The Season is Over: Penguins 4, Senators 3 (OT)
by Mark Parisi on Apr 25, 2010 1:24 AM EDT
in Senators recaps
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Well, what is there to say? This Ottawa Senators team, picked by most to miss the playoffs, kicked some butt instead. They weren't "swept in embarrassing fashion." They gave the defending champs all they could handle for six games and they did it without Filip Kuba, Alex Kovalev, Milan Michalek, or a goalie with any playoff experience.
That said, they still blew a 3-0 lead tonight. Let's go through the game, goal by goal, because that's about all I can take right now.
5:19 of the first period: Senators 1, Penguins 0 - Matt Cullen hops over the boards for a line change, but no Penguins players notice him. Daniel Alfredsson does, however, and Cullen is off to the races on a breakaway. Some stickhandling to keep Marc-Andre Fleury honest lets him put the puck top shelf. The crowd is going bonkers.
1:51 of the second period: Senators 2, Penguins 0 - Chris Kelly is skating into the Penguins zone, thinking about if he has a twin out there somewhere... maybe being King of the French? The distracted Kelly is tripped, and by reflex attempts a backhand pass to Fleury. The rebound is giftwrapped onto Chris Neil's stick, and Neil buries it into an open net for his third goal of the playoffs. The third line gathers to talk about if idiots like myself will stop talking about how they're overpaid now.
9:48 of the second period: Senators 3, Pengiuns 0 - Daniel Alfredsson sneaks behind the net while Matt Cullen does some puck retrieval work along the boards. Cullen knows what's up and fires a pass to Alfie, which lands in his skates. This is important, because Fleury had slid across to play the one-timer. But Alfie isn't able to one-time the puck and as he moves it to his forehand, Fleury has left some daylight on the far side. The captain finds said daylight. Crowd is in a frenzy.
Stop reading here if you like rainbows, unicorns, fairies or the Ottawa Senators.
Ok, you've been warned.
10:56 of the second period: Senators 3, Penguins 1 - There's a massive pileup in front of Leclaire. He makes one save, then two saves. It's as if he has discovered that not thrashing about is a more effective way to play goal. Unfortunately, that means his defensemen have to get rid of rebounds. Matt Carkner and Chris Campoli don't, and Matt Cooke puts the puck in the net. Gee, that's funny. I've never seen garbage score garbage before. Less happy ending here, though.
7:03 of the third period: Senators 3, Penguins 2 - On the power play, Bill Guerin gets a chance to shoot. There's only one place that he can put it where he will score -- Leclaire has everything else covered. Guerin scores.
12:24 of the third period: Senators 3, Penguins 3 - Matt Cooke punches home a rebound off of a faceoff shot. No one fist bumps him on the bench, though because he didn't wash his hands during the intermission. Because he's evil.
9:56 of the first overtime: Senators 3, Pengiuns 4 - Jordan Staal wins a battle and whips a puck to Pascal Dupuis, who one-times one through Leclaire, who can't get set in time. It's a bang-bang play. What can you say? Just like that, the season is over. The Sens fans give a great salute to their team -- a team that never gave up in the face of adversity this season. There's some small victory in that, even though it doesn't feel like it right now.
Shot Chart:
Game highlights:
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Disappointing End...
I was sure that the Sens would at least force a Game 7 after coming out with all that energy in the OT. I think another year of seasoning will definitely help this squad though, considering how terrible the Sens were at holding onto leads — pretty sure they’ll learn how to put teams away.
Looking forward to next season, and I’m glad I got to see that 3OT game; probably the most fun I’ve had watching hockey since the Giguere game back in 03?
Wow.
I haven’t commented on this blog in awhile… playoffs has me back at all my SB blogs!
Anyway, I hope Leclaire can play like that next season. Dude was a force. Also, I hope my two favorite Eastern Conference teams (Pittsburgh and Ottawa) can start saving their matchups for later in the playoffs, rather than the first round all the damn time…
Hell of a series, though.
