2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 31st

Got it right last night, although I didn't foresee the weak offensive effort that the Senators turned in. Perk up Ottawa fans, Saturday night at the Corel Centre will be a different story.

Last Nights Game:

Ottawa Senators 0 (0) at Anaheim Ducks 1 (2) : Samuel Pahlsson scored the game winner at 14:16 of the third period after a neutral zone turnover by Dany Heatley. Pahlsson sent a quick wrist shot through the legs of a seemingly lost Joe Corvo to ring off the post and in behind Ray Emery. For the most part the Senators played a better game last night but couldn't seem to generate much in the way of offense. They were outshot by the Ducks 31-16 and outside of their top line didn't couldn't generate much in the way of chances. They were stimmied on another 5-3 power play opportunity, this time in the second period. J.S. Giguere was huge in posting his second career shutout in the Stanley Cup finals, especially during the 5-3 man advantage and he gave his team what they needed in order to go up 2-0 in the series heading to Ottawa. Expect Ottawa to change things up a little for game 3 at home Saturday night.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 30th

Tonights Game :

Ottawa Senators (0) at Anaheim Ducks (1)

Look for the Ottawa Senators to come out tonight with a renewed sense of energy. They are disappointed in their performance in game 1 and are looking to prove something tonight. On the Anaheim side look for them to continue their physical play in an effort to throw Ottawa off of their game. It worked in game 1 as they kept Ottawa off the scoreboard in 5 on 5 situations. The downside of this game plan is that they will spend time in the penalty box. Ottawa went 2-6 in power play situations and will look to improve that tonight.

My prediction, Anaheim goes up 2-0 in the series tonight with another squeaker win.

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 29th

Physicality was the name of the game last night as the Ducks did their best to physically intimidate the Senators. Ottawa wasn't having any of it and they replied with their fair share of open ice hits, battles in the corners and after the whistle scrums. But the Ducks came out on top at the end of the game to go up 1-0 in the Stanley Cup Final.

Last nights Recap:

Ottawa Senators 2 (0) at Anaheim Ducks 3 (1) : The Ducks got the game winning goal from their checking line (Travis Moen) with 2:51 left in the third period. In the final minute with Chris Pronger in the penalty box and Ray Emery on the Senators bench J.S. Giguere stopped Daniel Alfredsson on a mad scramble in front of the net to preserve the third period comeback win.

Great game, lots of hits and passion but the story of this game began over the weekend as the start of the series was delayed by three days because Anaheim had booked an Ice show in their building over the weekend. The extra three days rest was critical for a depleted Anaheim squad and deadly for a well rested Ottawa Senators team. Expect game two to be a different affair as the Senators shake off the rust and come out with something to prove.

Keep an eye on the penalties in this series, if Anaheim continues to march to the box Ottawa will make them pay. The Ducks took 7 penalites including a lengthy 5-3 deficit but managed to only give up 2 power play goals. What saved them last night was not giving up a single 5-5 goal.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

NHL Stanley Cup Finals - Previews and Predictions

Okay, so life and work have combined to make it impossible for me to post for over a week here. My sincere apologies. I will try to get back on track for the remainder of the playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction:

The Ottawa Senators top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza has managed to find an answer to everything opposing defenses have thrown at them and have scored almost half of Ottawa's points this post season. On the other hand, the Senators have not faced a defense as strong as the one that Anaheim will throw at them. The trio of Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Francois Beauchemin have been absolutely stifling against their opponents in the first three rounds.

The defensive depth of the Ducks will prove tough to overcome for the Senators. Couple that with a surging Teemu Selanne and I have to give this one to Anaheim in 6 games.

Tonights Game:

Ottawa Senators at Anaheim Ducks : This should be a tough, physical game. Expect Anaheim to try to physically dominate game 1 and set the tone for the rest of the series. The physicality and defensive depth of the Ducks is their best chance to win this series. I think game 1 is a bit of a toss up but I'm going to go with Ottawa in a 4-3 overtime win in game 1 as Anaheim spends a little too much time in the penalty box.