Penguins 4, Senators 3 (OT)

So what happened?

Another epic game. This series sure did turn into a good one at the end, didn't it?

The Sens held a 1-0 lead after one period, and it was obvious that the Pens simply were not ready for the start of the game again. They were tentative with the puck and not aggressive with the dump and chase.

Things got worse in the second, and when Alfredsson scored about halfway through the period, the Sens were up 3-0. I was muttering and planning for a Tuesday night hockey game.

Matt Cooke scored about a minute later, and from that point on, the Pens largely dominated the game. The Sens, who had out shot the Pens 23-21 through two periods, suddenly tried to turtle and hope for the best. The Pens out shot the Sens 18-4 in the third period, and the boys from Ottawa got what they deserved. They couldn't protect the lead well enough with that dumb trap and the Pens tied the game.

Despite a few tense moments in OT, the Pens largely carried the play there too. Dupuis put them out of the misery with the series winning goal in OT, which immediately reminded me of Darius Kasparitus (in that they've both won a series in OT for the Pens).

Who scored?
Cooke (2,3), Guerin (2), Dupuis (1)

Any surprises?
I was honestly surprised the Pens had it in them to come back like they did. I thought after the OT game and falling behind 3-0 that we'd be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Where do we go from here?
Wait and see who wins the other two series. If the current leaders hold, the Pens will play Boston. They only team they cannot play is Washington.

Notes:

• Leclaire was good in making a bunch of saves, but what happened to the Ottawa defense that had become so good at gumming up the works? The Pens blasted them with shots, especially over the last three games.
• Flower wasn't spectacular, but he made most of the saves he should and made several big saves at the right time.
• The PK came up big tonight, killing off both of the Sens chances.
• Gonchar deserves a nice rest after another 30 minutes of ice time tonight.
• I still can't get past 18-4 in the third period. That isn't playing like you want to force a Game 7.