Nice start.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 5-2 (Ottawa leads series 1-0)
Ottawa Goals: Fisher, Alfredsson, Saprykin (GW), Spezza, McAmmond
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Fisher, Volchenkov
Lacking Sens: Corvo, Comrie,
It was over when: Oleg Saprykin!
It was definitely over when: Not only was Spezza’s PP goal in the third awesome, it was the fact that it was during a Derek Roy, Resident Piss Ant, penalty that made it the icing on the cake.
Message in a Molson bottle: The Sens were faster then the “fastest” team in the league, created turnovers, and were simply the better team. Going into the game, we knew our big three had to be great and we were a better special teams group. The pizza line had a pair of goals, we had two on the powerplay and a shortie, and just drove all over their fans tonight. Great effort.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270510002
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
I like it when the pizza line scores, but I like it even more when the other forwards score. Such was the case with goals from Fisher, Saprykin, and McAmmond. Fisher was a man possessed in the first period, McAmmond was the smartest player on the other three lines, and Saprykin is like a Patty Eaves but with better hands and puck control. There wasn’t a moment with any of the four lines that you worried about Buffalo blowing past them as it was just another tight, well-played Ottawa game from the role forwards.
Pessimistic Patty
It isn’t the two-goal lead that got away that bothers me, it is the type of goals that they scored to wipe out that lead. The first one, our forwards left the zone all at once and all before the puck, leaving two out of place defencemen and a huge rebound from Emery. The second one, Heatley simply has to tie up Lydman before he gets back around in front like that. Two lapses of judgment, two goals. Let’s learn and move on.
Upbeat Ursula
Three third period goals in the third period of a tie game while visiting the best team in hockey. Not too shabby. The poise that the Sens have shown through 11 games has been magnificent and unseen in the past. What is so nice to watch is that not a single player on our team is trying to do too much with or without the puck. There is a level of trust that has been established within the core of that room and they really do count on one another to back each other up. Compare the number of odd-man rushes we gave up tonight compared to any of the previous games last year (I don’t want to bring up last year, but it is our only point of reference so far). We are just operating as a well-oiled machine right now and time will tell if Mucks has put the right pieces together. I have to say, when we traded for Saprykin, Williams and I agreed that all he had to do was score one game winner and it would be a worthwhile deal. Was that not the most important goal the Sens have scored this postseason?! Way to go, Saps. The Tenacious O. I hope he stays in the lineup and Patty Eaves sits out a few more…
Debbie Downer
The Preissing/Corvo pairing was average tonight and here’s to hoping that it was just Game One jitters. I’m sure the media hype has to get to some of these guys, so let’s write tonight off and move on. I’ll say this about both of them, though – they don’t get burned by a speedy Buffalo forward, do they? It is refreshing to see Corvo play a guy all the way around the net instead of losing a step and having the Sabre cut in front of the net.
Keys to the next game
- Skate hard and fast and keep drawing penalties
- Clear out the rebounds – Buffalo loves those
- Traffic in front of Miller works, right Alfie?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Sunday, May 06, 2007
rd 2 gm 5; ottawa @ new jersey; 5.5.2007
Haven’t won anything yet. Let’s enjoy this and get ready for the next one.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-2 (Ottawa leads series 4-1)
Ottawa Goals: Vermette, Spezza, Alfredsson (GW)
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Spezza, Emery
Lacking Sens: Redden, Corvo, Comrie
It was over when: The Vermette goal took so much momentum from them and shifted it to us as we set forth on another second period explosion.
It was definitely over when: Alfredsson’s wrister through the five hole gave us the two goal edge and we might as well have packed up then and there.
Message in a Molson bottle: Once again, we showed that we can rebound after a bad period. We came out flat and Emery kept us in the game in the first period, just enough so that we can come out flying with 19 shots in the second period and cruise through a courtesy third period. Top line was dominant again and we did just enough backchecking to prevent any kind of sustained scoring pressure from the Devils. The third period might have been our most smothering period in history.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270505011
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
Giving up the first goal is no longer the recipe for disaster in our locker room. We have shown an incredible ability to stick to our powerful game plan and in a game like this, it becomes just a matter time before the plan kicks in and we start to chip away. Our style of play promotes team offence and also keeps a keen eye on backchecking and keeping the puck out of our own zone. It was worked well against a fast team and against a defensive team. Let’s see if it can work a couple more times. One thing is for sure, the players have absolutely bought into the plan, something that is absolutely mandatory for success. Just ask Axel Rose.
