Viewpoint

We are here to stay.
Arm chair experts.
Do me a favor,
Shut up and watch.
See you when we have the "Cup".
GO SENS GO
Love that you hate that saying.
Repeat: "GO Sens GO"
See you on
monday when we win.
read it and weep.

I definately think the Sens need to pick up their feet a little. They ARE a strong team, they just need to come together as a team. It seems to me they're playing as individuals. I've also noticed many of the players with clean shots on the net won't take them but pass them off to certain players on the team, Spezza for example.

in game 2 I noticed that the ducks were getting more clean hits on the sens, and a lot of the hits the sens dished out were punishable and spent a LOT of unnessisary time in the penalty box.

I hope that home ice advantage will bring up the sens enthusiasm and gets them playing hard.

Senators eat roast ducks for dinner.

Is there a possibility to have a camera on the ice conditions in order to see that they are constantly up to par.
Should this series come down to 7 games it would be fair if the CBC cameras were allowed to monitor the conditions to give an even playing field.
Would the league PLEASE do this in respect to the game.
As for the CBC announcers I ask that you refrain from the negativity which has crept in lately and just call the game, remembering that us fans like to enjoy what we're watching and don't much care for someone scratching on a chalkboard while we're watching.
CALL THE GAME as it goes. That's your talent. Criticizing takes away from the flow which we are watching

I just read that Chris Kunitz has been cleared to play. For those of you who do not know, he plays w/ Teemu & Andy Mac. This is the speed/skill line that is the quick jab to be followed by the Getzlaf, Perry, Penner knock out punch.

Kunitz is a joy to watch because he throws his body around. He gets in fast on the defense and hammers them. Do not underestimate his impact.

But I forget, underestimating the Ducks is the status quo around here. So is making ignorant comments about So Cal fans.

The So Cal fans were well defended by Andy in Anaheim and Tapan.

Let me tell you what "unchecked capitalism" has given you; the NHL has an old time hockey type of club playing in a major media market. The Ducks are playing classic Canadian hockey with a touh of European skill.

As it has been pointed out, if the West Coast teams had been allowed to kick more East Coast but in the past few years, this would not be such a rude awakeing for all of you. It is unchecked competition that makes things better.

Go Ducks

We re-learn the same thing every spring:
goals win games; defence wins championships.

A Conn-Smyth trophy winner in nets, 2 Norris trophy winners and a long-time D-man for a coach - any questions?

I couldn't agree more heartily with a previous commentary on Southern US franchises and the insistence by Mr. Bettman that hockey be placed in these abominable outposts. I grew up in Detroit and love the Red Wings and their organization but more importantly I respect that it's Canada's premminent sport. it has always been their countrymen who continually rise to greatness in the game. I'm travelling over to my mother's in Port Huron to watch the remainder of the cup finals on the CBC! American broadcasting of hockey is inane, amateur and represents everything I loathe about the expansion of hockey to nontraditional markets. Leave it to unchecked capitalism to commodify everything and reduce it to a formula to be sold to an ignorant consummer culture. Enogh said!!! Go Senators, please pull off a miracle and bring the cup back to its proper place...Canada!!!

I think this series shows how bad the NHL schedule is. The east and west rarely play each other. Because of this lack of familiarity, it is coming as a surprise to most people that Anaheim is a really good team. It's not that Ottawa is not playing up to their potential, it's because Anaheim is very, very well. Anaheim is a large, physical, fast-skating team that can throw any offensive line on the ice at any time. Ottawa really only has the one line.
If the schedule was balanced, the media in the east would be more familiar with the teams on this side of the continent and Anaheim's talent would not be a surprise to anyone.

Well the Sens really have to step it up. I don't know if they can win the cup but they sure better win game 3 or their season is over. They will hopefully play a desperate game and crush the Ducks with the home crowd advantage etc. The only other thing I have to say is that I am disgusted by all the Canadians who are cheering for Anaheim. There is absolutely no reason not to cheer for the Sens unless you are a really hard core Leafs fan. Ottawa is our capital! The Ducks are from a place that never gets snow, has no real fanbase and could care less if they even had a hockey team. Maybe if the Sens win it will galvanize the Leafs into winning the cup finally. So Leafs fans, a win by Ottawa would maybe wake up your team out of it's slump and get them to win the cup, there are advantages to having Ottawa win the cup Leafs!

Blog doesn't work! Tried twice and no sign of my comments. Homers?

Scott,

In this year's post season, the Ducks had a tough physical series with Minnesota and with a talented Vancouver team featuring the Roberto Luongo.

Then, they faced an incredible team, the Redwings. The Ducks have now won five straight since their loss to them 5 to 0, their worst ever in the post season. The Ducks are sure playing differently now.

