Senators vs Sabres: Round 3, Game 2

Senators 4, Sabres 3 (2 OT)

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: They say that complaints fall on deaf ears. Thank the hockey gods that Jason Spezza’s complaints about the bad ice at HSBC arena apparently were not acted upon, as it was none other than the Spezz Dispenser who dropped the candy in double OT to Joe Corvo with a perfect bounce. Joltin’ Joe then let rip a 40-foot knuckle-puck that bounced halfway off a perfect rut and over Ryan Miller’s right pad. However, don’t forget that Joe skilfully compensated for the bounce by tilting his lumber just-so. It certainly was a game of bounces up to that point, and the Sens certainly deserved one of their own after owning the Sabres for the first 19:54 of the third period, before Daniel Briere found a yawning cage off a bad rebound. All works out in the end, as the Sens deserved to win in regulation and did end up getting the W … Speaking of W’s, Buffalo was again denied one as the Sens unexpectedly stole both road games of the series. Still, the Queen City’s big guns came to play tonight, notably Briere, Jason Pominville, and Thomas Vanek, who had six, seven, and six shots respectively after a subpar effort in the opener. The Briere line wasted no time in the first frame getting the second goal of the period right after Thomas Vanek made up for his glove deflection. On the play, Teppo Numminen took a good shot, Jason Pominville went for the rebound, and Anton Volchenkov neutralized him. Unfortunately, the bounce went right to Jochen Hecht. It was the first period where the Sabres clearly showed what their consistent pressure can do to create deflections and bounces in their favour. Unfortunately for them, the Sens woke up in the middle frame and cut down on those chances. Proof? Zero shots on goal for the home side more than halfway through the second. Numbers don’t lie … While numbers are sometimes subjective in counting scoring chances, there’s no doubt that the Sens handed Buffalo quite a few good ones in the first after opening the game sloppily. Notably, Daniel Briere had all day to tee up a 10-foot wrister on one power play chance. On the other side of the coin, the Sens began weathering the storm in veteran fashion and patiently waited until late in the first for a scoring chance of their own, which came when the Cash Line, er, cashed in with the Alfie goal. That started the tide turning in the other direction and it would not turn back until five seconds left in regulation, of course …

… Speaking of numbers, the Game 2 Curse is officially over, and the Sens now have their first 2-0 series lead ever. It’s unchartered territory for Ottawa, of course, but just remember that the Sabres are 0-11 in series in which they have dropped the two games … On that number, it was the second game in a row that Mike Fisher quieted the raucous 18,690 fans inside the HSBC Arena. Slewfoot deflated the building by scoring less than five minutes into Game 1, and tonight when he tied the game early in the second … Official Presidential Opinion: the Alfie hit on Henrik Tallinder in OT was technically dirty, but not intentional. The captain was running on fumes all night and would not be denied the win, and in this case allowed adrenaline to get the better of him as he left his feet for what turned out to be a head-first check. Alfie was double-shifted on the play and kept going full-tilt, despite being dead tired. Full-tilt certainly described his effort on Redden’s go-ahead goal in the third, as he scurred around the offensive zone around two Sabres to help set up the marker. A similar play happened in the period when he held off three Sabres to the dismay of a subdued, frustrated HSBC crowd. So quiet, in fact, you could almost hear Leaf fans booing 90 miles away in Toronto. Speaking of which, it’s funny how the same Buffalo fans could go from booing their team late in the third, to cheering again when Briere bought them some life again …

… Ray Emery still allowed his fair share of bounces—especially in the first—but came through with his save of the playoffs on Thomas Vanek in the first OT where he stretched his right leg to the limit to deny the biscuit’s side-door entry. Folks, this is proof positive why goalies need to do the splits. Healthy groins are important for playoff runs, eh Dominik? … Random Anthem Thought: Buffalo and Ottawa are one of the few rinks that have organ accompaniment. Just makes the anthems sound better … Speaking of the anthems, Chris Neil was caught chattering to a teammate on the bench during the Star Spangled Banner. He’s also always in constant (and extremely vocal) communication with the officials and with his fellow Sens on the ice during games. He’s a witty and smart character too. Consider this a safe bet (and hope) that he’ll end up in PR or broadcasting when he’s done playing. Unfortunately, his PR skills couldn’t get him out of his holding penalty on Derek Roy when he was caught on top of the Sabres sniper. Still, why didn’t Roy get a red card, er, penalty for head-butting Neil after? … Loved the arena staff’s music choice at one point between whistles in OT: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Chasing Stanley in OT in the third round? No kidding … In the latest instalment of How to Make an Entire City Soil Its Pants: a first-period Derek Roy post strike followed up by Roy’s shot through traffic, which Emery caught …

