We lost last night for 3 reasons.

1. Sens PK completely outplayed out PP. And most of that credit going to...

2. Anderson. The guy was a beast. Vokoun was as well, but Anderson came up just a little bit bigger. Vokoun should have had the W but was victimized by...

3. Our complete lack of killer instinct in the final minute when we had the wrong players on the ice.

And there you have it. Both teams are now showing up to this series. Im not worried the Pens will lose this series, but they should be. They need to go into every game hungry and willing to do whatever it takes. Play each game like a game 7.

I was all for Fleury playing this game and I couldn't have been more wrong. If he had the score would have been much more lopsided against us. I do think Jokinen needs to get in there in favor of Glass. Or even Bennett over Glass. I don't dislike Glass, but he has no place in these playoffs.

And lastly, to all the trolls, every player flops if they think they will give an advantage to their team. Do the Pens do it? Absolutely! Does your team? Damn right. Enough of the whining and crying. Go search Youtube and you'll find video of just about every player doing it at one point or another. You know why? Because it can give their team and advantage and they want to win. I'd do it.
- thickman1178

Lack of killer instinct? Have you ever seen a PP unit try to play the PK instead of the PP? I'm guessing that doesn't get practiced ever. It's like creating a new ST situation and throwing a mixed match group on the ice.

Bud you can write a book but if not for the worst coaching mistake in a long time your team is facing elimination in game 4. No disrespect but your team really lacks scoring and goaltending needs to be stellar every game for the Sens to have a chance. Even in OT the Pens we're the better team by far I thought. They just tried to play prevent Defense instead of running a PP.
- lloyd095

I didn't see a team that was better in game 3 at all - both were equally good. The Penguins goal came from a brutal turnover - the majority of the penguins shots were from the perimeter. This comment is eerily similar to the Hab posts in round one - there were so many cries of we controlled the play, we're the better team, etc but after all that the Sens still beat them on the scoreboard. Count them out, call them inferior, whatever - truth is this is the same script that has played out all season.

Now that they know they can beat the Penguins and now that Anderson has got his game in gear we're in for a good series. The Penguins better hope that vokoun and fleury are as good as Anderson the rest of the way.

Game 3 went a long way in helping the Senators get over the "OMG it's the Penguins" jitters...

I've been watching hockey since 85ish and I can say that was the worst way to lose a game that I can remember.
- lloyd095

I guess you didn't watch game 7 of the Leafs/Bruins series...

I didn't see a team that was better in game 3 at all - both were equally good. The Penguins goal came from a brutal turnover - the majority of the penguins shots were from the perimeter. This comment is eerily similar to the Hab posts in round one - there were so many cries of we controlled the play, we're the better team, etc but after all that the Sens still beat them on the scoreboard. Count them out, call them inferior, whatever - truth is this is the same script that has played out all season.

Now that they know they can beat the Penguins and now that Anderson has got his game in gear we're in for a good series. The Penguins better hope that vokoun and fleury are as good as Anderson the rest of the way.
Game 3 went a long way in helping the Senators get over the "OMG it's the Penguins" jitters...
- PixelDoode

Let me ask you this? Do you think with a 1-0 lead that the Pens gave the game away with their approach to the PP? The bottom line is we had the lead with a minute left and a PP...

Here is a good read - http://insidepittsburghsp...t-dump-and-retreat/58638/

I guess you didn't watch game 7 of the Leafs/Bruins series...
- PixelDoode

Yea that sucked but to me it was on the players. This one was a terrible strategy. A coach that panics instead of trusting his team even though Ottawa wasn't able to score for 59 minutes.

Bud you can write a book but if not for the worst coaching mistake in a long time your team is facing elimination in game 4. No disrespect but your team really lacks scoring and goaltending needs to be stellar every game for the Sens to have a chance. Even in OT the Pens we're the better team by far I thought. They just tried to play prevent Defense instead of running a PP.
- lloyd095

This is bang on. The poster forgets one simple thing that you brought up. If not for Byslma's major gaffe, its 3-0 Pittsburgh and Ottawa is getting ready to be booted Wednesday. It was nothing Ottawa did in that sequence. It was a poor decision by DB to employ such a ridiculous power play in the closing stages in a 1-0 game. It's simple hockey 0100. He failed. MacLean's actions during that sequence was nothing different than Therrien, or whoever Dallas' coach will be or even Edmonton's would do. Pull the goaltender to even out the skaters and charge.

