Wow! What a game!
It's been said that the march for Lord Stanley every spring is the greatest series of sporting events in the world, and I would have to agree. Saturday night's Game 2 Quarter-Finals match up between the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers, while not pretty for ether side, will go down in Ottawa Senators history as one of the most exciting games in franchise history.
With our all-world captain (Karlsson) smarting from lingering injuries and a hard check into the boards by Rangers captain Ryan McDonough near the end of the second period, it was the smallest guy on the ice who Ottawa's biggest hero. Pageau took over from Karlsson putting the team on his shoulders as Karlsson did in Game 2 vs. Boston.
Down two goals with less than 5 minutes to play in the game, J.G. Pageau's four goal performance was exceptional all on its own. But, when placed in context, occurring in the final minutes and overtime in the playoffs, his gargantuan play keyed the comeback, turning Game 2 on its head (the Senators never held the lead), and sending the Rangers home stunned, down 2-0.
I have always been a fan of Pageau's. His gritty, hard nosed play epitomizes what it means to be a Pesky Sen. As I
wrote a few weeks ago, when given the opportunity to contribute offensively he does without hesitation. As the Senators 3rd line centre this year, it has been Pageau's job to check the opponent's best offensive players, not score goals. But last night, his line scored 5 of Ottawa's 6 goals, blowing the Rangers top line out of the water.
The New York Post's description of the game says it best:
The game was a mess, but what a glorious, unpredictable, entertaining playoff mess it was. Unless, of course, you are Henrik Lundqvist, one of his teammates or one of the citizens of Rangerstown.
Then it was a disaster.
Let's hope their disaster continues in the Big Apple.
Go Sens Go!
Comments
Be the first to comment