Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Penguins draw first blood

DAVID NAYLOR

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:21 PM EDT 09/04/08

Fleury posts first playoff shutout, Roberts scores twice in Pittsburgh win ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Martin Gerber showed up to play and put in a brave effort. The rest of the Senators should have stayed home. Beyond shameful. Gary Roberts was left alone in front of the net on both goals. Heatley and Spezza? The Bobbsey Twins have more presence. A betrayal of the support Sens fans have showed. Get out the golf clubs, guys.
  2. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: The good news is.... I thought Gerber played well.
  3. Fester Boyle from Bert's, Barbados writes:

    ...a little nervour, a little nervous, OK a lot nervous...
  4. Kevin Dooley from Canada writes: They'll have to want it more than this if the Sens don't want to go down 4 straight.
  5. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Mismatch ?

    And Sid didn't even score in this game ...
  6. Ermos Smith from Canada writes: Ottawa will not only get swept, but they may actually manage to get swept without scoring a single goal.

    They are PATHETIC!!!
  7. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: A season of 'BWAHAHAHA's'...reduced to nought in a single night.

    Shame it's not the Leafs pushing these heartless floaters out of the playoffs.

    Were is Super Troll these days?

    I miss his insightful comments.
  8. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: A solid game by the Pens. They killed two 5 on 3 PP against the Sens and carried the play to Ottawa. Bad news for the Sens in losing Volchenkov. They will need to dig deep and find a way to win the next one. Stupid play by Roberts with 15 seconds - what was he thinking? Look for the Sens to dress McGrattan for the next game and light a spark.
  9. Fester Boyle from Bert's, Barbados writes: Larfing Outloud, I may be going to BVI shortly. Where does one watch hockey there?
  10. David Snider from Ottawa, Switzerland writes: In the words of Yogi Bera, it's deja vu all over again. Except this time the Pens are doing the spanking and the Sens are raw-bottomed. It really did look like last year's game in reverse.

    I have accepted the fact that perhaps - just perhaps - the Sens may not make it very far this year (please note sarcasm, Trolls).

    Regardless ... hope for the best and there's always next year.

    GO SENS!
  11. Mac - GLG from Canada writes: Have to give Gerber full marks. Good for him.
    I hope Volchenkof (sp?) is ok - nasty puck in the face.

    Spezza and Heatly were invisible.
    Neil is nothing short of a JOKE. And they refer to him as Ottawa's tough guy. Damn thats funny. He only acts tough if he can read the name on a sweater.

    Pens were on cruise most of the night.

    3 more or 4 if there's a blue moon
  12. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: Fester, try the Flying Iguana or the Soggy Dollar Bar (DON'T eat the sandwiches, stick to the steaks).
  13. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Doesn't look like there's any spark for the Sens to light. Roberts sent a message at the end of the game to top off his excellent performance. This is a very tough bunch of talented kids who won't be pushed around this year. The Senators--with the exception of Gerber, who kept the score from being 6-zip--looked pathetic. The 5-on-3s were especially painful to watch.
  14. Fester Boyle from Bert's, Barbados writes: Larfing, thanks a bunch.
  15. lost ontarian from Canada writes: Burns, Speculating here but that was a smart play by Roberts. A few of our Sens found some balls after 55 minutes and started running a few Pitts skaters into the boards. He threw it back and all we'll remember is most of our guys backed away not that we were finally getting physical. Been saying it for a while now...Neil is a turtle! If your back is to him or if you weigh 50 pounds less he'll run you...stare him down and he's a candy$#%. Gotta love Roberts man...I always did. That said...kudos to Gerber for a great recovery and some key saves. I must admit that the radio guys here in Toronto did point something out that showed tonight. Murray does spend too much time complaining about calls. It seems to be distracting him from the task at hand. Not much of a difference tho between this team and the one Paddock coached. Playoff hockey simply isn't to their liking!
  16. G MACK from Toronto, Canada writes: They are done, but everyone knew that! Gerber was great!
  17. G MACK from Toronto, Canada writes: LOST ONT...

    Great post!
  18. The Seeker from Toronto, Canada writes: Ottawa wasted another good effort by Gerber...

    I hope he's not getting ripped in the Ottawa papers - what else can he do besides score some goals?
  19. Alfie Didn't Choke.... Like Really... from Canada writes: How good is it that after the rumour of Roberts going to Ottawa, and many many fans wanting him to come, they fail to get him, fire the GM over it. But then the story is 'ah... we didn't need him anyway, he's old, he can't do it anymore...' And he spanks them. But I hear Ottawa fans like it that way.
  20. lost ontarian from Canada writes: Gimme a break---what idiot ever said the Sens didn't need a Gary Roberts...JFJ? Paddock? Murray? Even gary Bettman has enough hockey insight to know that the sens would be a different team with a roberts or a sundin or an Iginla type instead of spezza or heatley. hell alfie goes down and they disappear!!
  21. Arron D from Stan's Home, Canada writes: Seeker that's a good way to put it. I thought Gerber played his usual game tonight, above average. Everyone else.... same game too... not so much. The Pens didn't look too impressive, though, so there is some light somewhere's down the tunnel, and it isn't the Ottawa - Toronot special.
    Ottawa has to come back next game and make the Pens pay for every second around Gerber, they failed that miserably tonight, leading to 2 Roberts goals.
    Overall about what i expected, aside from Messaros being impressively weak with the puck, and the Pens following his lead for big stretches, the score should have been higher, but for Pittsburgh and Gerber.
  22. Arron D from Stan's Home, Canada writes: Alfie, last time Ottawa punished Roberts in the play offs, he was invisible and his team went out in 5. He FINALLY gets some garbage from the front of the net and you want to celebrate? Cheer for the Buds much?
  23. Jake ---- from Canada writes: lost ontarian I think spezza is the problem. If you put heatly and roberts on the same line there would be scoring. I think spezza is an aspiring figure skater the way he dances around out there.
  24. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Lost Ontarian, have to agree with a lot of what you said. Pittsburgh was the more physical team and perhaps intimidated the Sens with the body. Dressing McGrattan might be the wakeup call that Ottawa needs. Gerber was Ottawa's best player.