It will be interesting to see if Ottawa is able to play their style of game at home
for both games. The Ducks defense did not allow the Wild to explode with offensive until that series was almost over.

Thanks for your analysis, very good reading.

Perhaps the fact that the games start at 5:00p.m when most people in Southern California are still at WORK may have something to do with trying to sell a sport here. Try and start you Stanley Cup Final game at 5:00 p.m. eastern time and see what kind of support you get. Also throw in that half of the people dont even get VS here so why is there such apathy where Hockey is concerned in So. Cal?
Start your games when all your fans are at work and turn off CBC and see what you get.

And the whining returns. It was a real test during the Buffalo/Ottawa series as to who would whine the most. Windy Ruff or Furry Murray [and the rest of his whining crew].
When they won the last series it finally seemed like maybe the whining would stop. Windy was gone and Furry was suddenly happy and silent. But as his troops again get beat off and beat up, the whining returns. It isn't our fault, he says, except maybe our top players but not me, It is the referees or the location or maybe it is Steven Harper or Don Cherry.
The Canadian Team? Who gave them the title?
I am waiting to see Pronger do his innocent act after ramming Alfie into the boards or maybe Fisher is more appropriate. They are safer if Alfie plays.
Maybe Neil could take them on. Where has he been? Big tougn guy?
Ulf could have taken out Pronger's knees but he is gone as well.
How could anyone expect better from Ottawa, would be city of losers and liars.

For those anti-antiAlfieBashers. Just face the reality. Every time Ottawa stumbles upon tough team, it's not coming through. This year they didn't have to overcome too much on a way to the finals. Sure Buffalo was tough to win, but in those two overtime games the Sens were dominant in a regular time. Sure Alfie scored the winner in game 5 against Buffalo, he is very skilled player, I agree with that.

Now lets talk about very important 5 on 3's in game 1 and 2 against Ducks. Was it Ducks size preventing the goals? Don't think so. The real captain would have come out and make the things work on 5 on 3. Simple as that. The reason Alfie is not right for being captain, he thinks too much. Last year Alfie could have put the puck into an empty net in game 1 against Buffalo, but he chose not to. You could see the hesitation on TV. The true leaders do not over-think, they just do things.

What I mean, is Alfie is very good when the things coming his way, and he's not so good when they are not. Ottawa needs a player with enough charisma to inspire the team when things are bad, and when team is struggling. The only players capable of doing that on Ottawa squad are Comrie and Fisher, but they don't have enough skill. From my point of view the turning point of the season was Comrie's goal against Buffalo. If Ottawa will be able to come back, it's because of Comrie or Fisher . Muckler has to find a fearless skilled player with winning attitude.

P.S. Again. Alfredson is one of the best players in NHL. Not one of the best captains though.

Even though I am satisfied with the way the Ducks are playing, I still expect the Senators to excel on their home ice. For those who don't know, the ice at the Honda Center is crap. The boards aren't much better either. What I have noticed is that the Senators can get their groove going early on in the period when the ice is still fresh before the ice turns to quicksand slowing down the Senators just enough. I expect (hope I am wrong) that the Senators will skate much better being at home. The ice surface along with the Fans should make a big difference to the Senators. The games have been too close and could have gone either way to rule the Senators out. I agree that the Ducks have been pounding the Senators into submission but thats because they have been able to catch them. The better ice surface should extend this series. The Senators didn't get to the finals on their good looks. Otherwise, its all over except the party.

I was at both games and then went home and watched the games on TV. TV does not do the games justice. The Ducks dominated almost the entire game in game 2. I was impressed with the Sens try to match the hitting of the Ducks but they exucuted it poorly. To me it looked like the Sens were trying to just hit people and not as a part of the game. It also looked like the Sens became tired from all of the hitting they were doing. The Sens need to play their game if they expect to win because they can not play the Ducks game. The Ducks have been playing this way from the beginning of the season, they are used to this style of play.
A lot has been said about this series is about the USA vs Canada. Give me a break. This is about the players on each team playing against each other and nothing else.
Being a Ducks fan i hope they win the series, if they do not i want them to play their best hockey and i will be happy. I know that we did not have our A game against Detroit and that had a lot to do with the way Detroit made us play.
Last thought is I hope the Sens atleast win 1 game so that they can hoist the cup in our building!!

I was really looking forward to seeing the cup ome back to Canada. Boy, that bubble burst real quick. The Sens played fantastic all the way to the cup finals and then what? They get all timid and nervous? What happened to top notch forechecking and backchecking? Where's Alfredsson and his new-found determination? Where's Spezza? Emery has been stellar but what's up with those chinsy last minute goals? That won't get it done. The Sens need to remember what got them to the finals. If they do, the Ducks won't win another game, guaranteed. Oh and one last thing....SHOOT THE PUCK!!! What is it, an average of 15 shots a game so far? I mean come on.

