PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: And so, the Sens swung the Emerygate to shut the Islanders’ attempt at knocking off a possibly distracted team. Well, not even figuratively speaking, really, as Martin Gerber was the one collecting his 23rd win of the year. Still, who knows what can motivate teams to come together these days, parity being what it is in the NHL. Best part? The secondary scoring problem was put to bed, at least for another night, and even two D-men jumped into the mix. Both Andrej Meszaros and Chris Phillips—reminded by Patricia Boal of his 29 games without bulging twine—potted some nice goals to give the Sens a cushion. Speaking of Big Rig, seems like only yesterday that he was a fresh-faced rookie helping the Sens knock off the first-place Devils in 1998. In that intermission interview, the Official Presidential Opinion is that he’s (gasp) thinning on top. Just an update for the Sens TV hairwaves … Speaking of that pun, it was indeed a Sens TV pay-per-view game. Too bad the in-house broadcast had to have an awkward tone at the start, when the coach and GM interviews had to include a Ray Emery question. Both John Paddock and Bryan Murray answered quite diplomatically, with the latter’s usual dose of refreshing frankness. More on the Razor situation later … On the subject, it took the Islanders until quite a bit later to wake up somewhat. They did just that, knocking the Sens onto their heels and making them look like the bottom-third defensive team they’ve become, attacking consistently and forcing two goals. The Isles really were two close tip shots and a post away from making it a different result. One of the goals was the result of an awful Joe Corvo turnover from behind his own net which he put right on Josef Vasicek’s stick. Still, Joltin’ Joe has unwavering 2 Cents approval for his fast-skating, exciting style of play the Sens thrive off of (case in point, his slick crossover move during a first-period power play), even if his only assist on the night was on Sean Bergenheim’s goal (more on this guy later, too) … Speaking of assists, poor Nick Foligno. Just called up again to replace Cody Bass and his injured ankle, the rookie had to slide the biscuit to Jason Spezza instead of potting his own empty-netter at the end. Maybe if he had done the Foligno Leap before instead of after this particular goal, he would have eluded his defender and been able score. He’s on record as saying he won’t do it again, after doing it on his first-ever NHL goal to honour his dad. Maybe he should reconsider for situations like this …
… After a slow start to the year, no one is likely complaining about Mike Fisher’s 22 points in his last 21 games, including tonight’s tilt. That pass he made to Dean McAmmond was laser-guided, out of a crowd, and likely is second-only to the puck he put on Dany Heatley’s stick to beat the Leafs in OT to open the season (YouTube it). The guy is dynamite. Understatement of the year … Speaking of under, the oft-under-appreciated fourth line for the Sens came through tonight with some fantastic shifts, causing havoc and scoring chances, and taking hits to make plays. How about that Brian McGrattan 2-on-1 pass to Christoph Schubert? It was a nice feed which Schubie nearly converted. As for Grats, they should utilize his scoring touch more. Remember, he potted a game-high five (you know he rubbed it in to the Cash Line) during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage on a Muskoka retreat during that silly three-game, 21-day stretch in October … Anton Volchenkov might not have a letter on his jersey, but two sequences tonight prove why A-Train is not a caboose in the leadership department: firstly, he had a rare miscue in the second period which allowed Bill Guerin to roll around the net. A-Train recovered to knock Bill out of the play, but not before he fed the slot. Right there to block the ensuing few chances were no less than three Sens: Randy Robitaille, the Captain, and Big Rig. The other follow-my-lead happened in the third, when A-Train blocked two shots on one shift. Luke Richardson, likely inspired, then blocked two of his own. The first one saved a surefire Bergenheim-to-Vasicek goal, and the second block involved a very brave Luke using his face and teeth. He left for repairs but he’ll be ok …
FUNNY STUFF: Right after one of the Sens’ goals, the Darth Vader Star Wars theme played through the loudspeakers. It was almost as if Isles G Rick “67.5 million reasons to smile” DiPietro should use Darth Gerber as his inspiration to stop the puck … During the intermission feature which profiled Sens’ head equipment guru Scott Allegrino, it was interesting that the closeup shot of him packing two jerseys into a trunk were those of Patrick Eaves and Cody Bass, both of whom did not play tonight … Line of the Night: in this case, it was courtesy of all three guys. Grant Ledyard, perhaps rusty since the last PPV game, mispronounced Sean Bergenheim’s name, saying what sounded like “Boogerheim.” Dean Brown couldn’t resist playing along and said to Gord Wilson, “That’s what you sound like when you try to pronounce (referee) Don Van Massenhoven’s name.” After some heavy laughing and giggling by all three, Grant shot back. “You guys are all off my Christmas list,” said the big former Sens defenceman … One amusing and extended close-up of Isles coach Ted Nolan panned left to right. Behind Ted were four empty seats, a security guard, and another empty seat. Maybe those ugly yellow jackets they wear are scaring people away. Whatever it is, less than 10,000 bothered to come, and Nassau Coliseum is averaging 13,549 butts in its seats this year …
… Lots of former Sens and Islanders that played each other tonight, and factored into the goals: former Senator (and former every team, look him up) Mike Sillinger unfortunately left Fisher wide open for the fourth Ottawa goal, while Wade Redden was in the sin bin when the guy he was traded for, Bryan Berard, scored. Of course, none other than last year’s valuable rental, Mike “Mr. Duff” Comrie assisted on Berard’s goal, a nifty blue line pinch. The other former Sen, who needs no introduction, is likely enjoying the $17 million paid to him to not play … Interesting Stat Line of the Night: perhaps a by-product of two-thirds of his line out (Alfie left the game in the third), the Spezz Dispenser actually led the team with six shots. He had one blocked as well … Last but not least: it’s clear Ray Emery still has motivation problems. After earning the #1 job following a solid second half of last season and nearly backstopping his team to a Stanley Cup in determined fashion, Razor’s season has been full of off-ice mishaps, the latest being four minutes late for practice in Long Island on Monday. If he really wants to, he can wrestle the starting job away again from Darth Gerber with effort in practice and by showing up on time. It’s that simple; he’s more athletic, has confidence, is edgy, and has more upside. He need only look to what might be the greatest athlete all-time in team sports for inspiration. It wasn’t always common knowledge that Michael Jordan was always the hardest-working practice player, and demanded the same from his teammates. Six title rings later, it’s pretty obvious what you have to do to stay on top.
