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The Senators Will Rue This Day
2007-06-18 19:32:00
I guess every franchise goes through this. The resident genius leads the team to the promised land and then his eccentricities lead him out the door. It has happened all over the place. Here in Buffalo it is an all too familiar story... Bill Polian anyone? You're welcome Indianapolis Colts!The Senat or 's decision to move on without John Muckler didn't surprise me. He has had a history of being cantankerous and difficult to work with from a management perspective. He also had been whispering retirement out of one side of his mouth while espousing plans for the future on the other side. Remember, this is the man who hired Ted Nolan, a man who resurrected a flagging Muckler built team in Buffalo, only to turn and try to slit Nolan's throat when Nolan asked for more juice.I suspect much was the same in Ottawa. It seems that Muckler had his hands tied by Larry Melnyk when it came to bringing Dominik Hasek back for another run. In my opinion Muckler was forced to go with Emery and Ger...
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Sutter brings back and old buddy...
2007-06-18 17:23:00
The Flames officially named Mike Keenan head coach today, and that's not much of a surprise.Keenan took a year off from the NHL after he was dismissed as general manager of the Panthers before the start 2006-2007 season.He was subsequently replaced with current Panthers head coach Jacques Martin.Rumours swirled that Keenan did not get along well with his coach, and that trading Roberto Luongo to the Canucks, rather than re-signing him, was the last straw.Flames GM Darryl Sutter , following the Flames' 1st round loss to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks last year, stepped down as head coach of the team and gave that duty to one of his closes assistants, Jim Playfair.However, Playfair had a very inconsistent year behind the bench, and was constantly criticized for his lack of control over he players, and his team's inability to score at critical points of the season.After a terrible start to his first season as head coach, which saw the Flames fall to last place in the Northwest Division wit...
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John Muckler's days numbered?
2007-06-17 17:52:00
According to this article by the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch (who for some reason, appears here in a Winnipeg newspaper), the Senators could be close to firing general manager John Muckler, and this is indeed a big surprise.The Ottawa Senators could announce, as early as tomorrow, that GM John Muckler has been fired.While Muckler wouldn't comment yesterday, referring all questions about his future to team owner Eugene Melnyk, two senior NHL executives told Sun Media they believe Melnyk gave Muckler his walking papers on Friday.I guess someone needs to take the fall for the Sens losing out on the Cup, and Eugene Melnyk may have decided that it's his general manager's doing.Hehe, the Martin Gerber signing really ticked him off...Let's wait and see...And if this does happen, then I'm telling you right now, Bryan Murray will be the first man Melnyk turns to.--BBR
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Gainey does it again...au revoir Samsonov!
2007-06-17 00:17:00
COWABUNGA!Bob Gainey has done it again, folks.After ridding himself of Jose Theodore's seemingly unmovable contract last year, he clears the air and dumps Sergei Samson ov in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.''Considering we didn't have plans for Sergei Samsonov in our organization for next season, our options were either to buy out his contact or to trade him in order to allow us to save valuable cap room over the next two seasons,'' Bob Gainey told the media.And Pierre McGuire finally got one right, he had recently told the Team 990 Montreal that the Canadiens and Blackhawks were close to making a deal, and hehe, here it is!The Canadiens finally parted ways with their problematic Russian forward, 28-year old Sergei Samsonov today, sending him to Dave Tallon's Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for depth defenceman Jassen Cullimore and checking-line winger Tony Salmelainen.Samsonov's $3,75 million 2007-2008 salary is off the Habs' books, and into Dave Tallon's; heading this...
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As Komisarek and Higgins sign off, Aucoin may join act...
