3 major takeaways from Ottawa Senators' thriller 8-7 win over LA Kings

On Tuesday afternoon, The Ottawa Senators won a wild 8-7 OT contest over the LA Kings. The high-scoring spectacle delighted the home crowd, especially after the Sens trailed by two goals on two separate occasions.

Zack MacEwen and Josh Norris had two goals apiece with Tim Stutzle adding three assists. Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere had two goals each for the LA Kings.

So, let’s take a closer look at the three major takeaways from a thrilling 8-7 OT by the Ottawa Senators over the LA Kings on Monday afternoon.

3 major takeaways from Ottawa Senators' thriller over LA Kings

#3. All offense, no defense

The score reflected a high-octane, penalty-filled game in which the power play dominated both sides. The Ottawa Senators went 4-for-6 with the man advantage, capitalizing on the evident disarray in the Kings’ penalty kill. Similarly, the Kings went 3-for-5 on the power play, taking advantage of the Sens’ lack of discipline.

Overall, both teams flexed their offensive muscle. However, the high score is a more concerning trend showing the Ottawa Senators’ poor defensive play in their own and virtually non-existent penalty kill. Coach Travis Green will need to address these areas as it is evident the Sens will not be able to outscore everyone in the NHL.

#2. Shockingly bad goaltending

With Ottawa starting netminder Linus Ullmark day-to-day, the club recalled Mads Sogaard to back up Anton Forsberg. However, Forsberg faltered, allowing three goals on nine shots. He was pulled in the second period in favor of Sogaard. Unfortunately, Sogaard didn’t fare too well, either. Sogaard gave up four goals and 17 shots.

Both Senators’ goalies looked visibly shaky and seemingly could not stop the puck. They couldn't make any sort of saves on the penalty kill, allowing the Kings to jump out to an early 2-0 lead and then a 4-2 advantage in the second.

This concerning situation could prompt the Sens to get goaltending help as Forsberg and Sogaard hardly looked reliable on Monday afternoon.

#1. The Sens showed grit

Despite the shaky goaltending and non-existent penalty kill, the Senators showed grit by returning to tie the game late in the second period. Then, when the Kings pulled ahead 6-5, the Senators did not quit, tying the game and going ahead 7-6 on Josh Norris’ first goal.

While the tying goal was demoralizing, the Sens pushed through and got the game-winning 56 seconds into the OT frame. For Ottawa, the win is encouraging despite the abundant shortcomings. Potentially, this win could help the Sens build momentum as the season continues to wear on.

The Sens will hit the ice again on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils, hoping to have Ullmark back in the fold.