ottawasportsblog

For two periods it was, as Yogi Berra would say, deja vu all over again. The Sens despite getting some chances, couldn't put one in. Shots were being blocked or going wide. Passes were bouncing over sticks. The crowd's energy, which seemed more tentative than previous years even from the outset, was dying as we all got more and more nervous that we were seeing the same old playoff slasher flick script. SBP was getting quieter with each broken play, failed clearing attempt, or turnover.

Finally, the dam broke. Havlat ties it up 5 minutes into the third, and we're free to explode. Somehow, after the first one is out of the way, I figured the rest would fall into place, and it did. Another quick PP marker, and a beauty SH connection from Schaeffer to Fisher nailed it down. An empty netter from Alfie, served only to pad my totals in my hockey pool.

A few notes:

• Spezza had a typical Spezza performance, turning the puck over a dozen times before setting up the tying goal and picking the top corner for the winner. We all know that the turnovers are the tradeoff you make for his huge offensive upside, but that's small consolation when he's making behind-the-back passes to Tampa Bay forwards in his own zone. He still has to learn to pick his spots.

• Havlat looked rusty, and occasioanlly tentative, tonight. Despite his slick move on the opening goal, Havlat's timing still seemed a bit off tonight. He also avoided physical contact, fishing for pucks and pulling up short to avoid hits. The rustiness and timing issues are understandable, but the countact avoidance is inexcusable.
• Emery was outstanding. If he maintains even remotely close to that level through the playoffs, goaltending will be the least of the Sens troubles.