[Hockey News]

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The Ottawa Senators got to Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils early and often, and then avoided what could have been an embarrassing letdown.

Jason Spezza scored 90 seconds into the game, and the Senators jumped to a 4-0 first-period lead before holding on for a 5-4 victory Thursday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

"We made it harder than it should have been," Senators goaltender Ray Emery said after making 26 saves to help Ottawa win its fourth straight playoff game. "You know that team will rebound and they will not go down without a fight."

The Devils certainly put a scare into Ottawa, drawing within 4-3 early in the second period. A shot off the goal post by Scott Gomez nearly tied the game later in the second.

"We weren't as sharp after we got the lead," said Senators defenceman Wade Redden, whose third-period power-play goal gave the Senators a two-goal cushion until the closing minute. "The start of the game, we really controlled the play. We were moving it crisp and we had guys in forechecking. I guess it's human nature to sit back a bit."

Senators burn Devils goaltender Brodeur early, hold on for 5-4 win

[blueandwhite]

I didn't know who to cheer for, but evidently, as i watched, it became the Devils.
As the paper said this morn: brodeur looks mortal.
Good night for heatley, and parise.
With that last goal by Jersey with 21 seconds to go, I actually though the devils might pull it off. It was the most exciting part of the game. too bad they couldn't pull it off, go to OT.

[blazinsabrez61]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I didn't know who to cheer for, but evidently, as i watched, it became the Devils.
As the paper said this morn: brodeur looks mortal.
Good night for heatley, and parise.
With that last goal by Jersey with 21 seconds to go, I actually though the devils might pull it off. It was the most exciting part of the game. too bad they couldn't pull it off, go to OT.

so ottawa won
so what?
THEY BLEW A 4-GOAL LEAD FROM THE 1ST PERIOD!!
THATS PATHETIC!!
now, the sabres may give up leads, but theyve NEVER made it that close
i am for the devils all the way in this series
players who have criminal charges on them shouldnt even deserve to have a glance at the cup. the whole ottawa team doesnt
weve worked our BUTTS off this year, and we have our sights on the cup
and its in good reach...at least, i think so
expect the devils to come back and win a few games
ottawa cant handle them

[9korona]

agreed ottawa completely choked, looks like they might not leave the series as winners

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I didn't know who to cheer for, but evidently, as i watched, it became the Devils.
As the paper said this morn: brodeur looks mortal.
Good night for heatley, and parise.
With that last goal by Jersey with 21 seconds to go, I actually though the devils might pull it off. It was the most exciting part of the game. too bad they couldn't pull it off, go to OT.

I thought as a Leaf fan, it's your sworn duty to cheer against the Senators...what happened?

[blueandwhite]

I know, i know - but now I've got this you know bee in my bonnet about how the Devils didn't play brodeur that last game vs. the islanders and the islanders won and Toronto didn't get into the playoffs which just irritated me beyond belief no matter how many sane and reasonable explanations people could give me.
I want them both to lose. How's that?

[blueandwhite]

okay i'm over it. I am so into jersey beating the Sens. momentary loss of mind...

[blazinsabrez61]

im sure it happens to all of us
but im glad ur on our side
those dirty sens dont deserve anything they get

[9korona]

if sens blow a four point lead then they shouldn't win ata ll anymore

[blazinsabrez61]

they shouldnt be in the NHL, thats what i have to say
stupid sens, theyre BRAINWASHED. they think they got the best team, but buffalo can easily overpower them

[9korona]

lol man ur hatred is so stong lol. but still like i said before if they meet ottawa's done

[blazinsabrez61]

the sabres have to get through this round first, and i think that after fridays game, they can clinch the series