Amp'd

Totally amped about tonight's game! It will be hard to focus. I still need to pack for our cruise and Barbara is coming in to town to watch Kalea & Kalani. Right now, I'm considering waiting to watch the game after we get everything packed and settled. Plus, I can speed through the intermissions and commercials at TIVO speed. I am also trying to figure out how to watch game #2. We will be in Ensenada and getting back on the ship when the game starts. Maybe there's a sports bar on the ship? I think Alisia will be understanding, since it's the playoffs, right?

Quiet

Here's the playoff beard. Haven't heard much from Poo since his Penguins went down in Round #1. I am also up on him for round #2. As Sens, Sabres, Ducks and soon Wings will be in their respective Conference Finals. I figure, even if the Sharks win, that makes it 100% chance for the Senators to be in California for the Cup Finals, after they beat the Sabres....

Eastern Conference Final is Final

Rangers are done. So, it is Senators/Sabres. This is the matchup I've been waiting for. The regular season saw some great games between these two teams. I will get to the point and say the Senators are winning the series.

Sabres weren't too impressive in the Islanders series and were pushed pretty hard by the Rangers. If not for Miller, the Sabres would be golfing right now. But I think it was a case of playing down to your opponent and roster changes from injuries. Sabres know what they are in for and should show up for this series. The other rounds no longer matter.

It is such a great matchup. Both teams feature great depth, incredible skill, defensive scoring, goaltending, and skating. I think the physical edge goes to Ottawa. Sens have checking machines in Neil, Fisher, Volchenkov & Schubert. Skill edge is even, both teams have two lines that can score highlight reel goals and get production from the 3rd and 4th lines. A lot has been said of the Sabres 4th line. It is solid. But the combined strength of Ottawa's 3rd & 4th line equalizes it out. Both teams have defensive scoring and can move the puck up quickly. Speed factor goes to Buffalo, only Anaheim has anything close to the speed of the Sabres. I see the Sabres generating most of their chances off the rush, and the Senators from cycling down low. Goaltending edge goes to Miller. I am a huge Emery fan, and he has elevated his game with each series. But I think Miller is playing better right now.

Not to be too cliche, but special teams will probably make the difference. Both teams have excellent powerplay and penalty kill. Sabres are not hitting on all cylinders on their powerplay and Ottawa's special teams have been excellent, especially the penalty kill. But beside that, I think they are even. Any advantage in this area will be huge.

Bad blood factor will be hyped, but not applicable. No one will take chances with stupid penalties when the stakes are this high. I don't see anyone going after Neil for past hits on Drury or Connolly. Emery will not get in a fight (but that would be kewl to see). But any and all physical play will be hyped-up by the telecasters.

Injuries could be the difference. Neil hurt his knee in game #5. Eaves has not returned since the Penguins series. It may seem wacky for me to say that injuries to 4th line players will hurt Ottawa. But Neil and Eaves are basically Sean Avery with less playing time. They hit everything and create chances through physical play. This cannot be understated in the playoffs. I hope they are both ready to go and at full effectiveness.

Go Sens!

YES!

Senators are in the Eastern Conference Final. I think the very hyped match-ups of super offensively talented Pittsburgh and uber-defensive New Jersey were a little overblown. Still, I think the Senators are playing well. Brodeur seems to have worn down from the regular season, as his play against Tampa and Ottawa would suggest. Simply not characteristic of him to let in such soft goals, especially in the playoffs. I feel for him, but fortunately his record and even recent play this year suggest it was an anomaly. Any other goaltender with a lesser resume would be questioned the rest of his career.
So far, the key for Ottawa seems to be balance. Solid play from four lines and two-way play from everyone. Emery is getting better each series. Now, it is a matter of waiting for the Rangers or Sabres.

*WHEW*

Huge games last night. It goes without saying that game #4 is all important. Just past mid-way for a 7 game series. No sweeps in this round. That leaves 3-1 or 2-2. Wings came back in nail-biting fashion. I think they got close to 50 shots again. Late goal by Lang tied the game. I watched Lang well before his Detroit time or even when he put big points up in Washington, we're talking LA Kings in the mid-late 90's. Why? Only because he wore #13. I think the Wings had to have game #4. Statistically, going down 3-1 is big trouble. As-in less than 10% come-back ratio, trouble. Speaking of 2-2 series, I think the Rangers will be glad to take their chances in a three game series with Buffalo. Go Rangers.?!

Sens got a huge win! I was shocked that Brodeur gave up soft goals in such an important game. Yes, Emery finally out-played Brodeur. Interesting, that both goalies had a assist in the game. Devils had powerplay chances early and mounted some attack in the second period, but it was otherwise mostly Senators. All my favorite guys got on the board: Alfredsson, Heatley & Fisher. Finally, Fisher gets a goal in the playoffs. He's been playing really well, just not getting it in the net. I had mentioned to Grant that I was hoping to NOT have a game to watch on Monday, when the new TV gets delivered. Hopefully, the Sens can close the series out on Saturday. At least they are in good position.