Let me ask you this? Do you think with a 1-0 lead that the Pens gave the game away with their approach to the PP? The bottom line is we had the lead with a minute left and a PP...

Here is a good read - http://insidepittsburghsp...t-dump-and-retreat/58638/
- lloyd095

If he doesn't thin Pittsburgh gave away the game with their approach on that last power play, God help him.

Let me ask you this? Do you think with a 1-0 lead that the Pens gave the game away with their approach to the PP? The bottom line is we had the lead with a minute left and a PP...

Here is a good read - http://insidepittsburghsp...t-dump-and-retreat/58638/
- lloyd095

No doubt - what happened there was unbelievable. While I agree that the personnel could/should have been different it was the players who were to blame.

The Senators have done this comeback thing quite a bit since McLean took over as coach. They never give up and in this instance the Penguin players did and they paid the price...

I didn't see a team that was better in game 3 at all - both were equally good. The Penguins goal came from a brutal turnover - the majority of the penguins shots were from the perimeter. This comment is eerily similar to the Hab posts in round one - there were so many cries of we controlled the play, we're the better team, etc but after all that the Sens still beat them on the scoreboard. Count them out, call them inferior, whatever - truth is this is the same script that has played out all season.

Now that they know they can beat the Penguins and now that Anderson has got his game in gear we're in for a good series. The Penguins better hope that vokoun and fleury are as good as Anderson the rest of the way.

Game 3 went a long way in helping the Senators get over the "OMG it's the Penguins" jitters...
- PixelDoode

Dude, we get that you are happy, but its one game. Your posts are very similar to what we saw from Islander fans, and guess what? They played very well in stretches, but still lost. I hope if the Pens go on to win that we see your face here again, and see what you have to say then.

This is bang on. The poster forgets one simple thing that you brought up. If not for Byslma's major gaffe, its 3-0 Pittsburgh and Ottawa is getting ready to be booted Wednesday. It was nothing Ottawa did in that sequence. It was a poor decision by DB to employ such a ridiculous power play in the closing stages in a 1-0 game. It's simple hockey 0100. He failed. MacLean's actions during that sequence was nothing different than Therrien, or whoever Dallas' coach will be or even Edmonton's would do. Pull the goaltender to even out the skaters and charge.
- Oneonta Penguin

Again I agree but if not for the brutal turnover Tyler Kennedy wouldn't have scored. The Senators had as many quality scoring chances (see hands of stone Chris Neil's horrible gaffe) and the shot count was practically even. There was no superior team on this night (although you can fault the Pens PP or credit the Senators PK) and the law of averages panned out in Sens favour.

Looking at game 3 and just using that last minute you can definitely say the Pens should be in control with a 3-0 series lead but if you look at the whole game it was anybody's for the taking...

This is bang on. The poster forgets one simple thing that you brought up. If not for Byslma's major gaffe, its 3-0 Pittsburgh and Ottawa is getting ready to be booted Wednesday. It was nothing Ottawa did in that sequence. It was a poor decision by DB to employ such a ridiculous power play in the closing stages in a 1-0 game. It's simple hockey 0100. He failed. MacLean's actions during that sequence was nothing different than Therrien, or whoever Dallas' coach will be or even Edmonton's would do. Pull the goaltender to even out the skaters and charge.
- Oneonta Penguin

I give the Sens credit for making a nice entry and getting the puck up the ice very quickly and basically catching the Pens flat footed. It was a perfect play compounded by an epic defensive lapse by the Pens. So I tip my cap, but its still only one game.

Dude, we get that you are happy, but its one game. Your posts are very similar to what we saw from Islander fans, and guess what? They played very well in stretches, but still lost. I hope if the Pens go on to win that we see your face here again, and see what you have to say then.
- Emperor Filonius

The Penguins should no doubt win this series - I don't disagree. All I am saying is that discounting the Senators is a mistake. On paper the Penguins have a more impressive résumé BUT the Senators have nothing to lose and IF they win game 4 the Penguins will start to feel the pressure of expectation.

I'm excited that this team made of young prospects and good veterans is playing so well. The fact they made the playoffs is frankly quite impressive- I'm fine with them losing to the juggernaut Penguins as the experience is valuable to the organizational development of the team.

There is no expectation of them winning the cup in Ottawa at all. There will be no discussion of lost opportunity...

