Senators vs. Ducks: Round 4, Game 2

Ducks 1, Senators 0

PRESIDENT'S 2 CENTS: It's now been beaten to death in ad nauseam fashion, but yes, Ottawa's boys have now lost two regulation games in row for the first time since Santa Claus was making the rounds. Bad thing is, it's happened in the first two games of the Cup final. And boy, did Ray Emery almost steal one for the Sens and gift-wrap it for his team, which struggled mightily again. If anything, Razor's performance proves two thing for sure: not only did he have his best game of the postseason, he also clearly proved, once and for all, that he is a bona-fide, elite, number-one backstopper that can lead a team to a championship. Plain and simple. How about that midair grab in the third? He's surely in contention for a gold glove award too. Come to think of it, the Yankees are 13 or so games behind the Red Sox, and Razor likes the Big Apple's nightlife. The Yanks should make a run at the star Ottawa netminder, who's a free agent come July ... And for the second game in a row, despite being outplayed, the Sens nearly hung on to squeak out a W. Ducks D Sean O’Donnell—in cruel irony, an Ottawa native—made the save of the series when he swatted Peter Schaefer’s otherwise guaranteed tying marker harmlessly off to the side. Moments later, Jason Spezza, Joe Corvo, and Alfie miss glorious chances. The hardest part? Eventually Ottawa wouldn’t get the bounces to go their way, and it just has to happen in the final … Another strong game into the books from giant blueliner Chris Pronger, who along with the Ducks’ shutdown line continues to make life miserable for the Sens. One subtle example was during a second-period power play rush, when Schaefer tried to scoot the puck in along the half boards, where all it took was a slight bump from Pronger to knock Pistol Pete off his trajectory. Unfortunately this example was one of many. Memo to the Sens: please get it in deep and forecheck. Pond hockey will not work in the final, even at the Pond ...

... Yet again, the Pahlsson-Niedermayer-Moen line was fantastic against the Cash(less) Line, which was a combined minus-3 and had six shots on net. The fact that Pahlsson got the game-winner was extra significant, since he had Spezza's number at the faceoff dot. The Spezz Dispenser, normally no slouch on draws, won three of 13, good for 18 percent. Pahlsson blew him out of the water, with an 83 percent showing on 10-and-2. The goal itself was significant too, as the Ducks jumped on Dany Heatley's one registered giveaway of the game (one of 21 to the Ducks' 22) and Sammy potted it ... Speaking of potting it, besides the Schaefer chance at the end, the Sens really should have potted something on their second 5-on-3 in as many games. Mike Comrie should have converted that one-timer, but Giggy would have none of it ... Speaking of Tiny Mike, his first-period cross check on Ryan Getzlaf was pretty much revenge for him taking exactly the same punishment from Getzlaf in Game 1. Not good Mike. Scoring is the best payback ...

… Great CBC camera work in the first period, catching Christoph Schubert taking the puck off the boards and, in the words of Greg Millen “placing it carefully down.” A deft touch shown by the hard-hitting German. Speaking of CBC though, as Canada’s national broadcaster, couldn’t the opening montage have shown just a little less Duck highlights? … A deft touch certainly was not evident when Mike Fisher knocked down Corey Perry in front of the Ottawa net not once, not twice, but five times before finally being sent to the sin bin. Disciplined, physical play is what made Slewfoot successful, and now more than ever it’s needed. You can do better, Mike … Wade Redden struggled again for much of the night, but did show flashes of veteran brilliance again in a first-period penalty kill, where he took two separate hits to make two clearing plays. He’s a top-10 defenceman in this league when he skates his hardest … Speaking of skating hard, the Ducks are not only big, but obviously move with a purpose. After a third-period Fisher hit, the transition to a scoring chance on the other end was impressive. Proof positive? Shots on goal were 27-11 at one point. Pretty one-sided and not indicative of the stereotype of big and slow … AC-DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” played during a third-period stoppage, was perhaps a subtle swipe at the Sens by the Honda Center DJ. Because of the Ducks’ fantastic D, you could change the first lyric to “Sens weren’t a fast machine.” …