… Bob(vious) Cole Line of the Night: “They will look at it from all angles, then look at it again,” he analyzed during the video review of Thomas Vanek’s disallowed goal … It’s not the convention in 2 Cents, but had to single out Harry Neale for this gem in describing Alfie’s soft hands: “He could stickhandle through a rainstorm, and the puck wouldn’t get wet.” Love it! … Don Cherry Suit Rating: 7.5 out of 10. It takes a brave individual to pull off a light violet suit with a dark matching tie, but Grapes did ok … Being as this game was in a border town, maybe amazing saves should now be referred to “QEW robbery” instead of “highway robbery.” Just a suggestion … Stat Line of the Night: Anton Volchenkov. A minus-2, he made up for it with two hits and 11 (yes, 11) blocked shots. He’s now gotten in the way of a league-leading 53 pucks this postseason … On the subject, the much-maligned Wade Redden is now tied for second with a plus-9 rating the postseason … Last but not least: isn’t it ironic that the city that invented the world-famous, red-hot chicken wing now may be denied a chance to face the Red Wings in the finals? And how about further irony? If the series goes six games, the Queen City could be eliminated on Victoria Day in Ottawa.

Senators vs. Sabres: Round 3, Game 1

Senators 5, Sabres 2

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: And the game-breaker for the curtain-raising of the super-hyped series between the NHL’s highest-scoring squads is—uh, nope, not Drury, not Heatley, nope not Briere—it’s freakin’ Saprykin! Oleg finally pops his first of the playoffs after stepping in admirably since Patrick Eaves went down during the opening round. A heck of a pass by Dean McAmmond found him open for a tip in front of Ryan Miller “Lite,” who didn’t have “Time” to see it (pardon these overused pun pokes at his name, but you know I had to do it just once). Like his efforts this whole postseason, he’s gotten an Oleg (ok one more pun) up on the competition tonight by simply working hard and making the most of his opportunities, including some time in the second spent playing with Heatley and Spezza. He had a slick feed to Heatley which almost resulted in a goal, then followed up the momentum by drawing a cross-check from Jochen Hecht. All in all, good to see Oleg rewarded … Speaking of rewards, up until his nifty goal in which he made three Sens look like pylons, Sabres shut-down D-man Toni Lydman had had a pretty good effort. He was blocking shots all night and making smart defensive plays, including one particular play where he blindly backhanded an attempted airborne pass, and another where he angled Alfie away from a slot pass. Unfortunately, however, he was a little lazy in his attempt to get back and stop Dean McAmmond from potting the empty-netter at the end …

… Another hard worker tonight was Mike Fisher, tonight’s Sens x-factor for the purposes of providing secondary scoring for the Cash Line-buoyed Sens of late. How about a short-hander 4:32 into the game to suck the life out of a rowdy HSBC Arena? Methinks that’ll certainly send a message. Nine faceoffs won, three hits, and two takeaways cemented another solid day at the office for Employee No. 12 … Speaking of the office, I wonder how many Buffalo office workers were among the 5,000-plus revellers outside the arena and will claim to their colleagues they got on TV? And that fog? Maybe caused by 5,000-plus pairs of lungs’ worth of hot air. Passionate hot air, mind you – Buffalo’s a great hockey town …

Tom Preissing had a good laugh as he took a seat in the box for a penalty that wasn’t really his (should’ve been Corvo’s), for a second-period hooking penalty that wasn’t really a penalty … Speaking of which, that Comrie cross-checking call in the first was more like a playoff double-love tap. C’mon zebras, call consistently … Sabres defenceman Paul Gaustad showed heart in coming back to the game after blocking a shot in the first, and still had more shots on goal than most of Buffalo’s big guns …

