In the pivotal game five, Craig Anderson played what may have been his best game as an Ottawa Senator. He made a number of remarkable stops and kept a hard charging New York Rangers team off the scoresheet. Anderson was extremely sharp during four first period penalty kills and kept the Sens in the hockey game.
With Anderson playing the way he did, the Sens didn't need much in the way of goal support but they got a pair of huge goals from Jason Spezza. After two days of hearing about how he hadn't produced enough in this series, Spezza stepped up in a big way, scoring one goal in the first and closing out the game with an important empty net goal.
Have to love the way Spezza stepped up in a big game, even hitting the deck to block a shot in the third period.
Solid team effort top to bottom but I really liked the game of Sergei Gonchar last night. Gonchar takes a lot of heat at times but he is an extremely important defenceman for this hockey team. He logged more than 26 minutes and was a stabilizing presence on the Sens blueline
Mark Stone made his NHL debut and didn't take long to find the scoresheet as it was his pass that sprung Spezza for the game's opening goal. Stone looked quite comfortable in his 8:43 of ice time and gives the Sens another option up front.
Should be interesting to see what MacLean does with the line up on Monday night with Silfverberg potentially available.
Plenty of talk about a massive hit by Chris Neil late in Game 5. He caught Rangers forward Brian Boyle with his head down and knocked the big man down. Despite the grandstanding by John Tortorella after the game, there will be no suspension for the hit.
After their shutout win in Game 5, the Senators now return to the ice at Scotiabank Place with an opportunity to eliminate the New York Rangers. Can't wait to see and experience the atmosphere at SBP on Monday night.
Sens are scheduled for a 1:00 PM practice in Ottawa. Will post updates from that practice when they become available.
GO SENS GO!!!
I was impressed with Stone's game as well. He didn't look slow at all and made a few nice plays. I think the atmosphere of MSG made him a little nervous and hesitant at times but he looks like he could be a regular next season which to me is a surprise. I thought he'd have to at least start in bingo.
I agree with Gonchar. It really bothers me when people compain about him. He is actually one of the very best puck moving defenceman in the league. I think without him our team would really struggle moving the puck when Karlsson isn't on.
Soo happy to see Neil clean Boyles clock. I was waiting for Neil to K.O someone and he finally did. Amazing
Spezza...the word that comes to mind about him is maturity. The old spezza would have never been this clutch. The media was after him and he kept saying the right things and then goes and shuts everyobody up by being the game 5 hero.
Biggest props to Paul Maclean though. I think him out coaching Torts is by far the biggest difference in the series so far.
Anything can happen...
VAN in 6,STL in 6,CHI in 5,NSH in 7.
This was the EA sports simulators predictions before the playoffs started.
lol
Was the Neil/Boyle hit very similar to (I think) Phaneuf on DaCosta at the beginning of the season?
How many players cut across the middle like that and get nailed.
Someone else mentioned this.. but if Boyle did not do his antics in game 1 -- would the Sens have even put Carkner or Konopka in the lineup...
Stone did not look out of place. Still has some improvement needed on his skating.. but not a lot...
IF Boyle was concussed... why no quiet room? Did he not play the rest of the game? I'd had a lot of wine by then.. but I thought he was out there.
Another thing that surprises me is that the Rangers and their fans are not up in arms over the Greening hit on Gaborik (I think) -- that was a good one as well...
If you can't take it Rangers.. then don't dish it out.
This isn't the most skilled team we've ever had, but it's without a doubt the grittiest, most hard working, determined team we've ever had, and probably the most well coached, and the goaltending is definitely the best we've seen here in Ottawa.
Unlike most of the other playoff teams, we have a venerable stable full of prospects and cap space galore. Thank God we didn't do anything stupid like fire Murray and put Pierre MacGuire as our GM.
The only teams I feared coming into the playoffs were Boston and Pittsburgh, and with those two teams potentially out, we could be seeing playoff hockey in June in Ottawa.
AFM, even I have to admit Anderson is blowing my mind this round. He found the extra gear I did not think he had. It's great to see!
