It seems like the past 48 hours have been quite a whirlwind for the players and fans of the Ottawa Senators. It seems weird that a do or die triple over-time win was the thing to give Ottawa some respectability in the media, but hey, it works well. CBC The National had a feature on Matt Carkner, Game 5 hero. They went to his hometown of Winchester, Ottawa and met his parents, who looked jubilated. Can you imagine how amazing was that their son extended the series, after years of toiling in the minor leagues.
But it’s another do or die game tonight, unfortunately, and Ottawa needs to work even harder the send the series to the Mellon Arena for a winner takes all Game 7. Pittsburgh has won both games at Scotiabank Place this series, including a questionable Game Three. With the crowd bustling and cheering on their hometwon crowd every second, Cory Clouston should tell his team to take advantage of that, or the season is over for them. Funny how, Ottawa was amazing at home this season, but not very good on the road. It’s been the exact opposite in the playoffs, where they have dominated the Penguins at Mellon Arena, and the other way around.
The series this can really relate to is the Hurricanes-Oilers Cup Final in ’06. The Oil went down 3-1, and it seemed like they wre done for it, heading back to Carolina in a presumed casket match. They fought enough to send it to double overtime, and already on a 4-on-4, former Oiler and current King Jarret Stoll took a penalty. Done for it, right? Nope, as Fernando Pisani (back when he actually scored goals) stripped Eric Staal of the puck and bet Cam Ward shortside to extend the series. Game 6 in Edmonton, the Oilers won 4-0, eventually sending it back to Carolina. I know that’s different, and the Canes did win Game 7, but it’s something Ottawa can really take out of and try create some momentum. And was we all know, momentum wins in the Stanley Cup Playoff.
To end off things…click the link. Made me cry. This is what the NHL is about!!!