• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games

The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games

January 18, 2021
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

Raiders Opinion: Erasing Past Draft Failures

February 23, 2021
Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

February 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Atlantic Division Ottawa Senators

The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games

Murray Pam by Murray Pam
January 18, 2021
in NHL, NHL Featured, Ottawa Senators
Reading Time: 7min read
0
The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It’s been only two games of a 56-game season, but the Ottawa Senators are forging an identity of a hard-working team that will play hard until the final horn sounds. Outplayed for a lot of stretches Saturday – outshot 40-19 in the game, the Senators managed to hang around – thanks to the sparkling goaltending of Matt Murray, and a third period highlight reel first NHL goal by Tim Stützle, before losing a 3-2 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The loss came off the throes of a 5-3 Senators victory the previous evening over the same Maple Leafs’ club. Senators’ General Manager Pierre Dorion and head coach D.J. Smith each re-iterated leading up to camp and during, that their club won’t be an easy out. The Senators outhit the Maple Leafs by whopping 63-27 total in their two-game set. Josh Brown, Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson led the team with seven hits apiece.

More FromFPC

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021

Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

February 23, 2021

Lake Tahoe’s Elements Couldn’t Cool Off Pastrnak Or Stop Bruins’ Resilience

February 22, 2021

Pierre-Luc Dubois “Never Been More Ready” to Play

February 22, 2021

With eight players on the roster six-foot-three or taller, three of whom are six-foot-five on the back end, Brown, Braydon Coburn, Erik Gudbranson, the Senator will make it known to their opposition that they won’t back down.

There was a lot of good coming out of the Senators’ opening games. Conversely, there was also some bad that Smith’s team needs to work on. However, that’s to be expected when the coach is attempting to phase in three new faces defensemen and six forwards into his lineup, and a seventh, Alex Galchenyuk that’s yet to dress.

The Good

Brady Tkachuk’s three-point, one goal, two-assist night Friday, tied a career-high. The 21-year old’s performance was only the fifth-such opening game in franchise history.

Josh Norris added his first two NHL points.

Drake Batherson is playing with confidence, also posting a pair of assists. At six-foot-three, 206 pounds, Batherson isn’t shy to use his size.

Nick Paul who skated on the non-starter squad in last Monday’s scrimmage, may have used the game as motivation. Paul has compiled one goal, one assist over the weekend. Awarded a two-year contract in the offseason, Paul also displayed his defensive game,. The forward is tied for the NHL lead with four takeaways, albeit it’s early.

“D.J. is the coach. He gives positions to people that want it the most. It’s not about where you are in the rankings. It’s who works the hardest and who can do the best for the team. That good compete in practice pushed us to have a good game last night and a really good effort tonight,” said Paul via Zoom postgame Saturday. “I just do the same thing that I do every year, put my head down and work, do what’s asked of me – team first. I’m not trying to go through a team and put up a bunch of points. Whatever the team needs of me, whether it’s shutdown or they need me to go penalty kill, I’m there blocking shots – doing whatever I need to do. I’m just putting my head down doing whatever I have to do.”

On the blue line, Thomas Chabot hasn’t skipped a beat. Chabot scored the Senators’ first goal of the season. The alternate captain averaged 25:47 time-on-ice versus the Leafs and was a plus-five.

Nikita Zaitsev who moved up to Chabot’s right side as the game wore on Friday and is also a plus-five through two games. More surprisingly Zaitsev earned three assists, all primary. The fifth-year NHL garnered only 12 points all last season.

What can you say about Tim Stützle? The Senators’ third overall selection is a work in progress, but it’s going to be fun to watch the 19-year old grow as the campaign moves on.

Stützle’s first NHL goal was a thing of beauty. His hand-eye coordination may be second to none – that’s something coming from someone who was making his second NHL appearance.

Another look at the first goal of Tim Stützle’s career! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/w3WZQQnN0V

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 17, 2021

“It’s tough to come in here with a bunch of new people, only have a few practices when you’re playing the Toronto Maple Leafs. – get a couple of games under your belt – just learning the systems, he’s going to be a special player. You can see his speed. He’s going to become a better player as the season goes on,” explained the Senators’ head coach. “You can see in the o-zone, he’s starting to make some plays. He’s starting to skate a little bit more with the puck. He’s getting more comfortable every day.”

Stützle himself, has an infectious personality and a wide-eyed smile. He’s also a strong-team player, always deflecting to his teammates.

“It was a great feeling, but in the end I wanted to come out with the win. After the goal, we had an excellent push. Everybody wanted to get that third goal.”

On his goal, Stützle noted, “It went pretty perfect. It was kind of flat. D.J. told us to get more pucks to the net. I thought it was like flat. I hit it very good. I think it went in short-side. I think overall it was a good play by the whole line.”

