OPP Constable Lyndon Slewidge delivered one of the most stirring renditions of "O Canada" in recent memory before Game 2 -- as he does every night before Senators games. The coolest part was the enormous Canadian Flag being passed around the upper deck. Quite possibly the greatest Anthem since the 1991 All-Star game by Wayne Messmer and 20,000 Chicagoans.
But no Lyndon tonight. Alanis Morissette instead. The tradition and patriotism of having one of Ontario's Finest lead the anthem has been replaced by a pop artist trying to sell records...err.... CDs.... err.... iTunes Downloads.
Whomever made this decision should be forced to try to skate past Chris Pronger.
He is a good singer and enjoy listening to him Blues good job
I like Slewidge, but Alanis is an Ottawa native and the Stanley Cup is the NHL's biggest stage. Kinda makes sense that she's asked to sing the anthem.
I'd Settle for a duet
Although it's tradition to have Lyndon Slewidge sing before the games, I've been at games when he's been bumped in favour of someone else. He gets to sing at MOST of the games...not all. Plus, Alanis is an Ottawan, and she sang the anthem at the Sens' opener back on October 8, 1992. The Sens went on to beat the season's eventual Cup champions, Montreal that night. It's fair that she gets to sing at the Cup Finals. However, it was also fitting to give Lyndon the first home game. That he got to sing before Game 3, and if if all goes well, before Game 6, let's let Alanis have tonight's anthems.
I think they should stick with Slewidge. I've sung with him several times. Incredible projection.
Ottawa of all places should know not to mess with superstitions. Though i really don't think it had anything to do with them losing but it gets in the mind of everyone when something that was successful isn't there anymore.
Why would you want to do that to Chris Pronger?
Roy Mlakar said it was a league decision to have Alanis sing, not the Senators.