OTTAWA - Clarke MacArthur had a simple explanation with regards to why his Ottawa Senators couldnt claw back against the St. [ur

OTTAWA - Clarke MacArthur had a simple explanation with regards to why his Ottawa Senators couldnt claw back against the St. Dmitry Orlov Jersey . Louis Blues.The Senators trailed by one goal heading into the third period on Saturday and couldnt spark a comeback as the Blues dominated the final 20 minutes to hang on to a 3-2 victory.Theyre making hockey plays and were not, said MacArthur. Were not making good passes. Theyre going tape-to-tape and moving it and we werent, so its tough to get momentum. Its just got to be crisper.Alex Steens second period goal held up as the winner.Maxim Lapierre and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Blues, who improved to 13-6-1, while Brian Elliott stopped 24 shots.It was good for the boys to get the win, said T.J. Oshie. It was good for us to get some goals for our goaltenders as theyve been working hard and playing outstanding all year and we havent been getting them as many goals as of late so it was nice to get (Elliott) the win.Ottawa got goals from Mika Zibanejad and Erik Karlsson as Robin Lehner, making his second consecutive start, stopped 30 shots.Lehner could hardly be faulted for his effort, although the 23-year-old felt he could have been better.First goal is tough when it comes right off the bat and he opened me up, its something Ive got to work on, said Lehner. I think the tip on the third goal too. Its just a reflex to start reaching with your stick to deflect it into the corner and out of the rink and he tipped it back. That stuff bugs me and Ive got to work on it, but I felt like I came back good in the third and had some good saves.The two teams meet again Tuesday in St. Louis for the second and final time this season.Ottawa (9-6-4) made a habit of playing poorly in afternoon games last season, going a dreadful 3-7-2 in games starting before 5 p.m. Eastern— and it seems to have picked up where it left off.When asked about the Senators record in matinee meetings Karlsson made light of the teams struggles.Its just another stat to keep track of, said Karlsson. We havent won a lot of afternoon games, were all aware of it, but its not something we really think about. We can try to do different things, but we try everything we can to win games, but theyre a good team and were going to lose sometimes.Trailing 3-2, the Senators started the third period on a power play, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.St. Louis outshot the Senators 15-5, dominated the face-off circle and won numerous puck battles in the final 20 minutes.They outplayed us in the third period, which was the only thing that would be disappointing in the game, said Senators coach Paul MacLean. I thought we were competitive and played hard against a hard team.The two teams exchanged goals in the second, but it was Lehner and Elliott who stood out.Elliott made a huge glove save on Colin Greening early in the period and minutes later Lehner bailed out Karlsson on a brutal giveaway that led to a Tarasenko point-blank chance.It was the second time in the game that Lehner had to bail out his captain after a giveaway.St. Louis made it a two-goal game at the 12-minute mark as Steen tipped Jay Bouwmeesters shot on the way to the net to beat Lehner.The Senators managed to cut the lead to one on Karlssons power-play goal from the point late in the period.I didnt see it coming through all the bodies, said Elliott, who spent part of four seasons playing for the Senators. Those are tough ones to swallow, especially when youre up 3-1. That goal makes it a tight game. We battled back and kept things to the outside for most of the rest of the game. Obviously when youre not going to the box, that helps as well.Both teams had a solid first 20 minutes, but it was the Blues who went into the break with a 2-1 lead.The Blues opened the scoring on their very first shot of the game as Lapierre got around Cody Ceci and went on to beat Lehner through the legs.Every once in a while I try to create some offense and things like that, said Lapierre. It worked tonight, but it doesnt work every night.Ottawa tied the game on the power play at the 16-minute mark as Bobby Ryan came from behind the net and found Zibanejad in front. But a mere 30 seconds later, St. Louis regained the lead as Jori Lehtera found Tarasenko all alone. Tarasenkos goal was his team-leading 12th of the season.The Senators now head out for a five-game, eight-day road trip starting Monday against Detroit. The Blues head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Sunday.Notes: The Senators Chris Phillips was a late scratch. MacLean said Phillips was experiencing discomfort from an issue that bothered him earlier in the week. Marc Methot remains sidelined (back, indefinite). Erik Condra and Curtis Lazar were healthy scratches for Ottawa. The Blues Joakim Lindstrom, Chris Porter and Chris Butler were healthy scratches. Nic Dowd Capitals Jersey . -- New York Yankees centre fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was sent for an MRI Thursday of his ailing right calf, which was negative. Tom Wilson Jersey . That Ginette Reno can sing. http://www.capitalsteamstoreonline.com/authentic-t-j-oshie-capitals-jersey/ .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings take aim at an eighth straight victory on Monday night as they wrap up a road trip versus the Calgary Flames.The 2014 NBA Draft will be a historic one for Canadian basketball, with as many as seven players from Canada - three of them as high as the first round - possibly selected. In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. Name: Nik Stauskas From: Mississauga, Ontario Played: University of Michigan Height: 66 Weight: 207 Position: Shooting Guard 2013-2014 Stats: 17.5 points, .442 3P%, 3.3 assists Breakout Game: 26 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds in win vs. Iowa Jan 22nd. Accolades: 2013 - 14 Big 10 Player of the Year, Second team All-American Draft Projection: Middle of first round Comparable NBA player: Tim Hardaway, Jr. Nik Stauskas has become the poster boy for “hard work pays off.” After a solid freshman season, helping the Wolverines to compete in the NCAA championship game, two key teammates in Trey Burke (Naismith Player of the Year) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (NBA All-Rookie First Team) moved on to the pros. In only his sophomore year, Stauskas was expected to be a team leader, so he spent his summer adding muscle mass, working on his lateral quickness and creating his own shot off the dribble. Stauskass YouTube videos offer a glimpse into his incredible work ethic and the results of his second year were apparent;; a Big 10 title and trip to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament for the Wolverines, while leading the team in scoring and assists and named Big 10 Player of the Year. Nic Dowd Jersey. Stauskass greatest skill is his ability to flat-out shoot the ball. Unquestionably the best shooter in the draft with a quick release, Stauskas has little issue getting his shot off. His playmaking has improved and he can facilitate for others off of the pick-and-roll, forcing defenders to play him honestly. His quickness allows him to beat slower defenders off the dribble, rounding out his offensive game to be more than simply a spot-up shooter. On the defensive end, Stauskas needs some work, particularly with strength and quickness defending at the next level. Not a surprising drawback to elite shooters, but not one that cant be compensated for in team defences. Stauskas refuses to back down and that refusal to lose is one of those intangibles sought in any NBA prospect. When told that he would only be a shooter, Stauskas rounded out his game. When told that he couldnt carry a team, he led them deep into the NCAA Tournament. Steps to improve his defensive game are already underway, as any obstacle that is put in front of Stauskas has been overcome. His drive, coupled with his confidence, make it difficult to overlook a player with the aptitude and skills he possesses. Stauskas will continue to work and hone his game as he continues to prove that hard work pays off. ' ' '