    A lot of coaches seem to chirp at the refs. Complaining won't curry favour from any officials!
  25. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I was very disappointed with Gerber tonight. He did a good job keeping the puck out of the net but his passing and shooting at the opposition net left a lot to be desired.

    I am digging through the records to find out the last team in sports did not score, yet won the game.

    Since neither Spezza or Heatly want to step up - I suggest they become the fourth line. Better yet, send them to the press box for the next game.

    And shoot Donovan 'pour encourager les autres'.

    I remain a Sens supporter, should they fall in the first round, I will still treat them to an ice fishing experience off Brewery Bay.

    Once the ice has gone.
  26. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: I guess the only way the pens can win is if the other team is missing their captain, their power forward, their power-play specialist, and their defensive defensemen.

    A testament to the talent that the pens have: they can beat a depleted team! Congratulations, here's the cup.

    barf
  27. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: Heatley is hurt. Gotta be. He's never played like this before.

    Roberts, conversely, has always played like he did tonight. He's demoralizing.
  28. David H from Calgary, Canada writes: BAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAA!
  29. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Spezza has already signed to tour with the Ice Capades and Celine Dion...or maybe Melnyk will move the Sens to Vegas and rename them the Showgirls. No, wait a minute...let's trade the whole bunch for the Lightning. And they do have the first pick.
  30. j q from Canada writes: With the game 2-0, and Gerber keeping the Pens at bay in the 2nd, all the Sens had to do was pop a goal in on one of the 5 on 3's, and they're right back in it. The lack of urgency, and playing around the perimeter was reminiscent of some regular season games. Did anyone else feel the Sens were just not going to come back in the 3rd.

    Good on Redden for not backing down to Crosby. As Cherry said, what was Neil doing talking nice to Crosby? If Neil wanted to make a statement for the Sens, all he had to do was dance with Laraque in the last scrum.

    The tone has now been set by a 41 year old warrior who has burned Ottawa for 23 points in 24 games. While everyone will be focused on Roberts, it will leave Malkin, Sykora, and Hossa to take care of the scoring. Does anyone else expect the Sens to win with 4 major players out. The loss of Volchenkov's shot blocking and presence seems to be the final nail. Hope the injury is not too serious! Taking a 90 mph puck to the head has to be the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, he put himself in a weak position on the play. Don't know if he just fell forward or was pushed down from behind.

    btw, does anyone else think Brennan's column in the Ottawa Sun regarding Crosby's ankle was wreckless and classless? Sure, a journalist can be a 'homer', but directly calling for a slash to break Crosby's injured ankle has got to be a new low in the annals of sportswriting!
  31. King Dong from Kingston, Canada writes: Gerber performance tonight was encouraging. If the offense and defense can show up, the Sens may take a couple.
  32. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: j q, right on...PS did anyone see the satellite feed where they showed Spezza wearing his I-Pod during the PP? How about Heatley on the bench talking on his cellphone to his agent about his pending Alpha-Bits endorsement? Come on, you can't expect these stars to be thinking hockey with golf season just around the corner.
  33. Howard Young from Canada writes: Though Roberts got the first goal to get it going. I blame Redden for that one. Roberts gives him a bit of shuffle and he crumples. Worse than that, he lays on the goal line which prevented Gerber from making an easy stop. All Roberts did't was backhand the puck with his back to the net. It wasn't as though Gerber wasn't in a position to make a save and needed assistance. ------------------------------------------------------------ Commodore on a bad pinch gives up a 2 on 1 and Philips didn't even take away the shooting lane to force a pass. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gerber gave them a chance and time to score some goals to get things going, didn't happen. --------------------------------------------------- ----------- Heatley has been looking bad out ther lately, it's as though he doesn't look comfortable carrying the puck. I noticed this as well during the last 3 games of the regular season. ----------------------------- ----------------------------------Hopefully, Anton will be okay, his absence will only make a difficult mountain to climb even more steep.
  34. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: If I remember - one of the old sayings of hockey was 'Its not how you win or lose, but how you play the game'.

    The 2008 Sens do not know how to play the game. I'm waiting for the 2007 Sens - they have 6 or fewer to get there.

    I suggest the Sens take the bus back from Pitt after game 2 - it would give this team time to focus or blow apart - either option being better than what we are seeing now.
  35. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: Gary Roberts, the hockey player, that a number of experts, sports reporter experts that is, said of Roberts; He is too old, too fragile to help Pittsburg on the ice, his value to the team would be on the bench as a cheerleader. It would appears that Gary Roberts doesn't read the sports pages and didn't know he was washed up.
  36. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Howard - for all of us, use your notebook.

