The Ottawa Senators showed no signs of fatigue as they played their 2nd game in as many nights holding off the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 4-3 victory.
The Ottawa Senators didn’t take long to set the tone. Two minutes into the game Mike Hoffman scores his 16th goal of the season to lead the league in goals for rookies. Then its Hoffman drawing the assist as Erik Karlsson makes it 2-0 Ottawa. The Senators showing no sympathy as Mika Zibanejad rounds out of the scoring in the 1st period giving Ottawa a 3-0 lead after one period.
The Leafs finally get on the board in the 2nd period as David Clarkson beats Craig Anderson with the bouncing puck. It’s the Leafs 3rd goal in their last 6 games.
Early in the 3rd period, the Leafs come alive on the power play as Nazem Kadri takes the shot, Clarkson redirects it between Anderson’s legs to trail 3-2.
With 4 minutes left in regulation, the Senators get some breathing room as Karlsson fires the onetimer for his 2nd goal of the night. The Leafs make it close as James Van Riemsdyk pulls Toronto to within one. The Senators hold onto win 4-3.
The Leafs have just 3 wins in their last 17 games. It’s their worst stretch in 25 years.
The Senators now enjoy a week off with the NHL’s All Star break. The Senators return to action next Thursday when they host Jason Spezza and the Dallas Stars.