2007-06-15 22:09:00
According to various sources, the Montreal Canadiens have officially re-signed restricted free-agent defenceman Mike Komisarek and forward Christopher Higgins to 2-year contracts.Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek are two of the young players we consider to be building blocks for the long term success of our team. Christopher is a complete player with great offensive skills who improved constantly since making his NHL debut. Mike displayed outstanding defensive poise over the past seasons and his physical presence is an undeniable asset to our group of defensemen.-Bob GaineyAnd these are not measly contracts, ladies and gents, according to our compatriot Renaud Lavoie over at RDS, Komisarek will make $1,5 million next season, and $1,9 million in 2008-2009.A considerable rase from the 945K he made last season, the $1,7 million (on average) Komisarek will receive over the next two season are well-earned.The Canadiens' 1st round pick of 2001 had a great 2006-2007 season, was one o...
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Columbus Blue Jackets hire Howson
2007-06-14 05:18:00
Scott Howson will be the new GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets expect a formal announcement Thursday or Friday. I'm at work and extremely busy but wanted to toss this up.Article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story? id=2903250I will put my reaction up tonight when I get off of work. Until then...thanks Jibblescribbits for the heads up. :)Alright, my reaction, as much as I don't want to admit and as nervous as I am about it I think it's the right thing for our franchise. But, the problem doesn't stop with the GM. It is much deeper it is our Scouts, and everything. I am very excited about this though...I have faith in Howson. Drew tells me I shouldn't be nervous or upset about the Ryan Smyth trade...but we'll see he better not trade Ricky!! Haha.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with Edmonton Oilers assistant general manager Scott Howson to make him their new general manager, The Columbus Dispatch reported on its Web site Wednesday. The newspap...
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Ruff and Regier Agree to New Deals
2007-06-13 14:02:00
Multiple news outlets in Buffalo and Canada are reporting that the Sabres have reached agreements on newcontracts with General Manager Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff. More news to follow as details become clearer.Prospect Note:- The Sabres signed Defense prospect Marc-Andre Gragnani on the last day prior to the deadline for signing 2005 draftees. Gragnani, who was drafted 87th overall that year is thought of as a highly skilled offensive defenseman with very good powerplay skills. The Sabres declined to sign Branislav Fabry and Phillipe Gogulla who were also at their signing deadline.

Yeah, this was unexpected: Yashin wants to play in Montreal...
2007-06-13 03:30:00
Fresh off a huge buyout of the remainder of his 9-year/$90 million contract, that has the entire hockey world talking, and on the first day he's allowed to negotiate with other NHL teams, Alexei Yashin is at it again, except this time, Mont real is his desired target.That's right, Alexei Yashin WANTS to play for the Montreal Canadiens.Baffled by first reading this on RDS, I actually softened my position regarding Yashin and his Islander failure, by thinking straightly."Hey, this would be a pretty decent pickup at a decent price"And why not, Yashin is still a damn good forward and was on pace to have his best season ever with the Islanders and led them in scoring through one third of the campain, until he got injured, and was never the same when he returned.Losing his patience with the enigmatic Russian captain, Isles head coach Ted Nolan pencilled in Yashin as the team's 4th line centre for the last 15 or so games, the move outraged Yashin while fans were happy to see he got the p...
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Leafs sign Sundin
2007-06-12 18:36:00
TSN reports that Sundin has signed a one year $5.5 million deal with a no-trade clause. An announcement is expected later on today.I just want to say I love what TSN lists as his flaws:" While strong on his skates, he's not overly physical considering his size. Is starting to show signs of decay, and becoming more prone to injury with time."Just thought it was funny.I am glad that they reached a deal though. I like Sundin even though he is a Leaf, he is a great player and is their "heart and soul" and all the Leaf fans seem to adore him...so good for them.
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Blogger Sued...
2007-06-12 16:44:00
Article Found HereFrank D'Angelo, the president of the Hamilton-based Steelback Brewery, has been engaged in a very public feud with Ottawa-based blogger Neate Sager and his hockey-centric (though not exclusively puck-headed) site Out of Left Field. Late Monday, the Canadian Press reported that D'Angelo filed a $2-million lawsuit against Sager last week in a Newmarket, Ont. court, alleging that Sager damaged D'Angelo's reputation on his blog between August 2006 and January of this year by calling him (among other things) a "huckster" and a "con man." Sager also allegedly referred to his interest in purchasing the Pittsburgh Penguins as a "charade." From the Globe and Mail: "The fact is that the conduct of the defendant in failing to remove the offending entries from his website, his failure to issue an apology and his public mockery of the notice letter has aggravated the damages suffered," the claim says. "The defendant did not provide a balanced view and provided no opportunit...
