Darren Eliot's Line Analysis: Sens D

Devils O | Devils D | Senators O | Senators D | Mighty Ducks O | Mighty Ducks D | Wild O | Wild D

Top Defense -- Wade Redden-Karel Rachunek
This pairing plays seamlessly together. Redden and Rachunek both play an understated, composed game, with each providing outstanding outlet passes.
Second Defense -- Zdeno Chara-Chris Phillips
This tandem is the physical pairing, with Chara seeing time on the power play, where at 6-foot-9 he occupies plenty of space in front of the opponent’s goaltender. Phillips is a steady, stay-at-home defender who is having an excellent postseason after a so-so regular campaign.
Third Defense -- Curtis Leschyshyn-Anton Volchenkov
Leschyshyn is the time-tested veteran and Volchenkov is the talented youngster. They play together occasionally and are also mixed and matched with other guys depending on the situation and game flow. Leschyshyn is a tireless defender in front of his net and Volchenkov is a big open-ice hitter who isn’t afraid to join the rush.
Special Teams
The Senators’ power play can attack from the top, where Alfredsson plays the point, or down low with Hossa walking out of the right wing corner aggressively. That high-low combination opens up the middle of the ice for the cross-ice pass, as well.