The FoxyTunes feature changes everything, though.

It seems I was less ready to get back to this than I thought I was. "Inexcusable absence" might as well be the name of the blog instead of the name of a tag. Oh well; I am effectively talking to myself here, so does it really matter? No, no it does not.

The Sens' season is off to a surprisingly good start. Surprising to me, at least -- not that I'm a doubter (er, much), but does anyone really expect to start a season 5-0? Standouts in a good way are: Alfredsson, whose stellar play has rolled right over from the playoffs; Vermette, who is shooting more, steadier on his skates and harder to knock off the puck, and looks as if he'll get a spot in the top six if it kills him; Kelly, who . . . is scoring, and I still don't know how; and above all, GERBER, who has played out of his mind and reclaimed most of his dignity. Thankfully.

Some other people are middling. Spezza had a mind-blowing pre-season, literally skating circles around the opposition (hey there, Toronto!). Seven games into the regular season, he looks more like Spezza 1.5, the version who racks up points and is occasionally amazing, but leaves the impression that he's trying too hard. It's occurred to me that having a pylon play with Heatley and Spezza might not be a bad thing after all, since Spezza is more likely to be selfish and shoot when he doesn't have Alfie there to complete the playmaker's wet dream. It doesn't really matter for the moment, since the big line is producing nicely despite Jason's glaring 0G, and since Jason seems to be fed up with this business, and has been shooting the last couple of games seemingly out of spite.

Fisher's mostly been a non-factor, which is equal parts fine and worrying. I don't expect Fisher to become anything he's not just because he signed a fat contract. However, I am afraid that with another year of Fisher's inability to provide consistent secondary scoring, I'll start looking at that contract and wondering if it isn't expendable. That's where I ended up with Schaefer last year, but Schaefer actually wanted to leave, so no harm, no foul. Fisher, though . . . yeah, I don't know.

That said, I don't want to come down too hard on Fisher until I see him with better linemates. The Foligno-Fisher-Eaves line had less than nothing doing, and when that line was granted a mercy killing, Fisher ended up with . . . Foligno and Neil. Um, yeah. I'm mildly concerned that Paddock considers that his second line, but with Vermette, Kelly and Eaves looking good, that would be nonsensical. Not that that always deters the coaching staff, but I'm willing to wait and see.

Who else? Redden has improved some, but too often looks painfully uncertain, still; Foligno is allowed to be mediocre, because he's a rookie, and I'll forgive kids for being kid-like until they're 25; Eaves played well after lining up with Vermette and Kelly, so here's hoping that his crappy line was bringing him down earlier; Schubert and Vermette may have to conspire to force the coaching staff to play them in their rightful positions; and Neil has to play on the fourth line. Please. PLEASE. We've tried hard enough for long enough; he doesn't belong anywhere else.

Otherwise, the best news by a mile is that McAmmond participated in a full practice, and is nearing return. It may not seem possible for a 6-1 team to miss someone dearly, but trust me, the Senators miss McAmmond dearly. Emery is supposedly ready to come back this week too, but he could be in tough. Another debate for another day.

Otherwise x2, there's a chance -- not a big chance, but a chance -- that I'll litter this place with pointless thoughts over the next couple of weeks, since the Senators only have three lousy games in the last half of the month. Ridiculous. The only halfway-cheery thing to come of this is that they're going on a team-building resort: if they provide enough pictures and stupid stories, I'll maybe forgive the NHL. Maybe.

ELSEWHERE

- Two big supsensions for two phenomenally stupid Flyers. I'm not convinced that the suspensions will make anyone think twice about anything, and I'm not satisfied that shoulder-to-head hits are still perfectly legal. For the time being, I'm satisfied enough that the league has a policy that they're actually enforcing. I suppose murkier hits will be the true test, though.

- Havlat is out again. The innocuous way in which he fucked up that shoulder makes me very nervous for the longevity of his career, but I guess you never know; he could turn around and play injury-free hockey for years. What's really uplifting is seeing the Blackhawks play well without him -- two comebacks on Detroit! It's a fragile house of cards to be sure, but if Havlat deserves a string of healthy years, then God knows that Hawks fans deserve a genuinely competitive team. I'll be pulling for them.

- It's early, but things seem to be going poorly for Anaheim and Pittsburgh. I have nothing further to say on the subject, which you can tag as "karma, fear of." On the other hand, things seem to be going swimmingly for Carolina. Ugh. (There is some solace to be had in the fact that hard as he tries, Eric Staal still can't grow the beginnings of a respectable beard.)

----------------
Now playing: Matthew Good Band - Whispering in the Dark
via FoxyTunes

Eyes to the horizon.

If abandoning a blog in the middle of a breathless playoff run isn't the way to kill potential traffic, I don't know what is. I was too swept up, too distracted, too superstitious (and at times, too lazy) to wade back in with the playoffs ongoing.

You can imagine why I didn't want to dive back in after the playoffs, I'm sure. But even heartbreak and disappointment step aside after a while; no one forgets, but there's a new season coming. I think I'll tinker with this place, and start all over again too.

. . .

Ottawa 5, New Jersey 4
(Ottawa leads series 1-0)

This is delayed reaction of the worst kind, but two days later I still don't know what to say about that game. Show me the person who expected Brodeur to let in four goals in the first, regardless of his struggles against TB. Now show me the person who expected the Sens to do their best to squander a four-goal lead on the Devils. Oh no, wait -- I can see that person any day in the mirror. "SENATORS!!!" often doubles as a swear word around here.

To the Senators' credit, they actually pulled out one of those cringe-inducing, "oh my god what is wrong with this team?!" games. They weren't the team who walked away from a crazy one looking dazed and disheartened, as they have too many times in the past. For all the comparisons to last year's opener against Buffalo, this was more like the games at the beginning of this season, when the Sens would build a lead and then, showing zero faith in their ability to keep it, would sit back and watch it dwindle away.

This is not that team. It's still far too early to know how this series will go, and they had some games late in the season that suggested they hadn't changed at all . . . but somehow, I feel the change. "Not the same Senators" is an oft-repeated phrase right now, and there is plenty of room to argue that we can't know that for sure, not yet. But, but.

Something about them is different. Muckler, and some media guys like Greg Millen, have called it a "business-like" attitude. I don't know what I'd call it, exactly, but I know I've felt a sweeping change in the team, slowly but surely. People point to the injuries at Christmas, and yes, that was a big step. Before that, when they halted their first horrific slide of the year against the most unlikely team in the Sabres, and the bench exploded like they'd just won an OT game in the playoffs. I think it goes back past that too. I usually attribute it to what I consider to be the new core, the young core of former B-Sens who grew up together in this organization, and are still growing. But now it doesn't seem to be a replacement or a new era as much as a comfortable merge.

Funnily enough, Alfredsson played down the importance of chemistry in the room [when talking about moves for trade deadline acquisitions], but Spezza has come back to it again and again. The room is tighter than it's ever been; they're committed to playing for one another. They're different. And I believe him. As badly as I want them to go deep this year, I will believe him no matter what happens.

Game Notes

PROS

• Jason Spezza got the call for the last faceoff of the game. Jason Spezza, who delights in his defensive responsibilities. Jason Spezza, who is an endless source of pride for me these days.
• They never gave up the lead. It's hard to type that and not burst out laughing, but it's true! They came perilously close, but they held on when it really counted. Rust, uncertainty, complacency -- whatever it was, it was a win. I constantly write "K-I-L-L-E-R I-N-S-T-I-N-C-T" in my notes as a plea/demand, and so far, they've more or less delivered.
  
• Dany Heatley has joined the team! Judging by his skating, that week off did wonders for him.
  
• Vermette continued his dominance in the faceoff circle, going 9-4 for 69%. A bright spot for a line that didn't have the best game.
  

CONS

• Volchenkov and Phillips. Jersey is not Pittsburgh. I swear, if Volchenkov is the next defenceman lost to confidence issues, I'm going to petition for a therapist on the bench.
  
• Comrie took dumb penalties, committed dumb turnovers, and had a crappy game in general. As a result, the second line was not great. I expect Comrie to come back with a good game, but Fisher and Schaefer really have to create.
  
