Update: The original box score credited Hemsky with four assists, but it turns out he had three.
It’s too early to say that Ales Hemsky is the linemate the Ottawa Senators have been searching for to help Jason Spezza out, but Saturday’s 5-3 win makes a compelling argument.
Hemsky collected three assists in just 14:04 of ice time while Spezza generated three assists of his own. Here’s video of all four of the goals that featured Hemsky helpers:
Hemsky was named the first star of the contest, yet Craig Anderson might have been the true standout.
Craig Anderson falls one save short of tying his own franchise record for most saves in a regular season win. Ends with 46 today.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) March 8, 2014
Winnipeg fired 22 shots to Ottawa’s seven on net in the third period, yet only a Dustin Byfuglien slapper beat Anderson in that final frame.
Some of those Hemsky helpers and the sheer volume of saves aren’t exactly how the Senators would have drawn things up, yet Ottawa could be dangerous if both Hemsky, 30, and Anderson, 32 perform this well during the stretch run. Hemsky now has three points in his two games as a member of the Senators.