Ottawa JR's Win Scoring 8 in Opener

That was the scene in Ottawa last night as the Panthers and Senators both lit it up in game one of their JR series. Neither team seemed to play any defense as this game finished with a shot total of 39 for Ottawa, 24 for Florida.

The Senators got off to a terrible start allowing the Panthers to score 2 goals in the first 6 minutes, scaring the fans and erasing home ice advantage. However, the Sens pryed back into it on a great goal by Chris Kelly, assisted by young phenom Semin and Hendrikx. Florida wanted to make a statement though, scoring a third goal just two minutes later. THey took a 3-1 lead into the break.

However, after a visit by GM Schmucky to the Senators dressing room at intermission, they came out guns blazing. Led by young 1st liner Tomas Plihal and his 3 point 2nd period, the Sens stormed back into the game. With 4 goals in 11 minutes, the Sens took a 5-3 lead into the 3rd period.

Florida would not give up however, scoring two quick goals in the third to tie this one back up at 5. The fans were seeing a real show here tonight! However, home ice advantage proved to be too much for the Panthers to overcome. Semin and Tarnasky added goals 5 and 6 while veteran Center, Kiel McLeod scored his second of the night to cap an 8-5 victory by the JR. Sens.

However, with Christian Pollar's shaky start stopping only 11 out of 16 shots, will he get the start tonight? Or will youngster Tobias Stephan get the nod after coming in in the 3rd period to stop 8 of 8 shots and ensure victory?