Well, were you really expecting anything else? The Ottawa Senators, ever the strong contenders for a lottery pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, fell victim to the class of the NHL tonight, dropping a 2-1 decision to the fabled Sharks of hockey-mad San Jose.
The turning point in this one was a stretch of eight nearly consecutive minutes in penalties in the heart of the second period, the latter two thirds being the handiwork of rookie (and Senate Committee "Golden Boy") Brian Lee. Lee took three penalties in a row, two of which were understandable, one foolish. His first was the result of a turnover he committed along Ottawa's boards to the right of Alex Auld. The breakdown created a situation where Ottawa's red-clad defenders were outnumbered by white jerseys, and Lee hooked an wide-open Jeremy Roenick. An understandable foul, committed near his own net to alleviate up a threat. The Sens killed that infraction off, and actually had some of the better scoring chances over the two-minute span.
Lee's second faux-pas was a rather suspect holding call for using a free hand whilst finishing a check. Highly dubious. However, Lee's reaction to the poor call was imprudent in a close game against a superior opponent, and resulted in an additional unsportsmanlike conduct minor, giving San Jose a four minute power play. The Sharks took this opportunity by the reigns, potting two goals and never looking back. Sportsnet's Ian Mendes intimated that the coaching staff read Lee that riot act for the foul-up.
The Sens were held the momentum from a strong first period and a series of proficient kills, but this took the wind out of their sails and easily served as the turning point on the night. They were not the same trying to play from behind against the competition best the NHL has to offer.
Hats off to San Jose though. They didn't even play their best game and were still a treat to watch. The Sharks looked smooth and skilled with the man advantage, going two for four. Their second goal, off a Partick Marleau deflection on a Jeremy Roenick shot, was the product of a series of precision passes that simply left the Sens defenders looking flat-footed. For sombody who has had to give up NHL Centre Ice to devote more time to academics, getting to see a team like the Sharks play is truly something to behold. They are one of the main reasons I am looking forward to this years playoffs.
The Sens' PK looked up to the task of containing the Sharks, but eventually wore down in the face of so much time shorthanded over such a condensed time frame. Mike Fisher and Daniel Alfredsson looked like legitimate offensive threats while playing shorthanded, and did a good job of sweeping the puck out of harm's way.
His goal on a deflection notwithstanding, Fisher's improved play of late leads me to believe he may have shaken off whatever was ailing him through the latter half of 2008. He deserved the third star honours he garnered tonight, as he was abuzz every time he touched the puck. And no, I'm not going to attribute his improved performance to anything in his personal life... Frankly, I refuse to even allude to it any further, as it has become the Paris Hilton of Ottawa's hockey story lines - unintelligent, meritless, over-exposed, and boring.
The Ottawas looked poised to tie this one up in the final minutes. Both Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley had quality chances to send this one to overtime, but fired the puck into the pads of Brian Boucher, who made 23 saves in this one. Boucher's play was commendable, as he thwarted several good chances. Kudos to Boucher on a game well played.
So far so good on the Chris Campoli front. I thought he looked good during his 21:03 of ice time. Campoli looks to be moving the puck well, and has been contributing to the club's offensive output in the three games since he arrived from Long Island. He may make Bryan Murray to look very unlike the developmentally delayed cretin many fans perceive him to be. I like his offensive awareness, willingness to join the rush, and his speed, though I feel his size and offensive flair will cause him to make his fair share off mistakes in his own end. This will no doubt draw the ire of the Over the Edgers who want their defenceman to chip the puck off the glass to safety - without any though given to offensive creativity or excitement, for fear of the unforgiveable "turnover" - every time it makes contact with their sticks.
Watching Dan Boyle, you can really see how a No.1 defenceman is the pulse of a team, though. While Campoli is looking like a nice addition, the Senators are still in need of a bona-fide top-flight player on their back end before they can reasonably hope to contend again.
Sens and Leafs Saturday. I remeber a time when those four words were not an invitation to laughter, ridicule, and poorly thought out one-liners... Sigh.
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