• Emery made a few good saves, but he also let in a stinker or two. That's disappointing, because in his short history, he's played Jersey well. His injury situation is a question mark, but honestly, if he's in, he just HAS to be better. The team may be different, but they're still human. They get off their game when they're worried about goaltending. None of that, please.
• Chris Neil looked like he was skating in molasses for much of the night. Murray did keep Neil on the bench for the last five minutes (along with Saprykin and Comrie), but the Devils exposed him all game. At least speed-wise, he is the clear weak link on the third line; if I'm Murray, I seriously consider flipping someone from the fourth line to the third. The team rolls four lines anyway, so Neil's ice time would barely suffer. We'll see.
• The second unit PP still sucks. Schaefer's come off it in the playoffs and Neil's been added, but nope. With the exception of Comrie, it still sucks.
  
• The late goal in the first set the table for the mess in the second. Late goals are the devil; everyone knows this! (Er, terrible pun unintended.)
  

Last Note

I appreciated the derision in Pierre McGuire's voice last night when he noted Avery's "embellishment." Adoring the Sabres as he does, he should recognize a quality dive from a mile away.

Can't even call this "under the wire."

Buffalo/NYR has started as I type, but miscellaneous notes from the first round, better late than never:

1. I had my doubts about Vancouver, but good for them for clawing their way back in game seven. If nothing else, Luongo deserved to have the team in front of him show up and play. I admit that it wasn't the most watchable series for me, but there's still a certain compelling beauty in a goaltender's duel.
   
2. On that note, Marty Turco should have dispelled all doubts about him as a playoff performer. I really like Turco, so as ugly as it was to see the Canucks squander a 3-1 series lead, a situation where he was redeemed and the Canucks still pulled it out was ideal. (It is all about me, of course.)
3. The Predators combined sub-par hockey with highly questionable behaviour to earn the honour of being the Official Embarrassment of the First Round. Sorry Flames; better luck next year.
4. Gary Galley held my attention in the Jersey/Tampa series moreso than the actual hockey. I love Galley. He's well spoken, emotional but rational, and he's never too big a homer, even when he's on the local Sens broadcast. His colour commentary blows Gord Wilson's shrieking right out of the water. I'd miss Gary from the Sens games, but he likely will earn a national stage in the near future. Good for him.
5. In other commentator news: Glenn Healy did not elevate his game for the playoffs (suprise!); I can tolerate Greg Millen when he's not drooling on the Flames, so I didn't have too many problems with him alongside (the alarmingly senile, but affable) Bob Cole; I would listen to Kelly Hrudey talk about the weather; and I expect Pierre McGuire to spontaneously combust with joy during a Sabres broadcast. Any day now.
6. I blinked and missed the Thrashers/Rangers games. I got the sense that the near-frenetic instability around the Thrashers overshadowed great hockey from the Rangers, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the Rangers bring in the second round. (When I'm done here, I'll turn on the TV and find out!)
7. I also blinked and missed the Ducks/Wild series. Unfortunately, I still can't bring myself to care. Sabres/Isles was not much better.
   
8. Martin Brodeur is a little chubby (by hockey standards) to be making a frozen pizza commercial. Just saying.

Round Two

Senators/Devils will clog up this space for the foreseeable future -- and I think my preference is clear -- but the rest:

Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
This should be interesting! I don't know how much I'll be able to watch, since I'm only rooting for the Rangers as the lesser of two evils. But with the posturing already begun, it's sure to be more entertaining than the Sabres/Isles series. I just hope that if the Rangers can't beat the Sabres, they at least give Buffalo a good challenge. (I'm sure I asked exactly the same thing of the Islanders, but maybe the Rangers can actually deliver?)

Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Brian Burke comes "home"! Drama! Intrigue! Okay, maybe not, but I feel that Luongo and the Canucks can take this, especially if fatigue doesn't catch up to them. Yes, the Ducks have rest on their side, but the Canucks have momentum.

San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings
Tough one. Top to bottom, I like the Sharks. I like the way they play, I like they way they handle themselves on and off the ice, I love the way the organization is run. On the other hand, I hate the Red Wings . . . but I'm happy to see Bertuzzi in the playoffs again, and winning. I prefer the Sharks in the end (and think they probably will make it through in six or seven), but I'd really like to see Bertuzzi (and guys like Dan Cleary) have a strong round despite that.


Last Note

I've maintained that I would root for anyone in a Team Canada jersey, but Colby Armstrong?! That is unnecessarily cruel.

Date with the Devils

So, it will be the Devils for round two. I don't know if there was a good news/bad news scenario, considering the way Lundqvist and the Rangers have played, so . . . it's acceptable news, I guess? "I am afraid of Martin Brodeur" is the extent of my analysis so far.

Well, that, and I know I don't want Murray to try reconfigured lines to "spread the offence." The offence is spread and the chemistry is set; let's go with that to start and see how it works.

Oh, there's also this little matter:

Sportsnet.ca -- Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery left Monday's practice early, after blocking a shot from a teammate.

After practice, both Emery and head coach Bryan Murray downplayed the incident, although the netminder smashed his stick over the goalpost in frustration at one point during practice.

When addressing the media afterwards, Emery said he was not injured and plans to be in net for Game 1 against New Jersey.

Yeah, that's not funny. In fact, I might cry. Please, please, PLEASE let him be okay.

Okay, I'm off to remind myself how to breathe. Summation of thoughts from round one tomorrow, after the Canucks decide whether or not they want to rely on Luongo for goaltending and offence for the third straight game.

Pittsburgh 0, Ottawa 3
(Ottawa wins series 4-1)


What to say about game five? I've thought it over for the past couple of days (because I am nothing if not timely), and I always come back to "pride." I loved what I saw out of the Senators in game one -- the desire, the determination, the execution -- and while they fumbled here and there, they never strayed too far from that play all series. The whole lineup bought in and contributed, in big ways and small. Emery was solid; Murray rarely made a decision that upset me. Top to bottom, I'm proud of that.

The papers are right; it won't get any easier. The Sens can't afford to spend time congratulating themselves for knocking off Pittsburgh, especially when the doubts have already surfaced. Many point to the team that made it out of the first round last year, and say that style of play doesn't matter -- this incarnation hasn't proved a thing until it does better than that. It was "only Pittsburgh," after all. On Friday's OTR, Landsberg came to the incredible conclusion that Alfredsson's play proved that Alfie's critics were right, since Alfie clearly held back in the years he struggled. Landsberg is as insightful as a tree stump, but still. They proved something to me, I think they proved something to themselves, but there is still a long way to go. Still minds that I would dearly love them to change.

Game Notes

• Antoine Vermette finally finds the scoresheet. Spezza summed it up perfectly. My (rough attempt at) translation: "It was good to see Vermy score tonight. He doesn't get enough credit for all the hard work he does for our team. He's excellent on the penalty kill, he dominates on faceoffs, but because he didn't have points in the series, no one was talking about him." Exactly, Jason. Vermette was a difference-maker in this series, even if he struggled offensively. I saw his hard work in every game, and seeing him put together a game where he did the little things, the big things, and everything in between? That made me glow with pride. That kid deserved it.
  
• Emery gets the shutout. He's certainly faced more work, but Emery shut the door when it counted in game five -- that is, early in the first, when the Sens decided to set up camp in the penalty box. A couple of big saves from him combined with the stellar PK to frustrate the Pens early. Great game for him, and with his attitude, I have faith that he will build on that going forward.
• Speaking of the PK, they had another great outing. They had critical kills early, and they were flawless. When that PK is at its peak, it's a pleasure to watch.
  
• Fisher's huge shift, during which he levelled Ouellet and Staal and then nearly scored, was by far his best of the series.
  
• Spezza stripping the puck off Gary Roberts twice in one shift? Can't lie, that was satisfying.
  
• Welcome back, Dany Heatley. With time to rest whatever has bothered him, I expect him to look much better in the second round. Game five was a pretty good start.
• Killer instinct. To be fair, the Penguins played with less intensity than I expected in the third, but the Sens still came at them. The Sens said they didn't want to go back to Pittsburgh, and thankfully, they meant it.
• The crowd at SBP was so loud, whether they were heckling Roberts or cheering on the Sens. Even in a different part of the country, that's the kind of atmosphere that sends chills down my spine, and reminds me why I love the playoffs this much.
  

