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Can the Senators Rebound After a Tough Loss to the Capitals at Capital One Arena?

The Ottawa Senators, with a record of 3-2-1, faced off against the Washington Capitals, who held a 4-1-0 record. The final score read 6-3 in favor of the home team at Capital One Arena.


Feb 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) celebrates with Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators started strong with an early lead in the first period, scoring twice to set an aggressive pace. However, their momentum was halted as the Capitals responded with four goals before the buzzer sounded for intermission. The second period saw Ottawa add one more to their tally but not without Washington countering with two additional goals. Despite both teams being held scoreless in the third period, it was clear that the damage had been done.


Ottawa's performance showcased both effort and areas needing improvement. They managed to out-hit their opponents by a narrow margin of 27 to 25 and matched them in faceoffs at 53 each. Their shooting accuracy stood at fourteen percent as they netted three goals from twenty-one shots on goal.


Feb 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) passes the puck as Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) defends in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On special teams play, Ottawa had one powerplay opportunity which did not translate into a goal despite taking one shot during this advantage and winning both faceoffs during this time for a perfect faceoff win percentage on powerplays. Conversely, while shorthanded five times throughout the game they allowed two goals against from three shots faced.


Defensively speaking, Ottawa blocked seven shots and took away possession ten times but also gave up two giveaways and incurred three penalties totaling six penalty minutes; these minor infractions contributed to their challenges on ice.


Feb 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals center Aliaksei Protas (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Goaltending for Ottawa showed resilience under pressure as fourteen saves were made from twenty shots faced; however, six slipped past resulting in a save percentage rounding up to one hundred percent when considering even-strength play only.


Looking ahead after this setback, fans can anticipate seeing how their team will adjust when they visit Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on February 28th. This upcoming match is scheduled for an evening start time and will be available for viewing on ESPN+ via internet streaming or BSSO television network coverage.

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