The Ottawa Senators look like they are on a mission this season. The Sens defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 yesterday, clinching the series 4-1 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.

New Jersey took and early 1-0 lead on a goal by Scott Gomez, but came out flat in the second, turning the puck over, and allowing the Senators to gain the advantage. The Senators once again victimized Devils keeper Martin Brodeur with an odd angle shot by Tom Preissing (keep an eye on Preissing's playoff beard..... it starts at his eye-lids..... he must be part Yeti) which was deflected by Antoine Vermette (Brodeur like most keepers is sound when he see's the shot, but change it's direction and he is helpless). Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson (I can't believe that one got by Brodeur) added two more goals to complete the win, and finishe off the Devils.

Senators goaltender Ray Emery made 27 saves and won his 8th game this post season. Emery has also only lost twice during this playoffs, and I think he and the Senators defense deserve a lot of credit. Rarely would he give up a bad rebound, but when he did, the puck was quickly collected by the blue liners and safely removed. The Senators defense also prevented the Devils offense from getting any cycle going, and made gaining the zone difficult if not impossible. While many would attribute their success to their offensive firepower, it's hard to discount the help they have had in the back end.

The Devils expulsion from the playoffs can't be blamed entirely on Martin Brodeur. Was he as sharp as usual. Absolutely not. But neither was the rest of this team. Lou Lamoirello actually replaced Sergei Brylin on the shutdown line with Erik Rasmussen because he too must have realized how ineffective they've been this post season, especially against the Heatley, Spezza, Alfreddson line. Madden, Pandolfo, and Brylin finished the playoffs a combined -20 in the 10 games they played. Granted they did face the opposing team's best forwards, but as a defensive unit, they look like they did little to support Brodeur. Part of the blame falls on this line. The bright spot for the Devils has to be the offense. For the first time I can remember, they have some legitimate firepower. Scott Gomez leads all players (tied with Heatley actually) in scoring during the playoffs with 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) and Brian Gionta and Zach Parise (how great is this kid?) lead the league in goals wit 8 and 7 respectively. Could the Devils be moving towards a more offensive style in the future? I guess we'll see.

Overall it was a decent series, and I think the Ottawa Senators have really gotten over the hump. As much as I would love to see the Rangers make it to the next round, not even I could complain if we saw a Sabres, Senators Eastern Conference Final. I love this game.

Quick Shave:
Huge win for the Detroit Red Wings yesterday, but what a costly one. The Red Wings dominated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 yesterday to take a 3-2 series lead on a huge game from forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg who each tallied a goal and two helpers. Mainstay on defence Matthieu Schneider was lost for the rest of the playoffs due to a broken wrist he suffered from a hit by Sharks forward Patrick Marleau. Adversity seems to be something the Red Wings are drinking down with a smile this year however, and even though Schneider will be missed (especially from a playoff beard standpoint..... oh did he have a Norris calibre beard going), I think this team will push forward successfully.

Game of the Night:
Buffalo at NY Rangers 2:00 PM

Do I even really need to say anything? I'm still recovering from that devestating loss Friday night, but hopefully the boys in blue are ready to go. This game should be epic. Sabres win and you're in. Rangers win and we get a game 7. Game 7 we all win! Enjoy the game!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh