Craig Anderson was perfect for the Ottawa Senators as their first and fourth lines scored goals to secure a dominant 3-0 win over the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday. This game was sweet redemption for the Senators, who lost 4-2 against the blue shirts earlier this week at Madison Square Garden in New York.
After Thursday’s game, Senators head coach Guy Boucher expressed how pleased he was with his team’s performance.
“The attitude was terrific, the work ethic was terrific, and our discipline was outstanding… this was a total 60 minute of everything we need to do and be.”
With the win, the Senators improve their record to 11-12-3 with 25 points, while the Rangers drop to 13-11-2 and remain at 28 points.
41 for #41
Senators goaltender Craig Anderson made the most of one of the more ‘quiet’ nights he has faced this season. With the Senators averaging an NHL-high 37.8 shots against per game, Anderson faced ‘only’ 27 pucks tonight, and stopped them all. The shut-out was number 41’s first of the 2018-19 season and 41st of his career.
“He deserved that one for sure. He looked really sharp right off the bat, and you could tell he was feeling it tonight. When he has that kind of body language and presence in there, it gives us a lot of confidence in front of him because we know he’s back there for us“, said assistant captain Matt Duchene in reference to his goaltender’s efforts.
While Boucher, Duchene, and others praised Anderson, the game’s second star reflected the praise right back at his teammates.
“It’s a great effort by everyone. The attention to detail was outstanding. We generated plenty of scoring changes, we had some pretty plays down in the offensive zone. Defensively, we were paying the price, doing the little things, making the right plays, making the right reads. It was just outstanding to see everyone clicking tonight.”
On the year, the Park Ridge, Illinois native owns a 10-9-3 record with a 3.69 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.
Strong Start
The Senators picked up right where they left off on Tuesday, after an incredible third period comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3.
Drake Batherson opened the scoring early when he sent home a great passing effort from Matt Duchene and Max Lajoie just 2:06 after the opening face-off against the Rangers.
Ottawa’s offense continued to sizzle throughout the first period, as they buzzed around Henrik Lundqvist and dominated possession in the Rangers zone. Bobby Ryan, Brady Tkachuk, and Thomas Chabot all carried creative offensive rushes that resulted in great scoring chances.
The Senators’ attack struck again at 14:35 of the first when Magnus Paajarvi scored his second of the year. After a marvelous effort by Tom Pyatt to hold the offensive zone, Zack Smith corralled the puck and fed it to a wide-open Paajarvi, who sent a wrist shot top-shelf.
“I don’t think I’ve ever scored on Lundqvist, that was nice“, said a proud Paajarvi after the game. “Our line played pretty good. Smith and Pyatt created a lot and we felt good together“.
Boucher also touted his fourth line’s solid effort and contributions in the win.
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jets
by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
“They had a lot of energy…Paarjarvi’s been snake bitten, I think the boys, every time he’s shooting, they’re are all standing up on the bench for him. But I think just the fact that they give us so much momentum with their work and shutting down the opponent to give them nothing, that’s huge.”
Duchene capped the scoring at three this game when he finished a pretty passing play late in the second period from Batherson and Ryan Dzingel.
No Place Like Home
Contrary to their poor road record of 3-8-1, the Senators are 8-4-2 at home in Canadian Tire Centre this season. Batherson, in particular, has been especially dangerous on home ice. The 20-year-old has recorded all seven points (3G, 4A) in his eight career games at the CTC.
“When you score at home, you get the goal horn going off, you get the motivation, it’s fun playing in front of our fans… I really love playing here“, said Batherson post-game.
This game was Ottawa’s final game in November. It was a busy month for the Senators, who played 15 games in 30 days. Overall, the Sens went a respectable 7-7-1, securing 15 of 30 possible points. The Senators strong home play was evident again this month, with the Sens finishing 5-2-1 in Ottawa, and 2-5-0 away.
Snap Shots
- After collecting an assist in tonight’s game, Dzingel recorded his 100th NHL point. In 214 career games with the Senators, Dzingel has an even split of 50 goals and 50 assists.
- Until 5:12 remaining in the third period, it appeared as though this game was going to be penalty-free. However, that ended when Tony DeAngelo of the Rangers was called for a two-minute minor penalty for roughing.
- Despite New York getting a penalty, Ottawa did not. This was the 12th time in franchise history where the Sens were penalty-free, and the first time since April 9, 2017, against the New York Islanders.
