Sens close out Pens
The Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 last night, and effectively put an end to one of the biggest surprises of this NHL Season.
The Penguins, made a brilliant run for the playoffs, and challenged for the Atlantic Division Title, but ultimately they were outmatched by an Ottawa Senators team that appears on a mission. The Senators got three goals in the second period by Dany Heatley (the game winner), Antoine Vermette (a really nice break away score) and Chris Kelly (the icing), and goaltender Ray Emery stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete the 3-0 shutout win, and close out the series 4 games to 1.
The Senators look strong. Their goaltending looks solid, and while their offense has always been potent, it's their defense which has been impressive so far this post season. Stingy as far as allowing shots, and quality chances, but also gifted offensively, often joining the rush, or setting up the breakout with a great pass.
Playoff Beard Alert: Dany Heatley. It's a little patchy right now, but if this guy gets another round of growth, he'll be saying "Tina's here! We're getting back together!"
For the Penguins, congratulations on an amazing season. I don't think this team over-achieved, but rather gave all of us a glimpse at the scary potential they have. The Penguins will be a force in the very near future.
Quick Shave:
The Calgary Flames surely are a dominant team at home. The Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on a pair of scores by Daymond Langkow to tie the series 2 -2. The Flames must now continue their play if they wish to move on. If they only play well at home, then they are going to be in some trouble. The Anaheim Ducks closed out their series with the Minnesota Wild last night with a 4-1 win. Jean Sebastien Giguere started in net for the first time in the series last night and made 26 saves to help the Ducks advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks looked to join the Ducks by moving to the second round of the playoffs, but the Dallas Stars had different plans. Dallas goaltender Marty Turco out deuled Roberto Luongo (both goaltenders have been solid) stopping all 21 shots he faced and forward Brendan Morrow scored the lone goal in overtime to defeat the Canucks 1-0, and stave off elimination (I love that term… when’s the last time you staved something? Go out and stave this weekend! STAVE ON!). Vancouver leads the series 3-2.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 9:00 PM
The Islanders and Predators need to STAVE off elimination tonight, or hit the golf courses. This Lightning and Devils series while early looked like the one of the more more boring matchups is actually becoming pretty exciting. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Gotta say, the Kid did his part...but where was Malkin? And I feel bad for Fleury--his team hung him out to dry.
And props to Kipprusoff for a HELL of a game last night. There were two or three times I thought there was a sure goal for the Wings, only to be robbed by Kipper.
Posted by: jeff | April 20, 2007 09:39 AM
I just staved off some orange juice. Good times.
Where was Malkin you ask? Well, he was there but his struggles started before the playoffs began. I think of anyone on that team he will benefit the most from the offseason. Let's not forget how he even came to this league. It's been a pretty eventful year, I'm sure he's ready for a break. I actually thought he was pretty active last night, but the breaks just weren't there. At least he stayed out of the box to my knowledge.
Forget Heatley's beard, did you notice in the post-game interview that he has two different colored eyes? No wonder he can score so many goals. I bet one of those eyes is actually robotic and has a laser in it for pinpoint accuracy.
Posted by: Stache | April 20, 2007 10:36 AM
Bertuzzi looked pretty good last night for the Wings. That guy is a bruiser. Hopefully he will provide the surge the Wings are looking for.
Stache, I have to agree with you and stave off any criticism of Malkin. He had a rough year, and certainly answered the hype. He's gonna be amazing.
Heatley's one eye is actually dialated fully. I was trying to figure that out myself during the interview. I wonder if that is the result of an injury from the game? Did that pupil stave off a puck?
Ok, Im going to stave off this comment.
Posted by: Cap | April 20, 2007 01:03 PM
Stave the whales, bosh.
Posted by: Jeff | April 20, 2007 03:26 PM
Consider them staved.
Posted by: Cap | April 21, 2007 12:57 AM