Bobby Butler scored his third goal of the year on a set-up from Kyle Turris, his 2nd assist on a winning goal in two games, 2:02 seconds into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in a game that could’ve went either way. The Senators took the lead three times only to have the Panthers claw back to tie the game.

PHOTO CREDIT - Senators.com

Ottawa - December 23, 2011 - Bobby Butler scored his third goal of the year on a set-up from Kyle Turris, his 2nd assist on a winning goal in two games, 2:02 seconds into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in a game that could’ve went either way. The Senators took the lead three times only to have the Panthers claw back to tie the game.

Nick Foligno was given a five minute major penalty and game misconduct three minutes into the second period for charging Ellerby of the Florida Panthers. Ellerby seemed to slip coming around the net, when Foligno caught him with what was a solid check. However the referees missed the call. The resulting penalty caused the Senators the lead and all of the momentum that they had.

Foligno was engaged with one of the Florida forwards and caught Ellerby as he came around the net. To say that the penalty was charging was ridiculous. Foligno disengaged the forward 3-4 feet from Ellerby. Also, Foligno did not leave his feet until after contact was made with Ellerby. I’m sure when the NHL looks at this replay there will be suspension. Credit should be given to the Senators though for bouncing back in the third period.

The power play unit which has struggled of late now has 3 goals in 2 games for the Senators. Tonight, the power play was 2 for 3 on the night. The unit managed to cycle the puck and control it for most of the time that they had the man advantage. Special teams are an important part of a team’s success so if the Senators can get back to the way they were playing earlier in the season we could see some wins piling up.

Daniel Alfredsson lead the way for the Senators tonight with a goal and two assists. Alfredsson scored his 10th of the season on a pass from Chris Neal. Alfredsson’s three points give him 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 29 games for the Senators this season. It’s more than just the points that Alfredsson gets. He always seems to contribute most when the game is on the line and Senators need a boost. His defensive zone coverage is excellent too. Alfredsson in my opinion is still the leader of this hockey club.

- Why didn’t Ed Jovanovski get a penalty for ramming Foligno’s head into the glass after the controversial hit? Shouldn’t Florida have gotten a two minute penalty on the play.

- Craig Anderson was solid on the night making 32 saves. He was square to the shooters most of the night and managed to keep the Sens in the game during the penalty. However, it would’ve been nice if he could’ve given them a game saving stop in the last minute to prevent overtime.

- The Sens have a tough one tomorrow night before the Christmas break. They have to board a plane to Carolina to play the Hurricanes in what will be their 3rd game in four nights. I expect to see a tired Senators hockey team.