Pessimistic Patty
I don’t want to sound like a Negative Nancy here, but we still have a few defencemen that turn the puck over a lot. Redden and Meszaros continue to show an inability to get the puck out of the zone at crucial times, and Joe Corvo is sometimes trying to do too much behind our own net instead of just finding an outlet or finding the glass. This is all hidden right now because the forwards are playing back, but as the opponents get better each round, so too should our defencemen in clearing the puck. Corvo also should never have left Gomez behind him on the first New Jersey goal.
Upbeat Ursula
We are a detail-oriented team. The Vermette goal was a fabrication from the strong boards play by, well, Vermette himself. We did an amazing job at keeping the puck in on the left side, it made its way back around to Preissing, and then there was Vermie to tip in the shot through Brodeur. Couple this with the play behind our own net of guys like Fisher and McAmmond in helping out the defencemen. What the result will be is that we work as an 18-skater unit (down to 15 in the third period, sometimes). This is why Carolina won the Cup last year and never really had a superstar. 18 guys doing their job.
Debbie Downer
Mike Comrie had a so-so game but once again found himself on the bench for the third period. Dean McAmmond jumps up in his spot and we roll three lines while protecting the lead. I wish Comrie would just show better backchecking in the first two periods and then Murray would let him play in the third. He’s good enough to do it, he just hasn’t been around on our team long enough to understand why Spezza used to get benched, I guess. Let’s hope he figures it out because he’s far more valuable on the ice then he is taking McAmmond’s spot on the bench with the fourth unit.
Keys to the next game
- Rest
- Hope the Rangers force a seventh game
- Work on playoff beards. Mine is a disgusting collection of fur that itches me to the core. I love it.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-2 (Ottawa leads series 4-1)
Ottawa Goals: Vermette, Spezza, Alfredsson (GW)
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Spezza, Emery
Lacking Sens: Redden, Corvo, Comrie
It was over when: The Vermette goal took so much momentum from them and shifted it to us as we set forth on another second period explosion.
It was definitely over when: Alfredsson’s wrister through the five hole gave us the two goal edge and we might as well have packed up then and there.
Message in a Molson bottle: Once again, we showed that we can rebound after a bad period. We came out flat and Emery kept us in the game in the first period, just enough so that we can come out flying with 19 shots in the second period and cruise through a courtesy third period. Top line was dominant again and we did just enough backchecking to prevent any kind of sustained scoring pressure from the Devils. The third period might have been our most smothering period in history.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270505011
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
Giving up the first goal is no longer the recipe for disaster in our locker room. We have shown an incredible ability to stick to our powerful game plan and in a game like this, it becomes just a matter time before the plan kicks in and we start to chip away. Our style of play promotes team offence and also keeps a keen eye on backchecking and keeping the puck out of our own zone. It was worked well against a fast team and against a defensive team. Let’s see if it can work a couple more times. One thing is for sure, the players have absolutely bought into the plan, something that is absolutely mandatory for success. Just ask Axel Rose.
Pessimistic Patty
I don’t want to sound like a Negative Nancy here, but we still have a few defencemen that turn the puck over a lot. Redden and Meszaros continue to show an inability to get the puck out of the zone at crucial times, and Joe Corvo is sometimes trying to do too much behind our own net instead of just finding an outlet or finding the glass. This is all hidden right now because the forwards are playing back, but as the opponents get better each round, so too should our defencemen in clearing the puck. Corvo also should never have left Gomez behind him on the first New Jersey goal.
Upbeat Ursula
We are a detail-oriented team. The Vermette goal was a fabrication from the strong boards play by, well, Vermette himself. We did an amazing job at keeping the puck in on the left side, it made its way back around to Preissing, and then there was Vermie to tip in the shot through Brodeur. Couple this with the play behind our own net of guys like Fisher and McAmmond in helping out the defencemen. What the result will be is that we work as an 18-skater unit (down to 15 in the third period, sometimes). This is why Carolina won the Cup last year and never really had a superstar. 18 guys doing their job.
