PIT vs OTT
Posted on April 11, 2008 12:46 PM | Permalink
The Pittsburgh Penguins plan to clean up their act tonight in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarter-final.
While the Ottawa Senators went 0-for-7 on the power play in a 4-0 loss to the Penguins in Game 1 at Mellon Arena, the Penguins know they were playing with fire by taking so many penalties.
“We know we have to stay out of the box quite a bit – especially if we give them on 5-on-3’s. If that happens again, it’s only going to be a matter of time before they score,” said Pittsburgh defenceman Rob Scuderi.
The Penguins decided to have an optional skate this morning, but most of the players were on the ice.
Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said he knows the Senators came here want to get a split and they a chance to achieve their goal.
“I think you’re going to see two pretty desperate teams here needing a win tonight,” said Crosby. “We could put a lot of pressure on them going up 2-0 going into their building.”
The series moves to Scotiabank Place for Game 3 Monday night. The Senators haven’t given up hope, but they need their top players to step up if they’re going to get a chance to win.
The biggest change for the Senators is moving veteran Martin Lapointe to the top line with Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley.
“He’s just an up and down player,” said Murray. “Martin Lapointe brings character and he’ll try to get the forecheck going more.”
OTTAWA LINES
Forwards
Heatley-Spezza-Lapointe
Stillman-Vermette-Foligno
Donovan-McAmmond-Neil
Schubert-Bass-Robitaille
Defence
Phillips-Commodore
Redden-Volchenkov
Meszaros-Lee
Goalies
Gerber
Emery
Spares: Brian McGrattan, RW. Luke Richardson, D.
Injuries: Daniel Alfredsson (knee); Mike Fisher (knee); Chris Kelly (foot).
PITTSBURGH LINES
Forwards
Dupuis-Crosby-Hossa
Malone-Malkin-Sykora
Ruutu-Staal-Kennedy
Roberts-Talbot-Laraque
Defence
Orpik-Gonchar
Whitney-Scuderi
Letang-Gill
Goalies
Fleury
Conklin
Spares: C Kris Beech; RW Adam Hall; D Darryl Sydor; LW Jeff Taffe.
Injuries: D Mark Eaton (knee).
QUOTEABLE: “He says it’s hockey. Sometimes you have to play hurt. That’s his attitude. I suggested he mention that to a few of the other players.” - Senators coach Bryan Murray on D Anton Volchenkov, who will play tonight with a severe forehead gash.
Comments
QUOTEABLE: “He says it’s hockey. Sometimes you have to play hurt. That’s his attitude. I suggested he mention that to a few of the other players.” - Senators coach Bryan Murray on D Anton Volchenkov, who will play tonight with a severe forehead gash..... ohh my god finally it has been said by someone on the sens team... an obvious hint hint to alfy and fisher.. and if you're coach is saying it u gotta belive he knows they are capable of playing just can't suck it up.. and ottawa fans are sick and tired of players like this in this city.. and we are not whiners, we are a city of fans who have seen jeckyll and hyde now over the last 4 mnths and t makes no sense.. any fan in any city in any sport would be feeling the same way.. especially if you're not getting any straight answers from the people who are doing it,, namely the players...i am passed thinking it's confidence or heart, i am thinking now after the last game that we are trying to tank this thing to prove a point to someone.. what the point is i am not sure,, but i suspect it may have something to dowith a guy named ray... maybe just having him on the bench has been enough to do it. i wish someone, anyone can give me a straight answer
Posted by: darren ottawa | April 11, 2008 03:28 PM