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Senators storm to Game 3 win

 
The Senators’ Mike Hoffman, back, scores 48 seconds into Game 3 of the East vs. the Penguins.
The Senators’ Mike Hoffman, back, scores 48 seconds into Game 3 of the East vs. the Penguins.
Published May 18, 2017

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Senators scored four goals in the first period — three in 2:18 — and chased Marc-Andre Fleury on the way to a 5-1 win over the Penguins and a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference final Wednesday night.

Mike Hoffman opened the scoring 48 seconds in, and the Senators blew it open against the sluggish Penguins with goals from Marc Methot, Derick Brassard and Zack Smith from 10:34 to 12:52, the three fastest goals in team playoff history.

The fourth goal cued the exit of Fleury, who allowed the goals on nine shots.

Fleury was replaced by Matt Murray, the starter who was hurt during warmups of Game 1 of the first round and made his first playoff-game appearance of the year in this one. He made 19 saves, allowing only a goal by Kyle Turris late in the second period.

"We played (terribly)," Penguins forward Matt Cullen said. "No excuses. That's the bottom line."

Sidney Crosby ended Craig Anderson's shutout bid with a power-play goal in the third. It was Crosby's first point of the series. The Penguins have scored three goals total in the series.

Anderson finished with 25 saves.

All the Senators wanted going into Game 3 was more wins and more offense. They had scored three goals total in the first two games.

Ottawa rode its defense in a 2-1 overtime win Saturday and played hard in a 1-0 loss Monday. Holding opponents in check, keeping them away from their sweet spots and getting strong goaltending from Anderson are big parts of the team's identity.

The Senators wanted a better offensive effort without trying to morph into an offensive juggernaut or get into a track meet with the usually speedy Penguins.