Howdy from a very cold nation's capital.
Obviously a much needed night in Sens country. Heater, 'Fish, Dean, Phillips and Vermette all scored. Ruutu returned from suspension, Elliot was as Hartsburg put it 'Rock Solid". A total team game where only Jason Smith and Nick Folingo weren't plus-something.
I was dead wrong on the Sens making a move prior to yesterday's game. However it looks like Martin Gerber will accept a conditioning stint in 'Bingo while the Sens try wheel him. And if that doesn't work, look for Darth Gerber to be placed on waivers. I imagine nobody is as upset with his play as Gerber and remember he accpeted a demotion in an age where 90% of players do not. In no way is he off the hook for his play, however I do respect the fact he is a team player and will be until his time in Ottawa is up.
Brendan Bell was scratched again. Yahoo! Sports has a problem with this as he has 2 goals in his last 4 games on a team that can't score. I however don't have a problem with this at all as while Schubert is lesser of an offensive force, he's defensive zone play has greatly improved of late. Bell on the other hand is a liability when the opposition has the puck.
The Big 3 had 18 shots last night. Sorry, let me repeat that. The Big 3 had 18 shots last night! My boy Brian Lee played 24+ and was a +3. Picard in 17 mins was a plus 3 as well. Good on them both. For Carolina former Senator Joe Corvo had a PP goal and 26 mins of ice time. Seems like Joe always has a decent night versus Ottawa. He was a minus 2, but that's what you get with puck-moving defensemen time to time. For the year he is even on a Carolina team that doesn't preach 'defense-first'.
Looking onward to tonight's tilt, I expect the Big 3 to have another big night. They have always done well against ATL. One question is who gets the start in goal for OTT? The solid Elliot or Auld? I would try Auld tonight, if only to get him back on track and give Elliot the night off, although you can't go wrong with Elliot either.
Colin Jeffrey - [email]
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5-4 ATL. You heard it hear first.