Monday, March 29, 2004

SENS reign Thunder over Lightning

If Monday night was a preview of an eventual Eastern final, then stock up on videotapes, because we’re in store for some exciting hockey. But if the stats are to be studied, for the Lightning it will only mean a quick exit.

The Senators continued their dominance over Tampa, with a thrilling 5-4 Overtime victory in front of over19, 000 Lightning fans. It was Ottawa’s fourth win over the Bolts this season, sweeping the season series 4 games to none.

Chris Phillips scored the winner with just one minute remaining in the Overtime frame, giving the Sens the win and keeping the pace with the Leafs in the hotly contested North East Division title race.

Martin Prusek once again got the start for the recovering Patrick Lalime and kept the Sens in the game in the third period and the Overtime. Prusek had a shaky first period featuring one shot going off a post and another Cory Stillman shot finding the mark behind him after twelve minutes of play. However, as things went along, it became a firewagon style of game, giving him ample opportunity to redeem himself.

Daniel Afredsson fresh off his newly renegotiated contracted reached a Senators milestone tonight, his goal in the third period, the 219th of his career put him at the top of the Senators all time scoring list. Purging forever the name of some guy named Yashin, who is apparently in the witness relocation program living somewhere in New York. Alfie who is locked in with the Sens for the next five years, dominated a lot of the play while on the ice, proving that the 32 million dollars is a wise investment.

For Tampa losing out on the two points may be a costly, it may have come in handy in the chase for the Presidents trophy against Detroit. The Wings beat Minnesota tonight and lead the Bolts by 1 point at 105 on the season. Tampa has two games remaining, the Wings three. For the Sens, they remain one point behind Boston and Toronto for the title to the North East Division, with the winner probably not known til the last puck is dropped on Saturday night. The last week of the regular season is quickly becoming just as exciting as game seven of a Stanley Cup final!

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