Frustration is a good word to describe today's game for the Senators. Against a stingy Minnesota Wild team, the Sens struggled to generate offense throughout the game. The only goal they scored came late in the third when Drake Batherson scored his 31st goal of the season. Meanwhile, the Wild scored two goals in the first, one in the second and another in the third to win the game 4–1. Let's get into the details.
Cousins and Greg the Standouts
There wasn't much good in it for the senators. Although not as disappointing as their 6-3 loss to the Panthers a few days earlier, the Sens were unable to create many quality chances. The Wild played heavily and were able to control the game on the boards. The two most notable Sens were Cousins and Gregg. This makes sense as they both have tenacious styles and refuse to back down, getting under their opponents' skin again and again. Gregg finished the night with six shots and three hits, while Cousins had five hits and two with Foligno yelling at him throughout the game.
Wild Goalkeeper - What Could Have Been
The Wild gave up 2.84 goals per game today, fourth best in the NHL. His save percentage is the best in the NHL at .906. He has the second most shutouts with eight. The disappointing thing about all this from the senators' perspective is how this senatorial pairing could have happened.
Of course, that pair is Philipp Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt. Wallstadt was solid today, saving 33 of the Senators' 34 shots while allowing very few second chances. In 2021, the Senators had the 10th overall pick. Wallstead should have been selected in that category. The Sens opted to draft Tyler Boucher, who has not yet played in the NHL. Volstad was selected 20th overall by the Wild.
As for Gustavsson, his senator connection is a little more obvious. He virtually spent a few years in the Sens organization, including 27 NHL games with Ottawa. Before the start of the 2022–23 season, he was traded to the Wild for Cam Talbot. Talbot played a total of 36 games as a Senator, while Gustavsson is closing in on 200 games with the Wild.
additional comments
Good news? The Red Wings lost to the weak Rangers today. And the good news? Jake Sanderson played just under 25 minutes today returning from injury. Tim Stützle picked up a late assist, but that was as quiet a game as you'll see from him. I wonder if Travis Green can get him and Brady Tkachuk back together soon. Senators will have no time to rest. They will take the field again tomorrow at 5pm to take on a great Carolina Hurricanes team. This could absolutely be James Reamer's game.