… Anton Volchenkov’s hit on Corey Perry, for which he was penalized, was really not a penalty. Perry, perhaps intentionally, turned his head at the last second if maybe to draw the boarding call. If so, that was smart but really foolhardy … Bob Cole Line of the Night: “Giguere goes out from his net, you hope he’s right,” he observed during a delayed penalty call against the Sens, when the Ducks clearly had possession of the puck … Don Cherry Suit Rating: a perfect 10 out of 10, for only the second time this postseason! The flowery blazer was retro and slick, as well as very hip and seasonal, but most importantly, it was daring. Grapes pulled it off though … Last but not least: the Cash Line has got to come through at home. Last change is great, but Jason Spezza absolutely needs to win offensive-zone draws to prevent Randy Carlyle from throwing out the Pahlsson line on the fly. That being said, the power play and secondary scoring have to wake up too and pressure the Ducks into more Sens-friendly bounces. There have been several, but they need to continue for the Sens to have any chance for more California dreamin’.

Senators vs Ducks: Round 4, Game 1

Ducks 3, Senators 2

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Quack. After hanging on just hard enough to force extra time, the Sens literally lost by misplaced momentum. Andrej Meszaros had Rob Niedermayer lined up, but just couldn’t get enough mustard on the hit. Nieder(oscar)mayer, of course, broke free and made a hot dog of a pass over to Travis Moen, who made no mistake, beating Ray Emery in similar fashion to the Andy McDonald goal in the first period. Blame the Sens’ long layoff if you will, but the Ducks recovered nicely from two deficits to take this thing by the horns in the third and win in regulation. Perhaps the high blocked shot count (22 to the Ducks’ 13) was one of the clearest indications that the Sens, who spent most of the first and second periods limiting second chances, were on their heels. To no one’s surprise, Anton Volchenkov led the way, blocking 10 pucks. However, block of the game goes to Chris Kelly, who bravely got in the way of a Chris Pronger point shot. He took that one in the chest area … Ryan Getzlaf may have been the game’s first star thanks largely to that slick five-hole move on Razor, but he’s also still maturing in the discipline department. Did the 6-3, 211-pound power forward really think he was going to get away with three clear cross-checks on Tiny Mike Comrie? Also, don’t forget the subtle shot he took at Razor after a third-period dump-in. Think he’s pushing the zebras’ buttons? … On the subject, Razor was probably the best Senator tonight. Especially on the Anaheim power plays, he made some key stops when his team really needed it. Perhaps his most clutch stop came when Daniel Alfredsson turned over the biscuit at his own blue line, Selke finalist Samuel Pahlsson bumped him, sending in Travis Moen in alone, only to be denied by Razor’s right pad. When the hard-working captain makes a turnover like that, you know a big save to negate it is a significant one … While talking defence, you can’t broach the subject completely without mentioning Chris Phillips, who turned in another solid performance. Besides being credited with three hits and blocking three shots, Big Rig was smart in his own end too, notably on a Sens’ penalty kill following the Ducks’ momentum-stirring, tying goal when he tied up Teemu Selanne’s stick just enough to prevent a yawning 6x4 from swallowing another. Tom Preissing had chipped in minutes before with a twisting-up of the ever-dangerous Corey Perry. Defence wins championships, and the Sens will take plays like these in their back pocket … Despite scoring, Wade Redden had his struggles in his own end and didn’t hustle to enough pucks. Like Bryan Murray had said, if Wade skates, he’ll be fine. Count on it for next game …

