Ottawa Senators downed for fifth straight time against New York Islanders 2-1 in Overtime-NHL Update
Entering the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Weekend, Ottawa was on a disappointing streak with three straight losses, but as it looked like the Senators new found momentum after the break would benefit them, New York Islanders downed them for
the fifth consecutive time, 2-1, on Friday night, February 3, at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Ottawa is now on a five-game slump, and if they continue the way they have been during the past few weeks, staying in the playoff race will be extremely difficult for them as teams fight for positioning.
The Senators are currently sitting in the sixth number spot of the Eastern Conference with 61 points, only two ahead of the seventh place New Jersey Devils.
After a scoreless first period, Zack Smith kicked off the scoring for his 13th goal of the 2011-2012 NHL regular season, that too while being shorthanded as Ottawa was missing Matt Carkner after the player was booked for roughing.
Matt Martin potted the equaliser to keep New York Islanders alive in the matchup in the opening five minutes of the third period, giving them life and forcing an overtime extension with the score tied at, 1-1.
"We’re a confident bunch right now. We play with a lot of passion and we know what’s at stake in the next two weeks. Nothing’s impossible for us. The group of guys we have like Johnny (Tavares) … but a lot of guys are playing well. It’s only nine points
and there’s a lot of games left", said New York Islanders’ PA Parenteau.
Milan Jurcina found Mark Eaton in front of the Ottawa net during the final minutes of the overtime extension, backhanding it through Senators’ goalie, Craig Anderson, to take the two points and move above Buffalo Sabres to the 12th number spot
with 49.
Anderson was frustrated with the overtime loss but is confident his team will be able to bounce back as the season progresses.
"We’ll get out and get back on the horse again. We’ve got games coming up and we have to be ready and focused. We have to put this one behind us," Anderson said.
Ottawa Senators will be hosting Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday while New York Islanders return home to play against Buffalo Sabres on the same day.
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