Look upon my 62% faceoff win rate, ye mortals, and despair!
Good Effort
Sens. It’s been a great season but hopefully now the Penguins can repeat. Thanks again for having me!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 25, 2010 4:18 AM EDT reply actions
You are really posting this at the wrong time. I hate you right now.
Sorry, nothing personal, but saying positive things about Pens moving one, at this point in time, bugs the hell out of me. I am bitter right now, as I am sure many other fans are.
If you stopped at “it was a great season”. No harm done. But to state that you hope the Pens, the team that just knocked us out of the playoffs, can continue, bothers the hell out of me. I want to kick you in the balls right now. Again, nothing personal.
by superjarvo on Apr 25, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The disallowed 4th goal
I found the instant replays really worked to take the wind out of the Sens sails. It just seems like anytime the momentum was swelling towards Ottawa there was a super long replay that served to take the crowd out of it. I’m still not sold that the 4th disallowed goal that the net was definitely off its moorings. Both refs on the ice called it a goal, and from the replay I didn’t see enough to 100% disprove it.
But either way, I’m not bitter. Pittsburgh played a great series and deserved the win. Missing Kovy, Michalek and Kuba for the playoffs was a tough mountain to climb, yet the Sens showed enough backbone to keep on fighting. I’m really proud of my team as I think they showed a lot of pundits wrong.
You're on to something there
Both of the extended replays were like unofficial timeouts for the Penguins. Gave them time to regroup and come back at the Sens. And there was reason to argue in favour of a goal, even if the net had come off; it was due to the actions of a defending player, and the shot was taken before the net came off its moorings. Both should have been determining factors in favour of calling that a goal.
But either way, it’s done now. Exciting couple of games, to say the least… I wish the Sens could have played games three and four that well.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Gee, that's funny...
This was the greatest recap ever. What awesome YouTube links…
Yeah, that’s it… thrash around a bit… there you go…
So creepy.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 11:29 AM EDT reply actions
ANNOYING
First i would like to say how awesome it was watchign this team play this year. it really bugs me when sports teams play with no heart. This team had plenty of it and showed it
second i really dont understand and get really annoyed by people that are loyal to more than one team. How can you watch and enjoy a playoff series when you arent cheering for one team 100% of the time. grow some balls pick a team and stick with them.
and wow did we stop skating last night after the 3-0 lead
Sometimes allegiances change. I’m a diehard Sens fan now, but I grew up initially a Leafs fan because of my Dad, then started being a Minnesota North Stars fan following their Cinderella run to the Cup finals in 91. I lived in Ottawa when they got the expansion team and rooted for the Sens, though I couldn’t say I was a fan at that point, more of a well wisher given how bad they were in the first 5 years. I stayed a Stars fan after they moved to Dallas and stayed a fan of theirs until a couple years ago when my interest in them waned. I started being a fan of the Sens when they finally made the playoffs in 97. I stopped being a Leafs fan in and around this time, then in 98 stopped rooting for them when they moved to the same division as the Sens.
Sometimes it just isn’t as cut and dry in sports. I’m a Blue Jays fan, but since they traded my favourite player to the Phillies I’m now a closet Phillies fan. Teams and players change. I look at it I used to hate the Avs, now they have a good young core of players and I don’t mind them much. Sports isn’t always cut and dry.
by modsuperstar on Apr 25, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll also field that mulitple teams thing
I’ve got two teams. Ottawa and Colorado. One per conference.
I will always pick Ottawa over Colorado. Always. By virtue of them playing in different conferences I can enjoy two series at a time. If push comes to shove, I’ll side with Ottawa. But that happens once a year, and in a playoff situation it’s red and black, not burgundy and blue. I had one parent living in Ottawa and another in Denver when I was a kid. Splitting time and going to home games of both teams led to me becoming a fan of both.
