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I am so geeked up for this series. I absolutely hate the Sens, and IMO, they are the Dolphins of the NHL. No doubt, its gonna be a rough & tough series, and here is just a few keys that I see that will be important vs. Ottawa.
1. Establish a consistent special teams effort. If our special teams play like they did vs. the Rangers (esp on the Penalty kill) we are in trouble. We need to stay outta the box, and when on the kill, we must do a good job blocking shooting lanes, then successfully clear (don't chip it back out to point--like yesterday) Also, not necessarily score, but create good scoring chances on the power play. No fancy dancy crap, but put pucks on net damnit!!!!
2. Be more physical than Ottawa. Without question, Ottawa is a very physical team that tries to use that as an advantage, but, just like last year, we need to match that aggression so that we can win those individuals battles. We all saw vs the Rangers how in games 2,3, and 4 we were not aggressive, but in 5 & 6 we stepped it up, we need to hit hard, finish our checks, clog shooting lanes, protect our goalie, and not be afraid to match Ottawa's intensity.
3. On odd man rushes & good scoring opportunities, we must capitalize a good majority of the time. We did that well versus the Sens last year, and that will need to be consistent this year.
4. Minimize the Spezza-Alfredson-Heatley line. This line, IMO, is the best in the NHL, especially on the power play. This is easier said than done, and this line will be productive, but we need to minimize this as much as possible.
5. Mad Max needs to stop giving up the puck, making horrible turnovers, and trying to do too much. I have been very unimpressed w/ what has brought this year and IMO, if he doesn't improve, sit him and play Drew Stafford.
1. Establish a consistent special teams effort. If our special teams play like they did vs. the Rangers (esp on the Penalty kill) we are in trouble. We need to stay outta the box, and when on the kill, we must do a good job blocking shooting lanes, then successfully clear (don't chip it back out to point--like yesterday) Also, not necessarily score, but create good scoring chances on the power play. No fancy dancy crap, but put pucks on net damnit!!!!
2. Be more physical than Ottawa. Without question, Ottawa is a very physical team that tries to use that as an advantage, but, just like last year, we need to match that aggression so that we can win those individuals battles. We all saw vs the Rangers how in games 2,3, and 4 we were not aggressive, but in 5 & 6 we stepped it up, we need to hit hard, finish our checks, clog shooting lanes, protect our goalie, and not be afraid to match Ottawa's intensity.
3. On odd man rushes & good scoring opportunities, we must capitalize a good majority of the time. We did that well versus the Sens last year, and that will need to be consistent this year.
4. Minimize the Spezza-Alfredson-Heatley line. This line, IMO, is the best in the NHL, especially on the power play. This is easier said than done, and this line will be productive, but we need to minimize this as much as possible.
5. Mad Max needs to stop giving up the puck, making horrible turnovers, and trying to do too much. I have been very unimpressed w/ what has brought this year and IMO, if he doesn't improve, sit him and play Drew Stafford.
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