Other than the fighting this Duck's team reminds me of the old "Broad Street Bullies".If the Sens touch the puck they are going to get hit at least once if not twice,and this is the reason they will fall in 5.The Sens can't take the physical pounding(as most eurpean teams can't)that the Ducks are dishing out.
As a Canucks fan that was pissed off when the organization unfairly dismissed Brian Burke,I would love to see his team win the Stanley Cup.
for you fans that think the cup will come back to Canada think Ducks because there are more Canadians there than on the Sens.

Ducks need Leafs. Leafs would have beaten them to death in this series. Fancy doesn't cut it. this series needs muscle (Leafs type). Sorry Sens fans, but I guess giving away Charra wasn't a good move.

Go Leafs Go (next season)

How refreshing to have the whining return. It was a real test when Buffalo and Ottawa played as to who could whine the most. Windy Ruff or Furry Murray [and his whole team actually].
Now the big bad team from California vs Canada's team? Who gave them that title.
Go Ducks. I am waiting to see O'Neil on his butt again along with the whole TOP LINE.

Last time i checked it took four wins to hoist the cup, Ducks have nothing yet
Go Sens Go

Murray should replay the entire Anaheim/Minnesota series and realize that the key to beating the Ducks is NOT to dump it deep and chase (if Walz and Gaborik can't beat Anaheim to the puck, Alfredsson and Heatley won't either)... but to do what Detroit did with some success. Dump the puck ON Giguere and make him play it.

That said it won't matter. Anaheim is clearly a superior team and has been from the very start. They beat a tough red Wing's team that would probably have been a better matchup for the Senators. Like Detroit, Ottawa excels with time and space, but that's exactly what Anaheim takes away with their speed and size.

Ducks in 5.

Just desserts for all the eastern sports media and fans. They were so dismissive of the west that they are actually surprised that the Ducks are dominating. Hello!!! The whole western conference just destroyed the east this year. Vancouver came east and beat Ottawa after embarrassing Toronto and Montreal. All the west playoff teams killed against the east. We play a more defensive, battling style. You have to earn your ice out here. Not many high scoring games. And we will continue to kick your butts in years to come because we are talented and tough. Easy road for Ottawa but it ends here.

grapevine: you're analysis is right on, but allow me to suggest a correction to your prediction: Quack, quack, Ducks in 5.

Right after the Sharks the Sens are my favorite team I love the finesse, and this year the Sens have played well in the playoffs. However, the Ducks play both a skilled and a physical brand of hockey, and even with a big group of guys like the Sharks, the Ducks throw their weight around well. I would love to see the Sens show me that they're the best in the finals, but I think the Ducks are a confident group now....not cocky, but confident. The Ducks have enough experienced voices in the locker room, especially their captain, to keep the team from getting overconfident and breaking away from their system. Add to that mix Getzlaf's line, which even a Duck hater like myself must admit is an awesome line, and I think that the Ducks will take it in five....

Ottawa has been a vastly improved playoff team this year - they have shown a tremendous amount of heart and grit - two things they have sorely lacked in the post seasons of years gone by.

The Ducks have a number of Western Hockey League alumni on their roster - which gives them a huge advantage in the "grit" department - their play has effectively rattled the Senator's cages (and the cages of Ottawa's fair-weather fans given all this garbage talk of dumping Alfredsson, Spezza, Murray, and Muckler)

Bandwagon jumpers aside, I don't blame true fans for being frustrated - the Sens have struggled to execute their game plan, due mainly to poor decision making by certain players in key moments combined with the Ducks great defensive play.

Last time I checked, a team needs four wins to take a series. This is a great team, with great management, who have given real hockey fans more to cheer about this year than in any number of previous years. The Sens can win this series.

Quacking under the pressure?

Ducks in 5 games Either Detroit or Vancouver could have beaten Ottawa The West plays tougher
more old fashioned hockey Brian Burke and the scouts put together a big tough smart team with lots of CANADIAN players Go Ducks

Well said Gerry from Edmonton . West teams
do develop more stamina through-out the
regular season , and unless injuries come
into play , can take the travel. Ducks
are relatively healthy , and the better team.
Now that all regions of the country
can see the Anaheim team and their talent
they can perhaps re-evaluate the series outcome . Ottawa can still win 4 of the next
5 games .... Nah !!!

