Senators have no answer for Penguins' big guns, lose 4-2

It wasn’t a game misconduct.

Sorry folks, I know we have no other options, but Elliott isn’t cutting it. He looked terrible on the first two goals of the game and has given up a bad first goal in all three of his starts. He doesn’t have it. Neither does Leclaire….the search for a goalie continues.

It’s amazing we’re even in this series considering how invisible our top players have been.

I was at the game, and it was maybe a little bit closer than the score and replays imply, but there were definitely a few worrying things on display:

1) I thought that Spezza and Alfie being so completely taken out of the play had something to do with the Pens having last change. After last night we know it’s something else. They’re got their number, especially Alfie.

2) Spezza, in particular, just looks completely out of synch with everyone. At one point he went into the corner, got control of the puck, everyone was driving to the net, and he threw it back to the point but no one was there – sends it all the way back into his own zone. At several points he threw it behind him into the slot, where there was no one in red, or bobbled it and gave it away. You can see the whole team adapt to it, with no one crashing the net or skating deep. Incredibly frustrating to watch.

3) Cullen gets so many chances but has no finish. He’s good on the kill though. So, basically, he’s Antoine Vermette. Who is now sitting on the bench in the form of a $4M backup. Who lost his job to a guy who allowed 4 goals on 20 shots last night. That’s a tragic narrative arc.

4) It’s weird to see a team essentially 90ish games into the year not doing the fundamental things like crashing the net or getting it deep and chasing it.

5) Sutton was invisible for maybe the first time since he was acquired. I can’t think that’s a coincidence.

I believe Cooke only got 2 mins on the hit on Regin was that he knew he was going to get hit into the boards and he squared himself and raised his arm to protect himself just before he got hit ito them.

On a side note (or 2)… I was at the game and I never boo my team, no matter what happens… and secondly, why are there douchebags out there that have to wear their Maple Leafs jerseys to a Sens game!

I Disagree with a number of your points, especially re. the officiating. You were right that it was fucking terrible, but take those poor calls away and Ottawa has a very good chance of winning this game. In such a game of momentum and confidence, it only takes two corrupt officials to deflate a team, especially on their home ice! They tried to battle through it, but it simply killed them tonight. Fuck Malkin and Crosby! They’re talented alright, but they and their team mates are getting away with murder. It’s bullshit officiating that’s writing their story right now. Their dynasty is Bettman’s last last hope of finding that holy grail of big American TV network deals. It’s also demoralizing his loyal Canadian fan base. Lately I’m finding it harder and harder to be a fan of the NHL.

SHOOT THE F#$KING PUCK! I am one of the most diehard fans but I am getting sick and tired of them trying all these stupid tic-tac-toe Highlight of the Night goals, Shoot the damn puck at the net and send the big bodies in and JAM IT IN! throw Sutton in front of Fleury nobody on Pittsburgh can move him and plant him there A-la Chara days and just shoot the puck at the net.

And for GOD SAKES! FINISH YOUR CHECKS! I was at the game last night I was never more angry then seeing then skating in only to poke chekc and then turn away, You’ve got padding on and you gotta use it. Hit a body, Look for #87 and Line him up EVERY TIME HE TOUCHES IT! I don’t care if it costs a penalty I want to see Sutton, Ruutu, Carkner, Neil, SOMEBODY just hit him really f#%king hard so that he needs to think twice, and do the same to #71 He is the biggest hot head you push him a few times and he is off his game and comes after you. #29 bump h8im EVERY TIME YOU CAN! ..

We know that the NHL likes Pittsburgh and will turn the other way half the time on obvious calls, that doesn’t mean you need to start playing like you know it, Hit them and if you know your going get a penalty most likely each time you touch #87 then MAKE IT COUNT!!! Make the hit worth it so that the twominutes your sitting in that box , #87 is sitting on the bench wondering where he is.

As a Pittsburgh resident and hardcore Pens fan, I find your insights surprisingly fair. Thanks for keeping it real!

I would agree with Mark when he says the pens outplayed us. I wouldn’t say to a huge extent, but they did. The biggest thing we lacked is not capitalizing on the rebounds which the pens did.

Another thing is I found that the sens played somewhat reactive. Waiting to see what happens and then playing which gave the pens the opportunity to be the creative fast guys and leaving the sens to be the chasers.

The reffing was bad. Although I agree we most probably would have lost anyways but the reffing has been bad most of this series, which is not promising and unfair. It could break confidence and frustrate the players like we saw last night in Alfie. When they lose their cool they start being sloppy.

We have a lot of gritt on our team. We should tire these pens out early. Also I do feel alfie is playing injured and same with spezza. But they have also allowed their frustrations to get the better of them.

Anyhow I’m going to Game 4! Hopefully my positive energy will give them luck!! GO SENS GO!

Not sure if you’ve already read this! I just saw your reply for my pens message yesterday. I was at McLarens. I yelled at him but didn’t smash his face. You’re on crutches? You broke your leg?