… So the Cash Line was held to five shots, was a combined minus-3, and registered zero goals and two assists. The Ducks’ checking unit, led by Samuel Pahlsson, helped negate the three amigos, especially so at the blue line … After the second-period 5-on-3 power play, the Sens and Ducks took part in a wide-open, hit-filled, energy-sapping free-for-all. You could argue the tables turned at this point, as a two-man advantage for 95 seconds should really result in a goal. Well, it didn’t, and the Ducks forced the smaller Sens into a hit parade. Normally the Sens like to play along that way, but the consistent forecheck seemed to dwindle a bit from there on in. Twas unfortunate for Ottawa, which drew some key penalties by outhustling the Ducks early on … Mike Fisher has a hard shot. Not even Jean-Sebastien Giguere could swallow a second-period quick wrister from Slewfoot. In this case, Giggy was getting “giggly” with it. Giggy, of course, didn’t see much action all night (20 shots) and couldn’t find the biscuit on that first bunker shot which found the green. Even Mike Comrie, who was originally credited for the goal, choked up on his stick like you would on a wedge for a short chip. It was kind of funny how the Honda Center sound people played “Start Me Up” a few whistles later, followed by “Get Ready.” Well, ready Giggy wasn’t to start this one. However, he did also have his share of bad luck on the second goal, where he lost his lumber before Redden blasted in the disc. In fact, Dany Heatley appeared to subtly try to interfere with the handoff when Giggy tried to get it back from his defenceman …

… Statistician Blooper of the Night: how did Patrick Eaves, who in the first half of the game seemed to have more hits than the Beatles, not get credited with a single smack on the scoresheet? The Ducks officially outhit Ottawa 30-21, but you can bet more Ducks’ hits didn’t make it onto paper either … One player credited with three hits (and nearly a first-period goal) was veteran Ducks forward Brad May. One was on Chris Neil, who flashed that million-dollar “I’m not scared of you” smile at May (and for the cameras) during two separate stoppages … Don Cherry Suit Rating: seven out of 10. Simple, grey motif with a white shirt and red tie is classic, but yet again, simple … Good to see Mayor Larry O’Brien out at city hall joining the crowd, and big ups for taking a few minutes to meet the Prez and pose for a photo. It was one heck of a party he threw. Seemed he was quite easygoing too, as not 20 feet away, the ganja was being lit up. Might’ve been for the amusing Borat cutout, who took in the game in a Sens jersey …

… Sobering Stat of the Night: teams that win the first game of the final go on to hoist Stanley 78 per cent of the time … Playoff Beard of the Century: Scott Niedermayer … You have to wonder how many Canadians wanted to throttle the Ducks PA man for announcing that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger “will present the prime minister (Harper) with an authentic Ducks jersey” on his upcoming trip to Canada … Last but not least: Ron MacLean was quite sharp on the opening spot, referring to Schwarzenegger and Don Cherry as “future president and prime minister” with both standing right there. Now there are two would-be leaders who could really shake up otherwise boring, token photo-ops. Here’s hoping that (a) the U.S. will allow non-native citizens to run for president, and (b), that Cherry can win over the non-hockey fans in Canada. Ok, so basically Grapes could get a majority.

Senators vs Sabres: Round 3, Game 5

Senators 3, Sabres 2 (OT)

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Eastern Conference CHAMPIONS! In the aftermath of the euphoric series-clinching overtime win over the Sabres, it is the duty of any Ottawa scribe to remind the denizens of our fine city that, with one skilful swipe of Alfie’s sizzling stick, the Senators have just accomplished something their rivals in Toronto have been unable to do since 1967: make it to the Stanley Cup final. Replayed countless times amid the red fallout that ambushed Elgin Street afterwards, the goal itself, of course, comprises both sweet revenge and irony for the captain. Not only did he stick it back to the Sabres this year in overtime in Game 5 on the road—just like 2006, when Jason Pominville skated around Alfie and ended Ottawa’s season in Game 5 at the Bank—he did it with Pominville on the ice. After disposing of former playoff nemesis New Jersey in five following a penguin cull, the Sens get another proverbial postseason monkey off their back. And this time, the highest-scoring team in the league finished the series with two power-play goals against the mighty Ottawa PK. Three high-fives to take the entire East? Who woulda thought … On the subject, who woulda thought the Sens could steal this thing on the road after racking up all those third-period penalties, the PK track record notwithstanding? Notably, gotta love Tiny Mike Comrie’s slide into home plate, er, the net, knocking it loose to save what was for sure the go-ahead goal. Not only that, he did it in such a way that he let on as if the call was preposterous. And as pointed out in an Ottawa daily, if Tiny Mike had pulled that stunt in the last two minutes, a penalty shot would have been awarded. With a nod to Belly’s hot new track currently burning up Ottawa airwaves, the Sens are ballin’ like Comrie. Y’all better surrender calmly … Calm was the theme as the Sens attacked in OT, after facing adversity and Sabre momentum from the tying goal, courtesy of Maxim Afinogenov (in humble presidential opinion, the scariest Sabre on the ice). It was eerily similar to Game 2, when Daniel Briere tied the game from the same side of the net, only to have his team lose in extra time on Joe Corvo’s knuckleball. Notably calm going into OT was Ray Emery, stopping Drew Stafford on a wraparound attempt on the same side as his Game 2 overtime robbery of Thomas Vanek with an outstretched leg. This, of course, gave his Sens life and eventually allowed Alfie’s OT winner to happen. However, the save of the game came from Sabres star backstopper Ryan Miller in OT, as he robbed Jason Spezza of a sure goal in eerily similar fashion to Jose Theodore’s legendary stick save in Montreal’s 2002 series vs. Boston. With all these eerie similarities, Miller sure is hoping he doesn’t turn into another Jose Theodore. All bets are he won’t. Count on it …

… So the Cash Line bounces back after a shaky Game 4, in which the Sabres expectedly came to play with their season on a thin, sweepy line. The tic-tac-(terrific!)-toe goal didn’t exactly go according to Spezza Script, as in this case he was the recipient of a slick feed from Alfie, who benefited from fantastic, blue-collar backchecking work from Dany Heatley. Still, no one’s complaining … However, Spezza and Razor surely were the target of complaints from Bryan Murray after the first goal, where Razor was as sharp as a bald tire on his only giveaway of the game, which led to the Jochen Hecht goal. Spezza was right on the doorstep and could have tried harder to clear the biscuit. It was the result of excellent Buffalo pressure as they dominated the opening frame with fantastic energy and check-finishing. But as it was towards OT, the Sens calmly answered back, in this case with two straight goals, including the PP marker from Heatley to tie it … Speaking of that PP goal, Ottawa’s first, it wouldn’t have happened if Wade Redden didn’t patiently wait for the right shooting lane with time winding down on the power play. The shot got through and Spezza was able to convert a nice rebound into a Heatley one-timer. A plus-1, Wade led all Sens with 28:08 in playing time, corralled the puck nicely on what was a terribly bouncy surface (again), and overall made smart decisions. He notched Ottawa’s first shot on goal in the game with similar precision to the PP setup. In the third, he calmly took the puck away in front of Razor, and followed that up moments later with a solid but subtle check on big Sabres D-man Toni Lydman. Plays like these are what sometimes what Redden’s armchair critics don’t see or take into account when jumping on his hiccups. Unfortunately that’s what a $6 million price tag comes with …

