solid

Sens played a solid game against the 'Canes. 6-0. 3 goals in the first and 3 in the third. The sad thing was they could have had 3 in the 2nd period too, if it weren't for Ward. I'm not a big fan of Cam's; as he was given too much hype too soon when he first came into the league. (Though, the same can be said of Emery) Much has been made of his conditioning over the summer, and he did start the year a lot less Pilsbury. I must say that he looked very solid in the games I've seen him in. Much more like Cup Playoff Ward, versus regular season .870 SV% Ward.  I hope for his sake that last year was a sophomore slump thing.  I know he let in 6 goals last night, but due to some wacky Directv scheduling change, I didn't TIVO the first period. And it looked like Cam was keeping them in the game with a scoreless 2nd period.

 

Granted the 'Canes are coming off a very poor stretch of late. And what could have been a battle for first place (looking back 3 games ago) It didn't materialize and both clubs are heading in opposite directions.  But Ottawa looked like the solid club that ran away with the start of the season. Canes defense looked slow and lost most of the game. Bad turnovers.

 

Gerber didn't really deserve the shutout. But I thought he deserved the win. Emery went out 5 minutes into the first period. He was debuting a new Muhammed Ali mask, but had a sore hip. Gerber jumped at the chance to start and played well. The 'Canes couldn't put it in a couple wide open nets. But I think the game winner was scored while Emery was in net, so he got the win.!? Interesting. Also, Gerber had a nice assist. He power blockered a shot to the top of the right circle, and Spezza hit a streaking Heatley to set-up a partial breakaway. Nice.

 

Lastly, there was a good fight. Scott Walker clipped Gerber and Fisher came in to remind him that bumping the goalie isn't cool. That turned into a solid fight. Walker was bloodied. Then he head butted Fisher as the refs were pulling them apart. I'm a partial MMA fan and didn't really notice it. But Walker got a major and misconduct. I think he will be suspended. He just lost his mind. Team was down 0-3.  No on but him showed any desire. He got his face bloodied. Time to land something. Thus the headbutt and an extra late punch.