I do get a kick out of the lack of respect they continue to get though - the Habs made the mistake and it'll be interesting to see if the Penguins make the same mistake...

The Penguins should no doubt win this series - I don't disagree. All I am saying is that discounting the Senators is a mistake. On paper the Penguins have a more impressive résumé BUT the Senators have nothing to lose and IF they win game 4 the Penguins will start to feel the pressure of expectation.

I'm excited that this team made of young prospects and good veterans is playing so well. The fact they made the playoffs is frankly quite impressive- I'm fine with them losing to the juggernaut Penguins as the experience is valuable to the organizational development of the team.

There is no expectation of them winning the cup in Ottawa at all. There will be no discussion of lost opportunity...

I do get a kick out of the lack of respect they continue to get though - the Habs made the mistake and it'll be interesting to see if the Penguins make the same mistake...
- PixelDoode

I think you are viewing confidence in our own team as a lack of respect. We expect the Penguins to win and they should. No offense, but the Habs were not on the same level as the Pens, and were in the middle of an epic collapse going into the playoffs. I actually picked the Sens to win that series. The Senators should be applauded for what they accomplished to get in, but that doesn't mean that they match up against the Pens. Its not disrespect to Ottawa on our part, but just a matter of a different set of expectations here.

The Penguins should no doubt win this series - I don't disagree. All I am saying is that discounting the Senators is a mistake. On paper the Penguins have a more impressive résumé BUT the Senators have nothing to lose and IF they win game 4 the Penguins will start to feel the pressure of expectation.

I'm excited that this team made of young prospects and good veterans is playing so well. The fact they made the playoffs is frankly quite impressive- I'm fine with them losing to the juggernaut Penguins as the experience is valuable to the organizational development of the team.

There is no expectation of them winning the cup in Ottawa at all. There will be no discussion of lost opportunity...

I do get a kick out of the lack of respect they continue to get though - the Habs made the mistake and it'll be interesting to see if the Penguins make the same mistake...
- PixelDoode

Stop ... I can tell you after our first series, which was a tougher match-up for us (no offense), our guys have alot of respect for Ottawa. Just because some Penguin fans might not respect Ottawa as much, doesn't mean poop. It's all about what the players think.

The Canadians lost the series because they suck. It had nothing to do with lack of respect.

I think you are viewing confidence in our own team as a lack of respect. We expect the Penguins to win and they should. No offense, but the Habs were not on the same level as the Pens, and were in the middle of an epic collapse going into the playoffs. I actually picked the Sens to win that series. The Senators should be applauded for what they accomplished to get in, but that doesn't mean that they match up against the Pens. Its not disrespect to Ottawa on our part, but just a matter of a different set of expectations here.
- Emperor Filonius

This is bang on.

OK ... not too long ago, Pittsburgh was in major trouble with an eight seed and things were falling apart. So, with the series tied 1-1 and Detroit leading this game 2-0 after two, at what point is good old Chicago in trouble?

Again I agree but if not for the brutal turnover Tyler Kennedy wouldn't have scored. The Senators had as many quality scoring chances (see hands of stone Chris Neil's horrible gaffe) and the shot count was practically even. There was no superior team on this night (although you can fault the Pens PP or credit the Senators PK) and the law of averages panned out in Sens favour.

Looking at game 3 and just using that last minute you can definitely say the Pens should be in control with a 3-0 series lead but if you look at the whole game it was anybody's for the taking...
- PixelDoode

So, you are comparing a turnover that happens frequently to a major gaffe of a decision by a coach that doesn't happen? It doesn't work that way. Turnovers happen. You talk about Neil's gaffe. Seems to me Crosby missed an open net and he is alot better than Neil. Turnovers and missed open nets happen in the context of a game. bonehead decisions like Bylsma did don't happen. Who plays a power play the way he did? No one.

So, you are comparing a turnover that happens frequently to a major gaffe of a decision by a coach that doesn't happen? It doesn't work that way. Turnovers happen. You talk about Neil's gaffe. Seems to me Crosby missed an open net and he is alot better than Neil. Turnovers and missed open nets happen in the context of a game. bonehead decisions like Bylsma did don't happen. Who plays a power play the way he did? No one.
- Oneonta Penguin

Coaches make major gaffes all the time - just sayin...

