The big story heading into Wednesday’s action was Daniel Alfredsson’s first game against the Detroit Red Wings. By the end of the night, it was all about Ottawa’s new captain, Jason Spezza, and his performance in their 6-1 blowout win.
NHL Scores: Senators crush Alfredsson, Red Wings; Sabres stink
The Ottawa Senators didn’t miss Daniel Alfredsson on this night as they cruised to a 6-1 win in Detroit. Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres are terrible.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Spezza and Bobby Ryan both scored a pair of goals in the win, including a beauty in the second period from Spezza, as they chased Red Wings starting goaltender Jimmy Howard after just eight shots.
The Senators were clicking on all cylinders in this one and showed, for one night anyway, that they’re not missing their former captain.
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Bruins blew out the Sabres in a game where the hockey will take a backseat to another dirty hit.
All the NHL Scores
Bruins 5, Sabres 2
Five Questions
On Wednesday we asked you five burning questions about the day’s games. These are your cool, soothing answers.
1. Is anything of note going to happen with Daniel Alfredsson?
Nothing of note happened for Alfredsson or the Red Wings. This was just a rough night for Detroit right from the start, and the Senators clearly did not miss their former long-time captain. Alfredsson finished the game with no points, two shots on goal, and two penalty minutes in just a little more than 16 minutes of ice time.
2. What about Mika Zibanejad?
He had a strong game, recording an assist and generally looking like a player that belongs in the NHL. He was a surprise cut at the end of training camp and opened the season in the AHL, and based on his debut he’s probably earned a longer look with the big club.
3. Will Niklas Kronwall be operating at 100 percent?
Kronwall returned to the lineup after missing a couple of games following the hit he received from Colorado’s Cody McLeod and played 21 minutes. It wasn’t his best game of the season by any stretch, but he did record an assist on Detroit’s only goal, a power play tally late in the first period.
No. And this might be rock bottom for the Sabres. They not only lost, 5-2, but they looked awful doing so and are getting ripped to shreds for an incident involving John Scott and Loui Eriksson in the third period. This team stinks.
5. Will Jarome Iginla score a goal?
No, but he’s getting closer! Actually, it appeared that Iginla scored Boston’s first goal and was initially given credit for it, but after review it was awarded to Milan Lucic, his first of two goals on the night.
Impact Moment
The one play or moment from Wednesday’s games that will be making headlines over the next couple of days.
Let’s face it, John Scott’s hit and his role with the Sabres and in the NHL is probable going to blow up on Thursday and the coming days. He’s already facing an in-person hearing with the league and is probably going to sit for a long, long time.
Stat of the Night
The Buffalo Sabres have just one regulation win over their past 15 regular season games. They’ve also had the lead for less than 10 minutes this season. That’s bad.
Post to Post
- Are good goalies also good in the shootout?
- Are the Florida Panthers expecting too much, too soon from Tim Thomas?
- Casual play on the power play costs the Capitals again.
- Martin Brodeur believes that Cory Schneider is the Devils’ No. 1 goaltender. If he’s not, he certainly should be.
More from SB Nation NHL:
See More:
