The Senators posted a third straight win Thursday in Ottawa as they defeated the Calgary Flames 6-1.
The Ontario team even managed to oust goalkeeper David Rittich. Minutes after the Senators’ fourth net – a slap shot from defenseman Erik Brannstrom while in the neutral zone – on the second frame, head coach Geoff Ward pulled his goalie in favor of Russian Artem Zagidulin.
The latter was playing his very first game in the National Hockey League (NHL). He repelled seven of the nine pucks aimed at him. Colin White is the one who tricked his vigilance both times. For his part, Rittich yielded on four occasions on 20 shots. In addition to Brannstrom, Drake Batherson, Erik Gudbranson and Connor Brown outsmarted the 28-year-old.
In front of the opposing net, Matt Murray was almost perfect, he who blocked 29 pucks. Only Milan Lucic knew how to place the puck behind him.
It was the first of three consecutive duels between the two teams. They will meet on the Canadian Tire Center rink on Saturday.
Hard night for Halak
In New York, the Islanders scored five goals in the third period to go on to a 7-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
With the two teams tied 2-2 after 40 minutes, Anthony Beauvillier put the Islanders ahead with his first goal of the season.
Later in the opening, Jordan Eberle, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Anders Lee and Oliver Wahlstrom took turns defeating Jaroslav Halak in less than six minutes. Halak, who also gave in to Adam Pelech and Mathew Barzal in the first period, faced a total of 37 shots.
For the Bruins, Nick Ritchie and Craig Smith managed to surprise goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who made 34 saves in the victory.
Elsewhere in the NHL
In Columbus, Malcolm Subban had his first shutout of the season and his second in his career, making 26 saves in a 2-0 win for the Chicago Blackhawks over the Blue Jackets.
It was Patrick Kane who scored the winning goal at the start of the third period. It was his 10e success of the season, and its 399e in a career in the NHL. Carl Soderberg scored the insurance goal in the last minute of play, in an empty net.
In Buffalo, Pavel Zacha hit the target in overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 4-3 win over the Sabers. Zacha also collected two assists for the Devils.
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