Statement game

Sens' third-period comeback proves things are different

For the Ottawa Senators, this game demonstrates how far they've come. This was the type of game they used to lose in the playoffs. The knock was that when the going got tougher, the Sens shriveled. But not anymore.

The Flyers came out hitting and challenging the Senators in all three zones. Goaltender Patrick Lalime gave up one goal, but he kept Philadelphia from building on that lead. Slowly, Ottawa got into the flow. Steadied by Lalime's timely saves, the Sens began to skate and match the Flyers' physical charge hit for hit.

The Senators' offense got going in the form of Marian Hossa and Daniel Alfredsson on the power play. The Flyers, too, got production from a couple of their best players, with John LeClair scoring his first of the playoffs and Sami Kapanen getting his fourth, after netting just one all last spring.

Still, this one was more about collective will than individual exploits. Both teams played conservatively throughout -- a reflection of the importance of the pivotal nature of a Game 3 in an even series. And it was a battle of attrition. Philadelphia appeared fully recovered from the energy drain experienced in its grueling first-round series against Toronto. The speed advantage the Senators enjoyed at home no longer applied.

Given the cautious approach and the evenness of these two teams, overtime was hardly a surprise. What did startle everyone was the wide-open manner in which the teams opened the extra session. It was in complete contrast to the first 60 minutes of action. Lalime and counterpart Roman Cechmanek each made outstanding early saves, with both denying a breakaway. With the end-to-end action, you had the sense that this would not be one of those protracted overtime games that have characterized this playoff season. Sure enough, Wade Redden wristed a harmless-looking shot through traffic that gave the Senators the game and the series lead.

Vaclav Varada and Magnus Arvedsson forced the Flyers' defense to hurry, came up with the puck and Varada got to the front of the net to contribute to the congestion. The play typified this edition of the Senators -- more workmanlike in the high-traffic areas. Yes, this was a big win for the Senators, since they got the job done on the road after giving up the first goal and trailing after two periods. How they got the job done, though, was more telling.

Three Stars

First Star: Hossa had a goal and an assist, and was the Sens' most dangerous player.

Second Star: With two assists, Tony Amonte was a factor offensively. He had that extra jump in his stride from the outset.

Third Star: Lalime was solid again, but his fine play early allowed his team to win it late.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason and is also broadcasting games for NHL Radio.

 

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