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Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Murray, Senators Shut Out Canadiens |
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The Ottawa Senators got away with a few defensive gaffes, delivered a low-event performance, and received quality goaltending from Matt Murray on their way to a 4-0 victory Saturday evening. Here are tonight’s thumbs:
Thumbs Up: Matt Murray’s Shutout
The sample size is small, but this marks a second straight quality performance from Matt Murray since returning from injury. It also marks his first shutout as a member of the Ottawa Senators. While he wasn’t tested all that often in this game, he made every possible stop he could make. Tonight’s game was a great example of the difference that good goaltending can make, as Carey Price was tested far less but gave up far more.
Thumbs Up: Drake Batherson’s Dominant Performance
If you look at the scoresheet, the Senators’ big-name forwards were really driving the bus tonight. That might even be an understatement when it comes to Drake Batherson, who was even better than his three points suggest. He was all over the ice, creating things in the Montreal zone and helping to prevent them in the Ottawa zone. It was one of his best games this season to date.
Thumbs Up: The Batherson-Tkachuk Connection
I’ve referenced the Drake Batherson / Tim Stützle connection a few times over the last couple weeks. It turns out that Batherson can create magic with anyone. Alongside Josh Norris and Brady Tkachuk, Batherson created a line that was as good as any on the ice tonight. Per Natural Stat Trick, the trio combined for a five-on-five expected goal share of more than 80%. It’s yet another example of Ottawa’s young players getting an opportunity and running with it in a highly effective way.
Thumbs Up: Shane Pinto’s Debut
When Shane Pinto looks back on his NHL debut, he’ll likely remember the assist he was credited with on Nikita Zaitsev’s empty-net goal. Tallying a first NHL point is obviously a huge accomplishment, even if it wasn’t a particularly pretty sequence.
When I look back on this game, though, I’ll remember Pinto’s positioning and shutdown abilities. He came exactly as advertised, always in position and always applying his hockey sense to make the right play. When he was on the ice, he was consistently doing his part to keep the Canadiens from being able to create much. It’s hard to ask for much more in a debut.
Thumbs Up: The Brannstrom-Zub Pairing
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Erik Brannstrom looked as good as he’s looked all season playing next to a competent defender, rather than someone who shouldn’t be on an NHL roster. The Brannstrom-Zub pairing was – at least by my eye – the best on the ice tonight for Ottawa.
Thumbs Down: Connor Brown’s Scoreless Drought
It’s now been two games without a goal for Connor Brown. Should someone alert the authorities? Perhaps a forensic investigation is in order.
Thumbs Down: The Carey Price Contract
Yikes.
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The Senators will see the Calgary Flames on Monday.
As always, thanks for reading.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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