Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ottawa Senators Look Good After Game 1 Victory
Stanley Cup Playoffs: The Ottawa Senators have surprised everyone, and are looking to go from underdog to contender against the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Ottawa Senators are officially a force to be reckoned with in this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. After finishing both the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins in six games, the Senators stole a road victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins last night to take a 1-0 series lead.
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At this point, it is quite hard to consider the Senators an underdog. They finished second in the Atlantic division, and have proven themselves against stiff Eastern Conference competition.
One of the most noticeable aspects of their success is their completeness. They are performing well in both zones, and have the players to contribute at both ends. Erik Karlsson is solidifying his status as the NHL's best defenseman, and players like Jean-Gabriel Pageau are proving their worth.
Despite a slow start from an offensive perspective, the Senators were able to score an early goal and held on until the third period. The Penguins were able to tie it up with Evgeni Malkin's late third-period goal, but it was simply not enough.
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The Senators outshot the Penguins 26-18 in the final two periods, including a 14-7 third-period performance. Even though the Penguins tied the game, the Senators continued their late-game heroics with another overtime win in Game 1.
Resurgence of Bobby Ryan
The Senators would not be where they are right now without Bobby Ryan's postseason success. The 30-year old winger has returned to form in a big way and has provided clutch performances when called upon.
Last night, after assisting on Pageau's opening goal, Ryan scored the overtime winner.
Ryan has five goals and six assists in 13 playoff games this year. In addition, he has three game-winning goals, including two in overtime. Needless to say, Ryan was always a quality player, especially in the playoffs, but his rebirth this season has the Senators on the brink of a Stanley Cup appearance.
Before his second coming performance in the postseason, Ryan failed to impress during the regular season. He put up just 13 goals and 12 assists in 62 games this year, and was not the game-breaking player the Senators hoped. Nevertheless, Ryan looking like his old self, and is silencing the critics in a big way.
Looking ahead, the Senators already have an upper-hand, with plenty of momentum on their side. The Penguins were a Stanley Cup favorite all season long, but the Senators look poised to put that to rest.
Karlsson is becoming a true leader in the NHL and is carrying a well-rounded team to the promise land. If the Senators can steal Game 2 in Pittsburgh, we could be looking at a new favorite to win the Stanley Cup.