And the rest

I intended to single out some series stars, but truthfully, everyone did something that pleased me. Even Heatley had a couple of moments. Redden wasn't horrific; Meszaros's game pulled together fairly well. Eaves, when he was in, played some of his most energetic, effective hockey of the year. Saprykin played well when he replaced Eaves. McAmmond's unlikely fight was as important as his big points; as his usual solid game. Schubert was invaluable, whether he was up front or filling in on D. He's getting noticed, and deservedly so. Emery had a shaky moment or two, but he rebounded well, and he also got better as the series wore on. Volchenkov and Phillips did exactly what they had to do, and to say they did it well is an understatement. Preissing was solid. The redefinition of Joe Corvo could be my favourite story so far -- where did this confident, self-assured man come from? More importantly, can I keep him?

Neil had big points, and played the body without getting into penalty trouble. Kelly upped his game all over the ice -- who'd have expected serious production from him, going into this series? Not me. Vermette, as I said, quietly put together a fantastic series.

Fisher and Schaefer got better as the series went on, but Comrie was great from the get-go. Comrie played with a hunger and intensity that even I didn't expect. This is a guy who's recognized that playoff hockey should never be taken for granted.

Heatley's problems have been documented, but Alfredsson and Spezza brought it. Alfie started with the same frustrating inability to bury the puck that plagued him last year, but this time, he stuck with it and forced his luck to turn. It's such a joy to see him play like this at this time of year.

Spezza's smart play and attention to defensive detail, and the pride he took in being trusted with such tasks, makes me want to find a better word than "proud." He elevated his game in an intelligent way, he didn't back down from physical stuff, and for the most part, he played well with and without the puck. He's a scapegoat far too often in Ottawa, but in reality, that kid is growing up wonderfully. Right now, I feel lucky just to be watching it happen.

Last Note

Muckler said his team has better leadership and more confidence than a year ago, and was also able to develop more depth during the season when players like Jason Spezza and Mike Fisher recovered from injuries.

"And we have new players who came in and found roles on the team," he said. "And they came to trust each other and love each other.

"They are now a solid, well-knit club."

"Attitude."

Ottawa 2, Pittsburgh 1
(Ottawa leads series 3-1)

Okay, even though I missed out on tracking most of the third (stupid dinner), unedited in-game thoughts:

1st Period

- Sens need a good start from everyone.
-Starting lines exchange chances, now ours needs a change . . . and there they go.
- Second line + Meszaros and Redden having trouble clearing the zone.
- Penalty to Pittsburgh -- Whitney, for an elbow. Bad move on his part, but our PP needs to click.
- CBC's replay of the penalty, courtesy of Greg Millen: "You will see what happens . . . there's the elbow." Except, the play in question was OFFSCREEN.
- Redden and Corvo together on the PP? Heatley misses the net by a mile.
- OHH damn. Weirdest goal ever, but I'll take it!
- Is it Spezza's? I'd have kicked Neil's ass if he'd actually touched that. Ack.
- Good faceoff win; good post-goal pressure in Pittsburgh's zone.
- PP for Ottawa. Good work holding the zone there.
- Redden, STOP SHOOTING PUCKS INTO PENALTY-KILLERS . . . and could Bob sound just a little more excited about Jordan Staal the Magnificent? Blech.
- Neil gains the zone with the puck . . . and then does nothing with it. I hate that.
- Third line still has so little chemistry.
- No Bob, that's not Kelly, that's Schaefer. They aren't even linemates, you know.
- Huge rebound from Fleury -- that's encouraging! Good shift for our fourth line.
- Redden gives the puck to Crosby.
- Heatley gives the puck to Crosby.
- Phillips does his best to give the puck to Crosby. New strategy?
- Ottawa takes a penalty. I could see that coming a mile away.
- Corvo and Fish lose a battle along the boards.
- Ottawa's scrambling.
- Is this Spezza vs. Roberts again? Hee. I think it was, but I'll never know for sure, because CBC's replays SUCK.

2nd Period

- Volchenkov takes a penalty, ugh.
- Dear PKers: Malkin is alone on the doorstep!!! . . . Now he's not. Whew.
- Long PK for this group, but a very nice clear by Vermette.
- Now Phillips has a penalty. Kelly and Vermette rush up ice, and look sharp in general on the PK.
- Bad clearing attempt by Volchenkov -- never clear on your backhand! Never! Nonetheless, Emery comes up with the stop.
- I think Vermette loses a faceoff that leads to a quick scoring chance for Crosby. I think, because CBC was still on a replay instead of, you know, the game.
- Corvo sort of tried to finish his check! Aw.
- Something about the Fisher line + Corvo and Preissing is not working.
- Awful defensive-zone shift; the game is tied 1-1. Staal's "I just scored" face is even scarier than his normal one. Redden, Meszaros and Spezza can go back to the bench and split the blame.
- Nice rebound shifts from lines three and four.
- Spezza is double-teamed, hard. Ow.
- Schaefer just saved a goal!
- WIN THOSE [faceoffs], VERMETTE!
- Again, decent shifts from lines three and four, keeping the puck in the offensive zone.
- Heatley, a little discretion on your clearing attempts, please? The dramatic wind-up is impressive, but actually getting it out would have been even more impressive.
- Oh look, Heatley just had a good chance. He did not score. At least he wasn't losing yet another puck battle, I guess.
- The Senators are digging their own hole here.
- Yes Greg, Schubie IS handy [to have on the PK when the regular defensemen can't stay out of the box]. That's why we love him.
- Ottawa just needs to escape this period tied.
- Does Redden need to keep passing to the Pens? NO!
- Uh, if Volchenkov could play on through his outrage, instead of stopping and flinging his arms dramatically while the play is still ongoing in the Sens' zone? That would be swell.

3rd Period

- Big PK to start.
- Comrie hooks up with Volchenkov (!) for a nice goal. 2-1!
- Hey look, the third line had a scoring chance! Kinda. I'll take what I can get.
- Top line is stuck out there with a couple of minutes to go, aaah! Now they've iced the puck, and will be stuck out there some more. Great.
- Vermette wins a critical faceoff against Crosby.
- Vermette wins another critical faceoff against Crosby, and takes the puck to the boards, keeping it there even though Roberts flattens him into the boards, cross-checks him, and punches him in the head. Atta boy. The clock runs out! I can breathe again.


All in all, a very satisfying win. The Senators didn't deserve it after 40 minutes, but the wins you don't quite deserve are sometimes the best ones, right? I saw "ATTITUDE" scrawled on the whiteboard in the post-game interviews; now I know that Murray wrote it there in the second intermission, at about the same time he tore the team a new one.

Now it's critical that they show a little more of that attitude and wrap this thing up at home. No trips back to Pittsburgh, please.

Whew.

Ottawa 4, Pittsburgh 2
(Ottawa leads series 2-1)

Game Notes

• Armstrong's hit on Eaves is the big story, for obvious reasons. Again, I don't believe that kind of hit should be legal in this league. As the rules stand, however, it was legal, and Eaves -- sigh -- should have had his head up. Still, Armstrong's reputation hasn't gained much ground in this series. (Why couldn't they corner someone other than Neil for the intermission interview, though?! He hadn't seen the hit, and though he retracted his comments after he did see it, I've had to read "lol hypocrite!" one too many times for my liking. No, he shouldn't have spouted off, but of course he wasn't going to say "oh, my teammate was just wheeled off on a stretcher, but I do that to people too, no big deal!" Meh). The most important thing is that Eaves is okay, though Saprykin will be in for game four.
• Dean McAmmond was my Story of the Night, for taking on Maxime Talbot immediately after Armstrong's hit. Dean isn't exactly a fighter, but the fact that he was willing meant everything to me . . . and then he won!!! Even better. His goal wasn't too shabby, either!
  
• DANIEL ALFREDSSON HAS ARRIVED! While quite a few Sens have been impressive (Spezza, Corvo, Comrie and Kelly, to name a few), Alfie has completely taken charge. The desire and the output have finally matched up for him, and I can only hope it lasts, because this is exactly what I've wanted for him for aaages. He's scoring, he's hustling, he's killing penalties like a rock star, he's hitting (rubbing out Armstrong and knocking over Roberts were two of my favourite moments of this series to date). Oh, Alfie. I'm so proud, I could burst.
  