… If anyone deserved to win this thing for Buffalo, it was co-captain Chris Drury (with 15 playoff OT game-winners to his credit), who came to play after a lacklustre first three games, blocking everything in sight with every part of his body, including his head. Speaking of which, it would be funny if he was related the guy in the third row who got quite the headache from the glass falling on him. Both had great playoff beards … Another big performer was Toni Lydman, who blocked five shots to help the Sabres out-block the Sens a whopping 21-7. The Sabres also won five per cent more faceoffs, had only two less missed shots, and spent nearly half the time in the sin bin as the Sens. However, the Sens led the OT shot count 6-2 and that was the difference … Bob Cole Line of the Night: “Somebody interfered with somebody,” he observed intently, after Neil would get sent off to the box … Harry Neale offered up this gem, referring to the late, great Sens assistant Roger Neilson: “He’s watching tonight in HD, ‘Heaven Direct.’” … After getting their ultra-convenient and preferred 2pm start time, NBC broke away from overtime to broadcast the Preakness. If afternoon games apparently grow the game in the U.S., fine, but don’t cut those viewers loose by scheduling two events close enough to overlap. Way to ruffle feathers, peacock network …

… Random Anthem Observations: Jason Spezza was mouthing along the words to “O Canada” while Russian teammate Anton Volchenkov, standing next to him, seemed to still not know the words. And is it just me, or does anyone else expect Buffalo anthem singer Doug Allen to say “Deal or no deal?” at some point? The Howie similarities are there. Maybe we can get the Scotiabank Place ice-clearing girls to carry the briefcases … Interesting Stat of the Night: Daniel Briere was the most penalized Sabre heading into Game 5. Normally you wouldn’t really think so, but that hit from behind on Kelly sort of re-affirmed it … Good Karma of the Night: Ray Emery shaved his head just in time for Game 5. Result? The W … Last but not least: only four more wins separate the Sens from Stanley. Whether it was the impromptu Parliament Hill post-game rally, the incessant Elgin Street motorists’ horn-honking from Alfie’s winner until well past 1 am, or the “Go Sens Go” cheers emanating out of the Elgin Street Diner (which has the best Philly cheesesteak poutine in town), or the Senssquatch’s patrols, or the flag-and-radio-equipped rickshaws, or Mayor Larry O’Brien sporting a Sens tattoo on his bald dome, or the van with a Daniel Briere roadkill effigy on the front, this city certainly is showing that it realizes how close this team is. The Sens Mile was the place to be on a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon and evening, and let’s hope the party continues.

Senators vs. Sabres: Round 3, Game 4

Sabres 3, Senators 2

The President was unable to pen his thoughts for this one...please proceed to Game 5!

Senators vs Sabres: Round 3, Game 3

Senators 1, Sabres 0

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Tonight was not only a night when Canada’s Team pulled within one win of the Stanley Cup finals, but also one that saw Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a Toronto native and Maple Leafs fan, take in the game sporting a Sens jersey. It seems the Senators are changing hearts every day, starting at the top … Revenge is a dirty word, but the Sens are on the cusp of dusting off one of their most haunting playoff nemeses, one that has sent the Sens packing three separate times. And how about having the chance to see the Prince of Wales trophy presented on home ice again, except this time to the home team instead of 2003’s Game 7 heartbreak? Granted, the Capital wants a date with Stanley, but becoming the Eastern Conference champs would be no small potatoes … Speaking of small potatoes, the Sabres were only able to fire 15 rubber ones at Ray Emery tonight, who turned them all aside and didn’t have much work with the exception of the Afinogenov chance and in the final minute flurry. No doubt that having a goaltender interference call had something to do with it, as Brian Campbell did his best Colby Armstrong impression of the playoffs when he slid into Razor in the second period. It’s about time the zebras heeded Razor’s constant crease briefings on the subject and gave Ottawa a PP … On the subject, the extra man might be something the Sabres might not want to use anymore, as their man-(dis)advantage count is now 0-18 in the series. The Sens handed the Sabres multiple opportunities to strike back, but often it was the home team that provided the highlights. How about Dean McAmmond’s first-period PK rush towards the net one-on-one, as he gained the blueline then pulled some slick side skating moves, as if he was about to turn a triple-axel? Well, out of respect for the opponents who hail from a bovine-named city, maybe a triple sow-cow … Speaking of bovines, anytime Alfie wants a steak dinner in this town, you can bet he (or any Senator) won’t be footing the bill for quite some time … The bill is something the rest of the Sabres should pick up for Ryan Miller, who had his best game of the series despite the loss and one bad goal. Too many notables to list (well, maybe his save on Peter Schaefer if only to spotlight the snakebitten Sen), but this thing could have easily been 3-0 by the time the horn sounded. In a nutshell, the Sens simply skated circles around the Sabres and didn’t allow the visitors even half-circles …

