ECF: Ottawa vs New Jersey

[Guyute]

Starting this Saturday.

uh... I guess... go sens.

Schedule:

1 Sat. May 10 New Jersey at Ottawa ESPN2, CBC, RDS 7 p.m.
2 Tue. May 13 New Jersey at Ottawa ESPN, CBC, RDS 8 p.m.
3 Thu., May 15 Ottawa at New Jersey ESPN, CBC, RDS 7 p.m.
4 Sat., May 17 Ottawa at New Jersey ABC, CBC, RDS 3 p.m.
*5 Mon., May 19 New Jersey at Ottawa ESPN, CBC, RDS 7 p.m.
*6 Wed., May 21 Ottawa at New Jersey ESPN, CBC, RDS 7 p.m.
*7 Fri., May 23 New Jersey at Ottawa ESPN, CBC, RDS 7 p.m.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I know it won't happen...but I so wish the Sens would sweep em!! :mad:..and Stevens would get the broom handle up his as*!! :evil:

[crazy4canes]

GO SENS GO!!!!! :D

[Canesluver]

Hey, Guy -- FYI:
NHL.com says the May 10 game starts at 7pm in Ottawa.

(That'd be nice, so it's not on at the same time as the Duck/Wild game :) )

[Guyute]

those came from NHL yesterday. but yeah, I did notice an ad last night that listed one afternoon one evening. guess someone realized the idiotic scheduling was still going on, and changed it.

thanks ;)

[Alicia]

I want to go with NJ in 6, but won't be surprised if the Sens take it.

[crazy4canes]

I may be the only one but I think the Sens are going to take this in 6 games or less. I really don't think it's going to 7. JMVHO.

[tommy]

Devils' motto: Be prepared

WEST ORANGE, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils coach Pat Burns had no problem keeping mum about the Ottawa Senators, who they'll face in the Eastern Conference final, starting Saturday in Ottawa.

"I'm not going to tell you guys the game plan," Burns told a small crowd of scribes after Tuesday's practice. "But, we'll be ready to play when the time comes."

In these playoffs, the second-seeded Devils were more than ready to dispatch the Bruins and Lightning, beating both in five games. Both teams were clearly inferior competition for a club that is making its third trip to the conference final in the last four years.

The top-seeded and Presidents' Trophy-winning Senators, however, aren't the Bruins or Lightning. They're a young, fast, well-coached, highly skilled bunch determined on taking the next step on their road to a championship. They had little problem dispatching the Isles and Flyers, and are a clear a present danger for the playoff savvy Devils.

In the past, opponents have taken the low road against the Sens, who've had a reputation as a soft team. Last year, for example, the Leafs used a variety of tactics -- many illegal -- in eliminating the Senators in the conference semifinals. According to Burns, the Devils won't be stooping those levels.

"We're going to hit them," Burns said, "and we're going to play physical. But we're not going to go looking for trouble."

The Devils could get into trouble if Burns isn't able to orchestrate the right matchups. The most glaring matchup of the series is the Senators' skilled and speedy right wingers (Daniel Alfredsson, Marian Hossa and Martin Havlat) against the Devils' left side stay-at-home defensemen (Scott Stevens, Colin White and Ken Daneyko).

The Senators were the only team in the league to record three wins over the Devils in the regular season. Havlat, in particular, gave the Devils fits, registering three goals and four assists in four games. With Hossa and Alfredsson playing in front of him, Havlat drew less personal attention from the Devils.

In this series, Burns might want to lean on his top two defensive pairs of Stevens-Brian Rafalski and White-Scott Niedermayer, while spotting his third unit (Daneyko-Tommy Albelin or Oleg Tverdovsky) against the Sens' less threatening fourth line.

Burns also will have to figure out how to utilize checking center John Madden. In their first two series, Madden was able to lock down on the Bruins' Joe Thornton and the Lightning's Vinny Lecavalier. But the Senators don't have a center of that magnitude. Radek Bonk, who has been playing with Havlat and left winger Vaclav Varada, is their only center who has a similar combination of skill and size, although neither qualities are on par with Thornton or Lecavalier. If Burns doesn't want to use Madden in that spot, he could sent him out against either Todd White (who centers Alfredsson's line) or Bryan Smolinski, who has been playing with Hossa. That said, Burns likely would start Madden against Bonk.

"I think we'll have to see how the games are being played," Burns admits. "We'll make adjustments according the game and the situation."

Goalie Martin Brodeur, who will get a chance to add to his legend against the Senators, figures it will take more than a one-line effort to slow down the Senators.

"They have speed spread throughout their lineup," Brodeur said. "So, it will be important for us to make sure our gap (the space between the forwards and the defensemen) is tight in the neutral zone.

"I think we've been paying more attention to detail during the playoffs, but everybody will have to stay on the same page against these guys."

The Devils' goalie takes comfort in knowing that his team will be well prepared for the battle.

"In the next few days, we'll break down every single player on that team," Brodeur said. "We'll know if they're tough or not tough. We'll know how they like to play and whether or not they would take a dive in a tight spot. We don't want to be fooled by anything they might do."

Knowing their propensity for preparation, the Devils won't be surprised.

Then again, knowing something is coming doesn't mean you can stop it.

[talkingcanes]

I have high hopes this series will be very entertaining. I've been pulling for the Devils. But now, it's GO SENS!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

It was so nice not to have to wait a long time between the Anaheim game and this one! :spin: Now, if someone will just fix me dinner all will be perfect! ;)

GO....oh wait....I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know. :roll:

[hyena]

YEAH! sens score first! :D

[hyena]

2-0!! and they're not letting up, either. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif

[Kat]

Is it just me, or did the announcers sound a little biased towards the Devs (until the Sens scored)? They were talking about how much the Devs were dominating, when what I saw was a pretty equal matchup until the 1st goal was scored.

-Kat

[Romney]

As the song is playing in the background (again, and again) "What's goin' on?" I leave for a few minutes and come back to this. I better choose my breaks better, but it was tough with little time between games and trying to accomplish some things around the house.

[drwFischerFan2]

Is it just me, or did the announcers sound a little biased towards the Devs (until the Sens scored)? They were talking about how much the Devs were dominating, when what I saw was a pretty equal matchup until the 1st goal was scored.

-Kat

I noticed that too. This is one of the reasons why I hate watching games broadcasted by ESPN or ABC. They are supposed to be neutral since they don't work for any specific team, but instead are completly biased.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Go ahead....rip me a new one....WOOOO HOOOO!!! GO DEVS!!

I know. I didn't even realize it myself until I just cheered when Nieuwendyk scored. Not sure what's up with that...but oh well. Gotta go with the heart. :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

YEAH!! 2-2!

[Alicia]

I gotta go with you here SHC...I like to see that NJ could come back and tie this up.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I gotta go with you here SHC...I like to see that NJ could come back and tie this up.

Thank God I'm not alone! ;)

I won't cry if the Sens win....I like them a lot. But for some reason I'm on the Devils side....I guess it's Brodeur. No matter what happens I think you can already see that this is going to be an awesome series!!

[hyena]

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/angryfire.gifhttp://www.electrichyena.com/other/littleswear.gif
well, the sens' D has apparently turned into crap. :sick:

[tommy]

Much better second period! Much better!

Brodeur was shaky in the first, but he had some game-saving saves in the second. And for anybody who saw the replay of Pandolfo's goal, THAT is why goalie's equipment is bigger now... the shaft of his stick can bend literally 4 or 5 inches, and players can propel it anywhere they want. Nieuwendyk's goal was also nice; made Lalime make the first move.

Let's just hope this one gets figured out in regulation.

P.S. Way to go Chara, a penalized player CAN'T go back out on the ice, mmkay? lol!

[Alicia]

I gotta go with you here SHC...I like to see that NJ could come back and tie this up.

Thank God I'm not alone! ;)

I won't cry if the Sens win....I like them a lot. But for some reason I'm on the Devils side....I guess it's Brodeur. No matter what happens I think you can already see that this is going to be an awesome series!!

No, you're not alone. I'm impressed with the talent on both teams, but I'm just feeling a strong pull towards the Devs. Much as I like Lalime, it's not enough to draw me into the Sens camp.

[talkingcanes]

I gotta go with you here SHC...I like to see that NJ could come back and tie this up.

Thank God I'm not alone! ;)

I won't cry if the Sens win....I like them a lot. But for some reason I'm on the Devils side....I guess it's Brodeur. No matter what happens I think you can already see that this is going to be an awesome series!!

I'm just the opposite. I want the Sens to win because they haven't, but I won't cry if NJ wins as I have been on the NJ bandwagon since the playoffs started even when the rest of you wanted TB to win :p

I'd really like to see a team who's never won the cup to take it this year.
And if the Sens win, that's got to happen.

[tommy]

You're not the only one... I felt inferior last round rooting for the Devils; it's nice to know that I had company!

It's not just Brodeur... it's Langenbrunner, Niewendyk, Pandolfo, Gionta... Lots of their guys are great players... Kinda like RIO liking Detroit... of course when they play the Canes, we hate 'em, but when the Devils are playin now, I feel myself pulled toward them.

[Kat]

You guys and the rest of ESPN. I swear, even if I weren't pulling for the Sens, ESPN would push me into it. They didn't even hardly show a replay of Ottawa's 2nd goal, yet I saw NJ's 2nd goal at least 10 times. Honestly, I don't care who you guys root for... but ESPN should be neutral. :mad:

-Kat

[crazy4canes]

Come on Sens!! :mad:

[talkingcanes]

well Tommy, glad to know I had company! it was lonely on that bandwagon in the first 2 rounds, wasn't it??

and I don't like any other team when they are playing the home team either ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You are right tommy. NJ is just full of blue-collar, hard-working guys and I just love that. And, I'm kind of a fan of defense so I guess that makes sense for me.

And I agree I won't mind seeing Ottawa playing for the Cup because new blood is always good. And, with the financial problems they've faced this season they deserve a nice pay-off...but I don't think they'll get it. We'll see though!

EDIT: Hey! I wanted NJ to beat Boston as much as anyone! And, I was kinda neutral about TB. I didn't want them to get embarassed and I wouldn't have minded them winning but I didn't mind NJ either. ;)

[talkingcanes]

EDIT: Hey! I wanted NJ to beat Boston as much as anyone! And, I was kinda neutral about TB. I didn't want them to get embarassed and I wouldn't have minded them winning but I didn't mind NJ either. ;)

OK, OK, you were hanging on the side of the bandwagon. We'll let that count ;)

[talkingcanes]

but ESPN should be neutral. :mad:
-Kat

Yep, ESPN and ABC should be neutral, no question, but they never are IMO (in any sport). If they didn't carry hockey games, I would rarely watch ESPN for that reason. Tell me what is going on. I know who I am pulling for and don't care who Barry likes. He's going to hurt himself falling off a bandwagon one day :roll:

[nccanes]

I cheered the NJ goals too. But I realized that I just want a close, exciting game and series.

And as much as a defensive game can be interesting/exciting, I'll take a 2-2 tie in the 3rd with 5 mins remaining over a 0-0 game in the 2nd OT.

I don't like "pitching duels" either I suppose. ;)

[crazy4canes]

Oh for crying out loud. More OT! My heart can't take this. :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And we'll be goin' to OT again...imagine that. It's Saturday night....it would be fine with me if this game just went on until just in time to squeeze in NHL2Nite before The Season Part 2 starts at 11! :spin: Yes, yes. I am a hockeyaholic. :roll:

John Madden is really something else, you know?

GO DEVILS!!

[tommy]

More OT! What else could be better? For the sake of sanity (and the fact that I have to speak in church tomorrow morning), let's hope this one doesn't end up going ridiculously long. I don't think it will, with all the chances they've been getting, but NJ can clog up the zone when necessary, and not much of anything happens when they do that.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

They REALLY are up the Devs butt aren't they? I mean, I agree that Brodeur is the best thing ever but jeez! And Barry is still having all kinds of fun slamming the Ducks. :roll:

[tommy]

Damn you Van Allen! Well, at least it's over early... Brodeur was WAY too far out on that play...

Hope Nieuwendyk is okay (he's the one who got hit in the head, right?).

[Stormbringer]

YES!! Now two series start in my favor! :D

Way to go Sens! :spin:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well crap! What a play that lead to that goal. Mr SHC was in the middle of this sentence when the goal horn went off "Oh no! One pass too many!" Guess it was exactly one pass enough, huh?

Great game!

GO DEVILS!!

[StormShaman]

Wheee! Go Sens Go! :)

[tommy]

Well, hopefully my two picks (New Jersey and Minnesota) will pick it up after their performances.

And I really wanted to see Chris Neil mix it up, but the refs got inbetween him and his opponent.

[Alicia]

Hope Nieuwendyk is okay (he's the one who got hit in the head, right?).

Not sure, but dude definitely didn't know where he was.

[hyena]

YEAH SENS!! http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif

on a side note, does anybody else love the announcing combo of levy and panger? levy makes his share of mistakes but the two of them work very well together. they're so enthusiastic and they look like they're having a great time. :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hope Nieuwendyk is okay (he's the one who got hit in the head, right?).

Not sure, but dude definitely didn't know where he was.

I thought it was Niedermayer....but I'm not positive either. Hope he is OK. Think they'll be saying Volchenkov did it on purpose in the press tonight? :roll:

[tommy]

I thought it was Niedermayer....but I'm not positive either. Hope he is OK. Think they'll be blaming Volchenkov in the press tonight? :roll:

LOL! :beatup:

[Romney]

on a side note, does anybody else love the announcing combo of levy and panger?

I'm with you, Hyena. I like this pair as well.

[Alicia]

I'm not too big on Levy, but I've always liked Panger.

[Stormbringer]

I'm not too big on Levy, but I've always liked Panger.

Me too...gotta love someone at ESPN who still gives the Canes credit, even after this past nightmare of a season.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm not too big on Levy, but I've always liked Panger.

Me too!! :beatup:

[Alicia]

I'm not too big on Levy, but I've always liked Panger.

Me too!! :beatup:

heh heh! ;)

[Captain Slack]

That OT goal was just BEAUTIFUL! :eek:

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

That right there is the question of the year. :roll: :sad:

[Kat]

Hope Nieuwendyk is okay (he's the one who got hit in the head, right?).

Not sure, but dude definitely didn't know where he was.

I thought it was Niedermayer....but I'm not positive either. Hope he is OK. Think they'll be saying Volchenkov did it on purpose in the press tonight? :roll:

It was definitely Niedermayer. The trainer having to direct him away from the wall and toward the locker room was painful. And I will chime in with the :roll: if NJ tries to say that was the Sen player's fault.

-Kat

[tommy]

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

pass like that? Dude, I'd be happy if we could get it out of our own zone like they did!

[Captain Slack]

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

pass like that? Dude, I'd be happy if we could get it out of our own zone like they did!

Which I guess is why they're in the finals this year and we're not. :cry:

[Stormbringer]

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

pass like that? Dude, I'd be happy if we could get it out of our own zone like they did!

Which I guess is why they're in the finals this year and we're not. :cry:

No, the reason the Canes are not in the finals is because of the hockey gods not smiling down upon them, and especially the injuries as a result of that AND ESPECIALLY not having quite as much rest time as the Devils got to have. The Devils did get two more months to rest and keep themselves well conditioned before training camp as opposed to the Canes only getting a measley month and a half...

[talkingcanes]

well SB, if the Canes plan to go to the finals several years in a row the lack of rest will have to be dealt with or they will be one year in and one year out. I hope it's their plan to go deep in the playoffs every year..........it's my plan for them ;)

the injuries were a major factor IMO, but there were LOTS of problems from Opening Night through April 6 that sent them to the golf course on April 7.

[talkingcanes]

Why, oh why can't the Canes pass like that? :crazy:

That right there is the question of the year. :roll: :sad:

did that Sens OT goal remind anyone but me of our goal against them in game 5 last year? the passing across and Brodeur being pulled out of the net. Our goal was prettier from Francis, but it was the first thing I thought of when I saw that goal.

[nccanes]

No, the reason the Canes are not in the finals is because of the hockey gods not smiling down upon them, and especially the injuries as a result of that AND ESPECIALLY not having quite as much rest time as the Devils got to have. The Devils did get two more months to rest and keep themselves well conditioned before training camp as opposed to the Canes only getting a measley month and a half...

I imagine there would be quite a long list of "what went wrong" last season and what you listed would be included. However, there were some other serious issues ranging from coaching, rules enforcement and our adaptation to them, individual performances, goaltending, team chemistry, no off season talent upgrade, and the list goes on....

If you're just being kind - or dissing the Devs, then that's cool. :)

One thing that makes me concerned about next season is that there were so many issues flying around that it's not like JR and Mo know exactly what went wrong and can focus on "fixing it".

Anyway, I guess I can say I'm "cautiously optimistic" about next season. :)

[nccanes]

Great save. Great photo....

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030510/capt.1052616983devils_senators_otth115.jpg

[nccanes]

While skimming this article on the Sens vs. the Leafs, http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/TorontoSun/Sports/2003/05/12/85147.html

this kinda popped out at me:

The Ottawa Senators represent the last, good chance for a Canadian Stanley Cup winner. They are poised to be very good for a very long time. Their blue-chip defence, for example, employs only one player, Curtis Leschyshyn, older than 26 years. By strange coincidence, 26 years is precisely the number of seasons Glen Wesley has been in the league.

Really? What a well kept secret. ;) Glen Wesley debuted in the NHL when he was 8 years old!? 16 years.....26 years - whatever!? :roll:

[crazy4canes]

LOL Glen is holding up well for his age. :beatup:

[Shell]

LOL, somehow, the word "precisely" made it that much better too. Did you know Ronnie was younger than Coach Mo? shweeet!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Did you know Ronnie was younger than Coach Mo? shweeet!

Now we can keep him around for quite a few more years!! I guess they've added some of Ronnie's years onto Glen's life....that's quite an achievement. :beatup:

[crazy4canes]

Did you know Ronnie was younger than Coach Mo? shweeet!

You know, I thought that was true. One of the announcers last night kept saying that Adam Oates was the only player older than his coach. :roll:

[talkingcanes]

Did you know Ronnie was younger than Coach Mo? shweeet!

You know, I thought that was true. One of the announcers last night kept saying that Adam Oates was the only player older than his coach. :roll:

He was quite emphatic about it too! I kept thinking someone would pass him a note with the names Francis and Maurice on it :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Did you know Ronnie was younger than Coach Mo? shweeet!

You know, I thought that was true. One of the announcers last night kept saying that Adam Oates was the only player older than his coach. :roll:

He was quite emphatic about it too! I kept thinking someone would pass him a note with the names Francis and Maurice on it :)

I had the e-mail all typed out to ESPN last night but then decided that no one would even read it so it was probably a total waste of time. *sigh* We get no respect.

[nccanes]

I had the e-mail all typed out to ESPN last night but then decided that no one would even read it so it was probably a total waste of time. *sigh* We get no respect.

Email John Buccigross and tell him to tell the other knuckleheads. We know he reads his email, thanks to Tommy. In fact - I think you should!!.

[Shell]

Holy cow. This is some horrible officiating!!! Ottawa gets their 4th powerplay of the game (about half way through the first period) off a too many men on the ice against Jersey. Jersey had 6, Ottawa had 8 guys on at the time!!! Then Elias gets the ringer on the kill.. Jersey has been down a man 4 times, and never had a powerplay, yet are up by one. Glad to see it!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

3-1 Devs. I guess they are doing just fine....even with the crappy officiating in the first. :spin:

GO DEVILS!!

[talkingcanes]

the Devils have 2 short handed goals?

my brother and sister-in-law had tickets to Phantom of the Opera tonight so I had nephew baseball duty, which I loved, but kept me from the game. got in to see Madden make it 3-1.

poor officiating?

[Shell]

the Devils have 2 short handed goals??

No shorties, but the last two goals (one for each team) were scored about 3 seconds after a power play had ended.

[hyena]

:sick:

[Alicia]

Very atypical game for Lalime (first game since March 18th(?) he's allowed that many goals), but go Devs!

[Jeff O Rocks]

That game sucked...between all the penalties and the lack of defense by the Sens..I had to turn it!! :crazy: :mad:

[nccanes]

Is Marty trying to smush the Sens into defeat???? ;)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030513/capt.1052881035devils_senators_ottx114.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030513/capt.1052881950devils_senators_ottx115.jpg

[crazy4canes]

It's that time of year again when I start to really despise Barry Melrose. One loss and he's already on the "Senators are perennial disappointments" kick. "They won't come back against a team like New Jersey". Come back from what you arse? They're not down anything. Chaps my hide. :mad:

That game sucked...on to game 3. :sick:

[HockeyFan]

The Sens looked really flat right from the start. I also thought that the Sens power play was PATHETIC! When you have 4 in a row, you have to cash in on one and when the Devs PK is the worst in the league...that is another reason why you have to cash in! The Sens came out flat as a pancake last night and I hope they come out better on Saturday.

About Melrose...He doesn't want to be wrong so he goes with a different answer every game. If the Sens will win Saturday, I will bet 100 dollars that he will say the "Sens looked on today and I think have grabbed the momentum and will win the series." If the Sens lose he will say "The Sens sucked today and will have a tough time comeing back. The Devils looked good and I think will win the series." The guy is a crack!

There is my 2 Cents...if it's worth that... :beatup:

-Kenny

[Shell]

hahaha great pics Eileen.. thanks for posting!!

and yes, Melrose makes a bandwagon fan look loyal.

[Jeff O Rocks]

It's that time of year again when I start to really despise Barry Melrose. One loss and he's already on the "Senators are perennial disappointments" kick. "They won't come back against a team like New Jersey". Come back from what you arse? They're not down anything. Chaps my hide. :mad:

That game sucked...on to game 3. :sick:

crazy..I agree on ALL counts...Melrose is a total dic* that doesn't care about anything but his beloved Wings...**snicker snicker**... we just need to totally ignore him..if we can!! :sick:

[talkingcanes]

hahaha great pics Eileen.. thanks for posting!!

and yes, Melrose makes a bandwagon fan look loyal.


Melrose is going to break a hip falling off a bandwagon :roll:

[Kat]

Melrose is going to break a hip falling off a bandwagon :roll:

One can dream...

-Kat

[Jeff O Rocks]

Melrose is going to break a hip falling off a bandwagon :roll:

One can dream...

-Kat

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon?? :D ;)

[crazy4canes]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

that made me hoot!!!!!!!!! :D His hair bothers me soooooooo bad!! :sick:

[Stormbringer]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

that made me hoot!!!!!!!!! :D His hair bothers me soooooooo bad!! :sick:

I swear I cannot look at Barry Melrose and especially his hair without getting a strong urge to... :sick:

The only thing featuring Barry Melrose that I'll ever admit to enjoying are the Hockey Falls ads, especially the radio ones.

[Alicia]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

OMG, that was TOO funny, crazy!! http://www.tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/rofl.gif

[talkingcanes]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

that made me hoot!!!!!!!!! :D His hair bothers me soooooooo bad!! :sick:

that is a great visual :D those dippity do curls at the neckline are particularly hideous :eek2:

[nccanes]

:roll:
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030514/capt.1052946202senators_devils_ott107.jpg
Ottawa Senators' Rob Ray gestures to photographers during a practice session at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 14, 2003. The Senators will take on the New Jersey Devils in game three of the Eastern Conference final in Jersey on Thursday.

[Alicia]

Gotta hold his mouth open to flip the bird? :roll:

[Romney]

It's that time of year again when I start to really despise Barry Melrose.

Flashback to last year's playoffs. Barry didn't seem to think highly of our Canes. It seemed he especially didn't like the attention that Erik Cole was getting as a rookie and equalled him to a flash in the pan. By the time the Canes were in the finals, and Erik was still playing well, Melrose couldn't say enough good about Erik and the BBC line.

Maybe Barry just needed some time under the dryer at a hair salon so that he could catch up on some hockey notes.

[Stormbringer]

It's that time of year again when I start to really despise Barry Melrose.

Flashback to last year's playoffs. Barry didn't seem to think highly of our Canes. It seemed he especially didn't like the attention that Erik Cole was getting as a rookie and equalled him to a flash in the pan. By the time the Canes were in the finals, and Erik was still playing well, Melrose couldn't say enough good about Erik and the BBC line.

Maybe Barry just needed some time under the dryer at a hair salon so that he could catch up on some hockey notes.

And Lucy thinks Charlie Brown is so darn wishy-washy...she somehow just has him confused with the Mullet Prince. :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Can you break a NECK falling off a bandwagon??

Well normal people probably can but he'd probably land on his hair and just slide down the sidewalk. :roll:

that made me hoot!!!!!!!!! :D His hair bothers me soooooooo bad!! :sick:

that is a great visual :D those dippity do curls at the neckline are particularly hideous :eek2:

I think he puts his Dippity Do on with a shovel!!!! :D :eek2:

[talkingcanes]

maybe it's Bryl Cream and he missed the "little dab'l do ya" part :D

*understands that not everyone on this board is old enough to remember the fab pink Dippity Do or Bryl Cream ;) *

[Stormbringer]

maybe it's Bryl Cream and he missed the "little dab'l do ya" part :D

*understands that not everyone on this board is old enough to remember the fab pink Dippity Do or Bryl Cream ;) *

Oh, I've heard of Bryl Cream TC...but Melrose strikes me as being more of a Dapper Dan man. No doubt he puts a hairnet over his beloved greased locks when he slumbers. ;)

[talkingcanes]

maybe it's Bryl Cream and he missed the "little dab'l do ya" part :D

*understands that not everyone on this board is old enough to remember the fab pink Dippity Do or Bryl Cream ;) *

Oh, I've heard of Bryl Cream TC...but Melrose strikes me as being more of a Dapper Dan man. No doubt he puts a hairnet over his beloved greased locks when he slumbers. ;)

well now there's a picture I didn't need stuck in my head. Thanks SB :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

but Melrose strikes me as being more of a Dapper Dan man. No doubt he puts a hairnet over his beloved greased locks when he slumbers. ;)

Let's see.....Melrose with a hairnet over that stiff hairdo of his?????? :crazy: :eek: I bet that is a purdy sight first thing in the morning!! :sick: :eek2:

[Shell]

Redden to wait, see
Sore knee may keep him out of Game 3

By ALLEN PANZERI
SECAUCUS, New Jersey
The good news is that he isn't on crutches or slated for a visit to the operating room.

However, the bad news is that Ottawa Senators defenceman Wade Redden could miss tonight's third game of the Eastern Conference final because of a sore knee.

Redden had his left knee examined yesterday, and a magnetic resonance imaging test didn't reveal any serious damage from the knee-on-knee collision with New Jersey Devils winger Turner Stevenson in the third period of Game 2.

However, the knee was tender and strained, and Redden won't know until today if he'll be able to play tonight.

Redden was limping slightly yesterday morning, but, by the time the team arrived here in the afternoon, he was walking normally. He said he would play if he could skate.

Martin Havlat also missed practice yesterday, but coach Jacques Martin said the 22-year-old winger was just resting.

If Redden, the team's No. 1 defenceman, can't play, it will leave a sizable hole heading into a crucial game.

Redden is averaging the most ice time among Ottawa defencemen (25 minutes 20 seconds), and no one among the other five can make the first pass out of the defensive zone as well as Redden can.

The hole would have to be filled by No. 7 defenceman Shane Hnidy, who has played only one playoff game this spring, the opening-round 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders.

He played only 9:38 in that game, and nothing since, even though Karel Rachunek missed Game 4 of the Islanders series with a sore leg.
For that game, Martin recalled Brian Pothier from the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League instead of using Hnidy.
However, Martin doesn't have that option this time. Pothier has just rejoined the AHL Senators after recovering from a sprained knee, and he didn't play Tuesday in a 5-1 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Redden said his knee was being treated with ice and that it would be looked at again this morning.

"It's a little tender when I move it, but it's not serious," he said. "I'm confident I'll be back before the series is over. When it was checked, they didn't find anything, but we'll have a better idea after 24 hours."

The hit by Stevenson was reviewed by the league, Senators general manager John Muckler said, but no disciplinary action will be taken.
Muckler said the hit was accidental, and Redden viewed it the same way.
"I don't think he intended to do that," he said. "I went behind the net and had the idea to come back on the short side.

"I didn't get there fast enough, and he caught me. Knee-on-knee. Bad luck."

Perhaps because of the possibility that Redden might miss tonight's game, Martin had Anton Volchenkov taking Redden's normal spot with Karel Rachunek, and Hnidy was with Curtis Leschyshyn during yesterday's practice.

"It's part of the playoffs, part of the season," Martin said. "When someone gets injured, it's an opportunity for someone else to step in. If Wade is not ready, Shane will step in.

"Several teams have suffered through injuries this year. You can't worry about the people who aren't there. Those who are playing have to be ready."

Hnidy, who had no goals, eight assists and 130 penalty minutes in 67 regular-season games, had no points in his lone playoff appearance.
He said he was anxious to get back into action.

"That's the reason we have the depth we do and the reason (the spares) have been working as hard as we can," he said. "There's always a certain amount of pressure in the playoffs, but you can't worry about that. I just want to be mentally focused. I want to be there for my teammates."

[Jeff O Rocks]

Poor Wade...I hope he can play! What a crummy time to get hurt! :roll:

[crazy4canes]

Hope Redden can play. He's been very good for them. Go Sens!! :D

[crazy4canes]

Is it just me or does the New Jersey crowd act like this is any old regular season game?

[Shell]

Is it just me or does the New Jersey crowd act like this is any old regular season game?

hopefully that goal will wake them up! 1-0 NJ :)

[crazy4canes]

:sick: Go Sens!

[Jeff O Rocks]

:sick: Go Sens!

Me too!! :spin:

[Shell]

that should help them crazy.. the goals NJ score just won't be counted or reviewed...

[crazy4canes]

that should help them crazy.. the goals NJ score just won't be counted or reviewed...

What goal? I didn't see anything. :angel:

[Shell]

that should help them crazy.. the goals NJ score just won't be counted or reviewed...

What goal? I didn't see anything. :angel:

That really was very strange. It was undisputedly a good goal, but no red light, no devils reaction, no fan cheers.. no one saw it! I can't remember seeing that before. Did you see where they just called the ref and told him about it? heh

[crazy4canes]

Most definitely bizarre. They're gonna kick themselves when they find out.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

2-0 Devils....whoops I mean 1-0...WTF???? :roll:

GO DEVILS!!!

Their fans do suck don't they? Maybe they can come play the rest of this series in the RBC! We'll cheer for somebody!

[talkingcanes]

they are quiet, aren't they? At least they turned out for this game. I know some of them appreciate the team, but the rest of them can't be that apathetic, can they? :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OK...the rest of Ottawa's team (Lalime was there tonight) will have to actually show up in game 4 or they have no hope in this series. Lalime played well...kept them in the game. But someone has to actually score.

GO DEVS!

[hyena]

boy did ottawa suck tonight. *sigh* too bad for lalime, he looked great.

:eek2: hmm, it's quite remarkable how much i hate new jersey. :sick:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I hate em too hyena...........damn you Marty! :mad:

...and I am 100% convinced that Stevens will get his one day..and I hope I am watching when he does!! :mad:

[tommy]

only got to watch about 5 minutes of the game (due to AP Latin test tomorrow)... but I saw the NJ goal (nice deflection!)

nice job marty, helpin out my fantasy playoff team!

2 down 2 to go.

[talkingcanes]

Now that NJ has the upper hand, Ottawa better eat their Wheaties. Once the Devils get you on your heels it's tough to get your balance back. NJ looks like a team with a mission.

I just want to see a good series :)

[nccanes]

From the NY Times:

Devils Get a Sellout to Go With Their Run
By DAVE ANDERSON
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

WHEN the Devils skated onto the ice last night for Game 3 with the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference finals, most of them did what most hockey players always do. They checked out the size of the crowd.

"In every rink," defenseman Scott Stevens, the Devils' captain, had said earlier, "you look around to see the attendance."

When the Devils looked around last night, they saw a crowd that was announced at 19,040, the first sellout at Continental Arena in these Stanley Cup playoffs. And most of those fans stood through the frantic final few minutes of a 1-0 victory enhanced by goaltender Martin Brodeur's acrobatics.

"Our fans were great tonight; they were boisterous," Coach Pat Burns said. "You always have the 100 moronic people who boo national anthems. They forgot that that was over two months ago, but I saw a lot of our fans shaking their heads and we apologize for that, for sure."

During the singing of "O Canada," boos were heard, then an occasional shout from a heckler, apparently because Canada did not join the United States-led troops in the war against Iraq. But that disrespect was soon forgotten in what developed into classic playoff hockey.

Although the Devils' largest playoff crowd this season had been 18,612 for the fifth and final game of the conference semifinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the absence of sellouts had not detracted from their determination to establish a home-ice advantage.

Of the 16 teams that qualified for this year's playoffs, the Devils remain the only team that is unbeaten at home, with a 7-0 record. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are 5-1. Ottawa is 5-3, Minnesota 2-6.

Through the years, the Devils have had a history of playoff crowds that were near sellouts. Naturally, that has prompted debate that not enough Devils fans care about their team and that the Devils need to move, along with the Nets, to an arena proposed for downtown Newark.

But with that Newark arena so uncertain, Burns defended the Devils' arena and fans.

"People make a lot of the building," Burns said, "but it's a big building and we have a good fan base."

During the season, the Devils had three sellouts: two for Rangers games, one for an Islanders game.

Across the Hudson River, the Rangers have had mostly sellouts for decades, but Madison Square Garden has a large corporate fan base. The Devils' fan base appears to be more blue collar, more mom and pop and the kids. Most tickets to a Devils game come out of the family budget, not a corporate expense account.

The Devils' playoff tickets prices are high: $125, $100, $85 and $75 for these conference finals. If the Devils advance to the Stanley Cup finals, tickets will be $150, $125, $100 and $85. For many family budgets, that's a big bite.

Even though the Meadowlands has better sight lines than the Garden has, it's understandable that some Devils fans would prefer to watch the playoffs on cable television rather than buy expensive tickets for seats in the rafters. Especially in the first two rounds. Save your money for the conference finals, maybe the Stanley Cup finals.

For the Devils, winning playoff games this year at home has been a turnaround. The two years they won the Cup, 10 of their 16 victories came on the road. Those Cup teams share the record for road victories by a team in one postseason. But the Devils' home record en route to each Cup was spotty: 6-3 in 1995, 6-5 in 2000.

The Devils are still haunted by a home loss in the 2001 finals. Had they defeated the Avalanche here in Game 6, they would have won the Cup. But they lost, 4-0, then lost Game 7 at Colorado.

In last year's playoffs, the Devils suffered the ultimate embarrassment. They were beaten at home in Game 6 of the conference quarterfinals and eliminated by the upstart Carolina Hurricanes. In 1997, the Devils also were eliminated at home, losing to the Rangers in overtime in Game 5 of the semifinals.

It's no wonder that when Burns took over, he talked about the importance of winning at home.

"He kept telling us to make it hard on other teams in our building," Brodeur said. "It sunk in."

During the regular season, the Devils' home record was 25-11-3-2, up from 22-13-4-2 the previous season.

"We stick to what we want to do, we don't change," Burns said when asked why the Devils were thriving on home ice in these playoffs. "When we do change, that's when we have problems. And when we do that, we're just another hockey club."

But last night the Devils stuck to what they want to do for a 2-1 lead in the series, which resumes here tomorrow afternoon. Maybe they will even attract another sellout.

[Jeff O Rocks]

In last year's playoffs, the Devils suffered the ultimate embarrassment. They were beaten at home in Game 6 of the conference quarterfinals and eliminated by the upstart Carolina Hurricanes.

:mad: Go Ottawa!! :mad:

[talkingcanes]

well, it is a story about the home team from their local writer. can't expect them to have taken it well ;)

I'd rather see more of those kinds of expectations from the N&O rather than huge features such as the front page we were treated to about the fabulousness of Detroit.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Ewwww....I don't know about that Ottawa penalty. Madden's hit and subsequent crawling around on top of the Sens player sorta made me uncomfortable.....maybe they could have let the retaliation go in that case.

Anyway, the Devs just negated their our PP with a penalty anyway.

But....GO DEVS!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am ready to see some Devil as* kicking!! Go Sens!! :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

1-0 Devs!!! WOOOOOO!!!

(Sorry Mona... :crazy: )

[Jeff O Rocks]

DANG!!!!!!! :mad:

[hyena]

yeeha, 1-1!

the sens finally did something i'm pleased to see -- the devil player was screwing around with the puck back behind their net with <30 seconds to go and i was thinking dammit, would somebody PLEASE get the frickin' puck from him, and lo and behold somebody finally did and it resulted in a goal. :D

go sens!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

What is up with the Sens? Why are they taking so many bad penalties? How is NJ getting so many odd-man rushes on them? I can't believe the Devs have been beating them as readily as they have these last few games. I'm afraid it's over for them. Three straight wins against Marty would be unheard of!!

[Canesluver]

Going into the 3rd period, I thought Ottawa had a chance-- so much for that idea. Oh well . . . . if NJ does win the series, it'll be an interesting sidenote to see two brothers, the Niedermayers, playing against each other for the Cup. When was the last time that happened, I wonder?