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Another logo bites the dust?
2007-06-12 13:49:00
The Vancouver Canucks logo may be going into a whole new dimension, come next season.If you remember last offseason's Buffalo Sabres' new logo and uniform controversy, then you'll love what I have to post here.Last year, Sabres fans were outraged at the new Sabres logo that had been leaked out to them, and as a result, it became a hot topic around the hockey world.Well this time, it's the Vancouver Canucks that may be getting a total makeover.The "new concept" of this Canucks jersey, would look like this:Personally, I think it's awesome, and I would totally buy a jersey like this.The logo is very cool and the colors are well-chosen. I hope for the Canucks, that this turns out to be their new uniform, but I wouldn't mind seeing them in their "stick in a rink" whale jerseys next season once again. --BBR
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Looking for hockey, punk rock and a video show?
2007-06-09 03:47:00
In 1997, they became the first hockey punk group, now, they are the first hockey punk group to publish video episodes on the internet.Yes, Two Man Advantage is going public, and it's well worth checking out!Their first two episodes, released on YouTube have been a hilarious and hockey-savvy success.If you're looking for a good laugh, some good hockey talk and beer, this is what you want to see.Episode 1: The guys sit in front of their TV screen as they comment on a Stars-Ducks game in March.Episode 2: This time they blurt out some funny stuff while tuning into the Isles-Sabres first round matchup.If you like hockey, punk rock and video, this is your lucky day.If you haven't heard of these Long Islanders, then I suggest you check out their team page.Enjoy, as I did, and guys, you're awesome, keep it up!--BBR
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The Ducks Got it Done
2007-06-07 17:22:00
Last night had a lot of firsts. My personal favorite thing from the night was seeing Scott Niedermayer get the Conn Smythe. He deserved it...he held his team together and he did it in the classiest manner there is. He never complained, he just lead his team because that's what he is good at. He was the only one on the team who had a Stanley Cup Ring *well he actually has three* Seeing Scott hand Lord Stanley to Rob also was amazing... Then there was Teemu who finally got to hold the Cup. Seeing him so overcome with emotion you couldn't help but be happy for him. He deserves this. His wait is over. Congrats to the Anaheim Duck s and to the Anaheim Ducks fans for proving that people in California know their hockey also. Expect a better post later...but for now this is all I have.ANAHEIM DUCKS WIN THE STANLEY CUPFINAL SCORE 6-2SERIES 4-1
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Islanders buy out Yashin
2007-06-06 16:43:00
Charles Wang made the decision yesterday to buy out the remaining 4 years on Alexei Yashin's contract...this cost them $17.63 Million. Wang is allowed to pay that over the next 8 years. $2.2 million will go against the salary cap over that time. In a statement Ted Nolan, coach of the Islanders said:"It was a hard decision, but when push came to shove, it was the best decision for this organization to give Yash a nice, fresh start. For us, it's a new beginning. You start looking for new players to come in. There's a time for people to move, and we just felt it was the right time."Article Found HereMargee, has already begun rejoicing.
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The 2007 UFA Chart
2007-06-06 01:03:00
Here's my UFA chart heading into this year's offseason, I will gather all the information I can from anywhere I can and post it here, of course, only about the most important potential FA's out there, you can't forget about a guy like Denis Arkhipov taking up significant space on this post.The list will include my personal rankings, my comments, their current team, team brewings and their rumoured targets, along with every source for everything I say.I will also try to make this your most comprehensive guide and source to the upcoming offseason for you.Hope you enjoy it, I can't wait for the offseason, which is surely to be even better than the last one!2007 Bleu, Blanc et Rouge UFA Char t 1. Daniel BriereCurrent Team: Buffalo Sabres2006-2007 stats: 81 GP 28G, 37A, 96 PTS2006-2007 salary: $5,000,00Projected worth: $6,500,00 --> $8,000,00Current team brewings:(04-06) Briere hasn't heard from Sabres yet(03-06) Agent says all signs point to Briere hitting UFA market (BR1)Rumoured t...

