Stanley Cup Final: Game 1 Report

Writing by admin on Tuesday, 29 of May , 2007 at 12:38 pm

Gas Crisis Grips Ottawa

Remember the last time you went back to work after an extended vacation?

If you play for the Ottawa Senators, you only have to think back to Monday night. The Sens opened their Stanley Cup final against the Anaheim Ducks with their usual efficiency, playing a strong road game before completely running out of gas in the third period. Ottawa gave up two goals in that final frame and skated away meekly with a 3-2 loss. Anaheim was a –140 favorite in Game 1; the early Game 2 forecast called for more chalk.

Anaheim’s mission on Monday night was to avoid taking undisciplined penalties. That failed miserably; Scott Niedermayer took a high-sticking minor in the opening minute of play, and Mike Fisher capitalized for Ottawa. Andy McDonald tied the score in the first, then the Sens went up 2-1 in the second on yet another power-play goal, this time by Wade Redden. Ottawa appeared to be in control.

Then the wheels fell off, exploded, and burst into flame. The Ducks came alive in the third, throwing their weight around with more zest. Anaheim outshot Ottawa 14-7 and took the lead on goals by Ryan Getzlaf and Travis Moen. It was an unquestionable tour de force; however, if the Ducks do see their odds shortened in Wednesday’s Game 2, any value they may have carried going into the Cup final will be washed away.

Analysts up north (certainly not biased toward the Senators, no sir) were quick to point out how flat the Sens were, pinning the blame on the nine days that passed since Ottawa eliminated the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern final. The Ducks had three fewer days of sitting around after putting away the Detroit Red Wings in the West. Any conditioning advantage Anaheim enjoyed in Game 1 should be gone by Wednesday.

Bet on Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final Game 2 at Bodog Sportsbook, where they’ve got some great NHL hockey odds.

Category: Online Hockey Betting

• Add this post to Del.icio.us - Digg

No comments yet.

You must be logged in to post a comment.