One more thing: Is it just me, or could Melrose's titty pink suit be any more hideous?????!!! :sick:

[Stormbringer]

One more thing: Is it just me, or could Melrose's titty pink suit be any more hideous?????!!! :sick:

:eek2: Oh boy...sounds and looks like somebody got some fashion tips from Tripp. :crazy:

[talkingcanes]

Going into the 3rd period, I thought Ottawa had a chance-- so much for that idea. Oh well . . . . if NJ does win the series, it'll be an interesting sidenote to see two brothers, the Niedermayers, playing against each other for the Cup. When was the last time that happened, I wonder?

One more thing: Is it just me, or could Melrose's titty pink suit be any more hideous?????!!! :sick:

I picked Ottawa in this series after picking NJ in the first 2 rounds. Now NJ is going to make me pay for not sticking with them :beatup:

and Melrose's suit was especially hideous. does he have a wife and if so, does she think the clothes and hair *shudder* are attractive? :eek2:

[Turbulence]

That white suit was pretty hideous...
Next for Mullet-Man:
http://www.buffalobreath.com/database/images/dumb%20dumber%20web.jpg The orange one...


Ottawa is starting to lose their grip...New Jersey's D and Brodeur are overcoming them as everyone had predicted. Jersey can topple any offense with their system...as is the case with Ottawa (ft. Hossa, Havlat, other good scorers). Sad to see the President's Trophy winner go home, but New Jersey really deserves this series the way they've played. Plus, I picked them in the LGC pool. :spin:

[hyena]

f the devils.

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/angryfire.gif

[talkingcanes]

f the devils.

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/angryfire.gif

unless Ottawa finds their game, it won't be them ;)

[tommy]

This game was excellent.

Not sure what happened to the Senators, but boy did Alfredsson take a stupid penalty or two.

Broudeur looked really good.

I have the Devils picked in 6, so maybe the Sens can win one more.

[RIO]

Like I said before, I could go either way with this match-up, but quite frankly, Lalime doesn't have the gas in the tank to combat Giguere. If any team is going to make any kind of stand in the Finals against Anaheim and stand ANY kind of chance, it'll have to be Jersey with Marty Brodeur. I still don't see anyone submarining Anaheim, but at least the Devils could make a better chop job of the match than Ottawa. When it comes down to the goalies (and you know it's all about the goalies this time), Marty will be the one to face Giguere.

So saying, Go Devils. :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Ditto RIO.

[Jeff O Rocks]

f the devils.

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/angryfire.gif

I agree hyena....I despise them!! My only hope ...if Ottawa doesn't get a miracle..is that the Ducks do the same thing to them that they did to the Wings and the Wild!! :mad:

[Alicia]

I really feel bad for Lalime, but go Devs! Looking forward to the potential Giguere/Brodeur goalie battle!! :beatup:

[Canesluver]

Well, I was so intrigued by my question of wondering when the last time 2 brothers met at the Stanley Cup Finals, that I did a little research and found the answer. If Rob and Scott Niedermayer meet at the SCF, it'll be the first time 2 brothers have played against each other since 1946. In '46, Ken Reardon (for Montreal) played against his brother Terry (for Boston). Their poor parents -- who do they pull for???? :roll:

It actually wasn't a hard search, since a story about Rob vs. Scott was just on NHL.com on May 12. Here's the whole article: http://www.nhl.com/cupcrazy2003/seriesn/niedermayer051203.shtml

[talkingcanes]

Well, I was so intrigued by my question of wondering when the last time 2 brothers met at the Stanley Cup Finals, that I did a little research and found the answer. If Rob and Scott Niedermayer meet at the SCF, it'll be the first time 2 brothers have played against each other since 1946. In '46, Ken Reardon (for Montreal) played against his brother Terry (for Boston). Their poor parents -- who do they pull for???? :roll:

It actually wasn't a hard search, since a story about Rob vs. Scott was just on NHL.com on May 12. Here's the whole article: http://www.nhl.com/cupcrazy2003/seriesn/niedermayer051203.shtml

that situation would make it VERY hard on the parents :beatup:

maybe since Scott has won 2, they will be cheering a little harder for Rob.

[Turbulence]

I guess it all comes down to which son they love the most. :p I'd pull for Rob...Scott's already won a few, and the Ducks are the underdogs. And they have a rookie coach too. (Isn't Babcock a rookie?)

I still think the Ducks would have an easier time against the Sens...Go Ottawa.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I feel for Lalime, i really like him a lot, but i am looking forward to a great Giguere-Brodeur battle on the ice. I'll be pulling for the Ducks either way, simply because they remind me of a certain "cinderella" team from a year ago.... ;) I think if the ducks end up playing the devs, it will be a hard battle for them because let's face it....the devs are doing great right now. it might be an even matchup, it might not, but either way.....


GO DUCKS GO! GO DUCKS GO!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Thank you Sens!!!

(I picked the Devs in 6...not 5 ;) )

[hyena]

*huge sigh* ah, yes. the sens finally came thru in an elimination game. congrats to spezza for scoring a goal in his first playoff game. :D

go sens! http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif

[Stormbringer]

Thank you Sens!!!

(I picked the Devs in 6...not 5 ;) )

I echo thy sentiments...though I picked the Sens in seven. :p :beatup: ;)

:D GO SENS!! :spin:

[Alicia]

(I picked the Devs in 6...not 5 ;) )

Me too! ;) But crap!! I can't believe I missed this game....actually forgot it was on! :crazy:

[nccanes]

(I picked the Devs in 6...not 5 ;) )

Me too! ;) But crap!! I can't believe I missed this game....actually forgot it was on! :crazy:

Well BatesB, perhaps that's a sign that you are weaning yourself into the off-season. I've been more and more casual about the games the last week or so (and busy with other things too).

Anyway, I was happy to see Lalime bounce back. I didn't watch much except part of the 3rd so I don't know what kind of attack he faced from the Devs, but after the 5 goal game on Saturday, I'm glad he got another win for the Sens - even if they end up losing the series.

[Turbulence]

actually forgot it was on! :crazy:

Me too! Had to read about it in the paper... :mad:
Anywho, it looks like Ottawa regained some of their mojo by putting in Spezza. They could make it a series if they could actually score on Brodeur like they did last night...

I hope Ottawa forces a game 7...I had the Devils in 7. Go Sens. :vamp:

[crazy4canes]

Moved this from another thread. Kenny, I deleted the other thread. Feel free to talk about the NJ/Ottawa series in here.

The way these playoffs have gone, you would have to believe they can. Tonight the Sens showed why they were the best team in the league during the regular season. They played with the passion and grit needed to win the cup. They didn't take stupid penalties. They got there power play going again really made it tough around Brodeur by crashing the net. When the short handed goal and 3rd goal of the game was scored, I felt the tide turning towards the Senators. Tonight was the statement game for them and it looks like they are back on track. If the Sens can play like they did tonight and score first in game 6 then they could be in good shape...BUT the Devils know they are 8 and 0 at home and that could work to the Devils advantage. I can the see the Senators coming back to win the series...but they will have to play perfect hockey to do so.

My Keys for game 6 are:
- Crash the net...make it tough on Marty to see the puck.
- Stay out of the box...do NOT take stupid penalties.
- The new kid...Spezza looked really good tonight and impressed me. The Sens will need him down the stretch
- The two S's...in order to beat New Jersey, you have to play Smart and Simple. Don't try to do too much or else you will pay for it.

That is what I think needs to be done for the Sens to beat the Devils in game 6. If they can do that and return home for a game 7, the momentum will be all for the Sens. So now, we wait and see who will face Giggy and the Ducks in the finals!

-Kenny Linn-

[talkingcanes]

I missed the 3rd period fetching someone from the airport. Maybe the Sens would rather I miss the entire game 6 ;)

I have been more casual about these games as other things have started to get on the schedule. Looking forward to the Stanley Cup finals though. I'll miss game 1 if it's on Saturday since I'll be on vacation :spin:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I missed the 3rd period fetching someone from the airport. Maybe the Sens would rather I miss the entire game 6 ;)



I missed most of it too talking...maybe we should BOTH not watch!! ;)

...and have a great vacation!! :spin:

Go SENS!!

[crazy4canes]

Bill Clement sounded like he wanted to be behind the Sens bench last night. "Where the hell has Spezza been all series"....."You don't need to try and score when you're up 3-1"...it was actually a little funny. :beatup:

I did tend to agree with him on a few occasions. Where has Spezza been? The poor kid seems to have been in Lemaire's doghouse all season for some reason. But he better be in there for game 6, too. He was the ball of energy they needed! Go Sens!

[StormShaman]

I think that Martin's been keeping Jason under wraps for the most part because of certain, er, "factors" that may have negatively impacted the boy.


*cough*Stevens*cough*

[crazy4canes]

Possibly. He looked like he was doing more damage to poor Hossa last night, though. :eek2:

[HockeyFan]

Can the Sens come back to win the series??

The way these playoffs have gone, you would have to believe they can. Tonight the Sens showed why they were the best team in the league during the regular season. They played with the passion and grit needed to win the cup. They didn't take stupid penalties. They got there power play going again really made it tough around Brodeur by crashing the net. When the short handed goal and 3rd goal of the game was scored, I felt the tide turning towards the Senators. Tonight was the statement game for them and it looks like they are back on track. If the Sens can play like they did tonight and score first in game 6 then they could be in good shape...BUT the Devils know they are 8 and 0 at home and that could work to the Devils advantage. I can the see the Senators coming back to win the series...but they will have to play perfect hockey to do so.

My Keys for game 6 are:
- Crash the net...make it tough on Marty to see the puck.
- Stay out of the box...do NOT take stupid penalties.
- The new kid...Spezza looked really good tonight and impressed me. The Sens will need him down the stretch
- The two S's...in order to beat New Jersey, you have to play Smart and Simple. Don't try to do too much or else you will pay for it.