According to Eklund, Leafs sign Antropov...
2007-06-06 00:17:00
I'd like to believe this, but as you know, I'm not too high on Eklund...Saw this floating around on a message board and thought I would share, believe it or trash it.Leafs Re-sign Antropov: 2 year deal(e4)Accord ing to a great source this is now done...Oh, stop the presses, this is an E4 people!Wait till TSN or some credible source comes out with this...--BBR
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Cap to up to 52 million?...Outdoor games encore?
2007-06-04 19:02:00
There are a few interesting tidbits out there that may have gone unnoticed due to the Cup Final euphoria/Chris Pronger suspension and all.Here's the latest news...-Salary Cap to go up to $52 millionLarry Brooks reported recently on his blog, very briefly, that the NHL Salary Cap ceiling may be at $52 million for the upcoming season, this contradicts previous reports from media moguls like TSN, Sportsnet and the Score, that the cap will rise to an estimated $49 million.All I have to say is, NHL, watch out.I'm getting a bad feeling in my gut that the annual raise in the Salary Cap will bring us back to those old NHL days, and that NHL GM's will continue spending in a pricey way.Why does the cap have to keep going up, why can't it just stay at say $49 million for a long while, and in 5 years or so, the NHL evaluates its finances and how it's improved and decides from there.The people in the NHL's Board Room are making decisions that could potentially harm the game, especially if ...
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NHL Draft
2007-06-04 01:56:00
Alright so I was talking to Drew at End of the Bench. He and Michael are planning a blogger get together at the Draft . For any information you need on the draft please go here. They are planning on having the get together on the afternoon of June 22 somewhere close by the arena. If you are interested in going please leave a comment on Michael's mega draft post. I will post more information up on here once it becomes available. I really hope to see you all there!! Also, if you need tickets, I do have extra so feel free to e-mail meBethanyM85(at)gmail(dot)com

BBR blog gets new look!
2007-06-04 00:50:00
I figured this Round kinda look to the blog was getting old, what do you all think of this new look?I kept the basics, but changed the style and I plan to change the logo.Have any suggestions guys, I would really appreciate any!--BBR
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Pronger Suspended Again?
2007-06-03 04:51:00
Should Pron ger be suspended AGAIN for this?Thanks to Kukla's Korner for the picture.
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Mega Post: It all comes down to the masked men...but who's better?
2007-06-02 22:11:00
It's so tough to decide who's been the better goalie in this 88th version of the Stanley Cup Final, featuring the Ducks' Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Ottawa's "Sugar" Ray Emery.How about we let the photos decide who's been the better goalie and who will win the series?!Just for fun though...Game I. Hmmmm, the weird position battleJean-Sebas Giguere, in full gear, chats with Martin Gerber who's in his street clothes on the bench during practice in Anaheim. Man, Gerber musta said something funny to make Giguere laugh like that:"What does stopping a puck feel like again? It's been so long since I've done that, I don't even know why I bother growing this beard?!!"Giguere probably said: "Grow some hair on your head before letting your beard get long, and then I'll show you the basics.""Oh wait, is Ray calling me?" "I think I'm growing some hemorroids, it would help if my teammates didn't completely let me down in games so I wouldn't have to flop around everywhere to make a dam...
