Sens fall to Rangers in shootout
Last Updated: Saturday, November 14, 2009 | 7:30 PM ET
Michael Coomber, CBC Sports
P.A. Parenteau's seventh-round shootout goal lifted the New York Rangers to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon at Scotiabank Place.
Parenteau, called up Saturday from the Rangers' AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolfpack, got the winner on a nifty deke that fooled Sens goalie Brian Elliott. Ales Kotalik and Vinny Prospal also scored in the shootout for New York.
"I was pretty good in the minors in the shootout, so I got the call and saw an opening and just kind of took it. It was a big goal," Parenteau said. "I'm pretty happy right now."
Both teams battled hard in the first, each with nine shots, one power play and no goals.
The best chance came with just over eight minutes left in the period.
Senators winger Alex Kovalev's stretch pass sent Johnathan Cheechoo on a breakaway but the former San Jose Shark shot a backhand over the net.
"We played a pretty good hockey game," Senators forward Jason Spezza said. "It's frustrating to not get the two points."
Ottawa (8-6-3) got on the board at 4:29 of the second period. Forward Jaarko Ruutu found defenceman Brian Lee joining the rush and Lee's snap shot beat Lundqvist high over the blocker, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
The Blueshirts evened the score six minutes later.
During the second of two consecutive Ottawa power plays, Marian Gaborik chipped the puck out of the defensive zone, creating a 2-on-1 with Vinny Prospal. New York's scoring leader then outwaited Sens defenceman Alex Picard and sent a cross-ice saucer pass that Prospal one-timed behind Elliott.
The Sens nearly regained the lead just two minutes later.
Spezza went in alone on the breakaway, but for the second time in as many periods, Lundqvist shut the door.
The third period was scoreless but didn't lack excitement.
With New York (11-8-1) pressing late, Elliott made several big saves, including two straight from close range, to keep the game even.
Overtime produced no result and the Rangers won the game in the shootout.
"We had four chances in the shootout," Alfredsson said. "It's a bit frustrating that we didn't win this game.
"I think we've been playing pretty good [but] we're not finding ways to win. We've got to keep pushing. We're playing good enough to win games, but we're not getting what we need."
New York rebounded from its 5-3 loss to Atlanta on Thursday, while Ottawa continues to struggle, suffering its fifth loss in seven games.
with files from The Canadian Press
