Senators' Powerplay Spark Not Enough Against Blackhawks' Solid Defense

The Ottawa Senators, with a record of 14-23, faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks who held a 20-17 tally. The final score read 3-2 in favor of the home team at the United Center.

The Senators opened strong with a goal in the first period, setting an early pace for the game. Their offensive efforts were evident as they outshot their opponents with a total of 42 shots on goal compared to the Blackhawks' 22. Despite this, only two found their way past Chicago's goaltender who made an impressive 40 saves throughout the game.

Ottawa's powerplay unit managed to convert one of their two opportunities into a goal, thanks to precise puck movement and positioning that led to successful shots on target five times during man advantages. The powerplay success was bolstered by winning two out of three faceoffs when up a man.

However, even strength play told another story as Ottawa struggled to maintain control. They scored once but allowed three goals against them during even-strength situations. The Senators won only 25 faceoffs at even strength and lost possession more often than not with a faceoff win percentage standing at just under half at 46 percent.

Defensively, Ottawa put up significant resistance blocking 17 shots and delivering hits across all periods which totaled up to an aggressive count of 20 for the game. Yet it wasn't enough to stave off Chicago's attack which capitalized on its chances with clinical finishing reflected in their higher shooting percentage.

The Senators' goaltender faced fewer shots but managed fewer saves than his counterpart from Chicago, stopping only 19 attempts and letting three slip by him over regular play time without any additional goals conceded during powerplays or shorthanded situations.

Looking ahead for fans of the Ottawa Senators is an away game scheduled against Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on February 20th. This match will be available for viewing nationally via ESPN+ online platform and locally through BSSUN TV channel number 653 starting from midnight Eastern Time Zone onwards.