R2GDT#4: Sens @ Rangers, May 4, 7:300pm

May the 4th and all that stuff. A Sens win will proverbially and literally put the Rangers in trouble.

After two so-so games from both the team and Andy they still have an opportunity to put a stranglehold on the Rangers and set up a home ice game to win out. All it will take is what they did in game one, or Andy to steal a game.

Smith is doubtful so expect lineup changes. Pyatt expected in for Smith and Boucher also hinted that Widenan may draw back in. Ryan took a Karlsson slapper above the knee but is expected to play.

Go Sens Go!!!

Honestly, I don't think the lineup changes will have any effect. They will obviously come out with a better effort than last game.

On TGOR this morning, JR was droning on about how the Sens should practice more, which I find laughable. At this point of the year, if you need to practice, you're f'd. They know what they're supposed to do and were simply outworked by the Rangers last game. Anderson obviously needs to be better too.

They only talked about the practices because Rangers do it every second day and the Sens don't. Pierre basically said he's done it both ways and it really depends on injuries and fatigue factor.

Karlsson actually came out for the morning skate (first time in forever) and then he was -3 on the night. I'm sure that's just as relevant as their lack of practice.

As for reinforcements making a difference, absolutely. For one thing, Smith is not able to go and Pyatt will definitely help there. Harpur was struggling and was outmuscled by Zucarello, of all people. For game 5 back home, I'd like to see White. Play him on the 4th line and use home ice to control who he plays against.

We talkin' bout practice?

Sounds like Ryan and Smith are both on the ice.

Pyatt in, Smith game time -- that means someone else is likely out.

Smith probably won't play and Pyatt will be in

It was funny watching Sens Twitter have a little freak out when Neil was taking line rushes this morning.

Either Smith will be out, or Wingels or Dzingel will sit.

Wideman in for Claesson

Anderson and Karlsson have to be on their game to win this one.

I'm a little worried. Of course I expect a tighter game from the sens but I think the rags know and think they can break through the middle of the ice to force the play in our end. I think it will literally have to be Anderson that will have to steal one tonight. À so so Andy and we will lose. That's the magic of the playoffs, you play an opponent enough times to figure out their system and AV isn't a bad coach

Wideman will give us 3 balanced L/R pairings. Won't have someone like Claesson flipping between playing his wrong side with Harpur, and then his usual side when playing with Karlsson. In reality, though, checking the shift charts, Harpur played with Claesson only 4 shifts. The rest of the time Claesson played with Phaneuf quite a lot, as well as everyone else.

I think it helps for D to have regular partners, but it doesn't seem to hurt us much when guys get mixed and matched. If Wideman messes something up early, it might be the last game he gets to play in a Sens jersey.

tim1_2 wrote:I think it helps for D to have regular partners, but it doesn't seem to hurt us much when guys get mixed and matched.  If Wideman messes something up early, it might be the last game he gets to play in a Sens jersey.

Harsh a little?
I know we have a new found depth in D but I'm not sure if that's how the org sees him. I think they really like him

Flo The Action wrote:I'm a little worried. Of course I expect a tighter game from the sens but I think the rags know and think they can break through the middle of the ice to force the play in our end. I think it will literally have to be Anderson that will have to steal one tonight. À so so Andy and we will lose. That's the magic of the playoffs, you play an opponent enough times to figure out their system and AV isn't a bad coach

That and a ultra high compete level and making some damn passes through the neutral zone.  They adapted, we didn't last gamem