Penguins vs. Senators, Round 1, Game 6

[SBN Senators blog: Silver Seven Sens]

Back to Ottawa the Pens go, hoping to close this thing out on Senators ice before it gets really ugly and they return to Pittsburgh for a Game 7.  Of course, that's all hypothetical at this point.  The real emphasis needs to be (obviously) on winning this game.  Win this one, and it's over for Ottawa.  Lose it, and return to Mellon on your heels in a quick first round scare.

Pascal Leclaire, for as aggravating as it was to see, was nothing short of spectacular for the Senators the other night.  But much like Craig Anderson in Colorado, he's going to need another outlandish performance to keep the Pens in line.  So how do the Pens solve this?  Do nothing different on offense.  Shoot.  Pepper him with shots just like on Thursday night.  Force him to make the big save and create rebound opportunities.  While it may not go to three overtimes again (please don't), there's no reason why the Pens can't toss 40 shots on goal tonight.

Ottawa's defense is black and blue.  They may be masters at blocking shots, but as I'm sure all of them are noticing in the dressing room, it sure doesn't feel too good.  Top that off with almost two games worth of hockey on Thursday and, hopefully, this is Pittsburgh's chance to get the best of them.  Padding or no padding, 100 mile-per-hour shots are still leaving a mark. 

Closing out with the contest:

Format: Winning team name - Score - First Pens goal scorer's last name

Give me the first Penguins goal scorer
Give me the final score (include which team will win)

Example: Penguins - 7-2 - Lemieux