… Interesting how Bryan Murray had Spezza and Fisher, both centres, on the ice for an offensive-zone draw with 8.4 seconds left in the first. Answer came a moment later when Spezza was tossed from the circle and Fisher came in to take the draw. Just a little scenario where a good, veteran coach is always thinking strategy, and in this case, backup strategy … Two priceless expressions tonight: firstly, Ryan Miller throwing his arms in the air as if to say “what the hell” after the first Ottawa goal, and secondly, a CBC close-up of Alfie on the bench focussing hard, eyes wide open. Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, all through his steely determination … Buffalo’s first goal was the combined result of finally getting a break after five or six close but unlucky bounces, as well as Ray Emery’s problem getting some rebounds under control. However, he showed tonight he can handle “traffic” in front, right Lindy? Careful about getting nudged on the roads, coach …

… Bob Cole Line of the Night: “That was a bang-bang play,” he said, referring to a few checks. Don’t know why, but it’s just funny coming from Mr. Cole … And of course, the Don Cherry Suit Rating: Seven out of 10. The black stripes-on-dark Grape purple actually looked half-decent, as did the light-purple tie. However Grapes, you gotta wear a different-coloured flower than white to start getting bonus marks … Thomas Vanek had a helper on the Afinogenov goal, but it seemed he didn’t get any more chances until his shot from the right wing in the third. A 42-goal scorer has gotta step it up, as do fellow stars Daniel Briere and Ales Kotalik, who were respectively a minus-2 and minus-3 … Chris Neil, Mike Fisher, and Anton Volchenkov were throwing checks all night, but it was Fisher’s inadvertent check on the A-Train that was among the biggest (and most amusing) … Tonight was the anniversary of Bobby Orr’s famous OT Cup winner in 1970. Thirty-seven years later, Bobby’s still a legend, and that hilarious new home renovation commercial has made him an unassuming comedic legend as well … Last but not least: loved U2’s “Elevation” as the choice for opening jingle accompanying the short display of Sens highlights to start the night off. Only seven wins to go until the Sens are high, higher than the sun …

Senators vs. Devils: Round 2, Game 5

Senators 3, Devils 2

PRESIDENT'S 2 CENTS: Halfway to Stanley! Nearly four years after the Jeff Friesen nightmare, the Sens have exorcised their internal demons and exacted some long-overdue revenge on the on-ice demons with a decisive 4-1 series romp. And for the second straight game they did it on the anniversary of a series closer, this one being the 2003 Eastern semi in which they embarrassed Philly 5-1 to take it in six. Not only that, this Cinco de Mayo affair will go down in history as the last hockey game (thankfully) ever to be played at the cavernous Continental Airlines Arena … Speaking of the old barn, the Sens surely owe the Toronto Raptors a couple of thanks for extending their NBA playoff series vs. the Nets to a sixth game, which took place the night before. Obviously, the bounces all went the Sens’ way tonight on the less-than-perfect surface, caused of course by the hardwood over top. Also makes you wonder how many of the large number of Sens fans in attendance were also Raptor fans. I’m guessing not many, but count yours truly as a fan of both … So as it turns out, Ray Emery had the last laugh after all, but not before dealing with the overblown media coverage of his traffic mishap on Friday, taking a later flight, then being locked out of the arena this afternoon after wanting to get in early. Not only that, but he gave up the first goal to the EGG line, which was cracking early on. However, the goal wasn’t because the Sens couldn’t get the line change they needed after icing the biscuit. Nope, thank CBC for changing over to the VERSUS audio feed because of truck problems. Of course, right after this “change,” Scott Gomez pounces on his own rebound. One-zip Devils. Moments later, literally as VERSUS colour man (and former goaltender) John Vanbiesbrouck says “Ottawa was not able to change,” the feed “changes” right back to Bob Cole and Greg Millen. This happened about four or five times, much to the delight of many Ottawa fans who aren’t huge fans of Cole …

