Senators set shots record in win over Rangers
A new one for the record books.
Firing 21 first-period shots in their Game 1 win over the New York Rangers, the Ottawa Senators set a new high-water mark for the franchise:
The #Sens 21 shots in the first period of tonight's game is a franchise record for one post-season period. The team had 19 twice previously.
— Sens communications (@Media_Sens) April 27, 2017
Interestingly enough, the previous record also came in the playoffs, when the Senators put 19 pucks at New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur during the second period of Game 5 of the conference finals in 2007:
The #Sens most recently recorded 19 shots in one period on 5/5/07 -- Game 5 ECSF @NJDevils -- the final game at the Devils former home.
— Sens communications (@Media_Sens) April 28, 2017
A night when Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist would see a lot of rubber appeared to be the game plan for Senators coach Guy Boucher.
"I thought we had a good first period. We wanted to shoot a lot," Boucher told reporters after Game 1. "We know that if we want to score goals, we're going to need lots and lots of shots on Lundqvist. He's at the top of his game. Anything below 40 shots, really we're not going to score anything."
The Senators wrapped the night with 43 shots on goal, with captain Erik Karlsson notching the winner with just 4:11 remaining in the third period.
"We had guys at the net and that's what it's about. I don't think we're going to beat this guy with nice plays and clear shots," Boucher added. "He is what he is and there is a reason why he gets that reputation, because he does that every night."
Game 2 of the series comes Saturday in Ottawa.