… Unlike the opening minutes of Game 2, it was Ottawa that dictated the play as Game 3 unfolded. Anton Volchenkov and Mike Fisher especially held the Daniel Briere line in check quite well. A-Train’s blue line partner in crime all postseason, Chris Phillips, was no slouch himself as he was on the ice for the only goal of the game and followed that shift up with a huge block on Briere, which itself led to an Ottawa chance. Buffalo then followed that up with a potential 3-on-2, but Chris Drury went offside … Speaking of Drury, the Sabres’ co-captain is capable of better. Not to single him out, but someone has to step up and lift this team out of its black hole … Right after the aforementioned Campbell interference penalty, CBC cameras caught Sabres GM Darcy Regier scribbling something vigorously. Kinda curious as to what that might be. Tee times? Perhaps. A ‘calm-down’ letter to owner Tom Golisano? Might be a good idea. Doing the salary cap math for what it will take to squeeze in Briere for next season? Who knows. Filling out a rush-order for several shots of the stiffest stuff on hand? Yup, that’s gotta be it … On a related note, by the time Joe Corvo took that phantom tripping penalty in the second period, most Sens fans were deep into the adult beverages but even that couldn’t help absorb the string of penalties … It’s been beaten like a dead horse, but Jason Spezza does need to shoot more at times, none more obvious than that late first-period rush where Dany Heatley provided the perfect decoy, not the perfect pass recipient … Andre Meszaros had a couple of great chances tonight but couldn’t buy a break, in particular when he rung that 2-on-nothing PK chance off the iron … Speaking of Meszaros, his partner, Wade Redden, had an awesome night too …

… Mike Comrie’s neon yellow stick probably came in handy for him, as the bright lumber’s hue provided perfect contrast between itself and the dark puck, so he wouldn’t touch the biscuit while pressuring Dimitri Kalinin to get a delay-of-game penalty by tossing it over the glass … Looking for a spark, Lindy Ruff put Tim Connolly, Maxim Afinogenov, and Thomas Vanek together in the third. But Connolly in for Derek Roy? Don’t mess with quickness. It’s the only way around these Sens … Anyone else gulp when Alfie coughed up the puck in his own end to Jason Pominville? …

…Should the Sens and Ducks make the final, who is hip-hop king Snoop Dogg going to cheer for? During a second-round Ducks game, Snoop was interviewed on NBC’s telecast sporting a Ducks jersey and proclaiming his ducky support. However, when he performed in Ottawa in January, Mr. Gin-and-Juice himself was wearing Sens colours and even hung out backstage with Razor afterwards. Two things for sure—it’s gonna be off the hizzle, and maybe the first time the rap world has seen an East Coast-West Coast beef with only one participant, as Snoop figures who to go for in what might be a “high” scoring series … Don Cherry Suit Rating: 6.5 out of 10. The plaid theme was nice and colourful and had potential, but at the same time screamed 1950s Hudson’s Bay catalogue or 1970s tablecloth roadkill. Maybe it’s time for Razor to lend Grapes his sharp blue ensemble … No Bob(vious) Cole noteworthy gem tonight, but Harry Neale’s insistence that Alfie was trying to draw blood on that high-sticking penalty was amusing … Last but not least: our humble fan group’s Team Chemistry Coordinator is leaving for Africa for a backpacking adventure. We wish her well and hope that all our African friends appreciate the current eighth wonder of the world – that being our Ottawa Senators.

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 …