The Senators actually played well overall, concentrating on the attack and bringing the game to the Penguins. There were just a few "ifs" in the way...



If the Senators had better goaltending, they could have won Game 4. But Brian Elliott let in four goals on 19 shots, and Pascal Leclaire allowed three goals on 23 shots. Leclaire's performance is below the .900 level, Elliot's below the .800 level. You can't win with that kind of backstopping. I strongly urge Cory Clouston to call up Mike Brodeur from the Bingo.

If Jason Spezza didn't try for the forced play, the Senators might have won  the game. But he insists on blind passes, and passing when he should dump the puck. Sadly, Spezza can be credited with at least one assist on a Penguins goal last night.

If there was better officiating, the Senators might have had a chance. But the referees saw fit to call the Penguins' dives penalties, and to ignore a clear delay of game when both a referee and a linesman were staring straight at the puck.

My Mom used to say:  "Avec des 'si', on peut acheter Paris". Translated: "With enough 'ifs', you can buy Paris". I guess Mom was right.

Worse than that though, even Scotiabank Place turned against the Senators, with one of the panes of glass letting go at the wrong time, killing the momentum the Senators had accumulated, and allowing the Penguiins to settle down and score a back-breaker.

When all this happens on the same night, you might start thinkinh you're cursed. Call the Juju Man, we need to break the hex.