OK ... not too long ago, Pittsburgh was in major trouble with an eight seed and things were falling apart. So, with the series tied 1-1 and Detroit leading this game 2-0 after two, at what point is good old Chicago in trouble?
- Oneonta Penguin

Detroit is a savvy team - that series is a pickem

Stop ... I can tell you after our first series, which was a tougher match-up for us (no offense), our guys have alot of respect for Ottawa. Just because some Penguin fans might not respect Ottawa as much, doesn't mean poop. It's all about what the players think.

The Canadians lost the series because they suck. It had nothing to do with lack of respect.
- Oneonta Penguin

Love it!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lets be honest regarding game 3!

#1 Both goalies were superb with Vokoun getting 3 less shots than Anderson.

#2 Pittsburg got more than double power play time than Ottawa including a 5 on 3 and a poor power play at the end of regulation while leading. We can all agree this does not regularly happen in such close games and in the playoffs. 4 high sticks hit Ottawa players and none were called.

#3 Spezza returned to the line up. Ottawa's future captain and best offensive player as he was top 4 in the NHL in points last year. This instantly made ottawa deeper as Turris who was playing on the first line center all season long moved down to the second line and made that line way stronger.

#4 Ottawa was on the ropes and had to win while Pittsburg played quite lazy at the end of the game in regulation which resulted in a goal.

#5 Greenings line was massive throughout the game

#6 Maclean had last change all game resulting in an advantage for Ottawa.



The things people should be thinking is can Anderson and Vokoun continue to play at that high level? Personally, I believe Anderson can. Vokoun is another story...

Also, will Pittsburg have double the power plays for the third straight game? Will they get another 5-3 and another power play at the end of regulation?

Will Malkin and Crosby step it up and score? After all Pittsburg should win this series on stats alone!

Will Ottawa score more than 3 goals on Vokoun now that they have a better offense?

Game 4 is going to be one awesome game. Sens 5-3 is my prediction!

Anyhow, cheers everyone!


Go Sens Go

I think you are viewing confidence in our own team as a lack of respect. We expect the Penguins to win and they should. No offense, but the Habs were not on the same level as the Pens, and were in the middle of an epic collapse going into the playoffs. I actually picked the Sens to win that series. The Senators should be applauded for what they accomplished to get in, but that doesn't mean that they match up against the Pens. Its not disrespect to Ottawa on our part, but just a matter of a different set of expectations here.
- Emperor Filonius

You're right...

But the playoffs can be a different beast. Once upon a time the Senators were a regular season beast that flamed out every year to the Leafs...

Coaches make major gaffes all the time - just sayin...
- PixelDoode

Not as egregious and unconventional as that. Sorry bud. You are fighting a losing battle on this topic here.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lets be honest regarding game 3!

#1 Both goalies were superb with Vokoun getting 3 less shots than Anderson.

#2 Pittsburg got more than double power play time than Ottawa including a 5 on 3 and a poor power play at the end of regulation while leading. We can all agree this does not regularly happen in such close games and in the playoffs. 4 high sticks hit Ottawa players and none were called.

#3 Spezza returned to the line up. Ottawa's future captain and best offensive player as he was top 4 in the NHL in points last year. This instantly made ottawa deeper as Turris who was playing on the first line center all season long moved down to the second line and made that line way stronger.

#4 Ottawa was on the ropes and had to win while Pittsburg played quite lazy at the end of the game in regulation which resulted in a goal.

#5 Greenings line was massive throughout the game

#6 Maclean had last change all game resulting in an advantage for Ottawa.



The things people should be thinking is can Anderson and Vokoun continue to play at that high level? Personally, I believe Anderson can. Vokoun is another story...

Also, will Pittsburg have double the power plays for the third straight game? Will they get another 5-3 and another power play at the end of regulation?

Will Malkin and Crosby step it up and score? After all Pittsburg should win this series on stats alone!

Will Ottawa score more than 3 goals on Vokoun now that they have a better offense?

Game 4 is going to be one awesome game. Sens 5-3 is my prediction!

Anyhow, cheers everyone!


Go Sens Go
- Canadianhero80

Goalies are made of flesh and blood. Goalies hold the fort but it's team game. the players the coach and everyone. Time will tell, we have the talent but we have doubts in our coach, we do.

Detroit is a savvy team - that series is a pickem
- PixelDoode

But, this is a 1 versus a 7 and the 1 won the President's Trophy. Funny ... Pittsburgh was in trouble versus the Islanders, but never trailed in the series. Should Detroit hold onto the 3-1 lead, they lead.