There are a few other things that the Senators need to take into the playoffs, pearls of knowkedge that will help them in the bid for Lord Stanley's cup.



You can't defeat a lucky player
Forward, defenseman, goaltender, everyone gets a game, once in a while, where everything seems to click and gel perfectly and not only is the usual skill there (something you can contain), but luck is also playing a part (something you can;t fight). Case in point is Tomas Vanek's four goal performance against the Senators. Some of those were skill, some of those were the result of the right place and the right time, but some of those were also sheer dumb luck. The only consolation is that the luck eventually spreads around.

You can't fight bad officiating
It's that simple. It's one thing you can;t do anything against. Some games, the calls will all seem to fall against you. Penalty shots will be called where they have no right to be called, goals will be allowed that shouldn't and vice-versa. There's no cure for that but to take your medicine and not let it affect your game.

You have to play smart
Yes, you need your energy up. No you don't need to lose your cool. Too many penalties will be too expensive in the playoffs.

You can beat a hot goalie
And the way to do that is to simplify. When striving to get him out of position doesn;t seem to work, pelt him with pucks and crash the net. One or two pucks are bound to bounce back out and give you an opportunity.