The hit wasn't late, it wasn't a charge, Neil didn't leave his feet before contact. It was a head shot but Neil looked like he was looking for a shoulder to shoulder check, and Boyle had his head down and was watching his pass. It was a great hit for sure.
I can't stand the way he conducts himself behind the bench and in front of the media. He's such a whiney little bitch who thinks his team can do no wrong. He thinks his shit doesn't stink and just comes across as so arrogant.
His plea to the NHL last night in that media scrum when he was going on and on about the Neil hit just wreaked of desperation.
Tortz should take his own advice to Joe Thornton and Pete Deboer and honestly just shut up.
Tortz makes me appreciate Maclean even more than I already did. Mac carries himself so well and is a class act all the way.
I'm not sure I want to play Florida, I kind of like being in the role of underdog!!! And I think we would be considered the favorites in that matchup especially after eliminating the #1 seed.
On 2nd thought why am I (we) even thinking about the 2nd round??? We still have work to do in the 1st!
Go Sens Go
Huge game on Monday!
Just read at the Sun that Neil has been cleared!!
Like he should have been!
definitely nice to see...but rest up fair captain...the kids are doing alright without you :) I am more excited now than when we made the finals in 2007, the talent level may not be there, but the heart and compete level are, and that can go a long way with a hot goalie.
Sens can't let this go to game 7... they need that win in game 6...
http://thestar.blogs.com/thespin/
"According to Chris Stevenson, unnamed Devils players were telling unnamed Senators players how lucky they were to play for a team that encourages creativity."
Haha "Tool" is putting it nicely when talking about Damien Cox. I can think of much better words to describe that jack-ass but I don't think Chirp would appreciate such language on his site lol
One thing we all know, Cox has always had in it for the Sens.
He's actually like that about everything. Living in Toronto I can tell you no leaf fan has any love for the guy. He sees himself as a provocateur, and frankly that's part of his job as a columnist.
And to be fair, he wrote a glowing piece about Alfie and the Sens the year we almost went all the way.
I had some buddies who were at the Fox and the Feather and they said the Alfie chant was strong there as well.
So well done to everyone who started this idea!
Not sure if it's the bad news about Levon Helm this week, but Joe Thorton could totally star in a biopic about The Band.
see NHL videos freeze on this page:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/04/21/neil_boyle_hit_snators_rangers_game5/
I think we might have a chance at the cup!
Has anyone else started playing around with their team for rd 2?? Assuming this Pitts/Philly game ends how it is I have SO MUCH capspace to play with it is unreal. If the series all go how I expect my initial team has almost 6 million left WOW>
Also...I am SO happy for Elliott playing absolutely amazing.
WOO GO SENS GO
Hopefully parise? And ya I would love to face the panthers, I think silfverberg doesn't play tomorrow unless alfie is out
West
LA(8) VS STL(2)
PNX(3) VS NSH(4)
East
Ott(8) vs FLR(3)
WSH(7) vs Phi(5)
I love that and honestly don't see anyone as head and shoulders above anyone else. How amazing would an Ott vs Nsh final be??(not too get too far ahead of ourselves)
Or Ottawa vs St Louis...facing Elliott...again ...very premature...but all match ups would be interesting.
Actually I fear Washington way more than Pittsburgh...Wa shington has given us fits for a while if I recall...Pittsb urgh we've always played well against
but it goes without saying id take Washington as an opponent over Boston any year of the decade lol
as long as he doesnt beat us in the finals ;)
ohhhh man if he comes out during the warmups at game 6 I think the buildings top might come off
:(
No doubt...I still think it is a long shot at best that we go to the finals....But my god this team has shocked me at absolutely every turn this season. I openly admit I was in the we will be in the lottery and hopefully draft first or second overall camp....Needles s to say I am much happier with the way that this season has and continues to play out.
At every turn I am still expecting to fall back to earth and each and every time it doesn't happen...it honestly feels like one of those sports stories that will become a movie in 25 years(or judging by hollywood 2 months seeing as they have nothing original)
Go Sens Go
Agree 100000% I despise the Canucks as much if not more than the Leafs and Habs.
