The Ottawa Senators went into Brooklyn having recently broken a three-game losing streak. In a game where there were several offensive chances off turnovers from both sides, it was the Senators that were able to capitalize on their chances and score timely goals. Even when the Islanders managed to erase a two-goal deficit in the second period, the Senators were able to respond quickly and regain the lead. They would not look back at that point, winning the game 6-2.
First Period
The Ottawa Senators were able to capitalize on the Islanders’ first big mistake, as Dennis Seidenberg could not control the bounce when he tried to bring the puck down low in the offensive zone. The Senators turned that into a 3-on-1 opportunity as the line of Ryan Dzingel, Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan skated down the ice and set up a play that resulted in the puck bouncing off Ryan’s wrist into the net. That goal would open up the game 1-0 for the Senators, with Ryan scoring in his third straight game.
Andrew Hammond’s bad luck would continue, as during a play with plenty of traffic in front of his net, it appeared that he rolled his knee the wrong way. It may be the same spot that he hurt himself last time, severe enough that he would need to leave the game. Mike Condon would come in to take Hammond’s place.
Ottawa would increase its lead to 2-0 after effectively protecting the puck down low behind the net. Mark Stone would find himself at the blue line as Erik Karlsson set him up for the one-time shot. Stone’s shot would deflect off of Zack Smith’s stick and into the net, resulting in the latter’s sixth goal of the season.
The period began slowly as it seemed that both teams were getting feel for each other. Both sides showed their inhibition to block shots and shut things down during the first half of the period. The game would open up during the period’s latter half with turnovers by both teams, but it would be the Senators who capitalized on their chances going into the intermission with two goals.
Second Period
Ottawa would receive some good news, as Andrew Hammond sat at the road team’s backup goaltender’s seat to start the second period. The Senators would decide to keep Condon in the crease, but it was fortunate that the injury was not as serious as originally thought.
The Islanders would finally convert a forced turnover early in the second, as Josh Bailey would intercept a pass off a Senators won faceoff, setting up Anders Lee to put it above and past Mike Condon.
Both teams continued to trade chances, with turnovers being the story of the game. A stretch pass from Travis Hamonic would reach Anthony Beauvillier, springing him on the breakaway and he would snipe it blocker-side off the post and in past Condon to tie the game.
Ottawa took advantage of the Islanders’ weak special teams units as they wasted little time their second power-play opportunity with Stone pouncing on the rebound off of a Karlsson point shot to put the Sens back in front.
Third Period
The Islanders came really close to tying the game, as John Tavares was able to split the Ottawa defence and ring the puck off the crossbar. The referee had mistaken the shot for a goal, though video review made it clear that it did not go in.
The result of that would take a turn for the worse for New York, as Ottawa would increase the lead to 4-2 as Derick Brassard found a floating puck and slid it past goaltender Berube. That goal seemed to silence the home crowd as there was no energy left in the building.
The Islanders would try to go all in when Curtis Lazar took a penalty late in the third. Although their power play had a few good looks at first, Ottawa’s penalty kill unit took over. Islanders head coach Jack Capuano would pull the goalie, perhaps a little too early, as Zack Smith shot it into the empty net.
The Senators would be allowed to run up the scoreboard, as they went to the penalty kill again, making the Islanders pull their goalie once again. They would kill the penalty off and Tom Pyatt scored into the empty net make the game all but won for Ottawa.
Scoring Summary
FIRST PERIOD
OTT – Bobby Ryan (6) assisted by Kyle Turris (9) & Ryan Dzingel (11)
OTT – Zack Smith (6) assisted by Mark Stone (15) & Erik Karlsson (22)
SECOND PERIOD
NYI – Anders Lee (10) assisted by Josh Bailey (13)
NYI – Anthony Beauvillier (3) assisted by Travis Hamonic (8)
OTT – Mark Stone (10) PPG assisted by Erik Karlsson (23) & Dion Phaneuf (9)
THIRD PERIOD
OTT – Derick Brassard (6) assisted by Mark Stone (16) & Zack Smith (6)
OTT – Zack Smith (7) EN unassisted
OTT – Tom Pyatt (3) EN assisted by Chris Kelly (5)
THW Three Stars
First: Mark Stone (game-winning goal, 2 assists, 4 SOG)
Second: Zack Smith (2 goals, 1 assist)
Third: Erik Karlsson (2 assists, 22:38 TOI)
NEXT UP
Ottawa Senators at Chicago Blackhawks
United Center – 8:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 20
Broadcast channels: CSN-CH, TSN5
2016-17 Season Series: first match-up of the season