That is what I think needs to be done for the Sens to beat the Devils in game 6. If they can do that and return home for a game 7, the momentum will be all for the Sens. So now, we wait and see who will face Giggy and the Ducks in the finals!

-Kenny Linn-

[tommy]

Good points Kenny. Dumb penalties killed 'em in game 4, they were better about it last night.

But don't worry guys. The Devils only lost so I could fulfill my prophecy of Devils in 6. Sorry for gettin' your hopes up. ;) :evil:

Why on earth did they wait so long to play Spezza, though!?!?!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Good points Kenny... I totally agree that the defense needs to get in the way of Marty and his sights on the puck....he is tough to get past!!

Go Sens!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

But don't worry guys. The Devils only lost so I could fulfill my prophecy of Devils in 6. Sorry for gettin' your hopes up. ;) :evil: Me too!!

Why on earth did they wait so long to play Spezza, though!?!?!
Exactly what I was thinking. When they sent him down to the AHL during the season I was shocked! I don't know why they haven't played him more overall this year.....but I guess they were winning so why mess with it....until now.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I have mixed feelings on this series, but my absolute hatred for some of those wonderful NJ players (mainly stevens, i do like marty) is starting to force me to lean more toward the Sens. Besides, i do genuinely feel that lalime deserves at least a good battle on the ice.

___________________________________________

*begging anyone to bring back my Canes!!!! who cares if it isn't October yet! :sad:

[Logansfrog]

I like Marty and Lalime, but I think a Brodeur-Giguere battle would be most interesting to watch, so I'm hoping the Devs win.

[Shattered]

I'm SO happy to be in an area where this sort of disgusting behavior would not be tolerated. Besides, hasn't everyone gotten over the anti-Canada thing? Geez.

http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=6088dddc-ea4a-41da-ae1f-37a3b5f909c0

[Stormbringer]

:mad: That is absolutely disgusting...those people that tortured and taunted the poor Senator fans like they did should be kicked. And that's putting it lightly... :mad:

[Alicia]

Yeah, disgusting is the only word that comes to my mind to describe that incident... :mad:

[tommy]

That's awful.

But, they are Canadians, a Canadian site published that story. I wouldn't immediately assume 100% that they didn't say anything.

But nevertheless, that is really low what those Devils fans did.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I know when we played Canadian teams, I was on pins and needles when Karen sang their national anthem..but to my great surprise, I never heard a boo from anyone in the RBC Center...thank goodness...I know our Canadian players would have felt really bad too!! :roll:

[nccanes]

The Devils ought to thank them for putting 4 more asses in the stands. :roll: How many sellouts have their been in the 3 rounds in NJ? 3 maybe?

Yeah, there may be "another side" to the story, but the behavior described is despicable regardless of how taunting the Sens fans were. And really, in a 2-5 loss - just how taunting could they have been?

There are buttheads everywhere. I was told (don't know if it's true) that some Leafs fans defecated on the floor of the 3rd level during the ECF last year.

I can attest to the jerks that sat around us in the N end lower level. Of course, every Leaf fan I met outside the arena and spoke to was very nice. I started to extend my hand and introduce myself to anyone I came across and were able to have some great chats. For Game 5, I took my kids myself (hubby was out of town) and we had 3 seats on the aisle in 113. The rest of my row was Maple Leaf Blue. After getting seated, I took a deep breath, turned to my right and said "Let's get this over with. I'm Eileen." The two guys laughed and introduced themselves and said how thankful THEY were to be sitting next to a family. They took photos of my kids in their Canes gear (and faux O black eyes) and I have one in my scrapbook of me with the 2 off them. Great guys!

However, the ones that insulated themselves with only other Leaf fans seemed to adopt a "mob mentality". They taunted the Canes fans, tried to squeeze people in that didn't have tickets for our section, threw beer, etc... Sounds like the Devils fans did the same thing. Shame.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

What we have here tonight is a full-blown goalie grudge match....and Brodeur flinched first.

GO DEVS!!

[Stormbringer]

Not much to say right now, but...GO SENS!! :evil: :beatup: :D

[Stormbringer]

There are buttheads everywhere. I was told (don't know if it's true) that some Leafs fans defecated on the floor of the 3rd level during the ECF last year.

(imitates Baby Plucky from Tiny Toon Adventures) Ewwwww...I unfortunately would not be surprised if that really did happen, Eileen. Didn't somebody here say that after game two, they found on their car a couple of Leaf fans rubbing their naked butts on the hood? After reading about that AND this (http://www.broadstreetbully.com/bullybeatdown6.shtml), anything a rude Leaf fan does honestly does not surprise me... :roll:

Anyway, to keep this on-topic, GO SENS!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Nieuwendyk scores!!! It's a 1-1 hockey game! :spin:

[1Irbegirlforever]

Who is everyone pulling for? I am kind of torn on this one because I want NJ to win, but i'd love to see a game 7! :D If it comes to a game 7, i'll probably pull for NJ. Then again, i do like Lalime and this Spezza kid seems pretty cool, so who knows? May the best team win!

[Turbulence]

I'm pulling for Ottawa only because I think the Ducks have a better chance of winning the cup against them...

I do think NJ will win this series, though...

Go Sens.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I agree, i really really want the ducks to win the cup and if they would have an easier time against the sens, then best wishes to the sens and i hope they get this.
Then again, if the ducks were to beat the devs in the finals, i would be thrilled...

Go Ducks!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Oh....but I SO want to see a Brodeur/Giguere matchup!! I think it would be awesome. Lalime/Giguere would be good too but I think Broduer would be better. :spin:

[Alicia]

CRAP!!! :mad: :mad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

CRAP!!!! :sad: Well, a game 7 just gives me more hockey to watch!!

What happened to Neiuwendyk?? Hope he's not out for game 7!!

If the Devs fans were booing their team there at the end they should be shot!! This is the first home game they have lost!!! And those lame-a**es can't even sell out the arena for them!! What a bunch of jerks!! :mad: :mad:

[hyena]

YESSS!!! there's gonna be a game 7, baby! :D :D

yeeha! go sens!

[Stormbringer]

Oh yeah...two down, one more to go for the Sens to pull a Wild on those Devils...

I love it when a plan is coming together. :smoke:

[tommy]

Hated Chris Phillips before... now I just hate him more.

Senators had more shots and more chances though, the whole game long. Very disappointing though... Senators have game 7 at home... this sucks.

[talkingcanes]

Neiuwendyk didn't look too good going off with the trainer. That won't be good for game 7. Gotta hand it to the Sens though.......they have not given in no matter how long the odds.

[1Irbegirlforever]

Oh....but I SO want to see a Brodeur/Giguere matchup!! I think it would be awesome. Lalime/Giguere would be good too but I think Broduer would be better. :spin:

Actually, you're right...a brodeur /giggy matchup would be great to watch! i've got to admit, the main reason i wanted the sens to win tonight is so that there would be ONE MORE hockey game for me to glue my eyes to before the season is over... :D

Either way, game 7 should be a great one!!

Hey! Why don't as many of us as possible get together somewhere for a SCF's get-together during one of the finals games? just a thought. i might have to bring my daughter though... no babysitters :roll:

[nccanes]

If the Devs fans were booing their team there at the end they should be shot!! This is the first home game they have lost!!! And those lame-a**es can't even sell out the arena for them!! What a bunch of jerks!! :mad: :mad:

Well at least the Sens fans know how to cheer and get into the game. I was kinda neutral on this series - found myself cheering for NJ at the beginning. But now I'm feeling it for the Sens.

I know, I know -the goalie duel of Marty/Jiggy. Oh well, I could survive with Lalime/Jiggy I suppose. :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

:D Woo hoo...LET'S GO SENS!!! :spin:

[hyena]

ahem...yes...i too would find a giguere/lalime matchup appealing. ;) :D

those of you pulling for the sens, PLEASE send them some extra mojo for me on friday night -- i'll be out of town and won't be able to watch the game. :sad:

go sens!

[Jeff O Rocks]

ahem...yes...i too would find a giguere/lalime matchup appealing. ;) :D

those of you pulling for the sens, PLEASE send them some extra mojo for me on friday night -- i'll be out of town and won't be able to watch the game. :sad:

go sens!

Me too!! and will do!!!! Have fun!! ;)

[Stormbringer]

Nothing brings more mojo than a Lalime Pez dispenser!

http://www.missfantastic.com/miscellaneous/marvinpez.jpg

Seriously, Lalime's helmet is based on Marvin the Martian... :cool: :spin:

Hope your trip is a fun, good, and safe one Hyena...GO SENS! :)

[1Irbegirlforever]

Nothing brings more mojo than a Lalime Pez dispenser!Seriously, Lalime's helmet is based on Marvin the Martian... :cool: :spin:

We couldn't figure out for the life of us what that big-eyed thing on his helmet was...that's hilarious...wonder how he came about choosing that cartoon character?

[Stormbringer]

Nothing brings more mojo than a Lalime Pez dispenser!Seriously, Lalime's helmet is based on Marvin the Martian... :cool: :spin:

We couldn't figure out for the life of us what that big-eyed thing on his helmet was...that's hilarious...wonder how he came about choosing that cartoon character?

I either read or heard why Lalime chose Marvin somewhere...maybe I can dig up the possible interview, if I'm not imagining it...

Ah! Here it is, it's not an interview, but I believe this is what I read...

http://lalimeland.tripod.com/masks.html

Also found this...now THIS is what I read...