… Martin Brodeur was much more solid tonight, with the possible exception of Tom Preissing’s goal. At least Mike “Slewfoot” Fisher had nothing to do with a Preissing goal this time. After two big saves on Mike tonight—including that slick pokecheck as Slewfoot moved in on a third-period PK chance—it was obvious Marty didn’t want to get beaten by him again. However, if he had to pick someone to beat him, Alfie and Spezza weren’t bad choices. Wow. Who other than the Spezz Dispenser can laser a perfect pass to an offside-cheating Alfie, who finishes threading the same needle through two (!) sets of legs? Spezza’s game-winner was amazing and had eyes too—but was almost expected, one could argue—after seeing the crazy curve he burned onto the end of his blade before the game. Too bad it didn’t work on his backhand chance on that late third-period PP. Oh and by the way, CBC’s audio came right back on before that goal. Reverse the curse …

… This game certainly wasn’t in the bag for Ottawa until the second period, as it looked like the Devils were on their way to stealing Game 5 by stealing a page out of Ottawa’s book­–namely by rolling four lines, getting sticks in front of passes, keeping shooters to the side, keeping up a ferocious forecheck and clearing away rebounds. Ottawa had three shots by the five-minute mark of the second … In fact, Patrik Elias had more shots at that point (five). However, Anton Volchenkov made it a priority to keep a close eye on the Devils’ captain, as A-Train blocked the fifth, and then angled a late-game slapper harmlessly into Razor …

On the subject, Oleg Saprykin is still giving it his best shot. One determined rush had him scoot through a boards-and-Paul Martin sandwich, followed up moments later by a neutral-zone takeaway and odd-man setup. Say what you want, but Oleg is giving a lot out there, and Gary Roberts is golfing … Golfing is also something Devils president/CEO/GM/coach/Be-All-End-All Lou Lamoriello will be doing, as he decides what coach to hire (and fire next April). Interestingly enough, he moved Erik Rasmussen to the top line and moved Sergei Brylin to the fourth. Didn’t work, but then again, if one of the NHL’s top checking lines can’t stop the Cash Line, then Rasmussen certainly won’t …

… How about Antoine Vermette’s deke work, which led to the Preissing goal? He tiptoed that line and pulled a nifty double-axel that could have got him into the Champions on Ice show that caused ice problems for Game 1…. If the Sens end up playing the Rangers, why not cross the Hudson and spend a week in NYC? Oh wait, could take at least a day to get out of the Meadowlands. Think traffic after Sens games is bad? … Don Cherry Suit Rating: six out of 10. Pinstripes: ok, but a little too thick, and they also clashed a bit on the shirt. Baby blue tie and hanky were ok, but negative points for the same corsage as last game, and also for the helmet gimmick … Elliotte Friedman actually asked some good questions today. Good work …

… Last but not least: may as well talk about the last two minutes. No one could have stopped the Gomez goal, as puck-sniffing sniper Zach Parise bowled over the A-Train, who prevented Razor from dealing with the shot properly. However, don’t forget about Razor stoning Patrik Elias with his trapper just before that. Also, don’t forget Alfie roaring back to rob Paul Martin of the puck after the Cash Line had a great chance. Another reason why that line is now the best two-way line in hockey. And want to know the real irony of the dying minutes of the Devils’ season? The Sens weren’t afraid to ice the puck, just as the Devils did countless times en route to holding one-goal leads. They won three Cups doing just that. Makes you wonder what can happen now for Canada’s team (nice ring to that, by the way) if that’s the case.

