After the Ottawa Senators spoiled a much-anticipated debut on home ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pens have battled back and won the past two games of the series. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in game three; to give the Pens the 2-1 series lead.
Pittsburgh seemed to settle down and play the brand of hockey that many of us are used to seeing during game three, highlighted by Crosby’s third straight multi-point effort. In fact, Crosby currently has the most points of any player in the playoffs with seven (two goals and five assists).
"It's impossible to stop him, especially every night," Senators coach Cory Clouston said about Crosby, after Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. "He was the best player on the ice and he showed what he is able to do. When they needed a goal, he made a big play.” If the Senators have any chance at brining this series back to Ottawa after game four, they will have to try to eliminate Crosby’s second chance opportunities.
To add insult to injury the Senators will be without two of their premier forwards Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek. Kovalev and Michalek tore their ACL’s during Ottawa’s 5-4 win in game one. Oh, did I forget to mention defenseman Filip Kuba will also be out for the remainder of the playoffs? Yikes!
"We have to pull together right now," Senators right-winger Daniel Alfredsson said. "It helps that we're so comfortable with our system.” They will have to get better production out of goaltender Brian Elliot who has looked shaky during the series posting a 3.39 gaa and an atrocious .868 save percentage. Many predicted the Penguins to falter in the playoffs including myself, however one thing we did not take into account for would be injuries. Game four is scheduled for Tuesday April 20 at 7 P.M.
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