The Ottawa Senators weathered the storm and forced a Game 7 on Thursday in the Steel City. Although the Pittsburgh Penguins put 46 shots on goal in Game 6 in Ottawa, Craig Anderson held firm in net and the Senators were able to pull out a 2-1 win. Pittsburgh will be a sizeable favorite in Game 7, like it has been in every game this series, but Ottawa keeps overcoming the odds and will have a great chance to reach its second Stanley Cup final ever.
Don’t miss the action on the ice from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Catch every moment of the game live on NBCSN. We will have NHL playoff hockey odds at BookMaker.eu for every postseason game.
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Ottawa knows that its best chance to win is in a low-scoring game and followed that formula to a win in Game 6. Although there is some controversy after a Pittsburgh goal that looked good was disallowed, the Senators were able to control the Penguins and counterattack just enough.
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It took a five on three for it to happen, but Ottawa finally broke through on the power play in Game 6. The Senators had failed to convert any of their chances in the five previous games in the series and showed why they rely on defensemen to score. Ottawa just looks awkward on the power play at times and the spacing can be off, but with two men in the box the team got the game-tying goal on Tuesday night.
Pittsburgh finally cooled off on the power play conversely. The Pens had converted on five of their eight previous chances, and while it’s not sustainable to keep scoring at that clip, going 0-3 in a closeout game hurts. Pittsburgh did threaten and have quality chances on the power play, but the chances will likely be limited in Game 7.
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Bobby Ryan keeps delivering when the Senators need him to. Ryan was the one who slotted in the power play goal for Ottawa that tied the game. After no-showing against the Rangers last round, he has been pivotal for a Senators squad that has some real issues scoring.
Ryan has scored twice now and has three assists as well for Ottawa against Pittsburgh. He has been very talented throughout his career in the NHL but it only shines through sporadically. It’s a good thing for Ottawa that it has thus far in the series and the team needs it one more time in Game 7.
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Pittsburgh completely outclassed Ottawa in the second period on Tuesday. The Penguins put 23 shots on goal during that frame despite being short-handed for a chunk of it. In that period, the Pens swarmed the Senators and titled the ice in the direction of Ottawa’s goal. They harassed Anderson and made him make save after save. Ottawa can’t let that happen again on enemy ice.
Matt Murray played a solid game and can’t be faulted for either goal he gave up. People will want to second guess after he replaced Marc-Andre Fleury following Game 4, but Murray has been great during his time in net. There’s no doubt that he will again get the call in Game 7 and has proven he can withstand the pressure.
The Penguins are hopeful that they can get some bodies back on the ice for the series decider. Patric Hornqvist and Justin Schultz have missed the last few games with undisclosed injuries and their presence has been missed. Additionally, Chad Ruhwedel suffered a concussion and has been out recently as well.
Ottawa has played a great series, but on home ice Pittsburgh will get it done in a big way.
NHL Playoff Odds: Penguins 4, Senators 1
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