It’s not as convoluted as modsuperstar, but the basic concept is the same: I’m a fan of more than one team and I don’t feel like it’s wrong at all.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! But not a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Multi team thing
I love following two teams, one per conference. It makes it easier to learn and follow players in both conference. My two teams, Ottawa and Detroit, guess I’m FOREVER RED, either way. However, it’s been a rough weekend. I hope the Wings can bounce back in game 7. Detroit is home and I just started following Ottawa this season, oddly it was the off season mess with Heatly that attracked me to this team. I think it’s a great team, and I’ve had a blast with all the fans in Ottawa and listening to Ottawa’s sports radio. Detroit may call itself hockey town but no one covers hockey like a Canadian station does. My question will team1200 continue to talk hockey for the rest of the playoffs or do I need to find something else to listen to on line until next season?
Guarantee you I've had a rougher weekend
They’ll talk it up all summer. Not a huge variety of local teams in other sports. They also talk CFL.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Team won’t talk much CFL, usually. You can bet TGOR, the late-morning call-in show, Healthy Scratches, and that Liam Maguire show (if it keeps up) will be all hockey. There’s nothing else in Ottawa.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed - one per conference
I’m sneaking into this discussion because I’m a diehard Sharks’ fan out here on the Left Coast, but I also follow one team per conference and consider the Sens to be my second-favorite team. Needless to say, yesterday’s results for my two favorite teams left me feeling a bit mixed… :)
If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing. - Anatole France
Oops
That shoulda read: :/
If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing. - Anatole France
ANNOYING
First i would like to say how awesome it was watchign this team play this year. it really bugs me when sports teams play with no heart. This team had plenty of it and showed it
second i really dont understand and get really annoyed by people that are loyal to more than one team. How can you watch and enjoy a playoff series when you arent cheering for one team 100% of the time. grow some balls pick a team and stick with them.
and wow did we stop skating last night after the 3-0 lead
Great Series
Great job Sens, you guys really played a great series. It would have have been tighter if leclaire would have duplicated his game 5 performance.
As a Pens fan – there is no better team to play than the Sens. Classy team, classy fans, fun to watch. Best of luck in the offseason.
everyone knows gary roberts is really a leafs fan
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Apr 26, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Sidney Crosby is a strange being
You can hate him – you can hate him so, so much – when you play him, and then the minute the series is over, the MINUTE the series is over, you respect everything he did and acknowledge that he’s just a dominant player on a different level from pretty much everyone else.
I wouldn’t mind if Matt Cooke woke up this morning with a grenade in his butt, but, dammit Crosby, you’re too good for me to want maimed.
by Jeff Sullivan on Apr 25, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow, somebody cheering against the Pens who isn’t all “Crosby sucks!” It’s not too often I see that anymore.
Anyway, you guys have absolutely nothing to feel bad about. Nobody really gave your team much of a chance in this series, but they came out and played their asses off. With a couple of lucky bounces, it could have been game seven. I was mostly impressed with the play of Pascal Leclaire, who I had written off as a flash in the pan after the trade to OTT. Only good things will happen with that kid in net. Great show guys, and hopefully you guys stick it in deep next year.
by Hatt the Moople on Apr 25, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I respect the hell out of Crosby. Wish I had him on any of my teams.
If there’s a superstar on that team I’m no longer a fan of, it’s Malkin. His infraction invisibility cape was extremely frustrating. Also added to the non-superstar hate list are Matt Cooke (he wasn’t as high as he is now) and Brooks Orpik. So not a fan of Orpik. He’s like Sutton. Hate playing against him, love having him.
