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

Absolutely amazing when we compare the predictions and outcomes of a series where many a Sens fans were nervous at what the tandem of Sydney Crosby & Gary Roberts would bring against Ottawa. Many thought, including myself, this was easily a 6 or 7 game series. But Ottawa's domination of Pittsburgh on nearly every facet of the game gave the better team the series win.

The Penguins looked extremely nervous in game 5, similar to their slow start in game 1, and their inexperience to the intensity of the playoffs was exploited. The Sens used their past post-season failures to their advantage, playing a tough, physical style they have learned the playoffs called for that gave them the results they needed.

It seemed when something went wrong or something was questioned, somewhere during the five games it would be corrected. The first three games, you wonder if Ray Emery could make the big save. In game four he was the first star, and tonight he made tremendous stops including facing shots from a pair of 5-on-3 powerplays that afterwards gave all the momentum to Ottawa. You read my post yesterday, and tonight I thought Redden responded to the criticism and played a strong game. Everyone questioned Daniel Alfredsson's leadership and past playoff production and I thought he was the Sens' MVP of the series. Aside from being the top point getter for the Sens, he also played smart defense and played a gritty style that gave his team energy.

I also have to commend GM John Muckler for getting both Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov locked up to 4 and 3 year deals before the series even started. That sent a message to the team that the front office believes in the group and that provided a spark for the rest of the Senators to put in a good effort. Getting Phillips to sign at a discount than what he would have gotten in the free agent market is a tribute to the hockey club as other players (Redden, Alfredsson, Fisher) make staying in Ottawa their first priority, not necessarily the highest contract available.

Other thoughts:

I'm glad I no longer have to listen to CBC and everyone else go on and on about Gary Roberts. Whether he punches Ray Emery in the face or boards Anton Volchenkov, he's a dirty player who gets away with too much...Joe Corvo, where have you been? He was average at best over the regular season, but he played a helluva series and the good news is he's locked up for another three seasons...Hard to believe Jason Spezza was thought of as expendable when he was injured earlier this year. His two-way play has improved tremendously...Dany Heatley got some points, but I still think he can be better...Christoph Schubert's back and forth transition from forward to defence whenever the need called for it made him an invaluable player. He threw big hits and wasn't afraid to get his nose dirty...Shutting down one of the best powerplays as the series wound down gives them nothing but confidence heading forward...Does Muckler's acquisition of Mike Comrie just look that much better? He played some of his best hockey since coming here against Pittsburgh...Loved the Ottawa fans having spontaneous chants of "Ro-berts, Ro-berts" and booing Crosby whenever he touched the puck. The media questioned the booing of Crosby, but quite frankly for a crowd that is usually accused of being asleep, any cheering or booing should not be dissuaded...So who will Ottawa face, The Rangers or Devils? I think NJ will pull it off. At the same time, the series against the Lightning have shown Brodeur is human and can let in some goals. I'll make predictions once the 1st round is finished.