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What the prospects go through
2007-06-02 18:44:00
I know for me I am always interested in what these kids go through on their way to getting the big contract and playing in the big leagues. So, finally Aaron Portzline at The Columbus Disptch put something together.NHL combine: Prospect s well-done after steady grillingSome do 20 interviews with team officialsSaturday, June 2, 2007 3:32 AMBy Aaron PortzlineTHE COLUMBUS DISPATCHTORONTO -- The 18-year-old hockey player walks into the room wearing the best suit he owns.After shaking hands and exchanging hellos, the kid sits at the end of a long table, under bright lights and under the watchful eye of up to eight NHL scouts and front-office decision-makers.Then the questions come, rapid-fire, for a 20-minute span that must seem like two hours to the kid."More like two days," one said.Welcome to the National Hockey League's scouting combine, an annual event staged in the Park Plaza Hotel near the Toronto Airport, always a few weeks before the NHL entry draft."I feel like I need to take...

Leafs Make a Bad Call in Signing Sundin
2007-05-31 19:31:00
TSN is reporting that the Leafs are close to signing Mats Sundin to a two-year, $11 million US contract. All I can say as a Buffalo fan is hallelujah! This really isn't about Mats Sundin, he is a heck of a player. This is more about the continuing penchant for the Maple Leafs, as an organization, to bury its head in the sand and pretend that they are close to being a championship team and that Lord Stanley will come knocking with his cup anytime soon.Sure, you need top flight players like Sundin to get a cup, but you have to surround those players with workable high quality pieces in order to make your cup dream a reality. The Leafs have it somewhat right. They have started a form of a youth movement and have some great young pieces. Guys like Kyle Wellwood, Carlo Colaiacovo, Mats Stajan and Alexander Steen. They have a horse in Thomas Kaberle. Unfortunately they also have a slew of overpriced and injured or under-performing players like Nik Antropov, Hal Gill, Bryan McCabe and Jef...
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Crosby to be named Captain
2007-05-31 07:09:00
I will have more information about this when it actually happens but for now it looks like he will be named Captain today. You can read the article here. UPDATE I was reading at Mirtle's blog...and he was saying that the reason they are doing it now is so that Crosby can break another record by becoming the youngest Captain ever in the NHL. I think it's a little ridiuclous to be perfectly honest. I believe Crosby is a great player...he has a TON of skills BUT when it comes to his leadership...I have doubts. Maybe, if I wouldn't have seen him cry, and whine to the refs after every bad call...I would change my mind. The fact of the matter is this is a mans game and Crosby is still...a boy...disagree with me if you want...but it's the truth.Article Here

Plan B, Buffalo Style
2007-05-30 20:01:00
Hopefully I am wrong about my impending feeling of doom when it comes to Chris Drury and Danny Briere. Hopefully it is all just a bad dream. Unfortunately, my mind knows that this is my stupid heart getting in the way. Therefore it is time to look to plan B. Say they are both gone, Teppo too. What to do, what to do?Well, I think to start the Sabres would need to change their center ice philosophy a bit. I think a bit bigger would do the trick and allow Connolly to fill Briere's role and leave Roy in his role. The guy I would look for is Michael Handzus. Moneywise I think he would be a good fit and would change the dynamic for the Sabres nicely. A highly mobile 6'5" and 220 pounds he would lend a presence the Sabres have not had since the days of Chris Gratton. Add to that his quality production and I think the Sabres have their centerman to move forward with. If Danius Zubrus were to return as well the Sabres would be much larger up front than last season without much in the way o...
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the ghost is pissed...
2007-05-30 19:46:00
First off, I want to thank Bleu, Blanc et Rouge for letting me post here. I appreciate it. He does a damned fine job and the man truly loves hockey and, for some unholy reason, the Canadiens.That being said, many of you, unfairly took Bleu, Blanc et Rouge to task for MY article on the rumour of the fight between Briere and Drury. Many of you, especially the eponymous "Anonymous" and "Let's Go Sabres," spared no venom vilifying BBR when I, the ghost, wrote the article. I stand by what I wrote regardless of your shallow points and criticisms. My source, who works HSBC security and is a police officer, swears by the story and I believe him. Of particular concern is Lets Go Sabres who accused BBR of rabble rousing and writing this because BBR is a Canadiens fan. I find it funny that you spent all the time refuting my writing yet blaming it on the wrong guy. Memo to you, at least criticize the right guy if your going to do it at all. Otherwise, you just look dumb whether your points a...