• His name is Raaaaay! I won't lie; visions of another spectacular collapse danced in my head after that first goal. He's still not quite as solid as I'd like him to be, but he did settle down quite a bit after that. Let's face it, Crosby is a freaking monster. All I ask is that Ray stay solid.
  
• Ottawa regained the edge in faceoffs and won the game. As many big things as the guys did right, sometimes it's the little things that count.
  

Tonight, the Sens have to try to get on the Pens right away. Rebounding from an early goal is obviously possible, but three games in a row of that is unacceptable. Sunday's crowd went dead and stayed dead after the Sens started to press; doing the same to tonight's would be great.

They also have to stay out of the box. Any retribution for losing Eaves should happen on the scoresheet, and/or in the form of clean (hopefully not "clean"), hard hits. Schubert was lucky that he took a player off with him after he ran Scuderi late in the last game. That just can't happen.

On the Pens' side, they've chosen to start Malkin with Crosby. I understand the move, but whether or not it pays off will depend on: a) Ottawa's ability to contain those two, b) whether or not playing with Crosby sparks Malkin, c) whether or not Pittsburgh's depth comes through for them, d) whether or not Ottawa's scorers can respond if this move does work, e) how Ottawa's D responds, and so on. There are a ton of factors. As ever, we'll see how it works out in the game.

The only change to Ottawa's lineup should be Saprykin slotting in beside Schubert and McAmmond, which I don't expect to be a problem. Saprykin has speed to burn, and he's gritty enough. The fourth line should be fine.

Finally, a cameo appearance by Dany Heatley would once again be welcomed. Hint, hint.

Upcoming: thoughts on game four, and if those aren't soul-crushingly depressing, thoughts on some of the other match-ups as well.

Pittsburgh 4, Ottawa 3
(Series tied 1-1)

Rushed thoughts before I focus on today's game.

Game Notes

• Spezza had a great game after a so-so performance in game one. He was creative but responsible all day, and was rewarded with the game-tying goal in the second. He was also credited with two hits, and at 52%, was the lone Senator to be effective in the faceoff circle.
• Chris Kelly scored his second big goal in his second game. Cement hands turned clutch?
  
• Alfredsson's strong play earned him a goal. He looked relieved; he needs to take that and run with it.
  
• Mike Comrie had a good game, but he did not need to fight right there. Coupled with Fisher's subsequent -- and in my opinion, disgustingly legitimate -- penalty, the Senators lost all hope of building off a very strong second period, and gave the momentum back to the Penguins. Just as bad, Comrie took himself out of the game for five precious minutes. He's a real scoring threat, and spending unnecessary time in the box is not going to help anyone but Pittsburgh. I appreciate the instinct. The timing, not so much.
  
• Ray Emery. I don't know what to say about Ray. He hasn't been terrible, but he hasn't made one big, confidence-boosting stop. I think part of it is that the Sens have spent a lot of time in the offensive zone, and he sometimes has trouble staying sharp on sporadic work. Understandable, but he NEEDS to have a big game three, regardless of circumstance.
  
• Power plays are critical. Ottawa needs to capitalize on theirs, and they need to limit Pittsburgh's. Simple concepts, and they claim to understand them, and yet . . .
• Hit the net, Joe Corvo.
• Jarkko Ruutu truly is the kind of player appreciated by his own team and hated by others. Two games in, and he's gone after . . . Corvo and Comrie. Yeah. Colby Armstrong is not much better.
  
• Schubert was distinctly missed. His take-no-prisoners pounding is a model for what worked for the Sens last game, and when the team needs a boost, it's the kind of thing that often works -- whether he's playing on the fourth line, or taking over a late-game shift on D. His absence also broke up the rhythm of rolling four lines, which has been a fairly successful strategy for the Sens over the past few weeks. Saprykin is speedy and dangerous, so seeing him is not the worst thing that could happen. But the sooner Schubert returns, the better.
• PAGING DANY HEATLEY. The playoffs have started! Your presence is no longer requested, it's DEMANDED.

Last Note

It's just one game. The Senators need to remember that, and the fans and media could stand to remember it too. As eager as many people appear to be to extoll the virtues of Gary Roberts and bow at the altar of Sidney Crosby, this is supposed to be a close series. Pre-emptively polishing Ottawa's choker trophy is probably more fun than keeping an eye on a series that shouldn't be as close as it stands right now (Sabres-Isles, anyone?). There is clearly no guarantee that the Senators won't be their own worst enemies, or just get beaten by a better team. But personally, I intend to see how it all shakes out before losing my mind.

Pittsburgh 3, Ottawa 6
(Ottawa leads series 1-0)

I took notes throughout the game with the intention of posting them here, but in the harsh light of day, all the incoherent, vaguely-insane yelling is a little much. (I'll still take notes for game two, because superstition kicks in with a win.) I hope I'll have enough time to work out some post-game consistency. For now, I'll see what works best.

Game Notes

• Desire was the word of the night for the Senators -- they had it, and they proved it. For all the talk of failures past, over half of the guys in that room are being judged by the logo instead of anything they have or haven't done. It's understandable, yes; the young and the new have to prove that they deserve to be judged on their own merits. Whether or not the intensity will last remains to be seen, but last night, I saw a team that deserves anything but the label of "gutless chokers." I saw Mike effing Comrie ready to fight for a slight against Joe effing Corvo. Forget that, I saw Mike effing Comrie with a tone-setting hit on Malkin. I saw Chris Kelly score a big goal, Antoine Vermette dominate the faceoff circle, Jason Spezza make a smart defensive play, Anton Volchenkov play at his freight-train best, Joe Corvo look freakishly collected with the puck, Daniel Alfredsson lose his sweater in a scrum when tempers flared. On and on. I saw a team who wanted this, and wanted it for each other. Will they keep this up? I don't know; your guess is as good as my hope, and it's just one game. But for last night, I was fucking proud of them.
  
• The PK was huge for both teams. Shady calls aside, the Sens took way too many penalties and were bailed out for most of the night by a sparkling PK. By the same token, the Pens' penalty killers killed off two 5-on-3s, which, on any other night, might have been momentum-swinging accomplishments. Neither team can afford to spend that much time in the box going forward, but for last night's game, both should be proud of the PK effort.
• Secondary scoring came through for the Senators. With the big line fairly quiet all night (with the exception of Alfredsson, but more on that in a minute), the second and third lines and the D came up with the timely goals. Unlikely heroes were the story of the night.
• Meszaros is back? I could not have scripted a better start to the game than Meszaros scoring the early first goal. Mezzy's confidence was a huge question mark coming in to this -- the ability is clearly there, but the mindset has been strange for months now -- but a weight appeared to lift from his shoulders when that shot went in. I noticed Meszaros for the good things he was doing last night, and that was such a welcome relief. Here's hoping he only builds on this.
• Alfredsson came away with just one assist, but was arguably the best Senator on the ice. He couldn't buy a goal, which is the age-old problem for Alfie, but he kept trying. He will need to get his shots on net more often, but other than that, if -- IF -- he stays loose and keeps plugging away, he'll be lighting it up in no time.
  
• Room for improvement: both teams have it. The Penguins were clearly in fumbling-kids mode, staring on stunned while the team they matched so evenly against in the waning days of the regular season came at them in waves. Yes, the Penguins are young, but they are smart and they are skilled as all hell -- they have nowhere to go but up. Ottawa, as good as they were, have their own concerns. The PP needs more killer instinct, and the top line needs to settle in and produce. If the fourth line is up against Malkin again, they will need to avoid being pinned; they were on for the Sens' worst shift(s) of the game. The Sens also need to prove that they can stand up to the challenge when the Penguins up the level of play, because it will happen.
  

Last Note

The OT marathon in Vancouver was not always riveting, but it was insane. Welcome to the playoffs, Luongo! Tell me this isn't the best game on earth.

Let the madness begin.

Who neglects a brand-new blog right before the playoffs?! Oh right, me. I've resolved to update like a psychopath for the duration of the playoffs -- the paranoia/elation/crushing depression/etc. has to come out somewhere -- and I'm sure I'll be sick of myself come June.

I'll admit, it's bittersweet this year with no Montréal, but what can you do? After their glorious meltdown, they made an admirable push at the end. Halak deserves all the credit in the world for not swaying under so much pressure, Ryder deserves credit for coming up huge in the critical last game (even if it was all for naught), the rookie core pleased me. Other than that, the team needs some fundamental changes and has big decisions ahead. They'll try, try again next year, but I'm not thinking about it for now. There will be plenty of time in the summer to examine the remains.

Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

It's a given that 99% of my attention is on this series. I don't see a clear favourite; these teams are pretty evenly matched, and we could go on all day about how the goaltending match-up alone. In lieu of guessing games and analysis, here's my wish list for the Senators' players.

Heatley: Just play to his ability. His disappearing act was forgiveable in his first playoffs; not so this year. I want to see as much of the well-rounded threat from December/January as possible.

Spezza: I just want him to keep doing what he's done in previous match-ups against Pittsburgh. Play extra-inspired, keep it relatively simple, take the shot when it's there. Spezza is a pure competitor; he should relish the opportunity to measure his game against Crosby's, and I think he will. Making good on his improved faceoff skills will also be key, as the Pens are notoriously weak in the faceoff circle.

Alfredsson: Alfie, above all else, needs to relax and have fun out there. He appears to be starting with Spezza and Heatley, so the pressure to carry a line should be off him -- the pressure to carry the team, however, is another thing altogether. The rest of the team can help him out by providing some timely secondary scoring, but ultimately, it's up to him to keep himself in a healthy mental state. I can't take another year of watching him tighten up under the pressure. He can't do everything himself; he can't will the team to victory, and trying to do so only hurts his game. It's time to realize that and play accordingly.

Schaefer: I want to see consistent use of those tenacious board skills. He's looked disinterested for big chunks of the year and if there's one thing the Sens can't afford against the Pens, it's laziness. I want to see a fire under his ass. When in doubt, SHOOT. (I know that's never going to happen, but there's a reason this is a wish list.)

Fisher: Make good on his scoring chances. Be physical. Be Fisher-like, basically.

Comrie: Continue to score timely goals. No defensive screw-ups. No fading away if the puck won't go in.

Kelly: Just his usual work ethic and penalty-killing prowess will do, but it would be wonderful if he could pot a few goals and/or help out Vermette in that department. Vermette has struggled with offence in the second half, but he can score goals, and big ones. Being on a line with two guys who aren't of any help . . . well, that obviously hasn't helped. That potential can't remain untapped in the playoffs.

Vermette: Also a "keep doing what you're doing" guy in terms of work ethic and the PK, but Vermette must convert some of those great chances he's been getting. With his speed, he should be able to expose Pittsburgh's D. Stay calm and confident with the puck. I also hope that Vermette, like Spezza, will be a difference-maker in the faceoff circle.

Neil: No stupid penalties, please. If he could go through one of those phases where he isn't a gaping hole of suck offensively, that would be spectacular. No laziness in his own zone. He needs to be physical, but he can't go out of his way to do it. And I repeat: NO STUPID PENALTIES.

Eaves: I don't know how much ice time he'll see, but he needs to bury the chances he does get. No getting stuck in his own zone. Play hard but not dirty.

McAmmond: Continue his usual calm, confident play. Continue to be adequate-to-good on the PK. Be better than mediocre on faceoffs. If he can add a little offence here and there, great!
Schubert: He's at his best when he's knocking the opposition around (in a clean manner), so just more of the same. If he can get that cannon of a shot off from time to time, all the better. No brainfarts.

Volchenkov: Needs to keep his confidence up at all times, but other than that? More of the same, please.

Phillips: More of the same, and try to stay out of the penalty box.

Meszaros: He needs to write off that disaster of a season and start fresh. I just want him to keep his game simple and effective, and severely limit the mistakes. He should also be able to add a little offence here and there.

Redden: Make the great first pass for which he is renowned, chip in offensively, and absolutely no costly screw-ups. For better or worse, he's a leader on this team, and they'll be much better off looking to a calm, effective Redden than the jittery version they got this season.

Corvo: He cannot buckle under pressure. His confidence issues appear to be resolved, I like his new "just go out and play" attitude . . . but that can't all go to hell if he makes one mistake. The playoffs are not the time for emotional meltdowns. If he can keep up the level of play that he displayed for the last couple of months of the season, use his shot on the PP, and not shy away from physical contact, I would be unendingly happy.

Preissing: Also needs to stand his ground physically -- as much as he can, anyway -- but he's another one who simply needs to keep up the standard of play from the regular season. His composure is invaluable on a D corps that has been all over the damn place this year. His timely pinches and stealthy offence would also be more than welcome.

Emery: Where this series lives and dies? Possibly. Emery must be unflappable. He can't afford to be shaky. He needs to keep his rebounds under control and battle for every save. I think he can out-duel Fleury, but he needs to be solid at the very least -- this team only plays their best when they're confident in their goalie, and right now, they are confident in Emery. That has to continue.

Saprykin: If/when he gets in there, he'll need to utilize his scoring touch. Other than that, I'd like him to play as he's been playing. I love his speed; I love his determination and desire. If he does play and gets any minutes at all, he could be an interesting x-factor.

McGrattan: If he dresses at all in the playoffs, he has to stay away from anything stupid. Other than that, he should just be a non-factor.

Nycholat: He was pleasantly spunky and not a cause for concern in the one game he played here; that's all I ask if he has to dress.

Gerber: I hope there's no need to play him, but if there is: confidence, confidence, confidence. If he can keep that under control, he doesn't worry me at all.


Elsewhere

Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders
I have no delusions about the Islanders taking down Buffalo, but gee, wouldn't it be nice? DiPietro is going to skate on his own, so he could be a difference-maker if he can make it back at some point . . . but will it be enough? Probably not. The best hope for the rest of the East is that the Isles refuse to go down without a fight.

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
This is an interesting one. The Bolts have the firepower to pull it out and I'd prefer them to emerge the winners, but I expect Brodeur and the Devils to knock them off. This one has sleeper potential to be an entertaining series . . . hey, don't look at me like that. I mean it!

Atlanta Thrashers vs. New York Rangers
Marian Hossa returns to the playoffs! For that reason alone, I hope the Thrashers take this one, but realistically? I think it's a toss-up. Regardless, it should be an exciting series. Kovalchuk's game will be a point of interest in his first trip to the playoffs.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames
I love Todd Bertuzzi and loathe the Flames, which combine to trump my usual sneering at Detroit. Calgary will probably take this one in the end, though.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild
If there's just one upset in the first round, I have a feeling it'll come from this series. Anaheim may pull it out in the end, but this one should be harder-fought than many people think. I doubt I'll catch much or any of it, but I'd be pleased to see Minnesota topple the Duckies.

Dallas Stars vs. Vancouver Canucks
While I dig the Canucks, I think there's fairly objective consensus that it will take a miracle to get Dallas past this one. I'd like to see Turco shake the choker label, but I don't feel that this will be his year -- or at least, I don't think even great play from him will keep the Stars alive. Luongo's finally received his shot; he's not going to waste it.

San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators
Rivalled only by Sens-Pens as the most exciting first-round match-up. I think (and hope) that the Sharks can prevail, but they're in for a phenomenally entertaining challenge.


Last Note
Breaking-to-me news: Phillips has been signed! Phillips has been signed! Contracts and player value are not my strong point, but even I know that $3.5 M/year for 4 years is great. Following the fairly reasonable 3-year deal with Volchenkov, the expressed desire to keep Preissing, and the Comrie/Kaigorodov swap, Muckler has regained an ounce or two of credibility with me.

Spiral

Pittsburgh 5, Ottawa 4 (SO)

There's only one word that sums up Ottawa's past three losses to Atlanta, Chicago, and Pittsburgh: Embarrassing.

Three blown third-period leads in three consecutive games. They suddenly look like the ghosts of themselves last fall when no lead was safe, and when chasing the other team's goalie was the sign that they'd go on to an absurd loss.

Honestly, it's not the losing that bothers me. It's the way the Sens have been losing. They've picked up just two out of six points that were there for the taking. Chicago and Atlanta were at least a little closer, but they were embarrassing the Penguins out of the rink last night before the implosion. It's incredible; it's disgusting.

Game Notes:

• Emery. Ray's suspension came in the middle of a stretch of games where he was all swagger; he could do no wrong. He's had good periods since then, but I haven't felt that same confidence from him since his return. He admitted to nervousness when he returned against the Sabres, and then there was another sideshow. He didn't get a lot of help last night, but he doesn't seem completely focused right now. Worrying.
• Sloppiness. Spezza is the unofficial poster boy for any perceived lack of effort from this team, but the team was, if anything, lazier without him in the lineup last night. The whole reason they were successful when he was out for weeks was because they knew it was a do-or-die situation, and they played like it. Last night, his teammates coughed up the puck left, right and centre. On a normal night, two power play goals would be great, but they had seven power play chances in the second period alone -- they could have buried the Penguins there. The lengthy, futile 5-on-3 was the lowlight. There was no killer instinct despite the previous games; no intensity when it counted. The blown lead is inexcusable against a potential playoff opponent, especially when that opponent limps out of the gate with bad penalties and invisible goaltending. It's that much worse to play careless and sloppy with a guy like Spezza out of the lineup.
  
• The shootout is still an embarrassment to the Senators. At least Vermette tried something proven this time. Heatley scored in Chicago, but no one knows how he managed that. There must be some unlikely heroes somewhere on that bench, right? Right?!
  
• If Peter Schaefer is hurt, here's the map to the press box. I'd rather have them sitting than half-heartedly playing through injury.
  
• Murray, Murray, Murray. No time-out after the Penguins started to chip away at the lead. No rotation of his power play units after they repeatedly looked stale. No adjustments to defensive pairings that have been painful for weeks now (Redden and Meszaros are so depressing). The lines are always an adventure. Etc., etc. It's tiring.
  

The burning rage has given way to "laugh or cry" territory. If the Sens have to learn the same lesson ten times this season, so be it, if they eventually do learn when it really counts. I'm . . . I won't say optimistic, but I'm calm enough about the upcoming two against Toronto. For now.

And I want Spezza back.

Last Note

In happier (or at least bittersweet) news, it was nice to see a mini-reunion when the Sens visited Chicago. It makes me happy to know that Havlat and Lalime can still count good friends amongst their ex-teammates. Lalime's time in Ottawa probably had to end when it did for everyone's sake, but it's great to see him finally playing solid hockey again.

Conversely, the mess surrounding Havlat's departure is never going to sit well with me (not from Havlat's end), but it's also good to see him making the best of the often cringe-inducing situation in Chicago. He has chances and challenges there that he didn't get in Ottawa -- top-line minutes, a leadership role -- and he's passing those tests with flying colours. I miss him in Ottawa, but I'm happy for him.

00:00

Well, that was an unintentional hiatus through the busiest week pre-playoffs! Well done, me.

The truth is, I had trouble getting my thoughts together as the trade deadline came and went. For the second year in a row, the Senators left me scratching my head. I don't agree with Pierre McGuire's assessment that they needed toughness, per se, but I felt they could have and should have gambled on a player like Gary Roberts. Instead, there's a good chance they face his new team, the Penguins, in the first round of the playoffs.

I respect and fully endorse Muckler's decision to keep this roster together; to my mind, the fantastic chemistry in the room this year is their greatest asset. So in that vein, there's no way in hell I would have paid Vermette plus a first . . . but after Muckler confirmed that the price for Roberts as of Monday night was just a first and they still passed? That's tougher to swallow.

I'm no more eager than anyone else for their depleted prospect depth to take another hit, and I know a first for an aging rental is steep. But you at least consider it when it's for someone who addresses a need, don't you? The Sens have plenty of character vets and McAmmond has been a nice addition this year, but they still lack a player who can stand up and force them to dig in when the going gets rough in the playoffs. They needed someone who's been there and done that. I love -- LOVE -- Alfie, but unless this year is magically different, he has fallen into a habit of taking everything on his own shoulders and buckling under the weight.

I also wonder about the attitude in the room after another year of this. Murray made no secret that he wanted a "message" acquisition at the deadline. Players like Alfie talked publically about getting an experienced guy. Instead, they get two depth moves for Nycholat and Saprykin, and while I'm in favour of both, it seems that the glaring need has gone unaddressed. Again. Watching Murray and the Senators try to be enthusiastic about Saprykin, I got the sense that they felt exactly the same way.

That said, a few days has mellowed my annoyance, and I'm cautiously optimistic again. The Sens go forward with the team they have, and there's no reason to believe that they can't find a way to be successful just as they are. Both goalies look strong right now (knock wood), Spezza and Heatley are on a tear, the fourth line is at worst reliable, at best dangerous, Saprykin should create some healthy competition for ice time, even Redden is . . . well. Murray and Redden have admitted there's a problem, and there have been subsequent signs of improvement.

Onwards.

Game Day

The mess with the Sabres behind them, the Sens came out post-deadline with two good wins against the Hurricanes (who are going to miss the playoffs by a mile if they don't soon show some sign that they give a damn). The Sens will spend most of their time on the road through to the end of the season, starting with a trip down memory lane tonight with Hossa and the Thrashers and continuing on Sunday against Havlat and the Blackhawks.

Day in the Life

USA Today ran a piece featuring Brian Burke's thoughts leading up to the trade deadline. My favourite sample:

I talk to Florida assistant GM Randy Sexton about Todd Bertuzzi, and he tells me "the guy we like is Perry." I offer him profanity. If you are offended by profanity, it's difficult to make a trade in the NHL. If you are going to try to rob me, at least wear a mask.

Hee. Sometimes I still wish he was in Vancouver, because it was so much fun to hear from him on a regular basis. (That, and my hatred of his Ducks makes it hard to wish him success in Anaheim . . .)

Last Note

I think I spoke too soon when I stuck up for Sportsnet. With Eklund and the Deal or No Deal models one-upping each other in uselessness, Snet's trade deadline coverage was atrocious.

Another day, another controversy.

Ottawa 5, Buffalo 6 (SO)

Well! I expected an interesting game, but I didn't expect that.

The Hit

Drury is out indefinitely with a possible concussion. The Sabres, by all accounts, don't care if Neil's elbow was involved or not; they believe it was a dirty play. I'm not crazy about the play either: I don't like hits to the head, I don't like taking advantage of a vulnerable position, and I don't like hearing that a player "should have had his head up."

But that's personal opinion, not league rules. Technically, the hit looks clean. It wasn't late, and Neil's shoulder got him, not his elbow. It appears that most of the damage was done when Drury hit the ice. So no, Neil doesn't deserve penalization under the rules as they stand . . . but I do wish that the league would get serious about limiting these hits in the first place. It's not impossible, and it doesn't have to mean the death of the physical game. It's a side issue right now, but it shouldn't be. It's long past time to quit waffling on questionable hits.

The Brawl

I understand that Ruff was livid. No one likes to see a guy being helped off the ice, let alone a captain on an already frustrated, depleted team. I know. But throwing out Mair, Peters and Kaleta against Spezza, Comrie and Heatley -- the latter a skill line laughably incapable of even holding their own in a brawl -- was reactionary and stupid, and the league should discipline Ruff accordingly.

Elsewhere on the ice, it was fascinating/frightening/fun to see Ray Emery finally drop his gloves in the NHL. The sheer joy on his face was incredible. I'm still not a fan of him fighting (the hands, the precious goalie hands!), but if I had to pick an opponent and an occasion, this would be it. All credit to Biron for trying to hang in, and for having a sense of humour about it. And who knows, it might have gotten even more interesting if Peters hadn't invited himself to the party as the third man in.

Muckler is probably less bemused than most Sens fans today, as Emery just returned from a suspension, and more importantly, the Sens eventually lost this one without Ray. Muckler doesn't have much patience for unnecessary attention. I hope he's feeling generous -- or directing his anger at the Sabres -- because Emery was hardly the culprit in this one.

The Aftermath

Tomorrow night's game will be hyped to death, but assuming that the league deals with this before tomorrow night, it will probably be a much more sedate affair. I suspect that McGrattan will dress no matter what the league decides, just to be safe. (Oh look, the suspicion is correct.)

For their part, the Sens would do well to concentrate on the scoreboard. True, the PP showed signs of life last night, and they once again turned in a solid third period to tie the game. But that doesn't erase their own blown lead, or the fact that the play was largely sloppy and uninspired all night. That's bad enough at the best of times, but with the chance to gain ground on the hurting Sabres? Inexcusable.

Last Note

I know Vermette missed against the Oilers, but he's hereby forbidden from ever picking shot over deke in the shootout again. Ack.

No Heatley vs. Hossa to be had here.

Atlanta 3, Ottawa 5

I thought all signs pointed to Ottawa dropping the game against the Thrashers. It wasn't pessimism; I predicted the Sens would be a respectable 2-1 through Emery's suspension, and Atlanta was the most likely loss. An afternoon game in the middle of a slow schedule, playing against a team desperate for a win? Two periods of lacklustre play? It was just supposed to happen!

Obviously, the Sens proved me wrong and somehow pulled it out. With their glorious third period collapses at the beginning of the season in mind, their current never-say-die thirds are encouraging. I like that Murray can tweak the first line without it automatically meaning a Heatley-Spezza-Alfie reunion. I really like that he's admitted that Neil isn't working with Spezza and Heatley (surprise, surprise), and acknowledged McAmmond's great play of late. However, this poses a different problem, one that I overlooked in my rush to bump McAmmond up a few days ago: who would centre the fourth line to keep McAmmond on the top line? There's no one available without messing with the decent chemistry on lines two and three. This is what happens when you use three of your six centres on one line.

Notes

• Comrie continues to impress me. I'm cautiously optimistic about his performance in pressure situations. He's scored some very timely (dare I say, clutch) goals so far, including one in the third yesterday. That was a good goal period, with Corvo getting his shot through and lots of traffic in front of the net. See, that works! Now to remember that in the playoffs.
  
• Redden worries and frustrates me lately. He's not making one huge, Corvo-esque gaffe a game, but he's making a bunch of little ones, which is just as irritating. I'm thisclose to breaking out the "$6.5 million!!!" talk. You've been warned, Wade.
• Lehtonen and Gerber were equally unimpressive. I don't watch Lehtonen enough to know whether or not that rebound-happy performance was normal, but Gerber . . . sigh. Maybe Gerber was really shaken up after getting run, and maybe he just didn't want to pull himself when the backup was Kelly Guard. Maybe his confidence hasn't improved as much as I hoped. Maybe this is just the way he is. I don't know! I do know that when your teammates give you something as huge for momentum as a short-handed, game-tying goal, you DO NOT return the favour by letting in a soft one. GAAAH. I'm still reasonably confident going into the playoffs with Emery-Gerber as the 1-2, but I hoped that Gerber would give Murray enough confidence to get Emery regular before the playoffs. Barring a miracle, there's not much chance of that happening.
• Ottawa's power play is pathetic right now. Comrie isn't getting a regular PP shift. They're related, I promise. Come on, Murray!

Speaking of opponents who are desperate for a win, Edmonton comes to town on Tuesday.

Of Montréal

A win! A win they just barely managed against Columbus, but a win! FINALLY. I'm way too relieved for real commentary.

Dark days

Losing streak. Ineffective benchings and public posturing. Craig Rivet's pneumonia (!). Back-to-back games, the low point of which was an embarrassing shutout loss to Florida. Huet's injury. And now comes news that Kovalev is out for the next three weeks. Things have gone from bad to worse to painful in Montréal.

Louis Jean notes that the Habs do this every year. It's true; I remember midway through the 2003-04 season, no "expert" worth his/her salt did anything but laugh at Montréal's playoff hopes. Yet they not only scraped their way in, they upset Boston in the first round. They were flawed but spirited; resilient and passionate. They were a joy to watch.

The team has undergone plenty of changes since then, and most for the better. The room seemed rejuvenated with Théodore, Ribeiro and Dagenais moving on. I liked Julien, but I still get a nostalgic wave of joy every time I see Carbonneau and Muller on the bench. There's never been a lack of drama -- Koivu narrowly avoided tragedy again in last year's playoffs, Patrick Roy took on Latendresse, the Samsonov saga continues, and will anyone ever solve the mystery of Kovalev? -- but through the first half of the season, the team was once again performing past expectations.

Can they regain that form? Possibly. Can they hang on and make the playoffs? Hopefully, but with the conference as tight as it is, letting other teams smell the blood in the water is suicidal.

Bob Gainey is obviously in a tough position. The Habs put themselves out of the running for Forsberg, who's been traded to Nashville since I started this post (I would have passed on Forsberg anyway, for what it's worth). This team has lost its position of strength in a hurry. I'm a terrible judge of fair trade value, so I'm not even going to pretend to know what moves Gainey should make. That said, if the Habs don't bear down now and show dramatic signs of improvement in the next game or two, something serious has to be done.

In the meantime, it's up to the players. I'll pack the bags of any one of them who shows the faintest sign of quitting now.

But anything is better than The Score

Reasons I routinely choose to watch Sportsnet over TSN:

a) Sportsnet's superior regional coverage trumps TSN's superior website;
b) Sportsnet can still claim scrappy underdog status;
c) TSN employs the insufferable Glenn Healy, the grating Michael Landsberg and Darren Dutchyshen, and the annoying Darren Dreger (who instantly became annoying upon being allowed to have opinions). TSN also employs Pierre McGuire, who is tolerable only if you share his crush on Dion Phaneuf/Peter Forsberg/any Staal/whatever team TSN is primarily featuring in its game broadcast;
d) I've never flipped past a stacking competition on Sportsnet, and I haven't quite recovered from the day I discovered stacking -- STACKING!!! -- on TSN.

In that vein, while I'm not a huge fan of Sportsnet's recent steps in the name of differentiation, I do like Jim Kelley's new column. "Backhands" has whiffs of that false rage with which Sportsnet seems fascinated (like their ridiculous Rant segment), but generally tempered with logic. It's a fun read.

Last Note

Martin Gerber had a great statement game in a shutout victory over Florida last night. In fact, he's quietly won six of his last seven starts. Some will argue that the real test will come against better teams (and fair enough), but a shutout is a shutout. Gerber has looked so much better lately. He won't steal the starting job from Emery at this point, but a solid, confident Gerber behind Ray can't possibly be a bad thing.

Justice

So, Ray Emery got three games. My expectation was in game-plus-fine territory, since the league rarely seems to buy into the "potential injury" argument when doling out punishment (see: 95% of high hits and hits from behind into the boards). The question is, did Emery get three for the act, or for being Ray Emery? Even with his history, the latter is hard to justify when he's practically been a choirboy in the NHL. (No, I don't count hair dye or questionable mask design as previous offences. Previous overreactions, maybe.)

For the record, I buy into the potential injury argument in most cases, so I'm okay with three. Besides, circumstances aside, this is not a terrible thing for Ottawa: Martin Gerber gets work at a fairly fortunate spot in the schedule, Emery gets some rest, and much like the Spezza situation, the team gets to test its mettle without a key contributing piece. Emery's hot streak might suffer, but with the way that guy focuses and motivates himself? I doubt it.

Trade winds

I've been freakishly calm about the trade deadline this year, to the point that I don't remember the actual date without looking it up. Since the usual rumours and paranoia never amount to much, I don't know if the calm is a good thing or a bad thing.

Hmm. Maybe I should be panicked.

Did I mention that I hate these games?

Ottawa 5, Montréal 3
'Possible playoff preview' written all over it.

Ray Emery was the whole story in this one. I'll get the obvious out of the way:

Ray Emery made 37 saves for the Senators to get his 24th win of the season, but he lost his cool in the second when he swung his stick and hit Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre in the face, drawing a minor for slashing.

"I didn't mean to hit him that high," said Emery, who challenged Lapierre to fight him.

"I like that stuff for the most part, I just feel bad when my team is disadvantaged because of it. I definitely wanted to fight him, but he just skated to the bench."

Redden admitted he was hoping the fight would happen.

"We've been waiting for a while up here and it hasn't happened yet," Redden said. "I'm sure the volcano's rumbling down there, and at some point some unlucky guy's going to feel it."

Carbonneau, however, did not see the humour in the incident.

"I hope the NHL reviews that play because that was intent to injure," Carbonneau said.