Debbie Downer
Mike Comrie had a so-so game but once again found himself on the bench for the third period. Dean McAmmond jumps up in his spot and we roll three lines while protecting the lead. I wish Comrie would just show better backchecking in the first two periods and then Murray would let him play in the third. He’s good enough to do it, he just hasn’t been around on our team long enough to understand why Spezza used to get benched, I guess. Let’s hope he figures it out because he’s far more valuable on the ice then he is taking McAmmond’s spot on the bench with the fourth unit.
Keys to the next game
- Rest
- Hope the Rangers force a seventh game
- Work on playoff beards. Mine is a disgusting collection of fur that itches me to the core. I love it.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
rd 2 gm 4; new jersey @ ottawa; 5.2.2007
The hockey monkeys were shining on us tonight
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-2 (Ottawa leads series 3-1)
Ottawa Goals: Alfredsson, Heatley, Fisher (GW)
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Fisher, Neil
Lacking Sens: Redden, Meszaros, Emery
It was over when: The Fisher goal that gave us the lead by two was going to be enough considering the backchecking we’ve had combined with their inability to pinch in.
It was definitely over when: We forechecked the hell out of them until the final buzzer.
Message in a Molson bottle: Both goalies were weak tonight, Emery giving up huge rebounds and Brodeur giving up two soft goals. The difference in this one was that our top players outplayed their top players. Not out best game, but still a very solid effort in knocking down their defence and pouring more shots through to Brodeur. We need to show that killer instinct again on Saturday because we haven’t won anything yet.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270502014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
The pizza line continues to dominate in all ends of the rink, whether it is a Heatley backcheck, Spezza carrying through the neutral zone, or Alfredsson being Alfredsson, these guys are playing their best hockey. I think you can honestly say that after nine playoff games, our best player each and every game has been our captain. The effort and emotion has rubbed off on his linemates and trickled down to the rest. The pizza line is playing great hockey right now and if you don’t agree with me, I will fight you. That’s no lie (turn on Afternoon Delight and eat a ruben sandwich while you’re at it, Papa Burgundy)
Pessimistic Patty
I don’t mean to agree with Marty Brodeur’s post-game comments (“we showed that if we shoot pucks at Emery, he doesn’t look very good”), but Rayzer needs to be a tad sharper with his rebound control going forward. Besides the two shots that got past him and rang off the post in the first, he is still looking a bit out of position on some saves and letting out rebounds that we’ve been back to clean up. I also find that some of his saves look all 1980’s Andy Moog-ish where he just kicks a leg out while standing up. He stole a game for us in the first round and he might have to do it again on Saturday in the Meadowlands.
Upbeat Ursula
Chris Neil’s best game of the playoffs and Fisher’s first goal of the playoffs. Both positives for those that are counting on effort and scoring from our lower lines. I still want to see Kelly and Vermette start potting a few more, but its great to see the winner come off a secondary stick and its great to see Neil finally playing a bit smarter and being in the play and hitting the shite out of things. How sweet would it have been to see him score on the inside out, how’s she going, move he pulled in the third?
Debbie Downer
We had Brodeur on an off night and still had to play to the final buzzer. There were long periods of play in the second period and in the third period where we were stuck playing Devils hockey. I know that we can do it successfully, but I thought we let them dictate the pace a few times, the first time they’ve really done that in this series. I want to come out balls hard on Saturday and scare them into realizing that we’re not keen on playing a sixth game.
Keys to the next game
- Screen the goalie
- Rebound control
- Shoot glove side, for pete’s sake.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-2 (Ottawa leads series 3-1)
Ottawa Goals: Alfredsson, Heatley, Fisher (GW)
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Fisher, Neil
Lacking Sens: Redden, Meszaros, Emery
It was over when: The Fisher goal that gave us the lead by two was going to be enough considering the backchecking we’ve had combined with their inability to pinch in.
It was definitely over when: We forechecked the hell out of them until the final buzzer.