Crosby? I don’t hate him as a player. Or a person. I hate how much he’s hyped and fawned over. Loathe that I’ve seen that Crosby-on-Spezza replay as often as an East Side Mario’s commercial. Don’t have anything but praise for the skill.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! But not a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm really starting to wonder if he's who you'd rather build a team around than Ovechkin and I haven't felt that way in the past
He was dominant this series.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
After their first season, I said Crosby. After last season, I might have thought Ovechkin. Now, I think Crosby again.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll take Crosby on maturity alone.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with you there
I’m also concerned with Ovechkin’s physicality; I love how he plays now, but I don’t know whether or not he might hurt his knee or something like that when he’s playing his aggressive style.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Bitter way to go
As much as the Sens gave in this series, they really packed it in at the halfway point of this game. Lack of will, confidence, leadership – call it what you want, it was tremendously disappointing to see.
Three guys I’d like to single out for their stellar play all game are Chris Neil, Jaarko Ruutu and Chris Campoli. There were others who put in some good work in the 3rd and OT but these guys were playing balls out hockey all game, and were the only guys who I thought never looked intimidated or hesitant at any point in the game. They were the ones who wanted to win badly, while their teammates were just hoping not to lose.
Other than those guys I was extremely pleased that Matt Cullen finally stepped up and impressed in this series. Great to see that next level from him and prove that he was worth the 2nd rounder we gave up for him.
Crazy season, plenty of reason to hope for the future. Only 2 months till the draft!
Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em. Cant do it.
I have a tough time faulting them. The video replays repeatedly killed the momentum the Sens had going. Once they took away that 4-1 lead, then the Pens made it 3-2 the Sens were basically in survival mode as the Pens were just coming at them.
by modsuperstar on Apr 25, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Cullen finished tied with Alfie for points with 8
He had been playing playoff-style hockey for a month, so I wasn’t surprised that he started to produce once the playoffs started. I would LOVE if he were re-signed.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
When it comes to the playoffs no team has the number of injuries as the Sens. This year was no different with 3 main players out. That they lasted 6 games against a strong team is remarkable. But, quite simply THE SENS ARE JINXED.
SamK
Colorado.
Peter Mueller (concussion)
Milan Hejduk (upper-body)
David Jones (torn ACL)
Ryan Stoa (lower-body)
Matt Duchene had what was only described as a “torso injury” that he played through. Was hurt in game 81, missed game 82. Actually stayed overnight at a hospital after game 81. The vast majority of the team’s offence was out. They hung on for dear life all series against San Jose.
Jones only played 23 games but he was on fire before he got hurt. He had already topped all his career highs. Philly had the goaltending injuries, but Colorado had more taken from their top six than Ottawa did.
That’s not taking away from the Senators’ accomplishments at all.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! But not a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
When they got hurt? Nope.
Mueller, Avalanche edition: 15GP, 20PTS.
Sustainable? Not really. But I thought that at 5 games, then 10 games, and then he got hurt. It was a HUGE blow. Hejduk was also a leader, more than the Ottawa trio were.
Not making excuses. Two very different situations. Just debating.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
So because Mueller had, in limited time, a bunch of points, that negates 3 legitmate NHLers?
This isn’t even a debate.
Chemistry is important, and Mueller had it in ways our three didn't
Mueller wasn’t the only one missing, and if he gives a crap he’s very much a legitimate NHLer. Hejduk has as much, or more, of an impact as Kovalev. Kovy has more talent, but Hejduk means more to his team. Kuba I think has been obsoleted by Karlsson and would have limited value to a team with Sutton on it. Could’ve used Kuba in Colorado, though.
I’ll give you Stoa. I don’t really care about him.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Some of my observations from the game:
The reason Cullen was so late getting off the bench before his goal was because Ruutu missed his hit in the Pen’s end and then got caught on the net when he turned to skate back.
They played the Carkner playoff moment thing during a commercial break!
John Morris and his gold medal were at the game.
They showed that kid doing the speech from Miracle on Ice during a commercial break in the 3rd period. Everyone in the crowd was super pumped up. Then, seconds later, Cooke scored to tie it up.
