The Ottawa Senators had a simple goal tonight. Clear the extremely low bar set by that dreadful game in Carolina, and do so in a big way. Meanwhile, tonight’s opponents, the New Jersey Devils, were determined to keep their recent string of success going, and claw their way back into the playoff race.
The Sens began the game as the slower of the two teams, as the Devils had the lion’s share of puck possession. An early penalty on J.C. Beaudin was killed off thanks to Jean-Gabriel Pageau being an immovable object in the Devils’ end and some sharp goaltending from Craig Anderson.