Message in a Molson bottle: Both goalies were weak tonight, Emery giving up huge rebounds and Brodeur giving up two soft goals. The difference in this one was that our top players outplayed their top players. Not out best game, but still a very solid effort in knocking down their defence and pouring more shots through to Brodeur. We need to show that killer instinct again on Saturday because we haven’t won anything yet.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270502014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
The pizza line continues to dominate in all ends of the rink, whether it is a Heatley backcheck, Spezza carrying through the neutral zone, or Alfredsson being Alfredsson, these guys are playing their best hockey. I think you can honestly say that after nine playoff games, our best player each and every game has been our captain. The effort and emotion has rubbed off on his linemates and trickled down to the rest. The pizza line is playing great hockey right now and if you don’t agree with me, I will fight you. That’s no lie (turn on Afternoon Delight and eat a ruben sandwich while you’re at it, Papa Burgundy)
Pessimistic Patty
I don’t mean to agree with Marty Brodeur’s post-game comments (“we showed that if we shoot pucks at Emery, he doesn’t look very good”), but Rayzer needs to be a tad sharper with his rebound control going forward. Besides the two shots that got past him and rang off the post in the first, he is still looking a bit out of position on some saves and letting out rebounds that we’ve been back to clean up. I also find that some of his saves look all 1980’s Andy Moog-ish where he just kicks a leg out while standing up. He stole a game for us in the first round and he might have to do it again on Saturday in the Meadowlands.
Upbeat Ursula
Chris Neil’s best game of the playoffs and Fisher’s first goal of the playoffs. Both positives for those that are counting on effort and scoring from our lower lines. I still want to see Kelly and Vermette start potting a few more, but its great to see the winner come off a secondary stick and its great to see Neil finally playing a bit smarter and being in the play and hitting the shite out of things. How sweet would it have been to see him score on the inside out, how’s she going, move he pulled in the third?
Debbie Downer
We had Brodeur on an off night and still had to play to the final buzzer. There were long periods of play in the second period and in the third period where we were stuck playing Devils hockey. I know that we can do it successfully, but I thought we let them dictate the pace a few times, the first time they’ve really done that in this series. I want to come out balls hard on Saturday and scare them into realizing that we’re not keen on playing a sixth game.
Keys to the next game
- Screen the goalie
- Rebound control
- Shoot glove side, for pete’s sake.
Monday, April 30, 2007
rd2 gm3 - New Jersey @ Ottawa - 4.30.2007
In terms of oversight from officials, we’re even now.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 2-0 (Ottawa leads series 2-1)
Ottawa Goals: Preissing (GW), Spezza
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Volchenkov, Comrie
Lacking Sens: Schaefer, Gerber
It was over when: The Preissing goal ignited this time to a level to which the Devils couldn’t match
It was definitely over when: Killed off the Phillips penalty and went into total shutdown mode for the final four minutes
Message in a Molson bottle: The better team won this game, no doubt about it. Just like in the first round, we have outplayed our opponents and are in a 2-1 series lead. The only difference is that the guy in the other net is standing on his head. Brodeur was amazing and it took a funky goal to win it. However, we were the team that was able to roll four lines, saw the role guys like Neil and McAmmond, Saprykin and Schubert play their precious little hearts out. Oh yeah, and Phillips and Volchenkov continue to cold-cock people as they enter the zone, which helps. Great team win. Enjoy it tonight and come back to work tomorrow to get ready for the next one.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270430014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
The second line was our best line tonight, finally. For the first time in this series, Mike Comrie showed the Tasmanian devil in him, Mike Fisher played out of this world, and Peter Schaefer recognized that there was a game being played and he was a part of it (expectations in check with that fella). This is a scoring line for us, but it is also an energy line and needs to forecheck hard and get the dirty goals. The game-winning goal tonight was a result of their solid play. Good to see. Third and fourth lines looked great tonight, too. They’ll need to keep it up if we’re to win this series.
Pessimistic Patty
Make no mistake, Romans, we’re facing the absolute best goaltender in the wonderful world of men’s ice hockey. Game One was an anomaly, games two and three are what we can expect from him for the rest of the round so it will take continued traffic to the net to crank out another two wins. We’ve never beaten an elite level goaltender and this is the toughest one yet. Luckily, our team is playing with a different vision and if anyone can do it, it’s the guys we dress right now.