"I watched Looney Toons when I was growing up, and I always thought that Marvin the Martian looked like the team Senators logo. I gave the idea to the artist and the two of us went back and forth on the design until I liked it. I added the gold to the mask, and I think that makes it stand out a bit more." (ESPN The Magazine, 1/21/02, p. 104)

http://ucsu.colorado.edu/~norrisdt/bio/lalime.html

[MeanGene]

GO SENS!!!

I taped the game and just watched it. Sweet! :spin:

[folgersnyourcup]

That was a very exciting game. Glad to see the Sens take the Devils to 7.

[Turbulence]

Don'tya just love overtime, playoff, elimination hockey?

Sens might just pull it off...they certainly have the momentum. I hope for the Ducks' sake that they do.

Go Sens!

[Canesluver]

I'm enjoying this series -- maybe Game 7 will go to OT, too. Tire themselves out before they face the Ducks.

I guess I'm pulling more for the Sens -- I'm a sucker for an underdog. Besides, NJ has had their chances recently. It's time for someone else's chance.

I thought Hossa really had some jump for Ottawa last night, but am concerned about Nieuwendyk. He looked pretty shaky leaving the ice. NJ will miss him, if it's serious. This is all I could find about him this morning:

The veteran centre had to be helped off the bench after the Devils' 2-1 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 Wednesday night. Twenty-five minutes after the game ended, Nieuwendyk limped into the locker-room, seeming to favour his left leg.
When asked about the injury, Nieuwendyk said: "I really don't know. I just went down in the corner and had a hard time getting back up."
Chris Phillips' winner at 15:51 came seconds after Nieuwendyk was hurt in a pileup behind the Ottawa's net battling for a loose puck.
Nieuwendyk, who tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal early in the third period, would not say what was hurt, but it clearly seemed to be a leg injury.

[crazy4canes]

Great effort by the Sens to come back in this series. Game 7 is going to be hard to watch. Unless, of course, the Sens take a 4-0 lead in the first period. :evil:

I got a little chuckle seeing a 19 year old get under Brodeur's skin. Pretty comical. Brodeur is usually very calm and sensible. Maybe he thought he could throw Spezza off his game.

[tommy]

Remember that whole deal with Brodeur and his marital problem(s)?

Brodeur's wife files for divorce

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services


The wife of New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur is filing for divorce, and is seeking custody of the couple's four children, according to newspaper reports Wednesday.

Melanie Brodeur is seeking support for her and the children and an equitable distribution of all property and payment of all legal fees, according to her divorce complaint filed in Essex County Family Court and obtained by The Star-Ledger of New Jersey.

Melanie Brodeur charges her husband committed adultery "on numerous occasions at a variety of locations." She alleges the adultery has been "ongoing and continuous for a period from the fall of 2002 to present date." The two had been separated before the filing for divorce. Melanie Brodeur alleges that her husband committed adultry with his sister-in-law.

After Monday night's 3-1 loss to the Senators in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, Brodeur said he did not know the divorce papers had been filed. "I wasn't aware of it," he told reporters.

Despite the marital distractions, Brodeur has been brilliant in the playoffs despite Monday's loss. Brodeur is 11-4 with four shutouts and a 1.67 goals-against average during the postseason.

[Logansfrog]

I thought of Brodeur's marital problems when he rushed Spezza. Since he is usually so cool and collected, it made me think that all the stress (on and off ice) is getting to him.

Though Spezza getting Brodeur with a stick after the whistle was blown did deserve some sort of response...I thought Brodeur probably wanted to handle Spezza himself and blow off a little steam, rather than letting his d take care of it for him.

[Canesluver]

Maybe Spezza looks like his wife. . . . .

[crazy4canes]

Maybe Spezza looks like his wife. . . . .

http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/lachen47.gif

[Logansfrog]

Maybe Spezza looks like his wife. . . . .

Maybe, but since he's supposedly sleeping with her sister, I'd expect any beatings to be coming from Mrs. Brodeur. He might be stressed, but I think it's the wife who's justified in being pissed. (venturing slightly off topic here, sorry!)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Maybe Spezza looks like his wife. . . . .

That is funny Shawn....could be.... :evil:

Lot to have on your mind while trying to keep the puck out and go to the Finals...oh well Marty baby...you made your bed......ummm...so to speak..you gotta lay in it!! ;)

[tommy]

Or maybe Spezza IS his wife... in disguise, of course... :crazy:

[talkingcanes]

"Melanie Brodeur alleges that her husband committed adultry with his sister-in-law."

isn't this an odd way to phrase it if it's Melanie's sister? do we know that for sure. I admit I haven't read all the articles closely. it just seems the article would say "Melanie alleges he committed adultry with her sister". wonder if it's his brother's wife?

not that it matters. I don't know why people can't keep their private lives private. maybe she thinks it will help in the financial wranglings.

I think it was during an intermission report, they said their friends had not ruled out a reconciliation. maybe it's just friends' wishful thinking.

[1Irbegirlforever]

Maybe Spezza looks like his wife. . . . .

That was BAD! ;)

[CaniacPanther]

This is unrelated to Marty Brodeur's marital problems...

Yeah, I agree with what SHC said about Devils fans. I remember in the series against the 'Canes last year how Continental Arena looked like at least a quarter of the seats were empty. The team is perpetually successful and still their fans don't support them like they should.

Then again, it IS Jersey... :roll:

Go Sens!

[1Irbegirlforever]

Sens up 1-0! Should be a good game 7 folks! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

WWWOOOOOOOO!!!! Langenbrunner scores!!! 1-1!

GO DEVS!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Make that 2-1!!!! Langenbrunner AGAIN!!!

[1Irbegirlforever]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

come on Sens! do something! :crazy:

[folgersnyourcup]

Okay um....anyone else see that Ducks music video? When I heard there was going to be a Ducks music video I quickly hunted the tape that I recorded the 5 OT game on and got ready to tack the video on at the end of it.

What an absolutely STUPID video! Whoo boy, maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for that kind of song but ugh.... And they didn't even let the whole thing play!

As for the game, it's been very exciting thus far and I see it going into OT tied 2-2. The Sens are pressing far too much to not end up with another goal at some point during the game. They're playing with the desparation they needed to play with when they were up 1-0. Had they played with that desparation to start the 2nd period they might have been able to go up 2-0.

Ah well, they've got the powerplay to start the 3rd.

Oh yeah, and who else absolutely loved seeing Stevens get CRUSHED????

[Stormbringer]

Okay um....anyone else see that Ducks music video? When I heard there was going to be a Ducks music video I quickly hunted the tape that I recorded the 5 OT game on and got ready to tack the video on at the end of it.

What an absolutely STUPID video! Whoo boy, maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for that kind of song but ugh.... And they didn't even let the whole thing play!

Ducks...music...video?! You have got to be kidding me. I obviously did not see what sounds like and was apparently an embarassment. So, I have a few questions...

What exactly did they use in the video, clips from the Ducks' playoff games, the Mighty Ducks cartoons, both, and/or something else?

Was the song used a made up song, an overly popular (As in overplayed.) song, the Mighty Ducks cartoon theme song, or something else?

Sounds like to me that ESPN is trying very hard to "like" the Ducks, but I can't determine if they are trying too hard or not enough...the more I think about it, probably not enough since they did abruptly cut off the video. Then again, maybe ESPN got smart for once, and realized themselves that the video was horrible.

Oh yeah, one more question...is this "music video" available for viewing somewhere online? Dagnabit Folgers, you got me a wee bit curious to see this thing... ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Wooooo Hooooooo!!!!! Devs SCORE!!! 3-2 with 2:14 to go!!! Yeah!!!!

That was some luck there....the Sens have been out-playing them here but the Devs still scored. Hope they can hold on for 2+ more minutes!!!

[1Irbegirlforever]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PLEASE TIE IT UP SENS!!!!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! The New Jersey Devils are going to the Stanley Cup Finals....to get beat by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks!


I'm happy for the Devils...and I'm very sorry for the Sens. I don't dislike them and I do hate to see them lose....especially Lalime.


Now.....GO DUCKS!!!!

[1Irbegirlforever]

Now i can say it....

GO DUCKS GO! GO DUCKS GO! GO DUCKS GO!

Man, i can't help but feel bad for the Sens... :sad: I can't wait for the ducks to whoop on the devs and knock them out! :mad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Stevens just picked up the Prince of Wales trophy....guess he ain't afraid of no superstition. Actually I guess he ain't afraid of much. ;)

[Stormbringer]

(insert sad and dragging brass music here)

(sighs) So much for two small market teams duking it out. :sad:

But...

(an off-key note sounds and happy music begins to play)

http://www.missfantastic.com/miscellaneous/toiletduck.jpg

:D GO DUCKS! FLUSH THOSE DEVILS!! :spin:

My friendly neighborhood Toilet Duck has yet to fail the mighty ones...please don't fail them now... :angel:

[StormShaman]

QUACK!

Go Ducks! :)

[nccanes]

Sounds like to me that ESPN is trying very hard to "like" the Ducks, but I can't determine if they are trying too hard or not enough...the more I think about it, probably not enough since they did abruptly cut off the video. Then again, maybe ESPN got smart for once, and realized themselves that the video was horrible.

Oh yeah, one more question...is this "music video" available for viewing somewhere online? Dagnabit Folgers, you got me a wee bit curious to see this thing... ;)

None of the above. It was a "song" that was written by some folks in Ontario (Missisauga?) about the Ducks. The "video" part was just a few game highlights. The "joke" was that the Ducks has so much time on their hands, and apparently so did these folks from a radio station (I think). You missed nothing.