    Until this collection of 20 individuals remember they belong to a team, this Ottawa thread will be a short one this year.
  37. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: I agree with j.q. about Brennan's article in the Ottawa Sun: totally classless and idiotic. I love Mariposa's offer to treat the Sens to an the ice fishing expedition... once the ice has gone (lol) Finally, Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Spezza has already signed to tour with the Ice Capades and Celine Dion...or maybe Melnyk will move the Sens to Vegas and rename them the Showgirls. No, wait a minute...let's trade the whole bunch for the Lightning. And they do have the first pick. -------- Excellent idea! Here' a better name for the Sens: the 'Purse Swingers'. Am I dejected with my team? Of course not, I'm so proud of them... hey, another record in futility: I just heard tonight that in their last 11 post-season openers, they've been blanked FIVE times. Way to go, Sens... now I remember why I used to be such an avid Habs fan... Wait a minute, I AM a Habs fan. Why? Because THEY have a tradition of showing up when it really counts. The Sens, well, last year was a aberration, period. This is too much deja vu all over again. It's become a tired story. Three more games and then poor Sens fans are out of their misery. Go Les Canadiens go! (big sigh) There... I feel better already...
  38. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: I agree with j.q. about Brennan's article in the Ottawa Sun: totally classless and idiotic. I love Mariposa's offer to treat the Sens to an the ice fishing expedition... once the ice has gone (lol) Finally, Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Spezza has already signed to tour with the Ice Capades and Celine Dion...or maybe Melnyk will move the Sens to Vegas and rename them the Showgirls. No, wait a minute...let's trade the whole bunch for the Lightning. And they do have the first pick. -------- Excellent idea! Here' a better name for the Sens: the 'Purse Swingers'. Am I dejected with my team? Of course not, I'm so proud of them... hey, another record in futility: I just heard tonight that in their last 11 post-season openers, they've been blanked FIVE times. Way to go, Sens... now I remember why I used to be such an avid Habs fan... Wait a minute, I AM a Habs fan. Why? Because THEY have a tradition of showing up when it really counts. The Sens, well, last year was a aberration, period. This is too much deja vu all over again. It's become a tired story. Three more games and then poor Sens fans are out of their misery. Go Les Canadiens go! (big sigh) There... I feel better already...
  39. Howard Young from Canada writes: Testing Testing
  40. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: Just love that chant SEN-A-TURDS SEN-A-TURDS, It sounds so good I may have a tough time getting to sleep, that and a very satisfying smile. Remember this time last year they kept trying to tell us this was Canada's team, yeah and the world is flat too.
  41. Mark P from Saint John, NB, Canada writes: j q from Canada writes: 'btw, does anyone else think Brennan's column in the Ottawa Sun regarding Crosby's ankle was wreckless and classless? Sure, a journalist can be a 'homer', but directly calling for a slash to break Crosby's injured ankle has got to be a new low in the annals of sportswriting!'

    Absolutely agree with you j q. Brennan does all hockey fans a disservice---what he suggests amounts to encouraging a criminal assault. Truly despicable comments.
  42. Howard Young from Canada writes: Testing Testing
  43. Howard Young from Canada writes: J Q, Mark P, what else do you expect from the media? Maybe Brennan is related to Bobby Clarke.
  44. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Hope this was just a one game thing and Ottawa makes a series out of it.
  45. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Robert Lepage from Canada:

    Sour grapes, dude !

    Also, agree that the comments in the Ottawa Sun regarding a two handed slash at Crosby's right ankle were completely classless and despicable...

    I fear that the wrath of the Broad Street Bullies will now fall upon the Sens...

    Shouldn't tempt fate like that, Sens fans.

    Cheers.
  46. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Raymond,

    Already jumped to another bandwagon, or where you always with the habs and just supported the sens for some reason?

    Yes, I am sour because this is not a real comparison between the Sens and the Pens but the media and the pens fans are treating it like revenge from last year (the pens delivered a spanking to the very powerful and very dangerous sens team... minus their most dangerous players, conveniently missed in the article). Remove 4 key players from ANY team and they will hurt, not a real competition. It's a bit like fighting a one legged dog and claiming to have taken on a 300 lbs rabid rottweiler. Well, with the Sens' performance in the last few months, it's more of a toothless, arthitic and blind rottweiler. But if they were playing even marginally better, they might be likened more to an angry golden retriever, but it can still do more damage to a penguin than a handicapped canine!
  47. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Robert (Sens) and Raymond (Habs) Lepage:

    Are you guys related ?

    Uh-Oh, a sibling rivalry on the Sports' threads...

    Stand back, everyone -- This could get ugly!
  48. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Folks, the real problem is that Marty Gerber doesn't play golf, see? The rest of the guys just want to make their tee time at the Hunt Club. Marty, on the other hand, actually thinks he's in a playoff game. There ya go, eh. BTW if the series ends soon enough, Spezza, Heatley and Neil may have time to join the Canadian National team in China...the women's that is.
  49. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Unless I am a lost brother and was adopted by my parents, I can safely say that we are not siblings. Related? Must be.

    My father was once a habs fan too, as are most of my relatives living in Québec.

    Raymond, je ne voulais pas te choquer, c'est juste que j'étais sous l'impression que t'étais originalement un supporteur des sénateurs, pas de Russes.
  50. B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes: So Roberts sends a message by boarding a rookie in his first playoff game with 15 seconds left in a lop-sided victory? He should have left it at two goals. That last shift was totally classless.

    The Sens were already done with Aflie and Fisher out. Losing Volchenkov makes it even more likely. What a painful series this is going to be.

    Wherever Mark Bell ends up next year (assuming it isn't in jail again), cage or no cage, he's a dead man in his first game against the Sens.
  51. Nicolas Perrot from Ottawa, Canada writes: larfing outloud, you probably wet yourself every time you look at your lifesize eddie olczyk poster. Stop pestering us with your leafs. They're buried right beside where the sens will be in a week. As for you wayne powers, any canadian team that makes it to the finals becomes Canada's team. If one day the Blades get an upgrade, join the NHL and are in the finals, then I'll gladly cheer for them.
  52. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Robert Lepage from Canada:

    Things sure don't look good for the Sens right now.

