Thoughts Of The Sens Vs. Canes

I had the opportunity, thanks to my friend Angela to see the Senators Vs. Hurricanes game on Saturday night. We had fantastic seats, in the 100 level, almost ice level toward the west end corner of the boards. The Scotia Bank Center, although far to far from Ottawa, is a beautiful rink, smaller then I am used to, the Centre Bell, seems huge in comparison, but oh well, the Sens sold it out, and that is all that matters right.

As for the game itself. The Sens, and their struggling captain Daniel Alfredsson came flying out of the gate. Alfie scored an early goal, and it looked like the Sens were back on their game. The Sens played a solid first period. The second period was dull. Early in the third the Hurricanes seemed to find there game..helped greatly by a parade to the penalty box by the Sens, eventually leading to Ray Whitney's second goal of the game, and the game winner.

My impressions of the 2 teams that most thought would be among the class of the Eastern Conference. First Ottawa, Ottawa can skate with any team in the league. They are still blessed, with elite level offensive talent. Their problem, they over handle the puck, and they do not shoot enough. I was sitting surrounded by die hard Sens fans, and all I heard the whole night was shoot the freaking puck. I also heard alot of anti Heatley rumblings, stuff like why did we trade Hossa for this guy, and I haven't been impressed with this guy since he arrived. The player I was most unimpressed with was Spezza, he seemed lazy, and uninspired. Overall, I still believe the Senators have the goods to make the playoffs, there is far too much talent on this team to think otherwise. They need to learn to shoot the puck, and crash the net. They still lack that killer instinct, that desire to go for the jugular. But by the end of the year when the smoke settles, they will sit near the top of the Eastern Conference, probably with around 100 points.

As for last years Stanley Cup Champions the Hurricanes, first impressions, the first thing you notice is how god awful ugly their white away jerseys are. But seriously, the Canes are a solid team. I was really impressed with Rod Brind Amour, who just so happened to score his 1000 point on Saturday night. Brind Amour does everything well, he is complete hockey player, a rare beast in this day and age. Eric Cole was also impressive, and Stoll, although I believe he was held of the score sheet, looks like the real deal to me. The Canes although they had a slow start, I believe will also be at the upper edge of the Eastern Conference come years end. If Cam Ward can play anywhere near the level he played in last years playoffs (hangover in full effect with this kid), and if Rutherford can pull off some trade deadline magic like he did last year, the Canes are still contenders.

Oh ya Go Habs Go.