The Viersen, Germany native is also cognizant that he’s still learning, and from what fans have seen, he’s a quick study.

“I had more confidence. I felt better in making my plays with the puck. I’m a creative player. I want to have the puck and make plays. I have some stupid things to work on, just some work in the d-zone. I got to get the pucks out. I still have some work to do. I try to pick out as much as I can. Everything went pretty fast, right from the World Junior. It’s been a lot of stuff. I’ve tried to get as much as I can, learn from the veterans. We have such a great team, and everyone is working for each other. You could see that tonight. It’s a lot of fun being here right now.”

Goaltender Matt Murray was a beacon of strength for the Senators. Appearing in consecutive games, “Muzz” held the team in early Friday when the Senators were outshot heavily in the first thirty minutes. Murray certainly kept his club in the game Saturday, facing 40 shots in a one-goal loss. Murray stopped all 10 shots in what amounted to a second period extended power play.

On starting back-to-back games, the 26-year old commented, “I don’t really think too much about that. I just need to be ready all the time. Honestly for the most part, we kept the shots to the outside. There wasn’t any Grade A, wide-open shots or anything like that.”

The Bad

It’s  not so much “The Bad.” but the Senators do have a few things to work on in the weeks ahead. Obviously, with as many as nine new face in the lineup, finding line chemistry is certainly going to take awhile.

Senators’ centres were only 41 percent on draws, definitely something needing work. Again practice time, may sort this issue out long term. One the reasons for being outshot by a lengthy margin Saturday and the first 30 minutes Friday, was buoyed by the fact, the club won only 15 of 42 defensive zone faceoffs. Leafs Mitch Marner’s go-ahead goal Saturday was a direct result of a Senators’ faceoff loss.

The Senators only launched 43 shots on goal in the two games. However, they did tally seven goals, which was a boon, especially on so few shots.

“I don’t think the chances were as bad as the shots. I think we came in with the idea we were going to give up a lot of shots on net. We kept them outside for the most part. We just couldn’t create much ourselves. Give them credit. They played hard, they checked. The penalty kill did the job for them, and they goaltending was good” Smith said postgame last night.

There’s little doubt without plenty of practice time and a lack of preseason, special teams are tough to work on. The high-octane Leafs were three-for-nine this weekend against the Senators’ PK.

The club’s power play will also be front and centre this week, as the team faces the Winnipeg Jets Tuesday and Thursday before embarking on a seven-game road swing.

The Senators’ PP went one-for-nine versus Toronto. There was decent puck movement at time. However, the team only accumulated nine shots during those nine power plays.

Smith also credited the Leafs penalty kill for as one of the reasons his PP unit was stymied, “I didn’t think the power play was very good tonight. We are a young team and we made some young mistakes on the power play. But in saying that we had a couple of chances on the five-on-three. (Evgenii) Dadonov had a clean look on the back door. On some nights, those are going to go on in. Tonight we didn’t like our power play tonight. We made some tired mistakes, but don’t take credit away from their penalty kill. They did a great job.”

All in all, the Senators showed some promise for fans, especially versus an arch-rival in the Maple Leafs, in a season where every opponent is a tough one in the North Division.

Murray summed it up, “I think it shows if we play the right way we can stay in the game with any team. That’s a heck of a team over there. To do what we did in these two games, showed us what we’re capable of. It gave us lots of confidence, plenty to build off from. We had plenty of chances late in the game to tie it up.”

The post The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games appeared first on Full Press Hockey.

Tags: Matt MurrayTim Stuetzle
Share602Tweet376
Previous Post

Same Bad Results to Start Season for “New Look” Sabres

Next Post

2021 Raiders Draft Profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

Murray Pam

Murray Pam

Murray Pam has covered the Ottawa Senators and National Hockey League since 2006 for The Hockey News, Metro Ottawa, and most recently Sporting News Canada. Pam's highlights include covering premier events like the NHL All-Star weekend, Entry Draft, Stanley Cup Final and WJHC. Pam also contributed to THN paperbacks “Blood Feuds” and “The Big Book of Hockey Fun.”

Next Post
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Draft Profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.66: Back with the Atlanta Tigers
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6056998385.mp3
  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395
  • Ep 29: Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, and the Steelers with Ed Bouchette
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43603822/eyetest_ep29.mp3

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    It's been just a small five-game sample, but the 2020-21 version of the Manitoba Moose appears […]

  • Ned, Nino and The New Guy
    by Joseph Wills on February 24, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    Just over a quarter of the season completed, Carolina Hurricanes fans have a lot to cheer about The […]

  • KHL Western Conference Playoff Teams Confirmed
    by Aivis Kalnins on February 24, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    The KHL is fast approaching the most important part of the season the KHL Playoffs and we finally […]

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

  • A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 4:57 am

    It's not like he wasn't before, but Neal Pionk has now certainly pushed his way to the front of […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage