The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

The first 40 minutes of the game were a little too interesting, but in the end, they got the result they wanted.

First, I just want to say the fans were absolutely electric from the start. The buzz was definitely noticeable, from the live band playing outside to the "Sons of Scotland" marching band on the inside, everyone was donning red and I couldn't see one Tampa Bay fan (although I did see one idiot wearing a Leafs jersey). Although I'm not a big fan of the "thundersticks" they handed out to each fan before the game, it's a minor complaint and even when Tampa got the 1-0 lead, the fans still tried to get behind their team to get them back on track.

BTW, I'm getting sick of Ottawa Sun columnist Don Brennan. He complained the opening pre-game choice of music was lame and the bit of Spartacat coming down from the rafters is getting tired. The only thing I remember was how loud SBP place was and how pumped the fans were getting for the start of the game. And he also complained about the fans cheering when the out-of-town scoreboard showed the Oilers up 1-0 and 2-1 at various points, questioning if they hate Steve Yzerman. Uh, no, they're a Canadian team and we want to see the Canadian teams do well (that aren't the Leafs, of course). Brennan, you suck.

Anyway, when the puck dropped you can tell the players were being way too cautious, and as the cliche goes "were holding on to their sticks too tightly". Unsettled nerves no question, but as the game wore on they were hitting their stride more and more. Tampa did get the first goal, but hey, stuff happens with 5 on 3's.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman wasn't kidding when he said penalties were to be called, as every goal save for the empty-netter at the end were all special teams. I think this is the way to go, the referees have been calling the infractions all season long and they should continue to do so.

I couldn't get over how well both goalies John Grahame and Ray Emery played. Although Grahame would probably like another crack at the 2nd goal Jason Spezza scored, both looked confident and made key saves to keep their teams in it.

The crowd was all over Spezza until the third period, pointing out every mistake and turnover he made. Many were yelling out to bench him. Guess what? That's exactly the mentality ex-coach Jacques Martin had and Spezza was a healthy scratch for most of the series against the Leafs in the 2004 playoffs. That worked out didn't it? Spezza's creativity isn't without risk, and it will happen, but when his plays work, goals are scored. I applaud coach Bryan Murray for having the confidence in him to press forward and play the strong offensive game instead of worrying about his defensive game. Ottawa's D is the best in the league, they can afford the risks.

Strong outings also by Mike Fisher and Chris Phillips. Phillips had a team high 8 blocked shot during the contest, paying the price to keep the puck out of the net. He always has elevated his game during the playoffs, and if you also consider he's been out for three weeks, he had a fantastic first game back.

One down. Fifteen to go!