I'd Rather Be Deadly Than Dead: Flyers 2, Senators 3 (SO)
2 Comments Published by Sherry on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 10:42 PM.
Antoine Vermette isn't sure how long this whole 'winning' thing is going to last
First off, if it's at all possible, I highly recommend watching the highlights for the overtime period of this game. I couldn't breathe for most of it due to my allegiances and knowing what was at stake, but it was some really exciting hockey for the last couple of minutes or so.
Second-of-ly, I know I should be happy that we've won but I have a bit of a bitter taste about the fact that the Senators blew yet another two-goal lead. It's sort of upsetting too, when you realize that for the most part they really were outplaying Philly. They came out with a strong start, something we hadn't seen in awhile from these guys and didn't have to resort to playing catch-up for the game. One thing that the Flyers showed that the Senators need more of is actual fight, because the Flyers never counted themselves down and out and kept on putting pressure on the Senators.
I hate to say it but Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson have been brutal these last couple of games. You don't typically see Alfie making irresponsible plays but he has been committing some awful give aways lately which has lead to offensive chances for the other team. It seems to me that maybe he's trying to do way too much on his own since the team is in a bit of a funk right now and Heatley has not been able to find his scoring touch either.
On the bright side, the defense is looking marginally better. Wade Redden did a little more than stand around and watch guys blow past him tonight and Mike Commodore has been doing well in making some good defensive plays and taking the body. Ray Emery got the not in net and he made some key saves, seeing as how the Flyers had two 5-on-3 chances tonight. Both goaltenders played very well as Martin Biron stymied the Senators chance after chance on some rather quality shots (The Senators were outshooting Philly all night). Plus he had to endure Jason Spezza running into him all night.
It wasn't a pretty one, but you have to make baby steps when you're a team working to get your confidence back. I'm not so sure this is enough to slow down the Habs since the Rangers clearly cannot be counted on for anything, so it'll be up to the Senators if they want to remain up on their perch in the East.
So, Sens Nation, enjoy this victory and rest easy at least for one night. You have to take these little victories as they come, I suppose. You know how that old hockey cliche goes, you just got to take it one game at a time.
Labels: daniel alfredsson, dany heatley, jason spezza, philadelphia flyers, ray emery, shoot-out loss, standings, well that was close
Just got home from the game. I know what you mean about the OT period - I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest! And hey - since when has Wade wanted to be a forward? Man there were times he was spending more time down low and going for the net more than the forwards!!
The NHL Updates were shown regularly on the jumbotron and you could see the players on the ice paying attention - especially when Montreal tied it up. It think it was with just over two minutes left in regulation with a face off in the Flyers end. Fish was taking the FO and he took a look up before. They knew what was on the line.
Stillman, Kelly and Vermette were clearly the best line. The top line wasn't so much.
It was interesting to see the Flyers put Giroux in for the shoot out. He plays Major Junior just across the river with the Gatineau Olympique and has been doing really well. A nice touch for his NHL debut pretty much in his home town. Now I hope they send him back down as I have bought tickets to their game on Friday.
Go Sens Go!
Blitzen, I'm glad you got to see that game! That would have been awesome to witness. And I know what you mean about Wade. Hey, if this means he'll actually be contributing I won't start complaining until it bites us in the ass.
I know the players say they don't scoreboard watch but they totally do. It's getting really close now between the Sens and Habs. As nervous as I am about it, it is really making things exciting.
I'm glad Stillman found a place to fit in and I agree, Kelly, Vermette and him made up the best line last night. I really agree the top line's been absolutely flat lately. I have no idea what's going on with Heatley and Alfie.
And I agree, it was nice to see Giroux make his debut in his sort of hometown! I also heard on the broadcast that his Gatineau teammates got a chance to watch him in the morning skate this morning. I thought that was a nice touch, and doubly nice his parents were able to be there.