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Can Senators' Defensive Wall Hold Back the Blackhawks' Charge?

The Ottawa Senators, with a record of 2-0, faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks, who have yet to secure a win this season. The final score at the Canadian Tire Centre was 2-0 in favor of the home team.


Oct 24, 2022; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Travis Hamonic (23) settles the puck in the second period against the Dallas Stars at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Ottawa Senators showcased a formidable performance on their home ice against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. The game's first period saw the Senators take an early lead with two goals that set the tone for what would be an impenetrable defense throughout the match. The Senators' goaltender was particularly outstanding, saving all 19 shots and maintaining a perfect save percentage of one hundred percent.


Defensively, both teams were aggressive; however, it was Ottawa's ability to capitalize on opportunities that made the difference. Notably, one of their goals came shorthanded – a testament to their resilience and tactical execution under pressure. With 32 hits and seven takeaways compared to Chicago's 27 hits and four takeaways, Ottawa demonstrated physical dominance as well as strategic superiority.


On special teams play, neither side managed to score on powerplay opportunities despite each having two chances. However, it was Ottawa’s penalty kill unit that shone brightly by not only preventing any goals but also scoring one themselves while being one man down.


Chicago struggled throughout with faceoffs winning only thirty-nine percent compared to Ottawa’s sixty-one percent success rate in this critical aspect of possession control. Additionally, they were unable to find any rhythm in shooting with zero goals from nineteen attempts which resulted in a shooting percentage of zero.


The Blackhawks’ goaltender did manage thirty-two saves but ultimately conceded two goals which proved decisive in their loss. Despite blocking an equal number of shots as Ottawa at fourteen each and registering twenty-seven hits similar to their opponents', they could not overcome the deficit created by those early Senator goals.


Looking ahead for fans of The Senators: Their next game is scheduled against Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on March 30th at 7:00 PM ET. This encounter will be available for viewing on ESPN+ over internet broadcast networks.

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