Prior to the Sweden trip, there was plenty of chatter among fans and media that perhaps Joonas Korpisalo should get both goaltending starts in Stockholm.
Say, what?
Seems ludicrous, now, right?
But then it always was a non-starter.
Senators head coach D.J. Smith didn’t earn his reputation as a ‘players’ coach’ by turning his back on the human interest story. Of course he was going to give Anton Forsberg a start in his native Sweden, despite having three consecutive tough outings beforehand.
Forsberg told us he was looking forward to a rebound back in his native country, this after the 5-2 loss to Vancouver on Nov. 9, in which Forsberg allowed five goals on 16 shots, a .688 save percentage.
What he experienced was better than a rebound, more like a miracle on ice, home ice.
“It’s not something you could imagine, what happened,” Forsberg said, following Saturday’s 2-1 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild, securing a Sens Sweep of Stockholm, on the heels of Thursday’s 5-4 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings, Korpisalo’s victory.
“The way it went, you couldn’t have a better ending,” Forsberg said.
You wouldn’t script this story, because it seemed too unbelievable, Forsberg getting the primary assist on the only Ottawa goal in regulation, a slapshot beauty by Swedish teammate Erik Brannstrom.
“A set play by us,” Brannstrom cracked wise, about the Swedish outlet pass from the crease.
And then, you know, Forsberg shutting the door on the Wild late in the third period, again in overtime and again in the shootout, perfect on all three attempts.
Josh Norris scored the only goal the Senators would need in the shootout to secure the win.
Nobody was happier than the players’ coach himself. The coach who needs both his goalies going.
“Everyone knows I love my players,” Smith said. “I couldn’t be happier for Forsy. To get the start, one. Two, to play the way he did and win in the shootout.
“Here’s a guy that’s been on waivers. He finds a home (with Ottawa) and struggles a bit and then comes through on this opportunity.
“The other guy – Branny, gets carted off (the ice with a concussion) three, four weeks ago. How tough is that, to come back and then get us on the board like that.
“Both of those guys are a huge part of our team and guys that care about their teammates,” Smith added. “It’s great to see them get rewarded.”
It was a Swede ending to what was an entirely Swedish tale. Forsberg, who also stopped a penalty shot in regulation, became the first Swedish goalie to win a Global Series start on Swedish ice, and he beat a fellow Swede to do it – former Senators goaltender Filip Gustavsson, who also played well.
Forsberg, Gustavsson and Brannstrom were fittingly named the game’s three stars in a low-scoring event. Smith liked his team’s attention to detail, even if Forsberg had to bail his team out here and there. Ottawa outshot Minnesota 31-25.
“That’s the way we have to play to give ourselves a chance every night,” Smith said. “Away from the puck. Our D-zone was as good as it’s been.”
Norris would say later that his coach had predicted a tight, 2-1 type of game. Or maybe that was just a thought out loud that came true, from a coaching staff that recognizes the Senators have to tighten up to get back in the playoff race.
“We have some guys who can score, but that’s not a recipe for success long term,” Smith said.
Tight games, tight divisional races.
It feels as though it is going to be like this all season.
A few wins – make that three straight for Ottawa – can make a world of difference. The Senators left home in last place, but return having leapt over two teams with two games in hand on them.
The Sens are three points behind the Red Wings, who hold down fourth place, but Detroit has also played two more games than Ottawa, with just 15 games played, tied with Boston for fewest GP in the Atlantic Division.
You know what that means. Some busy weeks and months ahead.
After several more agonizing days off and then a restart on Friday at home to the New York Islanders, the Senators will play 15 games in December, basically every other night.
They can enjoy this wonderful trip for a few days. But only a few.
“We had some fun and we got the four points,” Forsberg said. “We need to win every game right now to get back on track.”
With Sweden a lovely memory in the rear view mirror, it’s time to grind back in North America.
“Now comes the hard part,” Smith said. “Do it again. And again and again.”