Controlling interest

Maple Leafs trample on passive Senators in Game 7

Sometimes teams squander opportunities to advance -- just ask the Montreal Canadiens.

Other times, one team simply asserts their will, reducing its opponent to passive observer. That describes the Leafs-Sens in Game 7. After a spirited and evenly played first period, the Maple Leafs went to work in the second, while the Senators stood by idly and watched.

The upside for the Senators was that despite only registering one shot on goal (in a must-win situation, yet!) they entered the third trailing by only 1-0.

The problem, though, was the Senators' best players disappeared, while the stars of the Leafs rose to the occasion. Given their depleted roster -- the Leafs dressed six AHL players, including one full line and a defensive pairing -- head coach Pat Quinn had no choice but to rely on a relative few. And did they ever deliver, led by their biggest names.

Alexander Mogilny scored the game-winning goal in Game 6 and netted the first two in this contest. Goaltender Curtis Joseph was at his daredevil best, bobbing and weaving and finding a way to get a body part -- any body part -- in the way.

Also of note was the defensive tandem of Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe , who were simply unbelievable, playing more than half the hockey game. They were active on the attack despite their inordinate amount of ice time.

Ultimately, the go-for-broke approach of Kaberle and McCabe versus the timid let's-not-make-any-mistakes mindset of the Senators proved to be the difference. Toronto played to win; Ottawa played not to lose. They looked like the passive patsies of playoffs past, content to cruise the perimeter.

For all the talk of a grittier team than that of a season ago, when it mattered most, it wasn't in evidence. Maybe they suffer by comparison because the Leafs have persevered this postseason like no other. Maybe the loss of defenseman Zdeno Chara and centerman Mike Fisher hurt them more than expected. Without those two in the lineup, the Senators weren't even the grittiest team in the province of Ontario.

In the end, Ottawa won a series but lost face against its nemesis -- sent home to wonder if they in fact made any real progress. As a young team still, they did improve and take steps in the right direction. It is just a tough concept to grasp right now, losing in the manner they did. No such self-analysis for Toronto -- just pride of accomplishment, with a chance to do a whole lot more.

Three Stars

2. Curtis Joseph: CuJo has had an up and down postseason, but his "ups" have been sparkling and timely.

3. Kaberle & McCabe: As a tandem, they were terrific defensively and individually they came through

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

Maple Leafs to face 'Canes in conference finals

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video