Game 4 between the Montreal Canadians and the Ottawa Senators was another barn burner last night. Every game seems to take on its own personality, its own character as the night progresses. Last night’s game was no exception.
This time it was a stirring comeback by the home team in the third period. An injury on the last play in regulation to Carrey Price, the Habs star goaltender. Followed by a fluky goal in overtime by a young Senator, Kyle Turris, who is quickly making a name for himself as an ‘overtime hero’. A goal which Peter Budaj, Price’s backup, would normally have in his sleep if it weren’t for the pressure of the playoffs and lack of game action in the last month.
In a game where the referees allow the players free reign to play for the first time in the series, the Canadians used their speed to keep Ottawa at bay in the first period. Quickly Ottawa jumps ahead in the second with two goals. As a collective exhale could be heard across the City (Ottawa) when the Habs scored their second goal, my friends and I looked at each and said, “The dreaded two goal lead… we can only hope! "
In this hockey guru, Don Cherry is proven right. Cherry has often warned that a two goal lead in hockey is the hardest lead to defend because it gives the leading team a false sense of security. One goal and your opponent is not only back in the game, but they have also reclaimed the momentum. A chance goal off of Zibanejad’s skate with less than 8-minutes remaining turned the tide, allowing the Senators to regain the confidence the team needed to tie the game in the final minute with the goalie pulled. Another rookie Senator banging in a rebound, this time, Cory Conacher.
With the momentum and a new goalie in nets, the Senators finished off their impressive comeback in quick fashion, scoring on their first shot in overtime. Sending the faithful home happy in the knowledge that their team had the gumption to erase a two goal deficit in such a dramatic fashion.
Game 5 in Montreal is on tap Thursday night. Lets hope it is equally entertaining and rewarding for Sens fans.
Go Sens Go!
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