1 Ottawa Senators versus 8 Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Leads Series 3 - 1

Ottawa Senators will start at home against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round clash. On paper, the Ottawa Senators seem to have an advantage over the Carolina Hurricanes and should have little trouble winning the series.

Ottawa Senators injuries: none
Carolina Hurricanes injuries: none

Prediction: Ottawa Senators wins the series 4-0.

Summary by Zakk - To Matt Bernier's credit, he somehow made the playoffs. To Mat Gorley's credit, he somehow won the East. Rayzor Ray Emery really has removed any doubt from the media's mind about his claim as a star goaltender this season, and Steve Stamkos has made a huge mark on the league in his rookie campaign. The Sens boast four 40+ goal scorers, which more than negates their lack of defense, but you know... 'defense wins championships'. Meanwhile, Rick James... er, Sidney crosby leads the perpetually reloading, rebuilding, retooling blur aptly named 'Hurricanes,' and although they looked at times to be headed to the gutter... they're in the playoffs, and thus completely in the hunt. I've seen crazier runs (see - Vancouver escaping the first round in 2007 against Dallas).

Game 1 -

Game 1 saw Ottawa come out flying and it looked as if the series could be over before it started. Kiri Tlusty scored just over 2 minutes into the contest. But things settled down until about half way through the period when Carolina's cornerstone player, Sidney Crosby, scored to get his team even.  Crosby then assisted on Rotislav Olesz's 1st of post-season just 19 seconds into the 2nd frame. Vermette answered for the Sens just two minutes later, but Carolina took the lead once again late in the 2nd on a goal by Adam Hall. Raffi Torres and rookie sensation John Tavares gave the Canes a 3 goal advantage that Ottawa could not overcome as they only added 1 more, losing the opener 5-3.

Game 2 -

Game 2 saw another quick start by the Sens as they scored just over 2 minutes into the game here aswell. But they later added another goal. Both goals were scored by Jason Spezza. But with under a minute left in 1st period, Sid the Kid scored to bring the Canes within 1. Former Sen Chris Neil tied it up but Ottawa regained their lead when Calder candidate Steve Stamkos scored his 1st career playoff goal. But after that, Carolina completely took over the game. A goal by Scott walker in the 2nd and two goals by Alfredsson in the 3rd along with Crosby's 2nd of the night gave the Raleigh folks a 6-3 win and quick 2-0 lead in the series.

Game 3 -

Game 3 Ottawa came out with the early jump once again. They scored 2 first period goals by Heatley and Stamkos. Carolina didnt manage to score in the opening frame but rallied in the 2nd on goals by Torres and Walker. The teams exchanged goals in the third, Ottawa's by Heater and Carolina's by retiring veteran, Daniel Alfredsson. For the first time in the series, the game was headed to overtime. And 3:33 in, unsung hero Krys Kolanos of the Ottawa Senators, of all the players that could've scored, he got the overtime winning goal to give the Sens life in the series. Why he was on the ice? We dont know.

Game 4 -

Just like in games 1,2, and 3, Ottawa came storming out, capturing the the first goal for the 4th straight game. Matt Corrente scored by the way. They continued their ways into the 2nd when Ben Shutron scored his first of the post season. But from there on out, it was all Canes. Daniel Alfredsson, Jean-Micheal Liles, and Rotislav Olesz tallied for Carolina as they took a strangle-hold on the series, up 3 games to 1.