The Ottawa Senators may have deserved a better fate Thursday, losing 2-1 in a tight-checking, heavy-hitting affair to the San Jose Sharks. The team outshot the Sharks 31-24 overall, including 11-4 in the final period when they were pushing for the equalizer. Josh Norris’ shot off the crossbar early in the period was as close as the Senators would come.
Drake Batherson opened the scoring for the Senators midway through the first period. Former Ottawa 67 Logan Couture tied it up for the Sharks 1:58 into the second period. Kevin Labanc’s one-timed blast set up by Erik Karlsson the power play with 5:24 remaining in the middle frame stood up as the game-winner.
The loss dropped the Senators record to 2-2-0.
The game contained a few storylines heading in. Senators’ forward Brady Tkachuk was making his first appearance after signing his seven-year contract last Tuesday. While goaltender Matt Murray made his first start of the season after being down and out with an illness.
However, the game itself was overshadowed by an injury to Senators’ rookie centre Shane Pinto. The 20-year old who’s been one the team’s most consistent players was knocked out of the game due to what appeared to be a right arm or shoulder injury after being driven into the boards by Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.
Shane Pinto takes a dangerous hit and heads down the tunnel. Doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/WHdYzexcqQ
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) October 21, 2021
Surprisingly Pinto came was back for the second period after being injured on his one and only shift in the opening period.
Unfortunately, Pinto’s return to the ice was a short one. The centre received a slash to his midsection area as he was skating across ice his in his zone.
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There was no call on the play.
Making it a double whammy, an obviously hurt Pinto failed to cover his man, Couture who ended up tying the game at one for the Sharks. And with that the Long Island, NY area native was done for the night after playing only 1:20.
Senators head coach D.J. Smith noted postgame, Pinto suffered no structural damage, presumably to his right shoulder, which is good news for its team’s fans, and Pinto, of course.
Sharks netminder James Reimer upped his record to 16-6-3 lifetime versus the Senators. The majority of those victories came as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Senators goalie Matt Murray tipped his cap to Reimer who made 30 saves, but more importantly had to keep his head on a swivel as Ottawa posted 71 shot attempts.
“I think Reimer stole one for them. Kudos to him,” Murray said after the loss.
Murray wasn’t overly busy, making 22 stops. However, he made a few solid stops in the second period to keep his team in the game. Neither of the two goals allowed could be attributed to the Senators’ goaltender.
Couture likely wouldn’t have been wide open had Pinto not been injured seconds prior to the his goal. Labanc’s game-winner was a one-timer on the power play that goes in ten times out of ten on any NHL goalie.
The goal that Murray overcompensated on, leaving his glove side exposed, was actually called back after review due to being offside.
Brady Tkachuk picked up an assist on Batherson’s opening goal – playing 19:39. The rambunctious Tkachuk was also credited with six hits in his season debut.
D-man Thomas Chabot skated 29:01 including close to seven of the game’s final nine minutes. Time-on-ice isn’t a factor early in the campaign. However, as the season moves along, long shifts can lead to fatigue and injury. Per usual Smith has to manage Chabot’s in-game situational play well.
Chabot led all players with 14 shot attempts, five shots were on goal.
The Senators next game is Saturday afternoon at home versus the New York Rangers – a game in which team’s bench boss hopes forward Tim Stützle gets on the scoresheet for the first time this season.
Smith noted Stützle was the best player on either club Thursday. The sophomore popped four shots on goal, but at least two were solid scoring opportunities.
“The dam will break and he will get a bucket full,” added the Senators’ head coach.
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