Senators vs. Devils: Round 2, Game 4

Senators 3, Devils 2

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Nine years to the day after the eighth-seeded Senators knocked off the first-place Devils 3-1 at the (then) Corel Centre to eliminate them in a six-game shocker, the home team comes through again. Devils still around from that 1998 team: Martin Brodeur and Sergei Brylin. Both got points tonight in a losing cause. As for the Sens? Alfie, Wade Redden and Chris Phillips were all there too as wide-eyed youngsters. Alfie got a goal tonight and Wade added a helper. Big Rig Phillips was the only 1998er to not get a point tonight, but in that game he did make the pass over to Igor Kravchuk for the empty-netter to seal the deal. Many say the Bank has never been louder, but a franchise-record 20,248 did take this one in … So Marty Brodeur showed tonight he was human after all, letting in that no-angler from Dany Heatley and that dribbler from Mike “Slewfoot” Fisher. That’s two straight games Mike has now figured in on the winning goal, but this time he scored, of course. If that wasn’t insult enough after the Heatley marker, how about Ray Emery re-taking the goalie points lead right back with a helper on the Fish goal, right after Marty tied him with an assist on Brian Gionta’s? … Speaking of the Gionta goal, that was a generous bounce off the boards as the puck found its way back to Tiny Brian. Notably, during a third period clearing attempt by the Sens, the puck struck roughly the same spot and sailed quite high in the air, safely out of harm’s way. Talk about bank shots at the Bank … Razor had no chance on Jay Pandolfo’s perfectly placed tip on the Paul Martin point shot. A well-deserved goal for this year’s hard-working Selke winner. Congrats, Jay … Speaking of hard workers, Chris Neil was on fire in the third. That third-period hit on Colin White which drew a retaliation penalty was a huge energy boost and an example of his fine physical presence. And how about that waltz around Travis Greene and Brian Rafalski before going wide on the backhand? He’s done that before a few times and can certainly do it again. As for Rafalski, another subpar effort tonight, posting a minus–2 and three giveaways. He’s still capable of doing better … On the subject of stats, Anton Volchenkov and Devils D Richard Matvichuk checked in with five and six blocked shots respectively. However, none was bigger than A-Train’s block on Patrik Elias, stoning him with under a minute left as Scott Gomez invaded the crease. All in all, a fantastic last two minutes … Gotta love the Jubliee commercials, if only because they show Spezza’s embarrassment of Jose Theodore against the Habs. That goal, folks, never gets old. What IS getting old is Elliotte Friedman’s post-game questions. Add Alfie to the list of Sens (Redden and Fish) who want to belt him, this time for this gem of a question: “Did you guys make a pool as to when Jason Spezza would block shots in back-to-back games?” Let us know when you log heavy minutes on the Cash Line, Elliotte … It was the first time since 1993 (Patrick Roy and Glenn Healy) that two goalies got points in the same playoff game. In ’93, of course, Roy’s Habs went on to take the Cup. Could the same happen here? … The shot of Mike Comrie going for a stick change before the 5-on-3 PP was amusing, as he was choosing between two equally bright shades of neon yellow … Bob Cole Obvious Line of the Night: “It was a soft goal, I would think, on a difficult-angle shot by Heatley.” I would, uh, think the same … young Devils sniper Zach Parise struggled tonight, but fellow youngster Paul Martin was great on D. He read Spezza’s pass intentions perfectly on one three-on-one and checked the biscuit out of harm’s way … Poor Oleg Saprykin – took a hit to make a play in a great second-period shift, got dumped after keeping the play alive, then got called for that sly trip on Matvichuk. Can’t catch a break, as after his penalty he was right on the doorstep at the end of the period but ran out of time … Unfortunately the stereotypes ring true in Ottawa, as a crowd shot of some caviar-lovin’, fifty-something 100-level patrons politely waved pom-poms in subtle fashion, in contrast to some high-up, jet-ducking, passionate shirtless fans with “SENS” on their chests. Wake up, lower deck, you can do better … Don Cherry Suit Rating: a perfect 10 out of 10! A very sharp. velvet red jacket with a white tie (with a maple leaf on it), white shirt and a rose corsage to boot. Nifty … Good play by Christoph Schubert to deck Jamie Langenbrunner, who had a fantastic short-side chance on Emery. Jamie’s a marked man after that OT winner two games ago … Last but not least: as Greg Millen pointed out tonight, nice to see good sportsmanship by Marty Brodeur to simply give Alfie a love tap, and not a vicious calf hack, to keep him out of the crease. Are you listening, Eddie Belfour?

