Nielsen scores in shootout, Detroit beats Ottawa 2-1

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) - Frans Nielsen gave the Detroit Red Wings a full two points in a tight goalie duel.

Nielsen scored the only goal in the shootout and Detroit edged the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Saturday night.

Martin Frk had the lone goal in regulation for the Red Wings, who got 37 saves from Jimmy Howard.

"I think Jimmy's been real solid," Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. "I think we've done a pretty good job of not giving up high, high-end chances. We've given up a number of shots, but I think we've battled in front of our net."

Dion Phaneuf scored for Ottawa, which dropped its second straight game in a shootout. Craig Anderson made 29 saves.

"That was one of the best goaltending duels I've seen in a long time, it was absolutely ridiculous," Ottawa coach Guy Boucher said. "Both goalies didn't want to budge so basically it took the entire game for both goaltenders to give one. That's the story of the game."

For the second straight game, the Senators had a power-play opportunity in overtime but were unable to take advantage. They finished 0 for 7 with the man advantage.

Frk broke a scoreless tie for Detroit at 17:26 of the third period, beating Anderson low glove side.

Phaneuf's shot from just inside the blue line slipped past Howard to tie it just 43 seconds later.

It was a goaltender duel through two periods, and both Anderson and Howard were just as solid through the third.

Mark Stone looked like he had a sure goal on the Senators' fifth power play, only to watch as the puck ringed off the goalpost. Ottawa hit the post four times.

Anderson made a spectacular save when he reached across the goal just in time to rob Justin Abdelkader with just over 2 minutes left in the second period.

A scoreless first period saw the Senators squander four power-play opportunities as they managed just six shots.

The Senators were once again without special teams catalyst and captain Erik Karlsson, who's still recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

"The bottom line is we've got to stick with it and you've got to stick to what you're doing and give it a little bit more," Phaneuf said. "I feel we had the op

NOTES: Ottawa forward Alex Formenton, at 18 years and 24 days, became the youngest player in Senators history to make his NHL debut. ... Senators recalled Ben Harpur from Belleville of the AHL to replace Johnny Oduya, who suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday's opener. Harpur played just three shifts in the second period before leaving the game with an upper-body injury.

UP NEXT

Red Wings: At Dallas on Tuesday night.

Senators: At Vancouver on Tuesday night.

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