Go Sens Go
Kesler is the worst of them all.
especially after Burrows little trick of oops I opened the door for a shift change, it was just coincidence that Jesse Winchester fell down further after being pushed...sure Burrows...compl ete weasel.
Oh believe me I know that....the ONLY reason I started doing it was for our playoff hockey pool...and with what I think(hope) happens things started to become clearer and look pretty awesome.
And Vigneault defends them like they are saints...agreed s*it disturbers are needed, but those 3...they go way too far. i heard Kesler likes to dive and flop quite a bit...maybe he should have been a soccer player.
Go Caps Go
Can't be more fair than this if it's the case, Hagelin would have missed the same number of games as Alfie.
I cant wait for what is sure to be one of the best atmospheres I've ever been a part of. I was in the building when Eberle scored the goal vs. the Russians and I never thought I'd top that.
Hopefully tomorrow night is twice as good
Frankly imo if a player injures someone else being out the same number of games isn't in fact fair...a few extra as they were the one who did something wrong would be fair.
that was my original thought too, but then i realized the suspended player loses some cash too, while the injured player doesn't, i'd say that evens it out
Yep, gotta give you that one. Good point.
Like a flaming sack of doodoo.
He was toned down last night, I think, because he sees the writing on the wall. Surprised he can read. But he wasn't his normal obnoxious biatchy self.
Financial punishment is a joke when it is a few 1000 for millionaires... I laugh every time that they fine someone.
yeah when its the 2500 fine its a joke, but if its 3 games in an 82 game season their losing 36.5k/million they make. that being said i've heard playoffs financial ramifications are less
as per tsn.ca and nhl.com....its 7 tomorrow...rats ...B's up 2-1
I live in BC, and concur 100% they are the worst fans in the NHL, don't pay any attention to any other Canadian team, there wasn't a single person out cheering for Ottawa last night. They don't even pay attention to the Canucks until the playoffs then just assume their team is the best, it's embarrassing.
Go Sens Go
I would not be surprised if Tortorella replaced Boyle with John Scott.. with orders to take out 'someone' -- key player on Ottawa to give Rangers a better chance to come back... He would be that desperate to save face for his team to take this series to game 7...How dirty will they be on the road as compared to at home....
Although I suppose you could also look at it as proof that coaches do in fact do it.
I really like the way Carkner did it too...when he had Boyle on the ground he wasn't teeing off on his face but instead going after his body. I think he knew he was already getting suspended but if he was pounding on his face while Boyle was defenseless on the ground, he would have received one hell of hefty suspension. Shows he's not crazy but is actually thinking and doing it for a reason. Gotta love the clean but effective enforcers!!
Seeing the punishments that are dolled out by NHL officials, I doubt guys are worried about putting bounties on players' heads.
I know that a lot of people would like to see some youngsters get a shot next year but you have to admit Kuba sure can shut down the opposition. I'm sure Anderson would be the first to admit how much this teams needs him.
Wrote my "two cents" about the article and the "author" in the comments section. Then it said the comment would be reviewed and approved by the author..
Guess I just wasted 5 min of my life...
Go Caps, Go Kings!!
If you can't take it Rangers.. then don't dish it out.
you nailed it there.
I agree we have to finish this series first but it is hard not to acknowledge how nice the other teams are working out for us for round 2 and beyond.
For me I would love to play (beat) the preds in the finals.
for now though Alfie in and kick the Rangers ass in our building is all I want.
I really hope the Sens can put the Rangers away tomorrow.. I would hate to go to NY for a game 7 if I was them...
The 7th man makes a difference tomorrow night. Going to the game... can hardly wait. What a reception they will get at the start of the game...
Ooh-ahh-Silfverberg, say oo-ah-Silfverbe rg
This damn chant has been stuck in my head for hours haha
HA! i knew i wouldn't be the only person repeating it over and over in my head.
Haha i been chanting it in my head since noon
67s win 7-4 to take a 2-1 series lead on the confrence finals vs niagra. shane prince with 1g2a today.
heres a photo of him celebrating after his goal
https://twitter.com/#!/Chops613/status/194208790034382848/photo/1
Thats really sweet, they gave the 67s a free win or they counted today as a double game? Series is TIED 1-1. Go 67s GO!!!!