Senators vs. Devils: Round 2, Game 3

Senators 2, Devils 0

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: The second doughnut for Razor in this postseason couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Sens take the pivotal Game 3 win. Best part though? The post-game interview with Elliotte Friedman, who did his pushy detective work as to why Martin Brodeur wasn’t Razor’s idol growing up. “No, I gotta admit, sorry,” Ray said with a headshake and smile when Elliotte pushed the question. However, Ottawa fans might want to forget Razor’s next line, about why Brodeur wasn’t a fave: “Growing up, he always beat my Leafs.” Oops … Mike Fisher was Elliotte’s next victim, as CBC’s resident “CSI: New Jersey” investigator tried to conduct a post-mortem with Fish about his slewfoot on Marty, which led to Tom Preissing’s goal. After three questions why, Fish finally admitted to it, emotionless, after seeing a replay. “I guess I did hit him, ya.” Get over it Elliotte. Already Wade Redden wants to belt you for the choking-against-the-Leafs questions … Speaking of Fish, another heck of a game, and that’s one heck of a playoff beard too … On the subject, the Devils no longer enforce that clean-shaven rule. The top three beards thus far go to Brian Gionta, Colin White, and the soul-patch sportin’ Scott Gomez. Gomez’s linemate and dangerous sniper Zach Parise is definitely following the rule against his own wishes. The fuzz will come, youngster … Back to Razor: He had to be happy stopping that first glove-side shot, unlike the last game. Going back to the Gionta goal in Game 2 and counting tonight’s whitewash, he still hasn’t let another in from that side. However, none other than Gionta hit a post on that side with 20 ticks left. To top it off, if Razor had twisted his left arm the other way after Scott Gomez’s first-period shot wobbled out of his glove – whole new ballgame. Think too many Ottawans almost jinxed it by saying “shutout” before the final horn? … After tonight’s solid performance which included a blocked shot, two takeaways, 10 won draws and an empty-netter to boot, not to mention some incredible spinorama moves on a late third-period PP, I think all Sens fans can finally let the Spezz Dispenser make a few dipsy-doodle mistakes per night. Too much good comin out of him now … What else can you say about Marty Brodeur? Although Ottawa outplayed the Devils, he’s like Rasputin. Doesn’t give in despite repeated attacks. Too many solid stops to fit in this humble little column, but the Spezza to Heatley one-timer attempt immediately after the Preissing goal might have further rattled a goalie who was tripped up on a goal. Not Marty, who kept his composure. Give this man a red-carpet entrance to the Hall of Fame … Chris Neil, after one third-period hit on Gionta, immediately changed gears and led an odd-man rush into the zone. Over and over, he keeps showing us how he’s the perfect example of tough guy adapted to the ‘new’ NHL … Maybe it’s just me, but Brian Rafalski can play better. After that brutal giveaway to McAmmond in Game 1, he still seems a half-step behind or so at times. Look for him to step it up … Phillips and A-Train: three and eight blocked shots respectively, as well as four hits each. Welcome back, guys … Game 3 winners advance 69% of the time … Maybe Mike Comrie should get hurt more – after he went into the boards and left the game for awhile, the Sens turned up the tempo and nearly scored once or twice. However, he had a good shot from the left wing immediately after returning. He almost scored just before getting hurt, but Brodeur’s veteran savvy noticed a split-second beforehand that Mike wouldn’t corral the biscuit in time, and pokechecked him … John Muckler’s expression right after Heatley’s disallowed goal was priceless … TSN.ca Pun Headline of the Year: “The Preissing is Right.” Well you know, Tom could have a second career now that Bob Barker will only be handing out Plinko chips until June … Puck luck often doesn’t carry over to the next game, as Game 2 OT hero Jamie Langenbrunner found out on his first-period chance on an open cage when the puck hit the heel of his stick. He was stoned point-blank in the second too … Despite two good first period Sens shifts in a row, notably one by the Comrie-Schaefer-Fisher trio, the Devils still maintained enough resiliency to draw an Andrej Meszaros hook while he was backchecking. Just another example of why they’re so annoying to play against … Wade Redden led all Ottawa skaters in the first with 8:39 pretty solid minutes, and was the third-busiest Senator at 22:16. Speaking of time, the Devils’ lack of depth may just be a factor in future OT or close games, as the fourth line of Dowd-Rasmussen-Rupp averaged around three minutes and change tonight … C’mon Ottawa, 19,636 is good, but fill that standing room … One of these games, Oleg Saprykin is going to bury one. He’s made the most of limited ice time. Nice setup to Vermette in the third … The Don Cherry Suit Rating for Game 3 edges up to seven out of 10 for the catchy black and white plaid number … Last but not least: PM Stephen Harper, who is actually a Leafs fan, took in the game with son Ben and wore a red turtleneck to blend in. And just like 2006, Paul Martin was on the defensive, except this time as an actual defenceman.