This is just like everytime Ottawa played Toronto in the playoffs: Ottawa gets plastered on the physical level and they simply cannot keep up. The Duck are also, I'd say, far better than any Maple Leafs team they'ever faced.
As soon as it was determined Ottawa would be facing Anaheim, I immediately thought "split up the top line". Why? You're getting eight days off, the momentum will be gone anyway. Start a training camp and get players used to different line-ups. You simply cannot and will not win against Anaheim with a single scoring line. And I still believe that's the way they should go for game 3: It didn't work out too great in game 2 but I think Murray should have stuck with it. Alfie, Spez and Heater are all incredible players they'll get in a groove with any player on the Sens roster, they've got a balanced line up regardless and they need to have people protecting the goal scorers.
I'm not very good at hockey but it seems to me they need to get the D back into the play like they used. They look like Buffalo did because the D isn't able to do what it has been doing all along: lots of good passes. The D has to physically step it up, TAKE in the zone while Alfie stays at the point (he's got a wicked slap) or something. Get the puck to the net and get those rebounds. Giguère is pretty good at rebounds and his size makes it hard to deflect it in, so get bodies in front. And to do so, you need to send it the big guns: Neil, Fisher, Volchenkov, Phillips. THE DEFENSE!

Simon,

It hurts when it works against you. Welcome to our world.

Hey Gerry from Edmonton, how did the Sens’ issues with the Ducks become a political rant? Suffer from East envy much? Yes, your not getting to see Crosby and Ovechkin is all part of the great Eastern conspiracy.

I’m one of those "bring the cup back to Canada types", When Edmonton played Carolina I cheered for the Oilers. When Calgary played Tampa I cheered for the Flames. When Vancouver played New York I cheered for the Canucks. It didn’t matter what part of the country they were from.

Grow up.

I'm afraid the Ducks have discovered a style of hockey that it just about impossible to solve.

Forward dumps the puck in all the way to the backboards and the defender chases after it.

As soon as he touches the puck the forward smashes him into the boards. Puck comes loose and defenceman is seeing stars.

Bam, bam, bam, bam, all night.

It may be boring and repetitive, but it works, and if the Sens can't figure a way to neutralize it, they're toast.

As an original and long-suffering Panthers' season ticket holder, I want to assure Kyle that there are actually Americans in the south who follow the game. The Lightning, our cross-state rivals, regularly sell out their games. However, I'll concede that this is a football area. All other sports teams bring up the rear - until they win. When my Pussycats were actually Panthers, in our one moment of glory, 1996, scalpers cleaned up.

Ray from Ottawa, give your head a shake man, ther has been nothing but "Sens errors" and "little fault in Anaheim" to talk of in this series. You can't blame the so called "Leaf announcers who are definitely showing their hate for the Sens by finding all the fault possible in the Sens game". They have had plenty of praise for the Sens in previous games when they deserved it, but really. Were you watching the last to games? Are you in some kind of crazed denial? Dude, a spade is a spade. The Sens just plain sucked in both of the games while the ducks played really sound. I for one hope that they can just put it behind them like a really bad raod trip, then taking it one game at a time here play the killer dominating game they put on the ice against Buffalo. And give the announcers something good to talk about.

Scott is right. The Ducks are playing better, winning most of the one-on-one battles, and when they've needed him, Giguere has been excellent. I've watched the Ducks all year. Even when they were behind, they seem to find a way to pull it out. Man for man, they are a better team. Unless the Sens really come on, they are likely to be swept. The Coupe in So Cal? Doesn't sound right, does it, but it's found a home in Tampa Bay and Carolina so why not here.

We're screwed.

Sure get tired of hearing about how hockey gets poor coverage and has little interest here in the SOCAL. I guess 35 consecutive sellouts doesn't count much for the Ducks. Also 24 youth hockey clubs supporting 40 tier teams and 129 youth travel teams playing at 22 local rinks, shows that we don't like hockey either, right. In the last 12 months my family has been to Newmarket, Toronto and Burnaby supporting our netminder son. Is the hockey as good here as it is in Canada? Heck no.... but we still love it... "Thank you Canada for an awesome sport!!!!!!"
Oh....Go Ducks....

That's right...a Sens fan living in Toronto!
Honestly, I didn't think the Sens would make it this far. A victory would be nice, either way, I'll still hear 'they wouldn't be there if they played the Leafs.'
I'll still be hoping for Stanley to grace Scotiabank Place....in Alfreddson's hands, of course!!
GO SENS GO. No matter what, you'll always be my team.

I really get sick of the so called fans who jump on and off the Senators bandwagon. As a season ticket holder I have watched our team for years suffer great disappointments in the playoffs after great seasons. But, this year the Sens have many, many accomplishments to celebrate. They won the three previous playoff games by playing superb hockey, it's why they are competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

For the Ottawa Senators to be playing for the Stanley Cup after 80 years, is indeed a historic event, and cause for large celebrations. Have the Senators been playing their best hockey in this series? No! They need to greatly improve their game, they WILL find a way to win. GO SENS GO.

i, but, this playoff rounds ahave many years of disappointing ve had years of h our team, I salute them.

