Mirror image

Senators show poise that was lacking a year ago

What a difference a year makes. Last season, the Leafs swept the Senators in the first round, who admittedly panicked a bit when they were shut down in the first two games by goaltender Curtis Joseph.

The story of the postseason thus far is the play of Sens 'tender Patrick Lalime. His amazing play -- only two goals allowed on home ice in three playoff games -- has the Leafs shaking their heads and squeezing their sticks a little tighter.

The effect on his own team is even more prevalent, as the Senators are skating confidently and staying with their system -- something they abandoned a year ago when goals were in frustratingly short supply.

After a triple-overtime session in Game 2, a seven-game series in round one and missing their captain and offensive leader, the Leafs were vulnerable in this one. And the Sens were well aware of the Leafs' mounting fatigue. They kept the pace brisk while maintaining their composure.

In other words, the Senators knew they had a tremendous opportunity and took advantage -- dictating the style and flow of the game. They kept their shifts short, protected the front of the net in front of Lalime and displayed discipline and dedication in the neutral zone. All three of their goals came on rush chances, becoming dangerous as the attack picked up speed in the neutral zone.

Most critically, though, was the Senators' execution on the forecheck. They exuded such diligence in cycling the puck, you could visibly see Toronto's defense sag -- endlessly chasing the quicker, more determined Ottawa forwards. That element became paramount in the third period with the Leafs down to just five defensemen, due to Aki Berg's expulsion for a hitting-from-behind major. The Sens may have scored on the rush, but they won the game because of their work in the trenches.

What was the source of their confidence in the offensive zone? The man standing at the other end, Lalime. His improvement from last year to this mirrors that of his teammates -- and maybe is the reason for it.

Despite a few tense moments at the game's conclusion for the Sens, as the Leafs refused to quit -- closing to within a single goal -- the Sens are the team in control. A glimpse of the 12-month difference between the teams was the outburst by Joseph after Ottawa scored their third goal to make it 3-0 -- sure looked like frustration to me, just this side of panic.

Three Stars

1. Magnus Arvedson: His first two playoff goals -- ever. Talk about timely contributions.

2. Patrick Lalime: See above.

3. Martin Havlat: One of the best young players in the game -- an emerging star -- is finding out how good he has a chance to be in the postseason. He was dangerous all night long, particularly in the third period.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason for CNNSI.com.

 

Related information
Stories
CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Offense goes further than ever before Senators take 2-1 series lead on Leafs
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.