The Battle of Ontario is back on. The Toronto Maple Leafs have found some energetic offense, thanks in no small part to Phil Kessel and Clark MacArthur. The Senators will have their hands full trying to extract revenge for the 5-1 pasting they received at the Buds' hands at their last meeting.



Although the stats seem to indicate that it will be a close-fought battle, the stats can lie. The Leafs have a 5-4-1 records while the Senators have a 4-6-1 record; a single win separates them. The Senators also have the lead in goals scored. But the telling statistics are the goals against where the Sens have let in a dismal 3.2 goals per game versus the Leafs' 2.3 goals against per game. Let's face it, the Senators are weak on defense - although improving.

What can they do to gain control of the game? The offensive must hit hard and hit early. A team that is forced to stay in their defensive zone because of offensive pressure is no threat. In the past few games, we have seen that the line combinations on the offense can be productive and spend some serious quality time in the offensive zone. Offensive control and shots on net will equal early success.

The Senators must also fold back quickly when the Leafs gain the offensive. The Sens have been good at keeping the opposing offense on the outside in the defensive zone, and denying the slot and shooting lanes. The problem is that they still get side-stepped too often on fast rushes. Finally, the Senators have to put in 60 full minutes of play.

Once again, it comes back to taking the initiative and battling for pucks. The Leafs are not the Boston Bruins and can be had, but it will take a concerted continuous effort... that and Matt Carkner knocking Colton Orr on his ass.

GO SENS GO!!