Vitaly Abramov seems to be in mid-season form, netting a hat trick to help the Ottawa Senators beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on Saturday night, in game two of the 2019 NHL Rookie Showcase in Belleville.
After a scoreless first period Abramov’s first goal came 9:47 into the second, when he tipped home a hard point shot from Erik Brannstrom on the power play, with Drake Batherson drawing the second assist.
Montreal’s Rafael Harvey-Pinard jammed a puck between the legs of Joey Daccord at 16:25 to tie the game and round out the second period scoring.
But Abramov found the net again at 8:43 and 12:17 of the third.
First he forced a turnover in front of the Montreal net and put a backhand by Cayden Primeau, then he one-timed a Max Veronneau pass home, to complete the hat trick.
Ottawa’s Jonathan Aspirot would bury into the empty net, with Montreal’s Liam Hawel following up a rush the other way in the final minute to finish off the scoring.
Senators forward Vitaly Abramov celebrates a goal with teammates Jon Gruden and Max Veronneau, during a Rookie Showcase game against Montreal, on September 7, 2019. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
Abramov, who was acquired from Columbus last season as part of the Matt Duchene trade, has four goals in two games of the Rookie Showcase.
He says his offseason preparation and the comfort of starting a full season in with the Sens organization are making a difference.
As far as making an early impression on Senators’ management and coaches, he says that’s not something he’s worried about.
Sens’ Coach Troy Mann says he’s been working with Abramov on both sides of the puck, since he was acquired last year and that seems to be paying off.
Mann also credited the play of Daccord in goal and says his 34 save performance made a big difference in the win.
Daccord left the game late after Montreal’s second goal and was being evaluated post game, but Mann says he expects the young goaltender to be OK.
The win improves Ottawa’s record in the exhibition tournament to 2-0, outscoring their opponents 12-3 over both games.
The Senators have Sunday off at the Rookie Showcase and will play the Winnipeg Jets again on Monday night.
The Jets and Canadiens will face off on Sunday at CAA Arena, with tickets for both remaining games available by visiting the Belleville Senators website.
Senators goaltender Joey Daccord sets up to make a save, during a game against Montreal at the 2019 Rookie Tournament, on September 7, 2019. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