    You know that old saying (that I just made up) that if the dad was once a Habs fan, the son will eventually be a Hab's fan too...

    Cheers.
  53. Nicolas Perrot from Ottawa, Canada writes: R Miller, my dad was a Nordiques fan. What will happen to me ? :-(
  54. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Miller,

    The Habs are my #2, IFF my Sens are out of contention. Things are looking rough though. There are so many habs fans that are downright fanatical (shames some of the leafs fans to be honest) to the point where I wonder if the person does anything aside from memorizing habs trivial trivia, like the name of the farm where the milk for Maurice Richard's 4th birthday cake was taken (and like...).
  55. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Nicolas Perrot from Ottawa, Canada:

    Sorry, Nick, but you've been screwed over on the Nordiques!

    Still there is that World Championship of Hockey that Halifax and Quebec City will be co-hosting this spring...

    What do you say that get our mayors to go splits on a NHL hockey team too ?

    ;)
  56. Matt O from The wrong kind of hockey town, Canada writes: The so-called fans in this town had already jumped off the bandwagon, so I think few noticed that the team actually lost.

    Still tickets available for the first home game here...can you imagine if a Canadian club can't sell out a playoff game? Disgraceful.

    By the way, an observation: I badmouth Sens fans a lot, but I am aware that there are some good ones. However, I realized today that the die-hards are largely folks that transferred their alleigance from the Leafs to the Sens. There are many of these people, having understandably tired of the Leafs futility...not that the Sens have given them much to cheer about as a reward.

    Anyway (and this is from a Habs fan talking), it seems as if the best Sens fans are former Leafs fans, while the rest are bandwagoners who have already jumped ship.
  57. Matt O from The wrong kind of hockey town, Canada writes: Oh yeah, all this Nordiques talk is making me near misty-eyed with nostalgia. I hated those Nords, but I loved those old Habs-Nordiques series...how many rivalries were so fierce that they provoked a biting incident (okay, maybe Oilers-Flames in the 80s, if Claude Lemieux had been on one of their clubs ;) ).

    Anyway, here's hoping that I get to see the return of NHL hockey in Quebec City in my life. Quebec, as a province, deserves at least two clubs.
  58. Nicolas Perrot from Ottawa, Canada writes: R Miller, I'll drink to that. We need another team out east. Speaking of the Worlds, totally forgot about them. This means i need a third tv in my living room ... and some serious divorce papers.
  59. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Headline #5- 'OPP and paramedics assisting at scene of massive Bandwagon pileup near Kanata, Ontario'
  60. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Matt,

    The Bell center is not sold out for the game on the 10th of April.

    Just FYI.
  61. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: It's tough to be quiet on this thread. Just like it was tough to figure out who to cheer for when the game started..... didn't take long to see which way the game was going to go though.

    I heard Volchenkov is ok and will play next game... that's good. Scary thought if that had hit him directly in the nose.

    For the record..... they was actually one media guy standing up for the Sens (Brunt). He suggested as I did that if the Sens can manage to win one (or two) and extend the series to seven. Look out.

    Me thinks they will be down two zip going back to Ottawa though. Hope the fans show up and support them like they did during that last win against the Habs.

    Cheers
  62. g h from Canada writes: Mariposa: Keep on posting. I like your humour, knowledge of the game and commitment to keeping the conversation on a higher plane.
    I can learn from you. Scot Loucks too.
    (and I can't stand the Sens. dang, you're good)
  63. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Don Brennan is a putz and his articles always make me laugh a lot. They are usually about player's hair, hot girls in the stands, his hangovers. I dont think anyone takes his articles very seriosuly especially the one trying to incite some physical play out of the senators. Neil is humourous the way he grabs guy's jerseys, pushes, and then wouldnt even make eye contact with Laraque at the end...ha ha This is a team that clearly backed into the playoffs. It is amazing the difference a year makes. Enjoy the next 3 games.
  64. vijay kumar from Ottawa, Canada writes: 'Volchenkov will play....' LOL nothing less than hits by tank shells will keep him off the ice, for long!

    Good times or bad, I am always a sens fan.

    On to game number two.
  65. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Gerber played well and his good play kept it from being a total gong show. Redden got pounded after trying to get cute with Crosby. Now that's team spirit Ottawa wished they had. Crosby looked very dangerous and was close to a couple of goals. Malkin looked super relaxed out there. Hossa was dying to score - 8 shots! Roberts is the old Yoda Jedi Knight...still kicking butt! You knew Spezza was going to suck after all the chirping he did the last couple of days and Heatley played his usual invisible game and no one could set him up for a couple of one timers. Philips was -2 and looked outmatched. Ottawa will overcompensate to Roberts and Malkin and Crosby and Hossa will take over. Where's my broom!?
  66. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Time for the Ottawa Sun to do a breathalyzer test before letting articles to be written http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/04/10/5243001-sun.html

    Brennan is an absolute fool. I dont think he even watches the games. I got into an email exchange with him several years ago and he is like a 4 year old making personal attacks at people. It was pretty funny. Guess that is whay he covers the amatuer baseball most of the time. He must have a low salary for them to keep him around.
  67. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: I didn't see Brennan's whack-the-ankle column, but judging by today's column, he's sure enjoying the attention he's getting. He mentions media and player (Laracque) feedback several different times, all the while pretending to be surprised and amused. I guess that's the sports columnist's way of avoiding having to admit he wrote something a bit silly.