- Over the last two games, Ottawa has scored six consecutive goals and has not allowed a single goal against in four consecutive periods of hockey. Although it’s a small sample size, it is starting to create a sense of growing optimism that Ottawa’s defensive game is beginning to improve.
Official 3 Stars of the Game
- Matt Duchene, Ottawa (1G, 1A)
- Craig Anderson, Ottawa (1 shutout, 0.00 GAA, 1.00 SV%)
- Drake Batherson, Ottawa (1G, 1A, including the Game-Winner)
Up Next
The Senators welcome Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks to Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday, Dec. 1. This is one of the most highly anticipated games of the Senators 2018-19 season, as the former captain and fan favourite makes his first return as a member of an opposing team.
Scoring Summary
Period | Team | Score | Time | Goal | Assists |
1 | Ottawa | 1-0 | 2:06 | Drake Batherson (3) | Matt Duchene (21), Max Lajoie (6) |
1 | Ottawa | 2-0 | 14:35 | Magnus Paajarvi (2) | Zack Smith (6), Tom Pyatt (2) |
2 | Ottawa | 3-0 | 17:00 | Matt Duchene (12) | Drake Batherson (4), Ryan Dzingel (8) |
Cover Photo Credit: Fred Chartrand/The Canadian Press
Billy Morrison covers the Ottawa Senators and the NHL’s Atlantic Division for Full Press Coverage. Follow Billy on Twitter: @BillyMorrison01.

-
Ep 149: Remembering Bud Grant With Former Vikings RB Chuck Foremanby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Former Vikings running back Chuck Foreman joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 148: Hall of Fame Voter John McClain Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Hall of Fame voter John McClain of Gallery Sports returns to the show to […]
-
Inside Bryce Young's Pro Day & his meetings with the Carolina Panthersby LandryFootball.com on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Chris takes you inside Bryce Young's Pro Day at Ohio State as well as his […]
-
Inside CJ Stroud's Pro Day & his meeting with the Panthersby LandryFootball.com on March 24, 2023 at 1:05 pm
Chris takes you inside CJ Stroud's Pro Day at Ohio State as well as his […]
-
Ep 278: The Trade Marchby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 8:02 pm
-
Ep 277: Free Agency March Madnessby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:39 am
-
Ep 276: Franchise Tag 2023by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2023 at 8:28 pm
-
Ep 275: Dynasty Dispersal Draftby Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2023 at 2:06 pm
-
Episode 3.5: "Free Agent Frenzy" w/ Pete Hailey from NBC Sports Washington and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 8:40 pm
George Carmi hosts NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey and Doug McCray on […]
-
Season 3.4: "Winds of Change" with Rick Snider of 106.7 The Fan and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
George Carmi hosts Rick Snider from 106.7 The Fan to discuss the latest […]
-
Full Press Islanders - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The Isles got help yesterday in a massive way with the Pens and Panthers […]
-
Full Press Kraken - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 3:15 pm
Recap the loss to Nashville and look at the playoff picture. Learn more […]
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
Ian and John discuss the Boston Bruins dominance and discuss whether or […]
-
3/22 - World Baseball Classic Was A Classic; Connor McDavid on Hockey Tournamentby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the success of the World Baseball Classic and debate […]
-
3/21 - Aaron Rodgers Latest, World Baseball Classic Talkby Full Press Coverage on March 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Ian and John talk more Aaron Rodgers and the excitement around the World […]
-
3/20 - Aaron Rodgers, Brandin Cooks, Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the latest with Aaron Rodgers, the Brandin Cooks […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jetsby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
-
Full Press MMA - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
-
Thunder at Lakersby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 pm
-
Ep. 230 - NBA Playoff Race Could Come Down To Injuriesby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 9:42 pm
-
Suns at Kingsby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
Bulls at Blazersby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 8:15 pm
-
Sixers at Warriorsby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 7:30 pm
-
Bucks at Jazzby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 6:45 pm
-
Ep. 161: Emporia State University Head Football Coach Garin Higginsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 6:43 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Revolution Reviewby Boot 2 The Face on March 10, 2023 at 12:42 am
AEW Revolution Review, Power Rankings, B2TF of the Week, and […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 215by Boot 2 The Face on March 2, 2023 at 12:50 am
We are back talking Kenny Omega's importance to AEW. Also, we break down […]