You could see the frustration in the Senators play. You strike as often as possible, yet the bounces don't go your way, and the opponents manage to make something out of their bounces, seemingly with ease.  Sometimes, luck is a nasty thing. But the Penguins also managed to turn the tables on the Senators, upping their defensive play, waiting for their opportunities, and capitalizing on them.



There is little to complain about yesterday's game. The Senators, when required to, pressed hard and did what they had to do. That they were cheated again and again by bouncing pucks and, let's admit it, dubious officiating must have been frustrating as hell on the ice. I know it was frustrating from where I sat.

But there are a few things that the Senators must get done in Game 4 in order to head back to Pittsburgh on an even keel.

The Crosby factor

There are only two ways for the Senators to minimize the impact of the Kid (because it can't be eliminated). Play Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips against him, or when Sid has the puck, check him. That was the mistake Andy Sutton made that led to the Pens' third goal. He tried to get the puck before Sid. The lad's a magician with a hockey stick, Andy. Do what you do best: take out the man.

The Spezza factor

I won't be too too hard on Jason Spezza, the Penguins' defence has been doing a good job of shutting him down. But Jason, the blind passes have  to stop. A dump in behind the net is preferable, or even a dubious shot on net. Unless you absolutely, for sure, definitely, positively know that there is a Sens stick behind you, then don't do the blind pass. And of course, you can't know for sure because it's not a stock play. So forget the blind passes.

The penalty factor

Yes, you are frustrated. Yes, you are losing the game. No, it's not a reason to take penalties. You can say whatever you like, eight penalties is way too many. The nail in the coffin for the Senators came on a Penguins power play. Again, while zero is an unrealistic goal, it should be the goal.

Meanwhile, both Senators goals came on the power play. This is not a fluke. The Senators power play is as good as the Penguins' power play, if not better right now. The Senators scored twice on six opportunities in the last game. They have scored four on thirteen tries in the series. That means that for every three penalties, the Sens score once. May as well use it.

In the end, but for a few lucky bounces, the game could again have gone either way. That means the Senators are a match for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. After all, the Sens and Pens did split their regular season match-ups. The Sens should hold their heads high, forget this frustrating game, and go get the next one.