"If Max isn't wearing a visor there, he'd have a broken nose." -- TSN

Not surprisingly, I see both sides here. The Habs were running Emery and the refs weren't calling it. The Habs were well into their second game of largely unpunished, edgy play. Yes, yes. But the play in question was a fairly routine "oops, just fell into the goalie" situation; it wasn't terribly blatant. Now, I know that Lapierre is annoying -- it's part of the reason I love him -- but Emery's reaction was excessive, period. I accept that he didn't mean to hit Lapierre high, but what happened is a suspendable offence and should be treated as such.

Lapierre not fighting Emery is another one of those things that has upset a few people, but honestly: who in his right mind would? Lapierre drew a penalty and his team scored the game-tying goal on the ensuing power play. Aside from having to check for teeth, Lapierre wins. Judging by his comments, Emery knows it.

And while I know Emery fighting is a spectacular thing to behold, is Wade Redden kidding me with that? The instant gratification of a fight is not worth the very real risk of your red-hot goalie hurting himself in a fight. Even if you thought it, please just don't admit it out loud, okay?

Emery, II

Almost lost in all of this is Emery's outstanding performance last night. He made a couple of ridiculous saves (along with a lot of very good ones) to keep the hungry, frustrated, pressing Habs at bay. As I said, Emery was the story.

Subplots

• Shoddy reffing. Comrie gets my current favourite of the imaginary penalty calls, "touching a player with your stick." I know, it's hard to see the hook sometimes. Guys shouldn't have their sticks there anyway, because the risk is obvious. I didn't even realize there was no hooking motion until the replay, so why should I judge the refs? (Answer: because I feel like it, that's why.) Anyway, that's just one mild example of another interesting night from the refs.
• Steve Begin's return. Even in a losing cause, you can't overestimate what he brings to the Habs. In the middle of all the trade talk, benchings and meetings, it's passionate efforts like his that this team is really missing right now.
  
• Vermette-Kelly-Comrie. See what happens when you take Neil off that line? See?! Granted, Aebischer should have had the first one. This is now a speedy, opportunistic, fun line. May Murray keep Vermette-Comrie intact, at the very least.
  
• Bench-warmers. Kovalev was benched until late in the third, and Niinimaa had seven shifts the whole game (and none in the third). On Ottawa's bench, Patrick Eaves didn't get a shift in the third, and Neil -- who started the game beside Spezza and Heatley -- got just one, on the power play.
  

Last Note

Good on Dean McAmmond for making the most of a bump to the top line while Neil served a penalty. Spezza scored, and McAmmond stuck there for the rest of the game. I remember him looking like a good fit with Spezza and Heatley in pre-season, so it would be nice if he got a long look there in the next few games.

Say hi to Marian.

So long, Denis. God knows Binghamton could have used him, but I'm happy that the Thrashers picked him up. More specifically: part of me is happy that he might get a better opportunity to stick around in Atlanta, while the rest of me is happy that there's no longer a risk of him finding his way back to the NHL Sens.

Sure, it's kind of cruel (and possibly a little irrational) to have been that annoyed by last fall's feel good story. But Hamel did get opportunities to put his goal-burying talent to good use. He even had a remarkably unmemorable stint on the power play with Heatley and Spezza, designed specifically to tap in to his offensive capability. Were they limited opportunities? Yes, but does Murray deal in any other kind?

I'm sure that Hamel wanted to stick around. Badly. Yet after the pre-season, he rarely, if ever, played like someone who wanted to stick around. Slow, useless defensively, slooooow. Every sleepy shift was the same. I know it's hard to even appear relevant with barely a shift a period . . . but then I think of the way Vermette busted ass in that role last year (albeit with PK time), and it's hard to drum up much sympathy for Hamel.

In other news

Carbonneau reunites Koivu and Kovalev for tonight's game, and plans to reinsert the one-man drama commonly known as Sergei Samsonov. Murray, meanwhile, threatens to pencil in Neil beside Spezza and Heatley.

Um. At least I'll be entertained?

Just in case you were worried

The Citizen's new GameDay extra is full of fun and useful information. In today's we learn about the squeaky clean Senators' road habits. No strip clubs for Wade Redden!

It's a shame they didn't corner the filter-less (and therefore, wonderful) Schubert instead.

This place is a work in progress. Bear with me.

Canadiens 1, Senators 4

The game itself doesn't merit a lot of commentary. Lots of penalties; a few glaring non-calls. This was a decent, mostly lopsided precursor to the rematch Saturday night (sigh). Montréal looked like the team who played last night, while the Senators appeared to find their feet after a string of unimpressive outings. The Habs didn't quite roll over, but they also didn't look anything like the team that came out flying and simply overwhelmed the Sens last week in Montréal.

Line Whining

Bryan Murray is a fascinating specimen when it comes to line combinations. He'll shuffle perfectly good lines for no apparent reason, usually without giving them so much as two games to gel. Then he'll stubbornly leave lines together that have either outworn their usefulness, or that never worked in the beginning. It's highly frustrating. I'm getting sick of hearing myself complain about it (but apparently, I'm not quite there yet).

With the addition of Comrie, the top six and bottom six players are more clearly distinguished from one another than they have been all year. Spezza, Alfredsson, and Heatley are all no-brainers. Comrie, presumably the much-desired second line centre, should easily step into that position. Vermette's fared well with talented players this year -- as far as I'm concerned, better than he's fared on lower lines, in a complete reversal of last year. Eaves had a very poor first few months, but finally looks to have regained his confidence. Almost any combination of those six should form two solid scoring lines. For three players who've registered largely disappointing seasons to date, Fisher, Schaefer and Neil still seem to have magic together. With the ability to hit, grind, and score the odd goal, they're the ideal third line. McAmmond, Kelly, and Schubert/McGrattan are fine on the fourth. McAmmond probably deserves better, but, um . . . at least he sees some PK time?

With any number of perfectly good combinations, it's incredibly annoying to watch Murray pull lines out of his ass. His unholy obsession with Chris Kelly is three exits past reasonable (with all due respect to the very solid Kelly). He persisted with Comrie-Neil for weeks, when it was apparent by game two together that those two would never mesh. Spezza returned and displayed glimmers of chemistry with Vermette and Eaves, only to find the offensively lacking Fisher (playing RW, of all things) and the shadow of Peter Schaefer on his wings instead. Eaves's game finally comes around and he's exiled to the fourth line. The PP lines are unproductive and atrocious, but never change. Etc., etc.

I just want two competent scoring lines, a solid third line, and a fourth line that doesn't scare the bejesus out of me. When the team has the personnel for it, is that so much to ask?!

Tonight's lines seemed par for the course, but credit where credit is due: they turned out to be much better than I expected. Chris Neil was bumped down to the fourth -- the one move that needed to happen, if he wasn't reunited with Schaefer and Fisher -- and finally looked comfortable and useful again, playing an instrumental part in Chris Phillips's goal. Comrie and Vermette didn't score, but, freed of Neil, they came close on a few slick plays. Schaefer and Fisher looked more like themselves playing with an inspiring Alfie. Heatley played hard for most of the night, instead of using his reunion with Spezza to get lazy. Spezza looked like Spezza. Positive signs.

I question whether Fisher and Schaefer can stick with Alfredsson, whether Comrie can stay at RW, whether Kelly's invisible hands will fit long-term with Comrie and Vermette (plus, Vermette-Comrie-Alfredsson, anyone?). Eaves also makes the top line a little too easy to knock off the puck. Whatever. It's still progress.

Comrie

Saddled with Neil, not used as the second line centre in a healthy lineup, sitting out as third periods wind down, largely missing from the power play of late . . . I wonder if the use of Muckler's big acquisition has anything to do with these rumblings of discontent?

Spezza

Makes a nice defensive play in the waning minutes and takes the puck down ice to seal the game. I'm sure enough people looked the other way to feel comfortable complaining the next time he tries to be too pretty entering the zone.

Le rookie

Is there any player in Montréal that's more fun to watch right now than Maxim Lapierre? He might have gained a weird infamy for . . . let's say, engaging Crosby on a play that was blown way out of proportion (not least by Sid himself. Why can't I find video? You fail me, YouTube). Lapierre is a joy to watch; he's a fast, intense kid who plays hard every shift, and where there's trouble, he looks to be cheerfully in the middle of it. "Feisty" is probably the most fitting description. No surprise that he's increasingly popular in La belle province.