    It does not surprise me that Ottawa gave up a goal on its first shift, and that they got shut out (though I'm definitely disappointed, nevertheless. ;) They're letting us know that this isn't 2003 or 2007; it's a regular year. With a regular year comes regular responsibility. These guys--most of whom weren't even there--are still haunted by the 2001 series against T.O., when they didn't get a goal until the second or third period of game three. If you can hold the Sens off the scoresheet for two periods, they panic. Bad.

    P.S. Why is Meszaros playing with Lee? Both of these guys should be playing with defensive vets like Phillips, Volchenkov or Commodore. When you have an offensive-minded rookie being backed up by another young (and defensively) shaky offensive-minded player, well . . . as Lloyd Christmas would say, 'Cripes . . .'
  68. Joel Parkes from Peterborough, Canada writes: So inspiring to see Gary Roberts out there again giving it his all.
  69. lost ontarian from Canada writes: Face it people...a few injuries or not, the Sens did not have some of their other supposed 'character' guys showing up to play. (Ok..for the last 40 games too!) But we all hoped they'd be there. The old 'Wait til the playoffs then watch Spezza...Heatley...Redden...Neil...Meszaros etc.' However, they didn't show. Hell, I wonder of they dressed for the game. Neil was like one of those schoolyard kids working to resolve conflicts among his peers. Heatley seemed angry that Crosby was actually trying hard. Spezza simply cannot land that double axel and Redden shouldn't risk an injury in a fight when we are already down a defenseman for now. All the apologists should beware: Some Sens fans are starting to sound like Leaf fans. 'yeah, we lost, but if we had....' That's scary!
  70. garlick toast from Canada writes: gerber did his part.
  71. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: P.S. For any disappointed Sens fans who need a pick-me-up, go to YouTube and watch Bill Buckner's return to (the new) Fenway Park on Monday. I get choked up just thinking about it. Then again, I'm not exactly what you'd call a 'rugged individual.'
  72. D K from Canada writes: 'Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: A season of 'BWAHAHAHA's'...reduced to nought in a single night.
    Shame it's not the Leafs pushing these heartless floaters out of the playoffs.
    Were is Super Troll these days?'

    I was wondering the same about Clark the Mighty. I wonder if he is still yelling CUUUUP for the Leafs in the ACC.
  73. Dom P from Ottawa, Canada writes: B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes:
    Wherever Mark Bell ends up next year (assuming it isn't in jail again), cage or no cage, he's a dead man in his first game against the Sens.

    Right... an which brave soul on this Sens squad will take Bell down? Whoever it is, the person would actually have to care that their captain was hurt by him... and from the looks of this team, not many seem to... unless giving Bell 'mean eyes' actually hurt him.

    love the 'Vegas Showgirls' comment Dave The Rave:)
  74. Tim Cares from Canada writes: Suspend Roberts for 5 games!!
  75. R A from Canada writes: Nice to see Roberts score a couple of goals...brings back memories :)
  76. Vern says you're a liar from Ottawa, Canada writes: Why are people talking about Roberts like the Sens refused to sign him???

    RECAP: Jacques Martin REFUSED to trade him to Ottawa. Murray tried to get him and Florida refused.
  77. Arron D from Canada writes: I was thinking about it this morning.. and Dress Richardson, he'll play a slower 'smarter' game than Red 'don't hit me please' den, or Mez-'what am I doing here again?'-aros. He's also meaner. The Sens desparately need mean.
    Then dress McGratton, and make sure he's never on the ice when Laracques is.. too much chance of them mixing it up, which usually goes badly for Ottawa. But have McGratton in front of Fleury, or hassling the kid. Sid doesn't seem to have much patience for anyone in his way.
    Finally, what Ottawa really needs to do, win / lose or draw is hit Pittsburgh. During the season when there was team in red to talk about, they hammered the Pens into hiding from the puck, that was missing last night too.
    Oh well, lets see what tomorrow brings.
  78. Buck Rogers from Canada writes: lesssee now

    redden coming off injury -playing hurt
    kelly - injured out
    alfredsson - injured - out
    heatley - playing injured
    fisher - injured -out
    volchenkov - injured - out
  79. Howard Young from Canada writes: I don't like how the Sens forward lines are being set up. I recognize there's a desire to have balanced lines but with several key injuries I think that idea has to go out the window. My preference would be to see Vermette play with Heately and Spezza, sorry Stillman. Vermette has been their best forward as of late. Robitaille with Heatley and Spezza has never worked.
  80. Vern says you're a liar from Ottawa, Canada writes: Arron: unfortunately, McGratton is a pylon. I'd love to see him stir things up, but he only has 3 assists and no goals all year.
  81. Howard Young from Canada writes: Buck Rogers. I don't believe Heately is playing injured, he's just playing poorly, plain and simple. Redden healthy or unhealthy is the same, has been this way for the past few years.
  82. Erik D. from Ottawa, Canada writes: 1 down, three to go...
  83. Tim H from Canada writes: a certain m0r0n kept repeating last november about how these turds have 'great goaltending, offense, defense and coaching'

    LMAO

    that loudmouth also said 'at least his turds have a chance at the cup bec they're in the playoffs'

    LOL

    what a joker that guy is...these turds have NO CHANCE AT ALL
  84. Mac - GLG from Canada writes: Tim Cares from Canada writes: Suspend Roberts for 5 games!!
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Having balls is no reason to be suspended.

