Game 2 went pretty much as anticipated. It is surprising to see that the Senators almost managed to capitalize on the Penguins "stress" level and take a commanding lead in the series. It was that close.



Any fan who doesn't think one man can make a difference had their mind changed last night by the performance of Sidney Crosby. The Kid single-handedly saved the Penguins bacon by scoring the first goal, preventing the Senators go-ahead goal, and by sheer determination, setting up the winning goal. I hate to give him the credit, but I have to. Without Crosby, the Pens would have been in a 2-0 series hole.

Which is why I'm only midly disappointed as the Senators' loss last night. No they didn't come out with the intensity they displayed in the first series game, but that was anticipated. I think coach Cory Clouston wants the Senators to keep taking the series lead, and extend the series as long as possible.

Why? Because for the Penguins, coming from behind is a stressful and draining experience. In short, it tires them. The Senators played at a more lackadaisaical pace last night and are conserving more energy than are the Penguins. The Penguins left everything on the ice, whereas I don't think the Sens did, and have a little more left in the tank. I think that Clouston's strategy is to outlast the Pens. And it's a strategy that may well work.

What I liked

The 4th line incorporating Ryan Shannon did good work and will likely be rewarded with more ice time. Brian Elliott has gotten rid of his first game jitters. He was good last night, and downright great at some times. He played his smart positional game again and frustrated the Penguins quite a bit.

I also liked the physical play. Sure, Andy Sutton's hit on Jordan Leopold was not comfortable to watch. I didn't like the way Leopold looked like a thrown rag doll. Uncomfortable as it was to watch, this is indeed the type of punishment that the Senators have to give the Penguins.

The Senators were also a little more disciplined although Sutton garnered two penalties by himself. While it's a little much to ask for no penalties, it should be the goal.

What I don't like

The top line has to find a way to produce more. It's surprising that of the three players on that line, only Peter Regin has managed to find the back of the net. Jason Spezza has got to stop the blind back passes. Blind back passes in the playoffs are a risk/reward chance that you can't afford to take. Even the Penguins' blind back passes fail miserably, and those types of giveaways can literally become scoring chances.

The new second line with Nick Foligno, joining Mike Fisher and Matt Cullen wasn't as effective as I expected it to be, but they need to gel together first. Regrettably, they don't have much time. Let's hope they click very soon.

You'll note there's not much to gripe about. Nope, the game plan unfolds pretty much according to plan

On to another split at home.