Anyway, now I can totally pull for the Ducks - w/o any divided loyalties.

[nccanes]

How cute is this?

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030523/capt.1053737468devils_senators_ottx107.jpg
Prime Minister Jean Chretien, sporting an Ottawa Senators logo on his cheek, and new Senators owner Eugene Melnyk watch the Senators play the New Jersey Devils during the first period of game 7 in the NHL Eastern conference finals on Friday, May 23, 2003, in Ottawa.

I thought it was cool when PK and JR put on those "C" stickers on their suit lapel when it was Ron Francis night 2 season's ago, but the PM of Canada with a sticker on his cheek might top that!

[Stormbringer]

That's cool...I found it cool too when I saw on Raising Canes PK and JR sporting the C's given out on Ron Francis Night. Always neat to see the dudes in charge, be it regarding the team or government, joining in on the fun... :)

[Jeff O Rocks]

What was up with all the no-calls on the Devils...all the tripping and hooking!?????? Even the announcers at one point said...If this wasn't Game 7 that would have been a penalty!!! The refs didn't have any problem putting the Sens in the box!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

The Sens looked so pitiful at the end...hard to see tough guys cry!!! :cry: I despise the Devils...one more reason to say even LOUDER....GO DUCKS GO!!!!!

...one note to add...did you guys see Stevens touch the trophy and then PICK IT UP??? :evil: **chants..come on curse..work again** :beatup:

[nccanes]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030523/capt.1053743064devils_senators_ottx118.jpg

[folgersnyourcup]

Am I the only one that finds something humorous about that pic?

[nccanes]

Am I the only one that finds something humorous about that pic?

No. That's why I posted it!;)

Want another?

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030523/capt.1053741430devils_senators_ottx114.jpg

[nccanes]

They went a big step further - the whole team posed with the trophy:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030523/capt.1053744347devils_senators_ottx124.jpg

[Jeff O Rocks]

They went a big step further - the whole team posed with the trophy:



I hope the bad luck oozed out on everyone of them.... :mad:

[folgersnyourcup]

Good grief, I don't know about that. I'm sure they're happy but it certainly looks like a Stanley Cup picture there.....

Anaheim will certainly put up a fight and if New Jersey thinks they can just walk over them they are sorely mistaken.

It would really piss me off greatly if New Jersey were to hoist the cup again......

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ah well. Thanks for the pics Eileen, very funny shots of Brodeur there!

[Stormbringer]

Am I the only one that finds something humorous about that pic?

Nope...starring Martin Brodeur as THE FLYING GOALIE!

Ok, maybe it's not quite as catchy as "The Flying Nun", but it's got potential... :beatup: ;)

[1Irbegirlforever]

Good grief, I don't know about that. I'm sure they're happy but it certainly looks like a Stanley Cup picture there.....

Anaheim will certainly put up a fight and if New Jersey thinks they can just walk over them they are sorely mistaken.

It would really piss me off greatly if New Jersey were to hoist the cup again......

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ah well. Thanks for the pics Eileen, very funny shots of Brodeur there!

I agree....Ducks all the way! the last thing in the world i want is to see Scott Stevens lift that Cup! http://www.jordysworld.de/emoticons/trau34.gif

thanks for the pictures nccanes! they are hilarious! :D

[Alicia]

WOOOO!! Unpopular opinion here, but way to go Devs! Now I feel another 7 game series coming on...GO DUCKS!! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

WOOOO!! Unpopular opinion here, but way to go Devs! Now I feel another 7 game series coming on...GO DUCKS!! :D

Me too, me too, me tooooooooo!!! ;)

[RIO]

alright Devils! let's get this show on the road! :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

I hope the Ducks don't let those *&%^!!! Devils anywhere near Game 7!!! :mad:

Go Ducks...sweep em!!! :evil:

[nccanes]

They went a big step further - the whole team posed with the trophy:



I hope the bad luck oozed out on everyone of them.... :mad:


According to a Devils Fan that posts elsewhere, when Stevens didn't touch/lift the PoW trophy - that was the year they didn't win the Cup (2001). Supposedly the other years they touched it, they won.

[Jeff O Rocks]

They went a big step further - the whole team posed with the trophy:



I hope the bad luck oozed out on everyone of them.... :mad:


According to a Devils Fan that posts elsewhere, when Stevens didn't touch/lift the PoW trophy - that was the year they didn't win the Cup (2001). Supposedly the other years they touched it, they won.

Let's hope his "reverse psychology" doesn't work this time!! :mad:

[nccanes]

From the NY Times:

Devils Claim One Trophy With an Eye Toward the Stanley Cup
By JASON DIAMOS


TTAWA, May 24 — Out of superstition, Paul Kariya, Anaheim's captain, would not touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl when the Ducks won the Western Conference finals because there is another trophy Kariya wants to touch first: the Stanley Cup.

Scott Stevens, the Devils' captain, had no such qualms when it came to handling the Prince of Wales Trophy on Friday night.

Stevens remembered well the last time he clutched it, in the spring of 2000 after the Devils had become the first team in N.H.L. history to rally from a three-games-to-one deficit in the conference finals.

The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Dallas Stars. But the next season, after the Devils eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals, Stevens chose not to touch the Prince of Wales Trophy. The Devils lost to Colorado in the Cup finals.

"So I'm not going to mess around with superstition," Stevens said with a laugh Friday night after the Devils beat the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. "I did it in Philadelphia that season because we fought back so hard. I said to myself during this series: `I did it before and we went on to win the Stanley Cup. If we win, I'm going to do it again.' "

Martin Brodeur, who jumped into Stevens's arms as the final seconds ticked away Friday night, had the Devils pose on the ice with the trophy after the traditional postgame handshakes.

"I'm darn proud of it," Stevens said of the trophy. The Devils reached the Stanley Cup finals for the third time in four seasons. Game 1 against the Mighty Ducks is Tuesday night at Continental Arena.

In more than one sense, it was as if the 2000 Eastern Conference finals were being played out all over again here Friday night. But the outcome was not what the Senators had hoped for.

The Senators had come in trying to to duplicate the Devils' feat of rallying from a 3-1 deficit in a conference final series.

Instead, the Devils' Jeff Friesen broke a 2-2 tie with 2 minutes 14 seconds to play to clinch the series.

Friesen, acquired by the Devils in a trade with Anaheim last summer, scored off a nice pass from Grant Marshall.

Friesen, who shoots left-handed, took Marshall's pass on his backhand, then shifted the puck to his forehand to lift the puck over the pads of Ottawa goaltender Patrick Lalime.

After Friday's victory, Brodeur said he had to fight questions running through his head during stoppages late in the third period.

"You start questioning yourself," Brodeur said. "You think, `If I get scored on here, it's over.' Or, `Are we headed to overtime again?' "

The goal was a strong measure of redemption for Friesen, who had allowed defenseman Karel Rachunek to poke the puck away from him early in the third period, just as the Devils were about to enter the Ottawa zone on a three-on-two rush. That turnover led to a goal by Radek Bonk at 1:53 of the third period, tying the score at 2-2.

"When he came to the bench, I thought he was pondering suicide," Devils Coach Pat Burns said of Friesen. "I said, `Just relax, you owe me one.' "

That was not all Burns said on the bench. The normally stoic Burns was animated all night, exhorting the Devils.

"It's an emotional building and the guys had to feel that," said Burns, who will be coaching in his second Stanley Cup finals and first since 1989. "You couldn't hear a whole lot behind that bench. So I was going up and down the bench, just pushing these guys, because that's my job. You can't do it for 82 games, because it doesn't work. You have to pick a certain time, and I said to myself, `Tonight's the time.' "

Brodeur said Burns's display of emotion caught the Devils by surprise.

"You don't ever see him get emotional like that," Brodeur said. "Not unless it's against a referee."

[hyena]

ugh. :cry: i guess i should be glad i was out of town and couldn't watch the game. can anyone give me a short rundown of it? i taped it but i really can't bear to watch. were any of the goals lalime let in soft? from what i read on here it seems like the officiating was bad as usual...

i was really hoping the sens could pull it out. :sad:

oh well. go ducks!

[folgersnyourcup]

It was an excellent game. If my memory serves me right, the only "soft" goal let in was by Brodeur to put the Sens up 1-0. They then tried to sit on that lead and within about a 2 minute time span found themselves down 2-1. Lalime didn't have a chance on either of the goals. It stayed deadlocked that way and OT seemed certain until with a little under 3 minutes left a bit of a defensive gaff by Wade Redden led to Friesen putting the game winner home. The Sens then pulled their goalie but then didn't really come close to tying it. I would sugget watching the game if you've got extra time even though the Devils did win. It was a very fast paced and exciting game for the most part. I didn't like the outcome either but what the heck it was still a good game.

[Jeff O Rocks]

ugh. :cry: i guess i should be glad i was out of town and couldn't watch the game. can anyone give me a short rundown of it? i taped it but i really can't bear to watch. were any of the goals lalime let in soft? from what i read on here it seems like the officiating was bad as usual...

i was really hoping the sens could pull it out. :sad:

oh well. go ducks!

Be glad you missed it hyena...the Sens were so pitiful at the end..made me want to :cry: !! The calls or lack of were pitiful too..as I remarked earlier, the announcers at one point said..if this wasn't Game 7, that would have been a penalty...of course they were talking about a penalty that they should have called on New Jersey....they didn't have ANY problems putting Sens in the box!! :mad: Anyway, hopefully the Ducks will do the world of hockey a favor and get rid of those DIRTY DEVILS soon!! ;)