Clouston was only playing the top three lines for the overtime, with the exception of when Winchester came in to take a faceoff in our end at about 8 minutes. He put the 4th line out when the Penguins got caught with an icing, but they ended up winning the faceoff and scoring.
He didn't play the fourth line in game five during the triple overtime either.
Jealous that you got to go. Bummed by the result. That Josh Sacco clip is being shown everywhere lately. I saw it at a junior hockey game recently.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! But not a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey guys sorry.
Thanks for welcoming me here every night these playoffs, its been fun.
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/
by bestbostonsports on Apr 25, 2010 6:15 PM EDT reply actions
Come back anytime.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I will.
Thank you. Some other blogs dont welcome other teams fans as welcoming…
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/
by bestbostonsports on Apr 25, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I welcome people of all faiths. Mostly.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
No Leafs fans, I assume.
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/
by bestbostonsports on Apr 26, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Fine by me as long as it's in good spirit
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 26, 2010 2:55 AM EDT up reply actions
To All
Senators fans. My comments last night were in poor taste and I’m sorry for being a jerk. If you never want me to come back, I understand. I am not a hockey guru and my take was presumptuous. I’m sorry to disgrace the fanbases of both the Pens and Sens, each of which are great. I have no right to disrespect the great fans of Canada’s capital so once again, please accept my apology, if you want. If not, once again, I understand. The New Bradfather=classless jerk sometimes and THAT’s something I must avoid at all costs and in all circumstances. Here I am, trying to be a good Mormon and I say inflammatory things. Sorry.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 25, 2010 6:27 PM EDT reply actions
Shrug. I've got no problem with you.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't worry too much about it
I didn’t take any disrespect from it.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
People say stuff in the heat of the moment. I didn’t see what was said, but really I know I’ve said stuff I don’t really mean when my team wins or loses. If my team loses in a crummy way I’m usually spitting venom afterwards. It’s cool of you to apologize though.
by modsuperstar on Apr 25, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
No worries, Brad
You weren’t bad. It was a little soon, some of us were still a little raw, but you’re fine—you’re certainly welcome back.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry I didn’t get a chance to come by sooner, but I just wanted to say you guys put up one hell of a fight. I mean, after bringing it back to Ottawa I was already expecting to see a Game 7 back in Pittsburgh. It wasn’t necessarily a lack in confidence in the Pens, but more justly so a fear of the Sens. Leclaire played out of his mind in that trip-OT game and I was sure he’d stand as an equally impassable force in G6.
Well played Sens fans. Thanks for an exciting series. Given the rate of playoff series and whatnot, I suppose we’ll see you guys again in the first round next year.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
And the year after, and the year after...
Thanks, Frank.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 25, 2010 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Well the hope is we’ve got a team next year to make a run, so the Sens should have winning the Northeast on their radar and securing a top 3 spot. This 4-5 spot stuff sucks.
by modsuperstar on Apr 25, 2010 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
2012
Wiercioch should be in the lineup, maybe Cowen. Karlsson will be hitting his stride. Possibly Lehner. Bobby Butler. Insert 2011 Draft Pick Here.
Plus, win Cup, Mayans destroy world. Sounds right to me.
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 25, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d prefer not to see the Penguins in the first round. Nothing against the Pens… it’d just be nice to try something new for a change, y’know?
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
I know how ya feel. Kinda how I’m not rooting for a Penguins vs. Red Wings Round 3 meeting in the Finals.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
WE'RE UNDEFEATED IN 2010-11
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Apr 26, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
SNAAAAAAAAAKE!!! Now it's a coyote snake - Silver Seven - Cycle Like the Sedins
by Ryan Classic on Apr 26, 2010 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Didnt get to see this game
and it’s probably good I didnt because I would be cracking skulls. To be up 3-0 and lose absolutely blew my mind. To not be able to close the game out with this importance in front of a home crowd amazes me. The only positives I can take out of this is that it was valuable experience and we exceeded many of the experts expectations.
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