Upbeat Ursula
Did you know that Alfredsson, Spezza, and Heatley have combined for 27 points in 8 games? Not too shabby for a has-been and a couple of never-will-be’s, eh? Actually, these three are playing great hockey in their own end right now, including the last minute of the game when we had all three of them backchecking hard enough to free up the puck and all record a point on Spezza’s empty netter. Your best players need to play like your best players, and guess what Scotty? We’re covered. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.
Debbie Downer
The Joe Corvo giveaway might have been the worst turnover recorded in post-War history, people. I love the guy and have defended him vehemently all season long, and even though he’s getting icetime and playing with lots of confidence, that one was bad. Redden and Spezza also had some bad turnovers in this one and if any team is going to make us pay for those, it’s the Sabres. But after the Sabres, the other team that will make us pay for those is the Devils. Can’t do it anymore from here until next preseason. That’s why we have goalies, though.
Keys to the next game
- Traffic in front of Brodeur.
- Keep pucks high – he’s too good with his pads and stick.
- Stay out of the penalty box
- No turnovers ever.
One final note, I'll say that I liked the way Sweet Lou responded to the media re: Fisher's tap on Brodeur on the game winning goal, but Brodeur WAS out of the crease and incidental contact is not a penalty. Sometimes you don't get the breaks (goals with 2.7 seconds left are impossible) and sometimes you do.
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 2-0 (Ottawa leads series 2-1)
Ottawa Goals: Preissing (GW), Spezza
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Volchenkov, Comrie
Lacking Sens: Schaefer, Gerber
It was over when: The Preissing goal ignited this time to a level to which the Devils couldn’t match
It was definitely over when: Killed off the Phillips penalty and went into total shutdown mode for the final four minutes
Message in a Molson bottle: The better team won this game, no doubt about it. Just like in the first round, we have outplayed our opponents and are in a 2-1 series lead. The only difference is that the guy in the other net is standing on his head. Brodeur was amazing and it took a funky goal to win it. However, we were the team that was able to roll four lines, saw the role guys like Neil and McAmmond, Saprykin and Schubert play their precious little hearts out. Oh yeah, and Phillips and Volchenkov continue to cold-cock people as they enter the zone, which helps. Great team win. Enjoy it tonight and come back to work tomorrow to get ready for the next one.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270430014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
The second line was our best line tonight, finally. For the first time in this series, Mike Comrie showed the Tasmanian devil in him, Mike Fisher played out of this world, and Peter Schaefer recognized that there was a game being played and he was a part of it (expectations in check with that fella). This is a scoring line for us, but it is also an energy line and needs to forecheck hard and get the dirty goals. The game-winning goal tonight was a result of their solid play. Good to see. Third and fourth lines looked great tonight, too. They’ll need to keep it up if we’re to win this series.
Pessimistic Patty
Make no mistake, Romans, we’re facing the absolute best goaltender in the wonderful world of men’s ice hockey. Game One was an anomaly, games two and three are what we can expect from him for the rest of the round so it will take continued traffic to the net to crank out another two wins. We’ve never beaten an elite level goaltender and this is the toughest one yet. Luckily, our team is playing with a different vision and if anyone can do it, it’s the guys we dress right now.
Upbeat Ursula
Did you know that Alfredsson, Spezza, and Heatley have combined for 27 points in 8 games? Not too shabby for a has-been and a couple of never-will-be’s, eh? Actually, these three are playing great hockey in their own end right now, including the last minute of the game when we had all three of them backchecking hard enough to free up the puck and all record a point on Spezza’s empty netter. Your best players need to play like your best players, and guess what Scotty? We’re covered. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.
Debbie Downer
The Joe Corvo giveaway might have been the worst turnover recorded in post-War history, people. I love the guy and have defended him vehemently all season long, and even though he’s getting icetime and playing with lots of confidence, that one was bad. Redden and Spezza also had some bad turnovers in this one and if any team is going to make us pay for those, it’s the Sabres. But after the Sabres, the other team that will make us pay for those is the Devils. Can’t do it anymore from here until next preseason. That’s why we have goalies, though.
Keys to the next game
- Traffic in front of Brodeur.
- Keep pucks high – he’s too good with his pads and stick.
- Stay out of the penalty box
- No turnovers ever.
