Why Game 2 is a Must Win For the Ottawa Senators
I think it's now safe to say that we as hockey fans have been treated to one of the most thrilling Stanley Cup playoffs in recent memory.
That thrill hasn't dissipated into the Conference Finals as both the road teams, the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators, were able to snatch crucial away wins, both in overtime, in Game 1.
The Senators will be hoping that the Pittsburg Penguins aren't able to bounce back from their Game 1 short comings in Game 2 like the Ducks were, because if the Pens manage to win this second game at home, this might be all she wrote for the Cinderella side from north of the border.
Here are three reasons why Game 2 is an absolute must win for the Senators:
The Penguins' Forwards Will Find the Back of the Net, Eventually
When you see the names Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Patrick Hornquist you expect goals, fast paced play, and tons and tons of shots. Simply put, there are too many quality shooters and players on this team to only score one goal in a game.
And based on their playoff numbers, that is not a regular occurrence for Pittsburg. The Pens lead the NHL in playoff goals per game, and are tied with Anaheim for most goals for with 42. So, will every game end 2-1 after overtime? Absolutely not. I, as an avid hockey fan, have way too much faith in head coach Mike Sullivan and his players to not let what happened in Game 1 happen again in front of the home town crowd in Game 2.
After all, Sullivan led the Pens to the Stanley Cup title last summer, after being named head coach after 28 games under Mike Johnston.
To be bluntly honest, Craig Anderson has been less than impressive in 13 starts this postseason. He's allowed 33 goals (2.37 GAA) and struggled to hold the New York Rangers out of the back of the net in the last series, giving up at least 3 goals in four of the six games. And looking at the game logs, Game 1 has been by far Anderson's best games thus far these playoffs.
Ottawa has proven they have a quality defensive unit, holding Pittsburg scoreless until the final 6 minutes of the third period, but if they want to have any chance at winning this series, they'll have to score more than 1 goal in 60 minutes.
A 2-0 Series Lead Gives Them Breathing Room, and Confidence
I can't even imagine what the commentators on NBC Sports and NHL Network would say if the Senators stunned everyone and won back-to-back games on the road at the defending Stanley Cup champion's arena. There would probably be a lot of dead air time because I think the commentators honestly don't care about the Sens.
These "experts" better start brushing up on their Senator roster knowledge, because this team is very capable of springing the upset. There's no doubt in my mind that they will be pushing for that 2-0 series lead going back to the Canadian Tire Centre, as teams with a 2-0 series lead have won 86% of NHL best-of-seven series.
With a win tonight, the Senators would not only have that all important lead, but they would also have a game to give in case they struggled. When playing the Penguins, there isn't going to be a lot of breathing room given, so if Ottawa can get it, that might be enough to sink the hopes of all Penguins' fans and players.
For the first time in these playoffs, the Senators are playing the role of underdog, a role they seemed to greatly enjoy, and even relish in in Game 1.
The Penguins Have Proven They Can Win Important Games on the Road
PSA: The Penguins can win on the road when they need to.
Just look at their last series against the Washington Capitals. Not only did the Pens win 3 of the 4 games they played in Washington, they won Games 1, 2, and the all important Game 7, shutting out a talented Capitals team in their own building to win the series.
Upon further review, it seems that the Penguins have found their offensive footing on offense when they leave the friendly confines of PPG Paint Arena, scoring 3 or more goals in four of the six games on the road thus far this postseason.
In their first series against the resurgent Columbus Blue Jackets, the Penguins only played two road games (winning the series in 5 games) scoring 9 goals in those two games.
The Senators haven't been able to take care of business at home, losing two out of three to the Boston Bruins, and winning each of the home games against the Rangers by one goal, twice in overtime.
Whatever happens tonight in Pittsburg should be a scrappy, defensive struggle. If the Senators win tonight, they'll be well on their way to the Stanley Cup Final. If not, go ahead and pencil the Penguins in, because they'll take this series over.
