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Commentary, news, analysis and reader-driven discussions focusing on this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.
So much for that streak, eh? After a sizzling start that belied the effect of their much talked-about nine-day layoff, the Sens turned in their most lackluster effort of the postseason in losing the series opener to Anaheim, 3-2. The machine that appeared so well-oiled in dispatching Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Buffalo in a compact 15 games was gummed up from the midpoint of the first period in a contest that was nowhere near as close as the score suggests. Was rust a factor? That'll be the fashionable excuse. There certainly was little evidence of the crisp, confident play -- especially in transition -- that defined their earlier successes. But this wasn't simply a case of the overly-rested Senators forgetting the details that got them to this point. No, this result was due to nearly perfect execution by the Ducks, who once again proved the effectiveness of pounding an opponent into submission. Anaheim's superb checking unit of Sami Pahlsson, Rob Niedermayer and Travis Moen again led the way, responding to their stiffest challenge of the playoffs by hounding the 58-point line of Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson into the shadows. Although Spezza and Alfredsson each picked up an assist on Wade Redden’s second-period power play goal, the previously unstoppable trio was thoroughly outsmarted and outworked at even strength. Looking forward, there are lessons for both teams heading into Wednesday's Game 2. If the Sens want to avoid a 2-0 hole heading back to Ottawa, their top line can't just be better. They have to be the team's best players, bringing the kind of intensity and energy and commitment to defense that they displayed earlier. Spezza made several unforced errors and was soft on the puck all night long, an affliction that also mitigated the effectiveness of Alfredsson. They failed to meet the challenge of the checking unit and the pairing of Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, giving up the puck too often in the neutral zone, and failing to adjust to a dump-and-chase style when it became obvious that their game plan wasn't working. The Ducks aren't likely to change that approach, so they'll have to make that adjustment. Redden and Andrei Meszaros have to step up their play. The second defensive unit, so reliable through three rounds, was minus-five on the night and both men made bad decisions that led directly to the winning goal. The Sens also need more energy from the likes of Chris Neil, Antoine Vermette and Chris Kelly. All three have to make life as miserable for the Ducks' defenders as Anaheim did to them. Across the hall, coach Randy Carlyle's message should be "Keep doing what you're doing." The Ducks relentless physical play reduced the effectiveness of the Ottawa blueliners and led directly to all three goals -- how about that great shift by Drew Miller in the first period? -- and created several other quality chances. The Ducks outshot the Sens 11-0 over one impressive 18-minute span thanks to strong neutral zone play and a concerted effort at the blueline. The group of Brad May, Shawn Thornton and Todd Marchant made the most of their limited time by contributing several punishing shifts, including one that turned the tide in Anaheim's favor in the first. Their willingness to do the dirty work in front of Ray Emery proved that he's as vulnerable to the effects of traffic as were Dominik Hasek, Roberto Luongo and Nicklas Backstrom. Given his propensity for coughing up big rebounds, crowding Emery's kitchen will be vital to the Ducks' success. Despite the result, this was no flawless effort by the Ducks. As has been the case throughout the playoffs, Anaheim gave up too many unnecessary chances on the power play, including three fouls that were retaliatory. A fourth, by Ryan Getzlaf, was even more galling as the young star inexplicably crosschecked Mike Comrie in the back three times before he finally was whistled down. The Sens made them pay with two goals on seven chances, three more than Ottawa offered up. If they took anything positive out of the game, it’s that their power play can be effective. Anaheim has to cut down on the opportunities they give up if they want to keep the Sens down. With the stakes rising, Game 2 should be a more intense affair. The Ducks know what it will take to win. The Sens still have much to prove.
posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:Ottawa had done to them what they did to New Jersey, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The Ducks controlled the offensive zone by aggressively forechecking and not allowing the Sens to get anything going. Granted, the Sens also weren't nearly as physical as they were in their (winning) games in the first three rounds.
DUCKERZZZ IS GOING DOWWWWN!!!1!! Big TIME!!!! SENATERZZZ IZ ComiNG BACK TO PWNNNNONGGEE BIG TIMEZ!!! BOOO_YEEEHHHH!1!!!11!!
I've been saying it all playoffs, if Anaheim wins the Cup Pahlsonn gets the Conn Smythe. Pahlsonn, Moen, and Rob Niedermeyer are the lynchpin of this Ducks team, they outplayed Gaborik/Demitra against the Wild, amd the Sedin twins, and Zetterberg/Datsyuk and forced the Canucks and Red Wings to actually split up their top lines.
Brian Murray ought to try getting Chris Neil and co. out there against that checking line whenever he can. Line match for the checkers. Anaheim has other good lines, but that line is the critical one, you look at the Vancouver series where the last four games were decided by one goal. Moen had an OT winner and Rob Niedermeyer created another one with a hit, Brad May was also huge. Those are the guys you need to focus on to beat Anaheim. The highlight of game 1 for me was when Heatley got decked by Pronger. Spezza's playing scared out there. Alfie doesn't know what to do with the puck or how to do it. Love it.
They are still playing Hockey? i thought it was done after it not being on TV for about a week!
Sorry Dany, you're not in Buffalo anymore. Your cruise through the opening rounds did you no favours. The Ducks had to pound through tougher teams, and on Monday they made you look like a troupe of ballerinas. Your crisp passes kept getting intercepted by enemy sticks - how vulgar! Better re-write your fairy tale ending, fast.
I'll be thrilled if the Senators pull out a win, because if they do, Ottawa will explode, whereas if the Ducks win, few will care. But boy they sure made you look old that time. Go Team Moo! I need to vent.... how can people complain about a general lack of interest surrounding hockey, when it's not being broadcast??? Not only is VS a small cable network, but NBC seems to refuse to carry a whole game. Take for example the Buffalo Ottawa series. Last game of the series goes into overtime, and NBC promptly switches to horse racing, not even the race mind you, just some of the pre-race stuff that isn't that big a deal.
Before you shoot hockey as a dying sport, try broadcasting it to the the masses...  |
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