    Suspend Heatly, Spezza and Redden for imitating hockey players.
  85. Arron D from Canada writes: Hey Tim, you're 3 Pittsburgh wins early. Just like that joker in November, you're talking crap about something you can only guess about.
    Let's see where the Sens are in 3 more games. Maybe you'll be right, maybe you'll be wrong. The only thing you can count on is Toronto players handicaps going up, they spend so much time on the course.
  86. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Ah, good to see the trolls out in full force...

    Ottawa could not capitalize on their PP....could really use Aflie out there. Good on Pittsburgh for making the most of Ottawa's early mistakes (Redden and Commodore). Gerber played well after a shaky start.

    Redden wimped out in what could have been the turning point of the season. Instead of standing up to Crosby (of all people), he chickened out and subsequently got beaten to a pulp by Whitney. Redden must have known that someone was going to drop the gloves with him, but he should have taken on Crosby instead of backing away to let a teammate step in. Gutless play, I cannot believe this guys wears the 'A'. I thought he was going to come out big this series, and while it is still young, I'm not so sure that Redden will prove me wrong.

    Spezza and Heatley need to get some shots off. They were playing pretty well at the start, but they need to score. Simple as that.

    Pretty good physical play throughout the game from both sides, I thought.

    Let's hope for a better outcome on Friday.

    GO SENS GO!
  87. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Too much talk about lineup changes. Hockey cliche #1- 'You need your best players to be your best players during the playoffs' Spezza, Heatley, Redden, et al are supposed to be the big guns right? Tampering with the lineup now is a sure sign of a team in disarray. You guys are having a panic attack based on one game. If you go down two the panic might be justified, but until then let Coach Murray apply his steady hand to the rudder.

    Cheers-
  88. Any Body from Canada writes: Suggestion to the Sens:

    Spend the next few days practicing hitting and crashing the net - forget about working anything else. (You should be able to pass and shoot by the time you hit the playoffs.)

    I hope for the Sens sake all their pleasantries from last night are part of some grand plan to fool the Pens into playing nice. Good luck with that.

    Sens - If a star player on the other team wants to get into it ...you pop him. What the hell were you doing with Crosby!???? Are the sens affraid that if they check Crosby, or for that matter Roberts, that they might re-injure one of their leg injuries? Part of the game. Stop being so soft.

    I was not impressed with the refereeing in either direction. A lot of inconsistent and dumb calls.
  89. Vern says you're a liar from Ottawa, Canada writes: Howard, I don't think Redden is injured. I think he lost his man card a couple of years ago and is still trying to find it.

    In all seriousness, whatever happened to Redden (Mother dying seems to coincide with his downfall), I fear it's permanent.

    By the way, I'm not under any circumstance making fun of his Mother's passing. I'm just saying that ever since she died he has been a different player. Maybe she was his rock and without her he's lost his way? Perhaps he turned to booze, drugs, whatever...But he is nowhere near the player he once was.
  90. Any Body from Canada writes: Vern - I am not a fan of Redden, but your suggestions (even with your weak disclaimer) are classless.

    '...Perhaps he turned to booze, drugs, whatever...'

    I think you could of made your point without adding the above trash.
  91. Vern says you're a liar from Ottawa, Canada writes: Any Body: Then please tell me just how someone goes from being selected for Team Canada and a 6.5MM multi-year contract a few years back to where he is today?

    You may have seen the disclaimer as weak, but it was sincere. I feel terribly for the man and cannot understand how he got to where he is.

    The man has been a class act in Ottawa over the past years. It will be sad to see him go...I really do hope that he can turn around...I would have figured though that this year would have been a great year for him, but even a new contract on the line can't get this guy back to what he once was.
  92. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: P P from Canada writes: 'Sens shouldn't even be in the playoffs the way they played the last half of the season. This is the begining of the end of the team as you see it. Looks good on them and there big mouth fans. (by the way, where are the big mouths now)'

    That is a pretty big mouth statement in itself. Good thing it contains useful commentary and insight. Excellent point, PP.

    I'm just hoping that the Sens can get 'their' game together by tomorrow. The veterans need to step up and play smart, and Spezza and Heatley need to play more like Spezza and Heatley.

    Vern - Redden has not been the same since '05-06. And there are rumours here in Ottawa that he is big into the coke. Regardless, the guy looks completely unfocused and generally disinterested. He's done a lot for the community, yes, but he hasn't done much for his teammates lately. His time in Ottawa has come to an end, agreed.

    GO SENS GO!
  93. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Raymond, Already jumped to another bandwagon, or where you always with the habs and just supported the sens for some reason? --------- R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Robert (Sens) and Raymond (Habs) Lepage: Are you guys related ? Uh-Oh, a sibling rivalry on the Sports' threads... --------- Sorry to disappoint you R. Miller. there is no sibling rivalry... au contraire. Coincidentally, though, I do have a brother called Robert, but this is not the same person here. Robert, my long-lost cousin (I like to think so anyway :-), you did not offend me in any way.... absolument pas. In fact, I'm amazed at how much we seem to be on the same (le)page all the time. Just like you, probably, I used to be a huge fan of Les Canadiens before the Sens came into existence in 1992-1993. ---------- As a resident of Ottawa, natural pride and 'civic duty' compelled me to endorse my new home team. From that point on, I consistently supported and cheered for the Sens, even during their darkest hours. That includes their infamous year of the 'Daigle Cup' (and the subsequent dud Alexandre turned out to be), the Yashin affair, the annual playoff disappointments... right up to this year's total fiasco. The way I feel now is that it's not me who's letting the Sens down, it's them who have consistently let down their supporters. As I wrote once before, this is a Canadian team that millions of people crave to love, but somehow there is not much to like about them. I'm being objective. -------- In the meantime, however, I always did say that the Habs were my no. 2 team. It's therefore an easy bandwagon for me to jump on, since I've always had great respect for that team's incredible history (24 Cups!). When players wear that jersey, they feel honoured and it shows. Watch them clobber the Bruins this year... again :-)--- I only wish that Sens players could show even half as much pride wearing their jersey...
  94. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Raymond Lepage - just brutal....and no shame at all in being a turncoat? Go cheer on your Habs then. Hard to imagine you've been doing your 'civic duty' all these years, including the dark years, the way you just attacked 'your team'. Should be interesting to see if you change your tune once the Habs are bumped, which they will be.

