The Ottawa Senators returned to the Canadian Tire Centre for Game 3, looking to claw their way back into the series. While the energy in the building was there, Ottawa struggled to convert on their chances, losing 2-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. The loss puts them in a 3-0 series hole, but the bigger concern heading into Game 4 this weekend might be the status of their top defenceman.
Senators pushed to brink in Round 1
The scoring opened in the first period when Logan Stankoven stayed hot, beating Linus Ullmark to give Carolina an early 1-0 lead. The Senators pushed back in the second, starting to find a bit of a rhythm on the forecheck, and eventually tied the game. However, the Hurricanes answered before the period ended, taking back a one-goal lead they wouldn’t give up.
The third period turned into more of a grind. Ottawa threw everything they had at Frederik Andersen, including a six-on-five push late in the frame. Even with a few good looks and the crowd trying to help them make the push, Carolina’s structure held, keeping the Senators to just one goal.
The game took a turn in the second period when Jake Sanderson was forced to leave. Early in the frame, Sanderson took a hit to the head from Taylor Hall, which resulted in a two-minute minor for an illegal check, although it should have been a five-minute major. Sanderson eventually went down the tunnel and didn’t return.
Losing Sanderson is a massive hit for Travis Green’s group. He’s been their workhorse on the blue line, logging big minutes in this series so far. With Artem Zub already out, the defensive depth is really being pushed. Thomas Chabot took on even more in the third, but losing a player like Sanderson makes a tough series that much harder.
They are now heading into Game 4 this weekend, pushed to the brink of elimination, down 0-3 to the top team in the Eastern Conference.