The Senators have played the best hockey in the three previous rounds we have ever seen in this city, and deserve our support no matter what the outcome.

Sens are overrated!!! To fancy not enough heart...Keep on dazling those Ducks with finese style...lol...Bryan Burke is the best GM in all of hockey, make us proud Pronger...Selane, Niedermeyer deserve a cup...!!! Go Ducks!!!!

Even though Ottawa has been thoroughly outplayed in games one and two I wouldn't call the series over yet. Teams can sometimes rebound (remember how the Flames, not a perfect example I confess, in round one nearly forced a game 7 after looking like a minor atom team in games one and two against the Wings).

For the Sens to come back, and I hate to say it, two things need to happen: Ottawa has to play dirty, as the Ducks are doing with relative impunity (and when the refs do call penalties the Sens have kindly misfired on even two 5X3s); and second, someone not from the big line has to step forward, e.g., Comrie who has been a non-factor.

I think people are being hard on the top players who were great for three rounds. Yes, the H-A-S line has been neutralized but then so too has the Selanne-McDonald-not sure who the third player is. Someone else has to score too! It's the fact that other Ducks like Pahlsen (dirty but obviously skilled) and Getzlaf (ditto) have scored key goals that has them winning. If the second and third line Sens players can get a goal it will make life easier for the big line. They might yet make this series tight.

If the Sens don't do it, perhaps the Leafs can salvage national honour in 2008. Every other Canadian team has made it to the finals since 1993 with the Habs being the only successful participant. Given that the Leafs haven't lost a finals since 1960 who'd want to bet against them?

Its too bad the East is asleep all year when the West is playing and didn't realize the West to a team was far superior to the Eastern teams all year. Even the Canucks, who went out a few rounds ago, has Buffalo, Ottawa and Detroits numbers for most of the season.
I wishh the Sens would come back, and want the Canadian team to win......but it's not going to happen.

Well what can u say the ducks are too much for the sens they are being out coached outplayed and the physical part of the game isnt even close. Selanne and Carlyle are only two games away from a cup and you can bet every former Jet fan is cheering them on Go Ducks Go. Ducks in 6 and for all those who dont like a southern cali team Aneheim has sold out every game these playoffs how has Ottawa done and one more thing already 13,500 season tickets sold in Aneheim for next season.

I was in Vancouver last week, watched the sports channels and read the papers in the runnup to the series. I felt that as far as the media goes, the question of who would win the Cup required no serious discussion. The nerve of those Ducks! (But I don't say it's over. The Ducks have a grind ahead.)

Also, take with a grain of salt the stories about how little local interest there is in the Cup series. OK, we're sports-saturated here, but the LA Times has been giving the Ducks the sports headline every game, and the crowds at the Pond are delirious.

The Ducks have totally outplayed, outhustled, and outchanced the Sens. Its not that the Sens are playing poorly -- its that the Ducks are playing extremely well.

It could be over after 4 games to the Ducks or in 6 to the Sens. I am a believer in the Sens so I pick them in 6. But for that to happen they will have to dump and chase, pound the Ducks D into the boards/glass, setup the trap and backcheck like crazy.

No one said it would be easy. The Sens have not faced adversity yet. Now they are.

They're done. (Ottawa I mean). The Ducks are just too much of everything for the Senators to handle.

Ducks in five

Mario in Ottawa,

I have no idea what you are talking about. I simply would rather have a Canadian team, yes Ottawa is a Canadian team despite being lead by a european captain, win the cup and have Canadian fans celebrate rather then SoCal fans who do not care about hockey.

I do not care if Anaheim has a lot of Canadian players. They are in a US city and yeah I am going to play the CAN vs. US card. So what?

Hey I'm tired of all the So Cal fan bashing. The Ducks sell out every night and if you haven't noticed their merchandise is all over the place here in OC and LA, so case closed. Now to hockey: I'm really surprised at the Sens allowing themselves to be manhandled like that especially in the corners and on the forecheck. In person, I'd only really seen Western Conference teams the past few years and was a bit apprehensive about the Sens, not having seen them in person before. I somehow expected the Canadian team from Ottawa to be a typically Canadian-hockey physical presence but man the Ducks are really dictating play and the Sens look like overwhelmed star-struck Disneyland tourists. There have been certain long stretches the past few games where the Sens were just gasping to try to clear the puck from their own zone.

I'm an American and a Ducks fan and I'd also like to say, why are you guys making this a USA- Canada thing? Just chill out dudes, after the Finals, come down here to Newport Beach and we'll all do yoga together. No matter who wins, Canada will win because there are plenty of Canadians on BOTH teams. It's our Canadian boys that are beating up on your Canadian boys. It's Canada beating Canada. Be proud of your Canadian boys who play for the Ducks, who're playing across the border and are playing in the 2nd biggest media market in north America and have tremendously helped "your" sport establish a healthy following in southern Calif. Peace.

