PIT vs OTT
Posted on April 9, 2008 10:55 PM | Permalink
PITTSBURGH - Gary Roberts always has a spring in his step at this time of year when it comes to facing the Ottawa Senators.
That's why it was no surprise the 41-year-old greybeard winger scored twice as the Pittsburgh
Penguins rolled to a 4-0 victory over Ottawa in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final tonight at Mellon Arena.
After it was pointed out to Roberts that 14 of his 32 career playoff goals have been scored against his old friends from Ottawa, the former Leaf wore a wide smile.
"That's probably because they are the only team I have faced in the last eight years," said Roberts, who missed most of the season with a broken leg.
Not only did the Penguins pull out to a 1-0 lead in the first round series, they also felt a little bit of redemption for a 6-3 loss in Game 1 when the two teams met last spring at Scotiabank Place.
Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury didn't have to be great with the 26 stops he made, but he was good enough to get his first career shutout and leave the Senators shaking their heads.
"I don't need to say anything to our team," said Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby. "We know this is a good team and they're going to come out hard in the next game. They're talented."
Senators coach Bryan Murray wasn't impressed with the way his club played. Ottawa didn't score on two 5-on-3 man advantages in the second and third period which left the Senators in a huge hole.
"We didn't get a lot of scoring chances. We had a few, but not many," said Murray. "The power play could have been a difference. We found a way to miss the net far too often and it's been going on too long.
"We talked to our people about just getting pucks to the net and make the guy make a stop. Again, we weren't very good at doing that. I didn't think it was a 4-0 game. I thought we were playing better than that."
The Senators did get some good news. Defenceman Anton Volchenkov, who suffered a severe pressure cut on the forehead and had to be carried off the ice, should be able to return to the lineup Friday in Game 2.
He wasn't able to return to the game because he required stitches and couldn't get his helmet on, but Murray believes he's going to be okay.
"They have a rule now, that you have to wear a helmet, so that made it tough for him to come back," said Murray.
The Senators know they have to play better in Game 2.
"We came here to try to get a split. That's what we have to do now," said Ottawa centre Jason Spezza.
Comments
So Gary Roberts scored a couple goals.
So Gary Roberts laid out a few checks.
So Gary Roberts got under Ottawa's skin...again.
OK... its time somebody explained this to Mr Roberts.
He can't play hockey any more. His career ended when he broke his neck while playing for the Calgary Flames. Everyone TOLD him it was over. Why he has spent another decade as one of the finest in his sport is beyond me.
While you're at it, please tell Randy Bachman that he'll never be able to play guitar because his fingers are too large for the strings.
I don't get paid enough by any team to really care who wins. Canadian teams first, but mostly I cheer for the puck. I wanna see a good game.
I bet if Gary Roberts could still play, he'd be as exciting as ever to watch.
Moral: Don't ever let anyone write your epitaph, period. They can do whatever they want after you're gone. For now, keep playing like you can!
Posted by: J Pezzola | April 10, 2008 03:37 AM
It is wonderful for the 'grey beards' of the sport teaching those around them what this game is all about! 'Sid-the-Kid' and all their talented youngsters will take note! Here's hoping Gary Robert's health continues, as it is certainly not for his deterimnation and desire! Continued Success Gary !!!
Posted by: Ken Reinhardt | April 10, 2008 10:37 AM
I don't get it. Is this what we want our kids to learn when they play hockey? Chippyness on every shift, an illegal pick, boarding, a stick on the goallies arm while there was a shot on goal. Yes the puck was going in, but why the goallie interference? What a model for kids to replicate?
Roberts tries to "almost" break the rules on every shift without getting caught.
I wonder how he does his taxes or drive a car?
PS: On Bell's hit of Alfredson vs. Alphie's hit on Tucker a few years back - Alfredson was making a key play to win a game and got booed for it for 3 years. Bell's play was for losers.
Posted by: Barry Monette Renfrew | April 10, 2008 12:58 PM
nah nah nah, hey hey hey Goodbye!!
Posted by: Mikey toronto | April 10, 2008 03:59 PM