Chris Neil Punches Cory Conacher Totally Turns Things Around For Sens

Counterpoint: Their players are punching each other in the face. Chris Neil and Cory Conacher, specifically.

Really, it's not that big a deal. This stuff happens from time to time — boys will be boys, hockey players are tough, etc.

And most relevantly, the Sens are playing much better as of late. This chart from ExtraSkater graphs Ottawa's percentage of unblocked shot attempts in each game while the score is close, relative to their opponents. They're in the midst of their longest positive stretch of the season.



And again, they only have to pass the Maple Leafs — and at the moment, that shouldn't be too tough. At all. Whenever that happens, some people will credit Chris Neil. That'll be fun.