Some advice for the legion of Senators fans....be disappointed...be frustrated. Don't get angry. Jason Spezza's blind passes aren't done because he doesn't care. He's trying. Maybe too much. Elliott and Leclaire let in way too many goals. Not because they're not trying. Hockey players don't like being embarrassed. They hate to lose. Forget about anger...it will ruin your day.
Why are the Senators losing? Other than the obvious....goalies who can't stop pucks....the Penguins are way too deep in talent. Their defence is much better than advertised. Marc Andre Fleury in net hasn't been great. He's been better than Brian Elliott and that's all that matters. And of course you've got Crosby and Malkin and Staal up front. They won the Cup last year, and made it to the finals two years ago for a reason.
A couple of quick notes about last night – It was a bad day at the office for the referees. But they did not lose the game for the Senators. It was a bad night at the office for too many of the players. When a playoff game has the feel of a late September pre-season game, you can't put it all on the refs.
Goaltending? Pascal Leclaire: if he hadn't given up that terrible final goal of the game, he would have been the easy choice for Game 5 in Pittsburgh. That goal reminds everyone why he spends so much time on the bench. Brian Elliott will likely get the call in Pittsburgh, but ask yourself.... does the team stand a chance if he's the last line of defence? Let in a goal and his confidence is shattered. Why not go with minor leaguer Mike Brodeur? What have the Senators got to lose?
Remember when the team was dying this winter during that long stretch without a win? Brodeur was the guy who came in and turned it around. He hasn't lost an NHL game yet (OK he hasn't played in that many). Maybe, just maybe, he'll bring some energy and confidence to a team that needs both.
What do you think?
- Terry
