2007 Preseason, Game 2: 9-20-2007

Senators 5, Capitals 4

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: A little preseason 2 Cents action to whet the appetite! The Eastern Conference champs return home to the Bank for the first time since June 4, which saw the home team fall 3-2 to the Ducks in Game 4 of the final. One-goal games, a bit of an Achillies’ heel for the Sens in recent years, did not factor in tonight despite a Caps’ resurgence at the end … Star of tonight’s show? None other than Nick Foligno, whose presence all over the ice tonight earned him second star honours, but more importantly, the Official Presidential Opinion: that, of course, that he will be in the lineup when the Sens get things going for real October 3 vs. the Leafs. The kid has responded to coach John Paddock calling him out through the media at the start of camp with back-to-back solid games to open the preseason. How about that goal, the result of a highlight-reel feed from gritty acquisition Shean Donovan in the corner, who fed Foligno, who slid a slicker feed to Kelly? Well if that wasn’t pretty enough, the son of Mr. Hop (those aged 20-ish and under may need to Google the ‘Foligno Hop’) danced his way in for that second-period, game-tying water bottler-rattler over a helpless Olaf Kolzig. It’s only two preseason games, but he looks ready to crack that fourth line and maybe beat out Brian McGrattan for a regular spot … Speaking of that October 3 opener, it might just be an interesting sideshow for Mike Foligno and Thomas Steen (son Alex is a Leaf) to watch their sons play each other. Seems like just yesterday that they were involved in epic battles with the Leafs and Jets, respectively. Recent retirees who played with them: Tie Domi and recent Cup champ Teemu Selanne. Domi actually played with both Steens … But back to the Bank: no slouch himself on the night was the captain. Alfie, who on one of his first shifts kind of coasted around and still looked good, playing catch with potential linemate Antoine Vermette then dropping a blind setup to Christoph Schubert, looks like he’s focused and ready for big things again. And only Alfie could do no wrong and make a blunder look good, as he fanned on his point shot, only to feed Dany Heatley for that slo-mo go-ahead marker in the third. And let’s not forget him tallying the Sens’ first of the game, as he did his best Fat Joe impression, doing a lean-back to pop a perfect Spezza offering top shelf. While he wasn’t doing the Roc-a-Wear, here’s a safe bet that the nifty new Sens duds will outsell Jay-Z’s clothing line in the 613 anyday. Especially #11 ones. But you know, some fly black Roca jeans could complement it nicely. So necessary…

… It was more of an average night for Martin Gerber, surrendering three goals on 18 shots after turning away all 52 two nights ago against the grounded Flyers. The first goal in particular might showcase a ‘stretch’ of an observation on the tight new jerseys (minimum one pun per 2 Cents), but that was a rather bad bounce of a rebound off Gerbs’ chest which Chris Clark potted home. Think the older, baggier sweaters might’ve been better for swallowing chest shots? Something to ponder … On the subject, Leafs coach Paul Maurice takes the cake for the day’s best tightness joke: “He’s suffering from general body stiffness,” he said about forward Kyle Wellwood, which was quickly followed by a red-faced grin and a refusal to elaborate. Perhaps because he used that adjective to describe a player whose name ends in “-wood”… But back to the goalie situation: Gerber’s replacement in the pipes, prospect Brian Elliott, played extremely solid. Of note, he stymied former Sens prospect Jakub Klepis on three separate occasions, notably once on a second-period chance right in the slot. Right before that, he turned aside Tomas Fleischmann from the right side. Elliott seemed to see the puck quite well through screens, only surrendered one goal, albeit a pretty one. Fleischmann passed the puck to himself off the end boards, spun and fed phenom Alex Ovechkin, who’s been known to score nice goals from time to time … Speaking of Ovechkin, either it’s a coincidence or the Senators had a little fun with the placement of tonight’s advertising signs. Tonight saw the pride of Russia in front of the Caps’ bench (Smirnoff Ice ad) and on the bench itself (Ovechkin). Two days removed from his 22nd birthday, maybe he’s indulged a bit recently. Who knows, after being frustrated by the Sens’ defence for a large portion of the game, including a solid first-period Wade Redden check, he might want to … Other former Sens playing: Brian Pothier and Brooks Laich. As usual, Pothier, a solid stay-at-home defenceman, led all Caps in ice time and probably will lead the league again this year …

… Other Prospects Watch: the highly-touted Nicklas Backstrom was rather quiet on the night, playing under 20 minutes, with no points and was a minus-1. Sens hopefuls Josh Hennessy, Brian Lee, and Cody Bass might find themselves headed to Bingo if the Foligno Show keeps running strong, but all three played ok. Bass smartly took a page out of the Anton Volchenkov manual by blocking a point shot with the Sens up one with just over three minutes to play. Hennessy showed some fleet of foot with a 180-degree spin on one rush. Lee took an undisciplined cross-checking penalty in the third period which led to Tom Poti scoring right off the faceoff. A tough, but quick lesson for the youngster … Patrick Eaves made a strong case to be a regular on the Cash Line with a solid effort on the night, notably on the power play. The first goal, which was waved off, saw Eaves hold his ground in front and pop in the biscuit despite being pushed in by Boyd Gordon. His presence in front of the net could make the difference and allow him rebound opportunities off Spezza and Heatley offerings. You know he’s got a chip on his shoulder to make an impact after being sidelined for most of the playoffs … Speaking of Cash Line auditions, Chris Phillips had one of his own as he jumped out of the box and joined Heatley on a 3-on-2. He was half-expecting the pass from Heater, and amusingly bumbled it. Unfortunately, Big Rig also bumbled and deflected a Tomas Fleischmann pass attempt into his own net in the dying ticks of the first period. We don’t need to re-hash what happened last time he did …

… Official Presidential Rant: again, more non-related jerseys, including those of the Stars and Leafs, were spotted at the game. Why? … As pointed out by colour man Tim Higgins, the Bank was rather quiet at times. I’ll say it again, non-playoff Ottawa crowds are sometimes a letdown. Get up and cheer, people … Speaking of Higgins, he and the local Rogers crew did an excellent job. It’s here where the Don Cherry Suit Rating usually appears in 2 Cents, but in lieu of Grapes, we’ll single out studio host Matt McCooye for his simple yet sold black jacket and award an eight out of 10. Also in lieu of the Bob Cole Line of the Night is this Higgins line: “Everyone knows how important they are,” he remarked in regards to a 5-on-3 opportunity the Sens had. Obvious? Maybe, but don’t forget the last two times the Sens had a 5-on-3, one each in Games 1 and 2 of the final, and blew them. Both were one-goal games, too … Two excellent examples of camera work: the second-period shot of a rather intense Brian McGrattan on the bench, and a reassuring capture of Spartacat and his Master Blaster. There is simply nothing better than the thrill of free hot dogs, and the between-whistles entertainment. Welcome back Sparty, and happy 15th birthday this October … Lawrence Nycholat had a feisty game on the back end, and it will prove to be quite the fight for playing time between him and Luke Richardson for that sixth defenceman spot … Last but not least: our humble Go Red playoff group’s General Manager is in Ghana for a work assignment, but is following our Sens on radio whenever he can. After our Team Chemistry Coordinator and Fisher Fan Club VP visited Africa, maybe the third group officer to visit those shores could be the charm to a Stanley Cup? Stay tuned …