Game 3 goes tonight in the Eastern Conference Semi-Final between Ottawa and New Jersey that is all tied up at one game apiece after the Devils double overtime victory on Saturday night. Scotiabank Place should be loud and proud less than seven hours from now from puck drop. The seventh man should be in full force tonight as the Senators will no doubt feed off the energy from the crowd in hopes of taking a 2-1 series lead.
After the first period in Game 2, Ottawa dominated in all aspects of the game and if they can bring that same level of play for sixty minutes along with solid goaltending from Ray Emery, this team will take a 2-1 series lead over the Devils.
A few things need to change though for the home side tonight. First off, Emery needs to be sharp all game long. His lapses at times have hurt his team and this needs to stop immediately when you have Martin Brodeur in the other goal stealing a win for his team like he did this past Saturday night. Sorry Pens fans, but note to Emery, this is not Pittsburgh where you can have a few average games and still get the series win. We are talking about an experienced and very clutch team in New Jersey who capitalize on the oppositions mistakes better than most teams in the league.
Secondly, the number two and three lines need to be ALOT better. When Chris Neil is only getting thirteen minutes of ice while his linemate Antoine Vermette is logging twenty-two, the coaching staff is telling you that you are not pulling your weight. Neil has been a passenger in the first two games of this series. When looking at the second line Peter Schaefer has been miserable and really needs to shoot the puck when given the opportunity and not be afraid to play a bit of a physical game. His listless and lazy play is easy to pick out on this line. Mike Comrie has had a rough start to the series as well. Mike Fisher on the other hand has skated hard at times but he too needs to be accountable as his entire line has been guitly of not moving their feet therefore ending up in the penalty box a little too much. This line has been the most penalized line of both teams through the first two games. One if not both of these lines do not raise their level of play, they will be looking at a must win in Game 4 down 2-1 in the series.
Lastly, the Senators need to cycle the puck and get Brodeur moving side to side more instead of settling for perimeter play. Ottawa must pound the Devils defense to be more successful in the offensive zone.
I will be back after the game with a post-game report.
Kevin
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