Another game against a contender, another win, and another strong performance from Mike 'Scoring Machine' Fisher. What made this game even more interesting was that just moments before Fisher incredibly batted a pass out of mid air and bunted it past Varlamov, it was our expected top scorer Jason Spezza that couldn't bury a golden two-on-one pass from Alfredsson.
Prior to the season, Pynch had a piece up here asking who should wear the A in Ottawa this year. For a few reasons, I said it should be Spezza over Fisher. My main point was that one of the key characteristics of a leader is someone that can take the team on his back and win a game. Going into this season, I didn't think Mike Fisher was capable of doing that. Sure, he could swing momentum in our favour with a big hit or a strong shift. But did anyone think that he would lead the team in game-winning goals (4) and overtime goals (2)?
This isn't meant as a knock on Spezza at all. I love the kid and hate seeing him stuck at just one goal. For a while, I thought nothing of his slump because he was getting helpers and he was getting more defensive zone duties. It was as if his transition into a terrific two-way player was underway. But at this point, I think it is fair to say the Spezz Dispenser is snakebit. He'll snap out of it and I still expect that he'll tear it up and lead the team in scoring. True story, I think he gets red hot and takes the team scoring title.
Let it not take, though, from the heroics of Fisher. It isn't just his forecheck anymore. His shots are finding holes and he's scoring at insanely clutch moments. Tonight, when this team had taken complete control of the game for the third period, it was Fisher that took it to the next level and buried the winner. Not Alfie, not Spezza, not Michalek, but Fisher.
It is for this reason that I offer sincere apologies to Fisher for doubting his ability to win us games. Whether it is the 'A' on the shirt or the ladyfriend in his life, the kid is en fuego right now. Imagine if Spezza was finding his scoring touch again?
Sadly, our smallest crowd of the year tonight makes us look a bit shatty for a Canadian team on a winning streak and hosting Ovechkin.
Monday, November 23, 2009
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2 comments:
Wow, Smallest crowd, the NHLs new Jesus is playing and the Sens on a winning streak. That is sad. Honestly, I think if a team is averaging 90+ percent of capacity, it's not a bad thing but when Ovie and Crosby/Malkin are in town you'd figure it'd be a near sellout.
I watched the 1st and 3rd/OT periods and that was some fast balls out hockey. You can't complain when all lines are flying, throwing hits, taking hits, going to the net etc. I don't know if it's in response to how the opponents play, that the Sens step up, but that's what the team needs to do 100% of the time. Lead, don't follow.
Keep this rolling, and Murray won't need to make any changes.
Spezza and Cheechoo can't seem to buy a goal. But at least secondary scoring has found it's way out of the closet.
I was impressed by the efforts of Shannon Regin and Winchester.
Wow, just wow.
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