Senators vs. Devils: Round 2, Game 2

Devils 3, Senators 2 (2 OT)

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: So the Sens’ go-up-two-zip jinx continues courtesy of Jamie Langenbrunner, who deserved that break after a fantastic game in which he caused havoc all night. To name a few, his two-way play was instrumental in creating an early 3-on-2 which led to Travis “Pat” Zajac’s chance, followed by a post. Plus he drew that four-minute minor from a Peter Schaefer high stick … As for the OT winner itself, it was just a lightning-quick fatal mistake, as Chris Neil put it towards the middle, and Joltin’ Joe couldn’t handle the dump-off in time. By the time Preissing came back, too late folks … Thanks to the timekeeping and two shaky goals on Razor, this game was really lost in the first period. However, do realize that the NHL shuffles around goal judges and timekeepers during the playoffs to take away the threat of ‘home cooking.’ Still, the clock started a split-second too late … As for the first goal on Razor, Alfie got caught, leaving Tiny Brian Gionta with a free wing to shoot from. However, no bones about it, it was a bad goal from a bad angle. Irony? Gionta shot towards the “Sharp” sign, but Sugar Ray certainly wasn’t on that goal. However, he made sure the rest of the shots all night from that wing didn’t have a chance … You’d think ‘former PM’ Paul Martin, of all Devils, would know everything about Ottawa or Senators, and should give Lou a good scouting report before games. As for John Madden? Well, I won’t add to the ribbing he’s probably taken for his name, though I will add that he probably takes tough-actin’ Tinactin, especially after being dumped into the Sens’ bench in the first … So the ice at the old barn did indeed cause problems all night, starting at six seconds in when Spezza missed a swipe at a puck, and all the way to OT, when the frozen softness thwarted Neil’s potential 3-on-2 setup. That and it caused havoc for pouncing on rebounds … No rebound was needed when Heater popped the tying in the dying ticks. How many times since 2005, in practice and in games, has the Spezz Dispenser hooked up with Heatley? Probably none more exciting and significant than this time, as that pass was simply laser-guided … Despite helping to cause the game-ending turnover, Joe Corvo again had a fantastic game, wheeling and dealing all night and nearly putting the game away himself on a third-period shot which Alfie couldn’t deflect in. Let’s just hope his confidence doesn’t sink to the depths of that Atlanta game. Wasn’t his fault this time, end of story … CBC Line of the Night: “New Jersey’s defence mechanism (tonight) is Martin Brodeur,” remarked Greg Millen in the third about Joisey not sticking to its usual team defence. Bang-on. Sens had their chances, but at the end of the night, what else can you say about the future hall-of-famer and one of the best backstoppers of all time? … Zach Parise had another fantastic game and had about five or six great chances all night. He also drew two penalties from a frustrated Mike Fisher early on … Raymond Foose, the Devils’ anthem singer for the evening, substituted “of” instead of “for all thy sons’ command” for those scoring at home, but nonetheless a good show, and an even greater red bowtie … the Comrie-Fisher-Schaefer line was one of few Sens highlights in the first … Devils’ shotblockers came to play tonight … Marty Brodeur’s spanking new trapper looked a little stiff on a late Alfie shot which he dropped, but you know he won’t take long to break it in … How to make an entire city’s worth of hearts skip a beat: make a huge save through traffic in OT where for a split-second no one knows where the biscuit is, one play after stoning Paul Martin. Razor’s got nerves of steel, unlike the rest of us … Don Cherry Suit Rating: six out of 10. Little heavy on the yellow tissue AND tie, and the pinstripes were a little far apart … Before the last-second Devils goal, let’s not forget Alfie leading a great PK charge in that 5-on-3, causing three successful clears. Emery was good as well, with two great screened saves … Here’s hoping the A-Train will be ok after favouring his wrist, which got slashed. He was OK after the Roberts smack though … Last but not least: finally a sellout of 19,040 takes in a Devils game. Sure, there’s traffic problems and all around the soon-to-be-abandoned Continental Arena, but you’d think at least SOME games up till now would have drawn a full barn? Guess not. After Friday’s Nets-Raptors game, you know Jay-Z isn’t waiting to see what a new barn in Newark could do for attendance. Only 17,147 bothered to show up for a Friday playoff game.

