Like it or not, this first playoff game for the Senators will dictate the tone of the series. Something in my bones tells me that the winner of this game will go on to take the series. But that's just my bones...



I do believe that taking Game 1 is key to the Senators' success (or lack thereof) in this series. All goaltending arguments aside, the Penguins have not been playing like a Stanley Cup team of late. Yes, Sidney Crosby is still Sidney Crosby, but he is still only one of 21 players. The Penguins offense is a thing of beauty with Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, and Bill Guerin. Even Matt Cooke and Max Talbot are capable of hitting twine. But that has to be balanced with the skills of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and Mike Fisher. The trio of Chris Neil, Jarokko Ruutu and Chris Kelly are going to give the Pens fits, I believe. So it will be a case of who wants it more on the offense. Who plays with heart and determination, and who takes it to the other.

I also believe the Senators have an edge on the blue line, but will need to punish the Penguins who cross that line. Defensive keys are: clogging up the neutral zone to prevent the Penguins from pouring on the speed, and stopping that speed dead by slamming the Penguins into the boards hard. The Penguins defense has not been its best this season, and the goals against allowed by Marc-André Fleury are a reflection fo that. The Sens do a much better job of collapsing and clearing the front of the net. Again, who wants it the most will win out.

So it begs the question: do the Senators want it enough? We'll know by tomorrow.