Now that the Senators have experienced two days of the Ducks playoff style, I know, that the Sens will be ready to respond.

Watch them come out and play for 'Stanley'.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SENS!

I really believe that Ottawa will win the cup this year. Perhaps Don Cherry predicted this but won't say. We, in Arviat are cheering on for Ottawa. The Ducks may become too confident so I think Ottawa will win 4 games to 2. We'll see.

Tagvauvusi. Farewell.

Go Ottawa go! Ati Attuvaa Ati!

The Sens are a fast and skilled team. In every previous series, they have passed on the diagonal and broken out their zone fast creating scoring opportunities. The Ducks are blocking up the neutral zone and shutting this down completely. Alternatively, when the Sens try to dump the puck in, they are either slowed, checked against the boards or held up in some manner and cannot reach the puck. Their speed and skill is simply getting shut down by the Duck's perseverance and fore-checking. It's pretty frustrating and it's producing sh*tty pre-shutout hockey, but I can't think of a solution.

The Sens are not tough enough or big enough to match the Ducks style, so I just don't know how they're going to get out of this. How have fast/skilled teams traditionally beaten the trap?

I really believe that Ottawa will win the cup this year. Perhaps Don Cherry predicted this but won't say. We, in Arviat are cheering on for Ottawa. The Ducks may become too confident so I think Ottawa will win 4 games to 2. We'll see.

Tagvauvusi. Farewell.

Go Ottawa go! Ati Attuvaa Ati!

The Sens are a fast and skilled team. In every previous series, they have passed on the diagonal and broken out their zone fast creating scoring opportunities. The Ducks are blocking up the neutral zone and shutting this down completely. Alternatively, when the Sens try to dump the puck in, they are either slowed, checked against the boards or held up in some manner and cannot reach the puck. Their speed and skill is simply getting shut down by the Duck's perseverance and fore-checking. It's pretty frustrating and it's producing sh*tty pre-shutout hockey, but I can't think of a solution.

The Sens are not tough enough or big enough to match the Ducks style, so I just don't know how they're going to get out of this. How have fast/skilled teams traditionally beaten the trap?

This is great hockey. The Ducks are playing old time physical hockey. The Senators tried to be physical and it didn't work for them last night. I had been a Kings fan since the early 70's when the only other hockey besides the Kings 12 or so games on public TV was on CBC Friday's at midnight and they only showed the last 2 periods. but when they got Gretzky I deserted them because Gretzky's laziness rubbed off on them. In the last 10 years or so I've become bored with hockey. It seems to have become all finese. I don't know if it's because of all the Europeans or the change in rules or what. Bring back players like Trottier, Tonnelli, Rowskoski, and all the other all around players. The Ducks remind me of the way Hockey used to be.

While the people of Ottawa feel that their Senators are the team of distiny this year, I just don't see it. If you look at their series thus far, I don't think they were seriously challenged. Yes, New Jersey and Buffalo had good seasons, but I didn't find that either played terribly well against Ottawa. Lots of unforced errors amd missed opportunities. And Pittsburgh were just happy to be there.

I'm not a Sens fan (Yes, I'm a Leafs fan, but I survived the Ballard years, so nothing scares me) but I know good hockey when I see it, and I didn't see anything (other than possibly Emery) in the Sens that would convince me that they could beat any of the 4 semi-finalists from the West.

Do I see them winning 4 of 5 from the Ducks?

Nahhh. Quack, quack - Ducks in 6.

Wow, for some reason I thought this would be a hockey discussion, nope, I was wrong. Please, for the love of hockey, remove the political thoughts from your mind as you write a comment. The sens have not been physically challenged until now. Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Jersey, were all relatively tame as far as the hitting game goes. Ottawa needs to pinch more along the boards, attempted clearing from down low by the sens seemed to result in more chances for the ducks than anything else. They are only playing half of the dump and chase game which might as well just be another turn over, also, they are allowing the ducks to gain the zone easily. Emery can't save everything, and with 20/16 shots, giguere doesn't really have to try. get that powerplay going, get those forecheckers in there, and get us a win. Go Sens

Hey all you "bring the cup back to Canada types", remember that Ottawa was one of 4 teams that voted against a balanced schedule because the selfish babies don't like all the travel. That means that half the league gets to see Crosby and Ovechkin once every 4 years. Thanks a bunch!! With all the travel the western teams do we develop stamina and toughness. May your lazy team be on the golf course by Monday.

If the Sens would stop playing the ducks game they would win it @ game 7. Of course the ducks are winning the Sens are playing the ducks game of trying to hit instead of playing the puck and shooting it in and going for the puck. If they Sens would play their game they will win for the ducks would have trouble with the speed and passing and shooting. Again GO SENS GO!!!!