One final note, I'll say that I liked the way Sweet Lou responded to the media re: Fisher's tap on Brodeur on the game winning goal, but Brodeur WAS out of the crease and incidental contact is not a penalty. Sometimes you don't get the breaks (goals with 2.7 seconds left are impossible) and sometimes you do.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Rd 1 Gm 5 - Pittsburgh @ Ottawa - 4.19.07
Onward and upward, and as a well-oiled machine
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-0 (Ottawa wins series 4-1)
Ottawa Goals: Heatley (GW), Vermette, Kelly
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Emery, Vermette
Lacking Sens: NA
It was over when: Heatley scores and Fisher follows it up by absolutely railing Ouellet and Staal into the ice, setting the tone for the rest of the period.
It was definitely over when: Kelly’s goal put this one away for good, up 3-0 in the second period. We may blow a 3-goal lead in the regular season, but not here.
Message in a Molson bottle: As the guys on TSN said, we may have had a bad period or two, but we never had a bad game. Heatley’s goal was a monkey off his back and really let the team take off on their usual second period rampage, but the momentum was ours after killing off two 5-on-3s in the first period. Defence + offence + goaltending + secondary scoring + PK = win
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270419014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
Ray Emery absolutely became a more consistent and reliable goaltender as the series went on. Games 4 and 5 were without a doubt his best of the series. I hope the week off now doesn’t allow him to lose focus, because he’s the first #1 goalie we’ve ever had in the playoffs. Quick, move him into Muckler’s apartment and let him hide there from the media for a week. On a side note, this was easily Redden’s best game, too. Hooray, he won’t get traded yet!
Pessimistic Patty
Not much to touch on here, although I guess some people say that having a week off is too long between series. The way that this can be alleviated is if Tampa Bay, or Hockey Bay as their 10,000-12,000 call themselves, win over New Jersey and we get the equally rested Rangers in Round 2. All we can hope for is the Murray keeps the whip on them and that Redden and Heatley can nurse themselves back to health.
Upbeat Ursula
I’m not getting into the rah-rah we’re a different team than before bit, because then it would just seem like TSN’s Brent Wallace asked that question again (“no, Brent, we’re not the same team as the one in 2000…”). I’ll say this about what we’re seeing for the first time this year. We’ve never seen Alfie as the leading scorer in a series and he led both teams with 6 points. We don’t usually see us on the right side of a 2-1 win and we did that in the pivotal game 4. And we’ve never seen a coach that can roll four lines in all three periods of all five games and Murray had the luxury of doing that. This is shown in the numbers where only Oleg Saprykin had less than 10 minutes of icetime – amazing. It is a combination of getting early leads and also having guys like McAmmond on our fourth line. I think this group of players is the most cohesive and intelligent bunch we’ve had.
Debbie Downer
Alfie was 0-for-2 in the faceoff circle. He stinks. That’s all I got in this one. Oh wait, you know what is a downer? Watching this beauty of a game on Versus Network here in the US and A. I know Crosby is a spotlight player, but at no point during these five games did the play-by-play team talk about how well Ottawa was playing. They didn’t acknowledge anything about the Roberts hit on Volchenkov in the third period that could have been a charge, and clearly didn’t know that it was a major issue in the papers this morning. They didn’t know that Redden was involved in rumours all day for his poor play, instead praising him as the smartest defenceman out there. If the executives at Versus Network or OLN or whatever it is, if they read our website, let it be known that these buffoons have to join the Pens on the links. Or go bass fishing with some of the other network stars on this ridiculous TV station. At least I can go to MTV or VH1 for some music down here, right? Wait, what was that? Just reality shows there now? I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the Hockey Night in Canada team.
Keys to the next game
- Um, get rested and healthy
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 3-0 (Ottawa wins series 4-1)
Ottawa Goals: Heatley (GW), Vermette, Kelly
Making Sens: Alfredsson, Emery, Vermette
Lacking Sens: NA
It was over when: Heatley scores and Fisher follows it up by absolutely railing Ouellet and Staal into the ice, setting the tone for the rest of the period.
It was definitely over when: Kelly’s goal put this one away for good, up 3-0 in the second period. We may blow a 3-goal lead in the regular season, but not here.