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Ryan Miller...on EA's NHL 08 cover?
2007-05-30 00:33:00
That, ladies 'n' gentlemen, is what has been flying around some hockey message boards in recent times.If you don't know, EA Sports' "NHL" franchise is pretty succesful, although it has fallen off in the recent years.But the question is: is this authentic, or just some joke?Ryan Miller , no offence, is not good enough to be on the cover of a video game just yet, take a look at the recent names to hit the game cover:1999 Lindros cover2000 Pronger cover2001 Nolan cover2002 Lemieux cover2003 Iginla cover2004 Heatley/Sakic cover2005 Naslund cover2006 Lecavalier cover2007 Ovechkin coverDoes it really make sense for Ryan Miller to follow suit?And, if you look closely, the image is fake, the "08" is bigger than the "NHL" and the background for the "NHL 08" lettering should be transparent, like its predecessor, NHL 07.Man, I should make one of those with Cristobal Huet on it, it would be so easy.--BBR
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Here's what I love about Eklund...and what I hate about him...
2007-05-29 23:53:00
First off, here's what you need to know about me before we begin:1) I don't like Eklund, but I don't hate the guy, he's just a human being.2) I believe the stuff he posts is crap.3) I also believe he's just some washed-up no-life stuck in a basement in Philadelphia.4) I never said I hate him though, but I do love one thing about him:How he really makes people his pawns by feeding them crap day in and day out which ACCORDING TO HIM, are inside sources to the NHL organisations many of us love and adore.So, I subscribe to his "Daily Buzz" emails, just to see how he'll make me laugh every day, and get me "buzzed".Here's what he sent all of his pawns today:Remember rumours are rumours are rumours...so, PLEASE do not take this too seriously folks. As it gets closer to July 1, it continues to intensify. Every now and again it is important to inform you of a few rules around these parts. (only #7 really matters)1. I do not make this stuff up. 2. I do not trust everyone.3. I am fully ...
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Hasek good bet to return
2007-05-29 22:56:00
Listening to Dominik Hase k's comments after the Game 6 loss to Anaheim Tuesday and on Friday during the locker cleanout day, I'm convinced he's coming back. He feels great physically and still has a burning desire to win another Cup. He's wanted back by management and teammates and he feels good about this team's chances next season. Unless his family convinces him otherwise, I'd expect him back.Mike Babcock was already set to make his pitch."I'm going to grab a bottle of wine, and I'm going to walk down the street and around the corner,'' Babcock said. "I don't know exactly where he lives but I know he lives in my neighborhood and we're going to sit on his deck and I'm probably going to bring my wife, too, and we'll hang out and find out. That's how we're having it. I already told him that. So that'll be good and we'll make sure we don't run out of wine.''This time, Hasek isn't likely to settle for a $750,000 base salary. But, since there's no other place he...
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Game 1: Step Away From the Ledge!
2007-05-29 22:31:00
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals is in the books with the Senators coming up short 2-3 against Anaheim. Admittedly, there were moments in the game where it was clear that the Senators were simply overmatched. It reminded of game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, except this time with the Senators playing the ones being feasted upon.It's easy to assess what the Senators did wrong. They were being out-hit and out-muscled. They thought they could match the Ducks' tight physical style with their flair and the run-and-gun offensive playmaking style that they were known for, not expecting the Ducks to shut down their extra-pass at the offensive blueline and cause a rush going the other way. I was reluctant to say it, but it's true. This team really does rise and fall with the play of their captain Daniel Alfredsson. He didn't have a solid game last night, giving up on plays too easily, being outmatched physically and having trouble controlling the puck. That being said, he was hardly...
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