The Ottawa Senators have been climbing back towards the playoff race over the past month and had an opportunity to move into eight place with a win in Pittsburgh on Monday.
Marc-Andre Fleury and the Penguins wouldn’t let that happen.
James Neal’s goal in overtime gave Pittsburgh their league-leading 23rd home win of the year and 79th and 80th points on the season.
The Penguins heavily outshot the Senators 48-25 in the contest, but Craig Anderson closed the door on multiple occasions. But none of his saves compared to the one Marc-Andre Fleury had to keep the game tied at one midway through the third period.
Erik Karlsson took a cross ice pass and had a wide open net from the right-wing circle. As he let the shot go, Marc-Andre Fleury scrambled from right to left and snatched the puck out of the air before it crossed the line. The save led to a standing ovation from the crowd and was reminiscent of a save made by Fleury on Sergei Federov against the Capitals in the 2009 playoffs.
Stephane Da Costa was the lone scorer for Ottawa and game the Sens the lead 14:05 into the opening period. Da Costa, who was called up to replace Jean-Gabreil Pageau, took the puck along the near boards and worked his way to the net. From a sharp angle, Da Costa was able to sneak a quick shot over the right shoulder of Fleury who thought he had the post guarded.
Brian Gibbons scored two minutes later on the power play to tie the score at one. With the second unit on the ice, Olli Maatta let go a slap shot from the right point that was tipped by Gibbons who was facing the other direction. The puck was batted straight down and went through the legs of Anderson.
Neither team could break the tie in the final two periods of the game despite several chances.
In overtime, Evgeni Malkin found Robert Bortuzzo all alone in the middle of the slot. Bortuzzo’s shot was kicked out by the right pad of Anderson but James Neal pounced on the rebound, waited for the net to open up, then fired a shot past the goaltender for the win.
- The Penguins have killed 27 straight penalties at Consol Energy Center.
- James Neal scored for the first time since January 10th.
- Marc-Andre Fleury is on pace to post his lowest goals against average of his career.
Three Stars
- James Neal
- Craig Anderson
- Brian Gibbons
Photo courtesy of NHL.com
