Ersson Answers the Call as Senators Pin Down the Sharks
Ottawa didn't just beat San Jose -- the Senators had the puck heading the right way almost all night, and the 5-1 final is, if anything, kind to the Sharks.
The Senators piled up the better looks from the start. Their chances were worth nearly six goals in expected goals -- how many their chances should produce -- against barely two for San Jose. They outshot the Sharks 35-22 and took about two of every three shot attempts.
The story in the crease belongs to Samuel Ersson. With Linus Ullmark on injured reserve and questions swirling about Ottawa's goaltending, Ersson stopped 21 of 22 shots, letting in only Michael Misa's goal.
It could have been worse for San Jose. Tim Stützle rang the iron twice and Thomas Chabot once, so the bounces actually went the Sharks' way. Alex Nedeljkovic made 30 saves to keep it from getting uglier.
Ottawa, the East's second wild card at 8-5-1, gets a confident night from its stand-in goalie.