    At least that game one loss (yes, hard to imagine it was only game one, with the media and opposing fans already planning for a 2nd round in Pittsburgh) is giving the fairweather fans an early chance to jump ship.
  95. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: Ryan, you're right, I have no shame. Just call me a 'bigamist'... I'm married to the Sens, by the Habs are my mistress. Guess who's giving me the most fun now? :-)
  96. Rob C from Canada writes: I don't like these unsubstantiated coke rumours - Redden has sucked, but he seems to be a stand up guy - it's not fair to him unless it's proven - Sounds like some bitter fans trying to stain the guy's rep based on his poor play. Wendell Clarke had those stupid gay rumours because he had the same therapist as Toller Cranston or something ridiculous - and it was all BS - He handled it with class and moved past it...
  97. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: As for my 'turning' against my team, that is not entirely true. I've always had this love-hate relationship with them. I guess I'd rather be passionate than just a dull follower. I like to call it like it is. There's a old French saying that literally means 'when you love, you chastise.' ('qui aime bien chatie bien...')
  98. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Rob C - the rumours date back to when Andre Roy was with the club. He apparently got Redden into coke, and that's why the Sens shipped him out of town. This isn't just something being tossed around by bitter fans because he's sucked. Word floats around Ottawa pretty quickly, and this particular rumour has been around since before he sucked.
  99. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: Ryan, you're right on about Redden. This is exactly what I mean by calling it what it is. I do feel sorry for the guy...
  100. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Right, Raymond. You can call it like it is, a lot of us Sens fans do. That was a frustrating game for all of us to watch, and it was even more frustrating seeing Redden, one of our veterans, shy away from a chance to stand up for his team.

    We all have a love-hate with the Sens....things aren't always peachy keen, as is currently evident, and certain players need to be called out. But to turn around (after game one, no less) and cheer for another team (who could also lose game one), is, in my opinion, turning against your team.

    It seems like there are a LOT more Habs fans out there than last year. When weather is fair in Montreal , I suppose...
  101. Howard Young from Canada writes: Paul I, with the injuries Murray has no choice but to juggle the lines. Add to that people who are new to the club when the team is already having difficulties adds another dimension. Redden hasn't been a big gun for several years. The team's biggest points guys are Spezza, Alfie, Heatley, Stillman, Vermette and Fisher (in that order). Two are out and I can't really comment on Stillman since the bulk of his points were from when he was a Hurricane.
  102. Number One Leafs Fan from Toronto, Canada writes: Now that is the Roberts we all know and love! Get the game winner, crosscheck a rookie from behind into the boards with 15 seconds left and call on the whole Sens team from behind the refs! Heart and grit like they can't teach you at school, kids.

    We might have seen this years Comm Smythe pounding, taunting and embarassing the Sens.

    Good job by the turtle. Things get rough and he grabs onto CROSBY! hahaha

    How much difference a year makes. I predicted 4-0... as the series score, not the game one score....

    Game 1 - 4-0 Pitts
    Game 2 - 3-0 Pitts
    Game 3 - 6-1 Pitts
    Game 4 - 2-0 Pitts
  103. Howard Young from Canada writes: Ryan M, I more POed at Neil than Redden for the Crosby dust up. Crosby cross checked Redden and Redden gave him a shot, the two started trading jabs and Neil comes flying in to pull Crosby away. Why didn't he let Redden and Crosby sort it out? While Neil's making out with Crosby in the corner Redden gets his number called by Whitney. A bit of mismatch given the size difference between the two, and it didn't help that Redden had his jersey pulled over his head. Neil should have been standing there to stop a 3rd man from jumping in between Redden and Crosby or fight the 3rd man in who went after Redden because you knew someone from the Pens was going to come into protect Sid.
    Cherry's comment about Neil and Sid was right.
  104. Raymond Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: Yes, Ryan, but I told you about my history with the Habs. I was on their bandwagon from my early childhood right up to the Sens birth just 15 years ago. I said it before : I have a double allegiance... it's like dual citizenship... nothing wrong with that in my book. ------------
    I'm not the type of guy who would go to Scotiaplace and boo the Sens off the ice. I'm just thoroughly pissed off with their perennial lack of grit and character year after year, and needed to get this off my chest.------------
    Here are my true colours: Go SENS-HABS Go! May the better of the two teams go as far as possible. By the way, I also say 'Go Flames Go' too. Will someone just please bring the cup back to Canada? (We know that won't be the Leafs, though... tee! hee! -'tee' as in golf.. :-)
  105. G MACK from Toronto, Canada writes: PAUL ROCHESTER...

    You said it best! Your best players need to show up...that's it!

    Heatley and Spezza must be embarassed and frustrated...which only breeds tight play and bad judgement on the ice.

    It's over regardless of what BRUNT says...Sorry SCOTT, but how do you ever see eye to eye with the likes of him anyway?
  106. Barney Rubble from Canada writes: First Blood? More like drawn and quartered!

    so what if the sens aren't playing at full throttle - with the injuries and turmoil they have had the last four months its amazing they are in the playoffs at all

    No one has been able to explain how it is that the team could play so well the first quarter to the half and then play 500 hockey the rest of the way without resorting to some sort of vacuous and specious attack on various personalities.

    How about some actual analysis? You might begin by looking at their rotating injury list and the turmoil with Emery among other things.
  107. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Howard, I still have to fault Redden. When they were pushing eachother around, Redden distinctly backed off while still staring at Crosby. Had he actually wanted a piece, he could easily have had it. It was obvious to me that Redden backed away. Redden getting jerseyed was unfortunate, and he lost embarrassingly because of it.

    But what we witnessed was textbook Redden. He chickened out when things looked like they were going to get dirty. Hoe many times did he cough up the puck last night to avoid taking a hit? The guy is soft through and through, and that's why he didn't have the guts to teach Crosby a lesson. He took one, instead, and the team suffered because of it. Not the kind of leadership this team needs.
  108. Howard Young from Canada writes: Ryan M, no disputing that Redden is soft. The only potential danger you run into is if Redden goes after Sidney its sets the Penguins on fire. It could boost the Sens but it could also backfire on them as well. Sidenote, believe it or not, I think Redden dropped the gloves before Whitney did.
  109. Nick Wilson from Toronto, Canada writes: The rumors of wade Redden being on coke are completely ridiculous to say the least and uncalled for. Do you seriously think that Ottawa part ways with Andre Roy because he was on coke? Andre Roy is a mediocre player at best who had very little utility on any teams he played for. The Sens got ridded of him because of his poor skills. Redden sucks it's true, but don't drag the guy in the mud unless you can prove your accusations.
  110. R A from Canada writes: Seriously I dont think it matters who wins this series or comes out of the East. Last night was the 1st time Ive sat and watched 2 Western teams play (at least the 1st period anyways) and have come to the conclusion that either one of those teams would wipe the floor with any Eastern team.
  111. Howard Young from Canada writes: I have friends who work in law enforcement in Ottawa and the comment from them is that Redden is clean, he likes to party like any other pro athelete with a lot of money and celebrity, but he's apparently not involved with the white stuff. Now as for some other rumoured player(s), ahem, no comment.
  112. Howard Young from Canada writes: RA, so should the East just hand the cup to the Western conference and call it a day?
  113. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Raymond,

    I was only 7 when the habs last won the cup. At the time, I was more interested in Transformers than hockey.
  114. Number One Leafs Fan from Toronto, Canada writes: R A - agree. They are built from defense out. The largest difference I noticed during the regular season I think is defensive end turnovers. The East is terrible for it. Quite pathetic actually.

    And regarding Redden / Neil / Crosby ... Neil did the right thing, but it shouldn't have been Neil doing it. Crosby had to be taken out of the equation because it would rally the Pens. Neil might be a bonehead, but he understands the momentum against his team it would have caused.

    Redden lost but at least drew blood. Always makes it a wash in my books.
  115. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Nick - they reputedly got rid of Roy because he was a bad influence on Redden, not necessarily because of his own habit. Roy sucked, no doubt. the organization didn't want to see Redden get hooked, I guess.

    R A - did you see any of the Minny-Colorado game? Minnesota has to be on the best-coached teams out there. The West certainly is a lot bigger and more bruising. I can't see San Jose lasting, they don't seem nasty enough.
  116. Rob C from Canada writes: Ryan - I guess you're right then - word travels fast is smaller cities - there's no hiding....Emery apparently sleeps around a bit, now that can't be true can it?
  117. R A from Canada writes: Howard Young - YES, that is exactly what I meant and that is what they should do....you overreact much?

    Ryan, I just watched the 1st of the Calgary game and those guys are impressive - if San Jose is not tough enough then I cant wait to see these other teams :)
  118. Howard Young from Canada writes: RA, no not really. I just threw out that sarcastic comment because I think the East can compete. For example, Detroit made it to the western conference final and kept it close with the Ducks. I know some will say, yeah but Detroit is a western conference team, but it's a bit of a fluke that they are. I would view Detroit's style of play as being more Eastern Conference than it is Western conference and they were able to come out on top of the western conference this year despite not being a big bruiser like team.
  119. sam themacman from Waterloo, Canada writes: Gerber put his teamates to shame. Why didn't anyone hit a Pens player out there? No one stepped up to make a statement. The Sens need to respond physically, even if it means the player is kicked out of the game. They were run rough shod last night. Gerber was left all alone. Shame on the Sens!

    And this is coming from a Habs fan! Shame on the Sens!
  120. Gordon Howe from HockeyTown, United States writes: HMMM. Loud Canadian must be out on a long haul. Thought for sure he'd be posting here but maybe he's off the wagon again. Actually I thought the Hens played rather well. Except for a couple of miscues in the first they were in it the whole way. I also thought Gerber played great. It could have easily been 6-0. I'm not at all impressed with the Pens PP. They better get that figured out because the longer the Hens hang in there.......

    Now you know why the Hens fans wanted Roberts. Second game back and Blammm. Someone said get Mc Gratton out there? LaRoque would eat his lunch. I noticed also Neil was kinda missin last night too, afterall it's playoff time. Tough play for Volchenkov. Hope he's OK. He's their best D Man for sure.
  121. Howard Young from Canada writes: Gordie, Neil was busy waltzing with Crosby looking all misty-eyed. Yes, and I agree that McG could not hang with LaRoque. There are few in the league who could I think. I would like to see him square off with Boogard.
    • Posted 10/04/08 at 12:13 PM EDT |