at Slainte Irish Pub in Boynton Beach today for a St. Baldrick’s fundraising event at 7 pm. Further details from the club here.