Message in a Molson bottle: As the guys on TSN said, we may have had a bad period or two, but we never had a bad game. Heatley’s goal was a monkey off his back and really let the team take off on their usual second period rampage, but the momentum was ours after killing off two 5-on-3s in the first period. Defence + offence + goaltending + secondary scoring + PK = win
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270419014
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
Ray Emery absolutely became a more consistent and reliable goaltender as the series went on. Games 4 and 5 were without a doubt his best of the series. I hope the week off now doesn’t allow him to lose focus, because he’s the first #1 goalie we’ve ever had in the playoffs. Quick, move him into Muckler’s apartment and let him hide there from the media for a week. On a side note, this was easily Redden’s best game, too. Hooray, he won’t get traded yet!
Pessimistic Patty
Not much to touch on here, although I guess some people say that having a week off is too long between series. The way that this can be alleviated is if Tampa Bay, or Hockey Bay as their 10,000-12,000 call themselves, win over New Jersey and we get the equally rested Rangers in Round 2. All we can hope for is the Murray keeps the whip on them and that Redden and Heatley can nurse themselves back to health.
Upbeat Ursula
I’m not getting into the rah-rah we’re a different team than before bit, because then it would just seem like TSN’s Brent Wallace asked that question again (“no, Brent, we’re not the same team as the one in 2000…”). I’ll say this about what we’re seeing for the first time this year. We’ve never seen Alfie as the leading scorer in a series and he led both teams with 6 points. We don’t usually see us on the right side of a 2-1 win and we did that in the pivotal game 4. And we’ve never seen a coach that can roll four lines in all three periods of all five games and Murray had the luxury of doing that. This is shown in the numbers where only Oleg Saprykin had less than 10 minutes of icetime – amazing. It is a combination of getting early leads and also having guys like McAmmond on our fourth line. I think this group of players is the most cohesive and intelligent bunch we’ve had.
Debbie Downer
Alfie was 0-for-2 in the faceoff circle. He stinks. That’s all I got in this one. Oh wait, you know what is a downer? Watching this beauty of a game on Versus Network here in the US and A. I know Crosby is a spotlight player, but at no point during these five games did the play-by-play team talk about how well Ottawa was playing. They didn’t acknowledge anything about the Roberts hit on Volchenkov in the third period that could have been a charge, and clearly didn’t know that it was a major issue in the papers this morning. They didn’t know that Redden was involved in rumours all day for his poor play, instead praising him as the smartest defenceman out there. If the executives at Versus Network or OLN or whatever it is, if they read our website, let it be known that these buffoons have to join the Pens on the links. Or go bass fishing with some of the other network stars on this ridiculous TV station. At least I can go to MTV or VH1 for some music down here, right? Wait, what was that? Just reality shows there now? I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the Hockey Night in Canada team.
Keys to the next game
- Um, get rested and healthy
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Rd 1 Gm 4 - Ottawa @ Pittsburgh - 4.17.07
Winning a one-goal game in the postseason? Preposterous!
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 2-1
Ottawa Goals: Spezza, Volchenkov (GW)
Making Sens: Emery, Volchenkov, Comrie
Lacking Sens: Redden, Heatley
It was over when: Volchenkov takes a backhanded saucer pass from Comrie and blasts home a 30-footer with 10 minutes to play
It was definitely over when: Scrambles in front of our net result in us just icing the thing and then counting on Vermette to win the ensuing draw throughout the final minute.
Message in a Molson bottle: If we gave one away last Saturday to the Penguins, Ray Emery stole this one back. He was lights out throughout the game, especially in the second period when we killed off 8 minutes in penalties. Great goaltending, shutdown defence, and timely scoring – something we had never really seen in April and May before. Feels good.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270417016
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
There is light in the nets. People had been saying that through three games, Emery was good, but not great. People were waiting for him to make that timely save that shifted momentum in our favour. Tonight, he made a lot of those saves as Crosby and his sleepover buddies spent a lot of time driving to the net, and Gary Roberts spend a lot of time at the net. Great job by Emery, he got us this win. Write it down, Ottawa, we have a goalie.
Pessimistic Patty
What the balls is wrong with Wade Redden? That is the question going around the water coolers this morning, as Redden was just laughable in this one, whether it be getting burned on the outside because he was flatfooted, or getting taken down in front or right behind his own net because he can’t play physical. Whatever is wrong with him, and lets hope for the sake of discussion that he has some lingering injury to his groin that is making him play like this, that Murray either hacks away his icetime or just canes him old school rules to get him to snap out of this. Then again, how much can we expect from him now when this is how he’s played all year?
