Senators playoff push takes a big hit falling to Bruins

The Ottawa Senators push for the playoffs took a big hit tonight as the Senators lost 3-1 to the Bruins. Kanata’s Ryan Spooner played a big role in the Bruins victory, scoring two goals.

The Senators entered the game having won eight of their last nine games. They trailed the Bruins by 5 points for the final playoff spot in the East. Craig Anderson started his 2^nd straight game, since returning from injury. The game would be scoreless after one period with the shots even by both teams at 8 shots a piece.

A three goal 2^nd period would be the difference for the Bruins. Just a minute into the 2^nd period the Bruins open the scoring on the power play as Kanata’s Ryan Spooner beats Anderson with a screen shot, extending his point streak to 6 games.  

The Bruins respond with 2 more goals in the span of one and a half minutes. Louis Eriksson makes it 2-0. Spooner scores his 2^nd goal of the game for a 3-0 lead. Despite the Senators outshooting the Bruins 21-10 and hitting 3 posts, the Senators come up empty after two periods trailing 3-0.

Midway in the 3^rd period, the Senators get on the board as Matt Puempel scores his first career NHL goal to trail 3-1.

The Bruins hold onto win 3-1 despite being outshot 40-22. It’s a devastating loss for the Senators as they fall 7 points back of Boston for the 8^th and final playoff spot in the East.

The Senators next visit Montreal Thursday.

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  Ottawa Senators' Bobby Ryan slams into the net as Boston Bruins' Tuukka Rask makes a save and teammate Dougie Hamilton slides on his knees during first period NHL hockey action in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. the Sens fell to the Bruins 3-1. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Ottawa Senators' Craig Anderson looks to the ice as he takes on the Boston Bruins during second period NHL hockey action in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Boston Bruins' Dougie Hamilton, back skates towards teammate Loui Eriksson to congratulate him on his game winning goal during second period NHL hockey action in Ottawa on Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2015. The Bruins defeated the Sens 3-1. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)