Senators Postgame: Shesterkin Spoils Great Effort

Every now and then, you have to tip your cap to a player on the other team. Igor Shesterkin was that guy tonight, stopping 40 of the Senators 41 shots as the Senators fell to the Rangers 2-1. It’s not as if these were 40 perimeter shots that Shesterkin turned aside. Several of his saves were the type that left you stunned, with the fans at Madison Square Garden chanting “Igor! Igor! Igor!” Inevitably, it was Igor’s night, leaving the Senators as the victim of his dominance. Let’s dive into the details.

READ MORE: Revisiting the Mark Stone Trade

Gaudette’s Goal Scoring Continues

Make it five goals for Gaudette now! Remember, he was a long shot to even make the team at the start of the preseason. He scored those five goals in the last four games. Gaudette has earned the increased role that he sees himself in, with some power play time and as a player who’s out there in the late going when the team needs a goal. Unfortunately, Gaudette will be left thinking about the one he didn’t score today. On a Sens power play, the puck found its way to Gaudette down low, but with an empty net in front of him, Gaudette shot it right through the crease. With how Shesterkin was playing, that was one the Senators really needed. Nonetheless, Gaudette, who is now tied for second on the team in goals, has been a real feel good story to start the season.

Special Teams Struggles

It’s a tale as old as time. Win the special teams battle, win the game. Tonight, the Rangers scored with the extra man, while the Senators went 0-5. It’s not as if the Sens didn’t have their share of chances. The sequence where their top unit worked it around beautifully, ending with a great shot by Tkachuk and then two rebound chances by Norris, was a good indication of how lethal this power play can be, but also how amazing Igor Shesterkin is.

They weren’t going to have 40% power play all season, but the good news is, tonight’s failures came against a top penalty killing unit with an unbelievable goalie, and they still had some great looks. The penalty kill, meanwhile, has only been so-so this season. On the goal against, they went after the puck aggressively, and when you aren’t able to win over the puck in situations like that, good teams will make you pay.

Additional Notes

Nick Jensen certainly has more offensive ability than I first thought. He’s done a great job joining the rush and moving the puck. He led the way with six shots tonight. The physicality of the Senators has stood out, especially from guys like Stützle and Norris. Having some of your skilled players show such a willingness to hit, take hits, and go to those tough areas is great to see.

A big weakness right now is Ottawa’s defensive depth. Without Zub, they are left without a trusted fourth defenseman in their top four. Tonight, Sanderson, Chabot, and Jensen all played 23-27 minutes while Bernard-Docker, Kleven, and Hamonic all played under 14 minutes. The Senators are now faced with tough back to back, having to travel home to play The Seattle Kraken tomorrow night. Coming off a loss, though, maybe it’s good for them to get right back out there.