Senators vs. Devils: Round 2, Game 1

Senators 5, Devils 4

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Huge W for the Sens, looking to get that Split in the Swamp after the Devils ‘coughed’ one up in honour of Patrik Elias … So far so good as it stands, to maybe escape with two wins even after nearly blowing that 4-0 lead when Scott Gomez’s tying goal went off the post. That entire sequence led to a Sens penalty as they desperately tried to clear the zone. Even Chris Neil seemed a little nervous, standing around wondering what to do … But in the first period it looked like the Devils who were the rusty ones with a week-long layoff, not the Sens. No one was shakier than Mr. Brodeur, who let in one over each shoulder … In the words of the wise new CBC commentator-for-a-day, Pat Quinn, the Devils “didn’t throw a bodycheck” all period. True, and they were uncharacteristically sloppy too, notably the defence, which seemed a step behind the opportunistic Sens. Also liked Pat’s take on riding one’s superstars into the dirt (see: Tampa). In short: the Sens have the depth. However, anyone thinking this is guaranteed to be a short series should realize this Devils team can still bite back and play suffocating D … Mike Fisher was everywhere on both ends all night tonight, as usual. Employee #12 had one great play where he zooms down the wing, gets a shot away, then hits Andy Greene for good measure. The two hits on Parise were key as well. And does anyone else think that if Fish were a step quicker down the wing, he could scoot around any defender any time he wants? No complaining at all though, just a thought … Speaking of scooting around defenders, how about that Allen Iverson-esque crossover Joe Corvo pulled before rifling his first of the postseason? Just another move in the Joltin’ Joe arsenal, which has thus far busted out some serious weaponry as Joe has officially come full circle … One player with quite the arsenal himself is Alfie, of course, who threw the body around nicely. At least 5-6 good hits throughout helped took away the effectiveness of the Madden line all night. How about that hit on Jay Pandolfo, who’s no pushover himself, that led to the Preissing shot which Spezza tipped in? Took the crowd out of it. Oh wait, New Jersey really has no crowd … On the subject, it seems the suburban and cavernous Continental Airlines Arena still employs the same tired noise-encouragement techniques as in past years. The same old ‘da-da da-da’ organ jingle followed by claps, as well as the droning goal horn come to mind. 15,512 (3,500 or so short of full barn) was the announced attendance, but about half that looked to be there during the anthems. No wonder the Nets are bound for Brooklyn, and that a new Devils arena is going up in Newark. Three Stanley Cups? Still might not put butts in seats … Travis “Pat” Zajak’s goal late in the first stopped the bleeding, followed by the second period Devils barrage which included another Zach Parise goal from the doorstep. This kid has a nose for the puck, a la Ryan Smyth or John LeClair. Watch out, he’s the real deal, yet another another Lou Lamoriello draft gem … Oleg Saprykin continues to show he belongs, as he had his third great chance of the playoffs on a point-blank chance, which Brodeur coughed up a bad rebound on … Wade Redden finally popped one tonight and has put in two great games in a row. It’s hard to tell sometimes with him, but in that post-game interview you could tell his confidence in his game was coming back. And you know Wade was ready roll his eyes when Elliotte Friedman brought up the Leaf demons of the past … Don Cherry certainly was flattering when alluding to demons that haunted Sens in the past with this gem on Coach’s Corner: “a couple of years ago they were a sucky team.” Ouch. And to think, I was all ready to compliment his brown suit-pink tie ensemble … Brian Rafalski’s lacksidasical clearing attempt late in the first, which led to Dean McAmmond picking him off and getting a beauty, spoke volumes of the Devils’ surprising lack of effort and detail defensively … Ray Emery now owes Anton Volchenkov a steak dinner for his efforts in helping rob Brian Gionta from a yawning cage … Last but not least, gotta love the shot of John Muckler cussing beside Ron Low as the Devils made it 5-4. Old school.