The sad thing is how poor the coverage and interest is down here in Duck-land. If it weren't for the local Canadians I think that the Pond (Honda Center) would be empty. I see a lot of comments on this page from CBC fans down here. Please come join us online at:
groups.yahoo.com/group/CaliforniaCanadians

I think that the Sens face a slightly different task and I believe that much of the challenge is due to Chris Prongers offensive/defensive ability. He is replicating what he did with Edmonton last year. With veteran Selanne up front, I believe that the Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson line must adapt to a slightly different style of play - I agree with many of you; shoot the puck on the net - 16 shots is not going to cut it to win a hockey game. As for the Ducks fans ... don't count the Sens out, I think that they will be an unpleasant surprise!

I can't believe I'm already hearing this Anti- Alfie trash already. Seriously, where would our team be without him? I remember before Alfie there was Yashin! I don't think anyone wants to go back to that. Alfie is a great Captain and deserves to keep his C regardless of the outcome of this series. Alfie has been extremely loyal to the franchise and it's unfortunate that some fans don't treat him the way he deserves to be treated.

The refs are looking the other way in this series and are allowing a lot of clutching and grabbing. It's pre lockout hockey and unfortunately the Sens have a post lockout team.

I think I'm going to vomit if another southern state wins the cup. It's not a Canada vs the USA thing for me. I just think it's garbage that they expand in places like Phoenix and South Cal and Florida. Bettman...it doesn't matter how many southern cities win the cup...you'll never sell the sport down there

Well, the only person who came out to play last night for the Sens was Ray Emery, and he got no support from his team. He must be very frustrated. The Sens looked like amateurs, missing passes, giving the puck away, scrambling about. They should've credited Heatley with an assist on the goal scored last night. If the Sens played their best hockey and lost, that would be one thing and I'd be proud as anything no matter what the result. But they're not, and I just can't bear to watch them choke all over again. It's just too depressing and disappointing.

ottawa has had a pretty easy run in the playoffs. they haven't had any adversity what so ever.no unlucky goals against.you look at the ducks they lost a game to detroit 2-1 & both goals went in off beauchemin.ottawa has had everything go their way.i know they beat buffalo in 5 games but two were o.t.

Based on the first two games, it will be Ottawa's version of "Miracle on Ice" if the Senators can come back and pull this off. They have been badly outchecked, and outplayed almost to a man, with a few excpetions like Emery and Fisher. The Ducks are winning ALL the battles..winning faceoffs, causing turnovers, winning the foot races..the Senators almost look like they don't belong on the same ice surface. What's most troubling to me is there doesn't seem to me any real urgency or determination. In Game 2 they were told they had to dump the puck in more, well they did, but no one was hustling in to get it! The Ducks had it back in the neutral zone in about 5 seconds. Thats not how the dump and chase works fellas! Aggggh!!.. What happened to this team!!!. They are better than this..much better. We don't just need a win Saturday, we need a convincing win, from the same hard working confident team I watched in the first 3 series. Where the heck did they go! I am very happy to see them in the Stanley Cup final, and will be happy with their year even if they dont win....but c'mon boys, at least put on a show, put up a fight. Let not spend another summer talking about how you tanked in the playoffs when we should be talking about your great season.
Show me a miracle.

I am sick of Alfredson bashing !!! He has got them where they are.As for east/west problems I don't see that.What I do see is Leafs are the only team in Canada that seems to matter.We have to listen to two frustrated Leaf announcers who are definitely showing their hate for the Sens by finding all the fault possible in the Sens game.But then again it has to be the whole crew
as they actually dissect the Sens errors finding little fault in Anaheim ,we dare not offend an American team. I don't say it should be Canada against the States but we have a Canadian team in the Stanley Cup let's atleast give them a fair shake.Why do we have to listen to Cole and his kick in the sides. And then if there has ever been a poll taken ,why Millen?

Sens are too pretty for this team, they are getting pounded physically.

CAN THE REAL JASON SPEZZA PLEASE STAND UP? OH YEAH, WE ARE SEEING THE REAL SPEZZA.

He should stick to the Fine Jewlry commercials.

The ducks will win it in 4. . . espically with how the Sen have been playing... GO DUCKS!!

It is obvious that the Sens are not used to the physical play from the Ducks, it is similiar to the way the Maple Leafs beat them a few years in a row in previous playoffs.

Where there is a will, there is a way! Hope Ottawa get s their groove back! May there be some great games yet in this final playoff...

All the talk leading up to this series has been the overwhelhming Top line of the Sens and their great depth. Very little has been talked about the Ducks other then Giggy's stellar play and the marquee names of Pronger and Neidermayer. Now the biaised East Coast hockey brains can really learn about the Ducks "checking line", the kid line of Penner/Perry and Ghetzlaf and even our thrown together fourth line. They've been playing this way all year not just the last 50 games or so like the Sens. I was at the game and the Ducks truly dominated the last 50 minutes of the game. I like our ex-GM Brian Murray but you can see the exasperation in his eyes.