Upbeat Ursula
Guys like Comrie and Vermette and Volchenkov are perfect examples of doing the little things right. Comrie is a menace on the forecheck, even in his small stature, as he hits anything and cycles the puck like a champ. Vermette is key in winning faceoffs, an area where we’ve trumped the Penguins this series and was key in the dying minutes of this one. Volchenkov is an absolute machine, what else can you say? To have him rewarded for his efforts with the game winner last night was very fitting.
Debbie Downer
I know it is tough to pick up a negative in a hard-working win, but I thought some of the guys looked a bit tired in this one. Let’s be honest, Pittsburgh kinda took it to us for the better part of the game. I thought we were by far the better team in the third period and really controlled the pace, but they outhit us pretty bad and it just looked at times that some of the stars of the early games were a bit slower in their takeoffs. All the more reason to handle our business on Thursday and get some rest.
Keys to the next game
- Use the crowd and the motivation of not wanting to travel until the second round
- Stay out of the box – 8 minutes of PK in the second period could have been a recipe for disaster.
- Clear the paint – too often was Roberts parked in front of Emery with only a weak shove from #6 (I’m not naming names here…)
The Balance in the Bank:
Final Score: Ottawa wins 2-1
Ottawa Goals: Spezza, Volchenkov (GW)
Making Sens: Emery, Volchenkov, Comrie
Lacking Sens: Redden, Heatley
It was over when: Volchenkov takes a backhanded saucer pass from Comrie and blasts home a 30-footer with 10 minutes to play
It was definitely over when: Scrambles in front of our net result in us just icing the thing and then counting on Vermette to win the ensuing draw throughout the final minute.
Message in a Molson bottle: If we gave one away last Saturday to the Penguins, Ray Emery stole this one back. He was lights out throughout the game, especially in the second period when we killed off 8 minutes in penalties. Great goaltending, shutdown defence, and timely scoring – something we had never really seen in April and May before. Feels good.
Courtesy Boxscore: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=270417016
Grab a Timmy’s double double and listen to what really happened:
Optimistic Ophelia
There is light in the nets. People had been saying that through three games, Emery was good, but not great. People were waiting for him to make that timely save that shifted momentum in our favour. Tonight, he made a lot of those saves as Crosby and his sleepover buddies spent a lot of time driving to the net, and Gary Roberts spend a lot of time at the net. Great job by Emery, he got us this win. Write it down, Ottawa, we have a goalie.
Pessimistic Patty
What the balls is wrong with Wade Redden? That is the question going around the water coolers this morning, as Redden was just laughable in this one, whether it be getting burned on the outside because he was flatfooted, or getting taken down in front or right behind his own net because he can’t play physical. Whatever is wrong with him, and lets hope for the sake of discussion that he has some lingering injury to his groin that is making him play like this, that Murray either hacks away his icetime or just canes him old school rules to get him to snap out of this. Then again, how much can we expect from him now when this is how he’s played all year?
Upbeat Ursula
Guys like Comrie and Vermette and Volchenkov are perfect examples of doing the little things right. Comrie is a menace on the forecheck, even in his small stature, as he hits anything and cycles the puck like a champ. Vermette is key in winning faceoffs, an area where we’ve trumped the Penguins this series and was key in the dying minutes of this one. Volchenkov is an absolute machine, what else can you say? To have him rewarded for his efforts with the game winner last night was very fitting.
Debbie Downer
I know it is tough to pick up a negative in a hard-working win, but I thought some of the guys looked a bit tired in this one. Let’s be honest, Pittsburgh kinda took it to us for the better part of the game. I thought we were by far the better team in the third period and really controlled the pace, but they outhit us pretty bad and it just looked at times that some of the stars of the early games were a bit slower in their takeoffs. All the more reason to handle our business on Thursday and get some rest.
Keys to the next game
- Use the crowd and the motivation of not wanting to travel until the second round
- Stay out of the box – 8 minutes of PK in the second period could have been a recipe for disaster.
- Clear the paint – too often was Roberts parked in front of Emery with only a weak shove from #6 (I’m not naming names here…)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
