The Ottawa Senators scored three times in the third period to shock the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.
With a guaranteed split at the Bell Centre already in the bag, the Sens now head into Game 2 look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before heading back to Scotiabank Place on Sunday night.
Going into this series, Sens fans knew that the only way they had a chance to upset the Habs was if Craig Anderson could outplay Carey Price. Anderson certainly did that in Game 1. The Habs launched 50 shots on the Ottawa goal and beat Anderson just twice. If Andy can stay that sharp, the Sens are in a fantastic position.
As you'd expect, plenty of talk about the Eric Gryba hit following last night's game. I've watched the replay about ten times today and I see the same thing every time. A stupid pass, a hard but clean hit and an unfortunate injury. As you'd expect, the league will review the play and have scheduled a noon call with Gryba.
We'll see if Brendan Shanahan and the league see it the same way I did.
Just an optional skate for the Sens this morning at 11:30 AM. If Gryba is unavailable, Patrick Wiercioch will draw in. Here's how the Senators are expected to line up.
Michalek-Turris-Alfredsson
Latendresse-Zibanejad-Silfverberg
Conacher-Pageau-Condra
Greening-Smith-Neil
Methot-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Gryba
Puck drop is just after 7:00 PM.
- Keep an eye on my Twitter account tonight as I'll be providing updates on my experience at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Certainly not expecting a friendly crowd with their team down 1-0 in the series. I think I'll probably leave the Gryba jersey at home for this one.