The Ducks will make 4-0 on the next two games.
Sorry Sens but you don't have enough gas remained in instalation for the big final.
Go Ducks!

It looks like Ducks are too much for Ottawa, and that really surprises me. Watching the Wings-Ducks series I was confused how The Ducks managed to squeeze past Datsuk and Co. I was very optimistic when Anaheim won, because I had an impression they were a worse team between two. Now I realize The Wings would have been less trouble for Sens. It is the extreme physical play which they struggle against. And frankly I don't see how Sens may compensate for lack of size and force. Watching Alfie bounced off Getzlaf in game one made me think the worst. It sure will take a lot from Murrey to come up with the right strategy to compensate.

The only positive outcome of these series so far for the Sens, is that Alfie will be gone by the end of Summer, a very welcome change for the team in need for stronger captain. I wonder who will be a second part of upcoming blockbuster deal. I would love to see Drury, obviously it's not likely, but who knows. All that of course if Sens lose the finals. If they will strike in games 3 and 4 and somehow win the series Alfredson will stay forever (and deservedly so).

GO SENS GO!

This is not a skills series. This is a bump and grind series. Ottawa beat three skilled teams with skill and they have come up against a different style of play. They have to get the puck in deep, create some traffic in front of the net. They need to place their biggest and/or toughest guys there and fire from the point (Neil, Fisher, Schubert, Phillips). They have to stop the fancy passes, this is not working, Anaheim is not letting the big line play this way, they are on them like glue and they are giving up the puck. This is old style hockey, dump it in, run up the boards, feed the point, shoot the puck and hope for a good rebound or deflection! Sens arn't out. They'll figure this one out.

The ducks are tougher period. You do not win Stanley Cups with European captains.

Just get the puck on the net - as often and as quickly as possible. From anywhere,and make sure guys are in deep to get the rebounds - simple as that - whoever has the most shots on net wins.

Ottawa is dead meat...

Sincerely, The only hockey fan in So Cal

Its quite simple the sens cant cut it they are at a totally different level than the ducks and unless they pull out all the stops and have a little bit of luck thats it. I am a sens fan and despite what most of this city thinks, blaming refs, Conspirisy theorys. You just need to face the facts ottawa is a great hockey team and right now the ducks are incredible and its gonna take alot for ottawa to pull of a win even at their best. I believe they could do it but i definately do not have my heart set on it.

I despise the Ducks! The Sens better get their act together. They were awesome in the first three rounds. What happened? Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson, Corvo, McAmmond, Comrie and Redden. If you don't shoot even the best goaltender can't save you! Emery is playing excellent BUT he can't pull the team by himself. Just ask Marty Brodeur!

Hey Alan in Calgary, you say your not the kind to bring the east west canada BS into it... well is it not the same type of ignorant BS that has you bring the canada or USA thing into this... and btw Anaheim has more canadians on the team then Sens do. that would be like me cheering for Sens because they have an italian-canadian playing on the team (Spezza). next you're going to say it is a conspiracy by the USA and Bush...

Without their top guns firing on all cylinders, the Sens will have trouble winning a game.

Emery has stood on his head through the first two games, their defensive lines have held the Ducks top scorers to little offensive production, but their big line has been invisible to say the least.

If they can catch fire in games 3 and 4, anything is possible. Hopefully they can bring the cup back to Canada, but 16 shots on net is not going to win you games. The puck is looking a beachball right now to Giguere, get some traffic in front of him and get the pucks high as he spends most of his time on flopped on the ice.

You are correct Scott absolutely. Despite this, I am still proud of the Sens. They are a great team. I think (well I hope and pray) that they will be able to turn things around. I may be in Calgary, but I am Canadian and this year I am cheering for the Senators all the way. I am not the type to bring the eastern and western Canadian BS and garbage into hockey. Bring home the cup boys. Go Sens go! All the way!

I am so proud of my SENS and you should be to. No matter the outcome, look what they have done ! they have brought us together to celebrate our great hockey team, our great region... No matter where I go or who I see, there is SENS in the air and that is wonderful.
Win or lose THIS IS MY TEAM.

I agree with your comments Scott. The Sens in the first two games look much like the Sabres did. As a Sens fan, it is disheartening to watch them play, because it does not even look anything close to the Senators team that played such inspired hockey and won the east.
If the Sens don't find a way to capitalize on the powerplay, generate more offence, limit turn-overs, and establish a good forecheck we might have to wait a whole year before a Canadian team brings the cup back.

I'm not jumping of the bandwagon just yet.