Prince is looking good. Some might say like a prince
It's been stuck in my head since yesterday morning when I first saw the vid...so excited to see this kid play!
Wouldn't it be amazing if the crowd at SBP could chant this tomorrow night as a welcome for him? I bet that would really fire the kid up, and I don't think he would ever forget such a moment.
GO SENS GO!
ah i think you are correct, not too sure how i thought it was 2-1. thanks
33
I think I am leaning towards him....not sure I want him on the heritage though...I feel that one should be Alfie/Neil
Yeah you have to go Alfie on the Heritage jersey. Though Neil or Phillips would be solid as well.
Hagelin is back tomorrow so that's likely who replaces Boyle (unless Boyle passes all the tests and/or Torts was full of shit).
Where did you see that? MacLean's home downing a few watching the Canucks isn't he?
Of course I just heard Healy say good things about Ottawa - so who knows what color the sky is anymore?
Hagelin's suspension is over. He's drawing in so the only way Scott plays is if someone else sits (other than Boyle).
And hell, if Torts wants to shorten his bench even more by dressing Scott (who is useless) and basically give up on the series then so be it!
i saw it on tsn update they also said that alfie practiced today and he might play tomorrow as well
Yeah saw Alfie saying he's "hopeful" and that he's been feeling good for two days. Would be amazing if he can play though I just can't see dropping Silfverberg in so soon - without even 1 full practice with the team.
In Paulrus we trust though.
I want to watch the game at a bar or restaurant tmrrw with some friends... does anybody know any good places to catch the game downtown)prefer ably in/near the market?
GO SENS GO!!!
17:00 minutes in to 3rd period.
Game tied at 1 a piece.
Spezza cutting through the middle with speed, drop passes to Silfverberg.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpAl6Y4fUlo
Semifinals we go...
Worth the walk down to Elgin (MacLaren's or pretty much any other place with a Sens flag in the window).
Zippy, that is the first worthwhile thing I've seen you post on here. Thank you for that.
2-3 games not too bad
Now for Wash to win game 7
Oh and us to win game 6
I think I just saw Lappy and Burrows torching a cop car on CTV news Vancouver. Here we go again!
Hands up if you predicted that at the start of the season back in October.
Anyone ?
Hee Hee
Note to Vancouver Police Department - you canput the riot gear back into storage.
Man I would kill for tickets for tonight....want to win them somehow
Story on the Alfie Chant
Nice that you were involved chirp!
Top 21 listed...this ones for you HAX!
T1 T144 -- tcharger 94
T1 T144 -- DenisVial 94
3 T189 -- nyjets1967 93
T4 T236 -- Bluenose 92
T4 T236 -- Bradweiser 92
T6 T345 -- Eagle8 90
T6 T345 -- Misaow 90
8 T427 -- RUSHRLZ 89
T9 T511 -- -zs 88
T9 T511 -- Kratos71 88
T9 T511 -- PaskySensFan 88
12 T636 -- Glencho10 87
T13 T895 -- EH_Matt 85
T13 T895 -- A11fie 85
T13 T895 -- NorCalSens 85
T13 T895 -- RITAM 85
T17 T1069 -- WeAreSensFans 84
T17 T1069 -- SensSaint 84
T19 T1256 -- DonnyG33 83
T19 T1256 -- Patrick2point0 83
T21 T1439 -- yuhaylonen 82
T21 T1439 -- Hax 82
And Chirp as its his site
T3979 -- SensChirp 72
Oh and for everyone else!!!!
T7452 -- Tookie 58
Highest point total on the whole site is 113!
On to the good stuff. I can't begin to explain how happy I am today. I had mentioned after game 2 when the Sens tied the series how much better things felt the day after. Morning breakfast tasted better, coffee was better, work was better. Well you can only imagine how I feel now, after Saturday's win, the affect has carried over to Monday. I think most people are feeling the same way, there is a swagger in the city today, maybe it's more pride than anything. Snow or no snow, you can't deny how important game 5 was for this young Sens organization. They are doing what everyone said they couldn't, making this a series to remember.
I'm not making any predictions on the score tonight, because every game we've seen has been SO close. I'm just going to sit back, enjoy a beverage(s) and cheer on my team the same way I did Saturday. No txt's to friends, no facebook updates after a goal, no Chirp comments. Nothing that will potentially allow kick back from friends who's teams aren't in the mix. I'll also be wearing the same shirt under my jersey that I've had on for games 2, 4 and 5, which the Sens have won. Same shirt I didn't wear for games 1 and 3. I've learned my lesson, it's on!!!
Mentioned I'll be sitting back, so naturally that means at home. Would love to attend tonights game in person, experience the crowd, feel the energy. But, like so many other fans this post season, I'll be watching in HD. Big Cheers out to the boys tonight. Keep your chin up and play balls out.
Go Sens Go!!!!
Just wondering about this statement from the story, is the expectation that Alfie will play tonight? I didn't hear any real mention other than he was skating this weekend.
"It’s quickly turned into a full-blown roar that has caught more than one broadcaster off-guard and should reach a new level with Alfredsson expected to make his home debut in the Senators-New York Rangers first-round series on Monday night."
""Plenty of confused looks the first time around but it picked up steam with each period and with each game,” said Dave, who operates a fan blog (www.senschirp.ca) and declined to provide his full name."
CLASSIC!
Let's take this one at home tonight boys! I'm super jacked up for the game tonight. THere's no way I'll be able to concentrate on anything else today. Hopefully I don't get canned.
We need some Peluso-type rants on this board today.
Go Sens GO!
Alfie himself said yesterday that he's "hopeful" that he'll play. So still seems like 50/50 but there's legit reason to hope.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/04/23/daniel_alfredsson_chant_ottawa_senators/
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=629203
@ madpajamma,
The minute Alfredsson steps onto the ice, for pre-game
warmup, the Alfie Chant will start and go on the whole game.
Hope he scores a goal, and we eliminate the Rangers !!!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome!
Couldn't be more awesome if you ask me Chirp. Shows how important the Fans really are and how a simple idea like that can ignite into something so crazy.
Waiting for the game day post, I assume it's close? Any last minute ticket giveaways for tonight? Would LOVE to attend this game in person. lol
Agreed bud. I go as far as not even let him peel his orange. Somebody buy him some fruit cups! LOL...
SPL
Waiting for the line up news and then it's good to go! Wish I had some tickets to give away tonight. Just read that it's completely sold out too.
We will kno in 15 min !
So there are a lot of what ifs tonight? Obviously JW isn't playing, so that would mean Stone may still get the node in his place. Or, if Silfverberg has made it and feels up to it, would they give him the chance? Then the chance Alfie plays, would that leave Butler on the outside looking in? All these options are a little scary, considering I'm usually one for leaving the winning lines together.
Congrats chirp! Great publicity, and you deserve it!
If Alfie is not good to go, probably stone.
If he is, I would say he doesn't play, no reason messing with chemistry
But then again while I think of it, it's a rebuilding year, so why not insert silfverberg? All gain
http://video.senators.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=616&id=173785
Thank yu!
Edit: shit I'm at school and it doesn't work on my phone -.-
Silfverberg is in red, he lead the stretch moments ago and he's wearing number 33.
Looks like Silfverberg is just practicing today.
I'm praying Silfverberg plays tonight
Ou Ah Silfverberg, Say Ou Ah Silfverberg!!!
http://video.senators.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=616&id=173785
silfverberg #33
sry repost
If that's the number he continues to use, if anyone has an old Leclaire Jersey you can just take the name off and add Silf!!!
Didn't Jason York wear 33 too?
Jakob also taking some turns on the first line (alternating with Stone).
Still don't think MacLean drops him in right away but who knows?
http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=firefox11/#/ballot
I'm still thinking "if it ain't broke" for now and if Silfverberg gets a couple of practices in then drop him in.
Time is on our side both with Alfie and Silf. I hope #11 only draws in tonight if he is 100% concussion-wise . More than likely as you said, I can see JS33 getting in a couple days of practice, likely starting game 1, round 2 god willing. Possibly game 7 if it comes to that.
Yes Jason York wore 33. I think he'll stick with 33. That's been his number for a long time. Plus the number is on his helmet. I'm pretty sure it's sticking. He only wore # 100 this year because he was the captain of Brynas and it was their 100 year anniversary this year.
Totally agree on Alfie. I know he's a warrior but I hope he's not taking any risks if he plays tonight. Would really rather lose the series than see Alfie's career end on another hit.
Yeah that or regress and miss the next two weeks... like it or not, the dirty Rags will be looking to do some hard hitting tonight as "revenge" for Boyle. Alfie would be a primary target.
Am I the only one where 95% of the time NHL.com videos just don't work? I've tried it on 3 web browsers and don't have any issues with other sites. Could be a weird port being blocked by work but I think I've had the same issues, for months, at home as well. Sucks.
Apparently Alfie is taking turns on the PP at practice this morning - looks promising for him to play tonight.
Though I'm thinking if he was thinking tonight was even possible he'd ask MacLean to let him take a full practice and decide after (like game 4 for example).
Alfie is a frigging demi-god, Spezza is turning out to be one of the best players in the league, Neil would dive on a grenade for his teammates, Karlsson's potential seems unlimited and now we have Stone, Silfverberg, other prospects killing it in junior - WOW.
Every guy on this team simply does their job and gives 100% every shift - even Gonchar LOL!
Pumped for tonight!
My thoughts exactly! NY is going to come out hitting harder tonight then they did the entire series. They outhit us 41 to 22 in game 5, so expect more of the same. If Alfie isn't 100% he should rest and make sure he's ready for round 2.
Ottawa needs to play this game as calm as possible, make it count on the scoresheet. Don't let the Rangers pull them down into dumb penalties for retaliation. If we do that, we will win this series.
I have perfectly mixed feelings on this.
A) If NYR tried to hit *more* or play dirtier they will lose. So in a way I hope Torts is just that stupid.
B) Of course I don't want to see Alfie (or anyone) get taken out by some dirty hit.
I suspect the rags will play more of a skill game (still physical but focus a bit more on skill than they did in game 5) and the game will be scary close. 3-1 Sens with EN goal near the end.
AND:
Ian Mendes @ian_mendes
Alfredsson confirms he plays tonight.
Michalek - Spezza - ?????
Foligno - Turris - Alfie
Greening - Smith - Neil
Konopka - O'Brien - Condra
with ???? being Stone, Butler or maybe even Silfverberg.
My money is on Stone.
Though:
Stephen Smith @SensTown
Stone still on the ice with the healthy scratches. I'd say he's sitting in favor of Jakob Silfverberg #Sens
I'm hearing Stone in, Butler out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeTmQSsCx4k&feature=youtu.be&t=39s
The only difference is that when Stone drew in Alfie was out. There was more cause to gamble on another top 6 guy. With Alfie saying he'll play tonight I'd be a bit surprised to see Butler and Stone both sit in favor of Silfverberg since Butler's been here all year and looked okay in this series and Stone earned his stripes in game 5 to a degree.
But Paulrus knows best.
Awesome to see the stories of the chant. Might get an influx of new posters here... could be good or bad haha I kid
I wish I was but for those of you going to the game tonight, make sure to get the crowd going and giving anderson some nad LOVE tonight as he deserves it. Was at game 3 and he got some from the crowd. You can tell he thrives off it.
Showem some love boys and girls
GO SENS GO!!! Let's close this thing out tonight.
Silfverberg sounds like he's playing: "Of course I will be a bit nervous, but as soon the game starts, it will be gone by then."
So with MacLean reportedly talking to Stone and Silfverberg at the end of the skate today it *looks* like he told Stone he's out and Silfverberg that he's in and (probably) that they'll both skate pre-game.
Line 1, to see who has more chemistry !!
You mean game-by-game right?
Alfie returns.
Silfverberg debut.
Boyle out.
Perfect scenario.
Let's get it done tonight.
Michalek - Spezza - Alfie
Foligno - Turris - Condra/Butler
Greening - Smith - Neil
Konopka - O'Brien - Stone/Silverber g