No Problem...

Yeah, being down 2-0 is trouble. I could be more of a die hard fan and optimistically say that Ottawa has trailed for only 8 minutes out of 120. Or point out that they have held the lead for 3x more of the minutes than the Ducks. Or that the home ice crowd will soon energize the team and make all the difference. Or that having the last line change will make room for the Big Line to operate. There isn’t that much wrong.!? But I don’t really believe that.

I will say that the physical play of Game #2 is the ‘real’ Senators. I’ve said before, that they can bring it. But once again, the Ducks were more effective at the same game plan. The Ducks leading in all statistical categories, points to the facts that changes are necessary. Mainly, being a more physical and simple team.

My plan is to remove Spezza from the lineup. Madness you say? It has to be done. Here’s why:

1.) Sens have been giving away too many turnovers & not generating offense. It’s obvious that the Big Line has stood guilty of both counts. The other three lines kept it simple, since they did that all year long.
2.) They lost Spezza for an extended period in the regular season, and were sitting out of the playoffs. This is when the Sens rolled 4 lines and everyone was expected to perform. It’s the same situation, but 10x more urgent. They can win without him.
3.) Give Spezza another try at home? No. He’s had two kicks at the can. Now he gets kicked in the can. Everyone on the team was desperate last game, except Spezza.
4.) Putting in Eaves or McGratton instead of Spezza adds grit and defense. McGratton, the lead-footed fighter guy? Yup. At least he will hit somebody with his large frame instead of standing around, and he will NOT get cute with the puck. I’d rather see a goal against with a Duck laying on the ground, than celebrating.
5.) Won’t this take away all their offense? The Big Line has been shut down for two games. So, it can’t get less than zero. At least this will fix a glaring weakness.
6.) Salary is not a right to more playing time. The other three lines were working hard.
7.) Isn't this pulling a Lindy Ruff? No. It’s asking the guys to play their game. The Big Line's game doesn't suit the play that Anaheim brings. So, change it or remove it. Add another basic line. Don't ask Spezza to start hitting at this point in the season. But change what's wrong and add more of what's worked.
I’m not saying Spezza watches the game in street clothes, either. Dress him as an extra and let him play on the powerplay. It's the way the Sens have generated chances. Heatley gets more of a 4th line role, until he sacks-up; and of course gets his usual powerplay time too.

A 7-game series is about adjustments. Let the team win or lose, as a team. Don’t let any one person take the fall, unless it is the coach. Try to fix what’s wrong. Small line juggling didn’t work in Game #2. Time for bigger moves.

I would love to see that I’m completely wrong. The Sens go home and everything comes back together. The Wings had much more success at home. That last line change can be huge. But being down 0-2 is time for desperate measures. Down 0-3 is too late.