Pool Impact of the Senators

It was a pretty big game from the big line of the Senators, right when they needed one. When the big line hits, there was always going to be a good chance that Derek was going to take advantage... and he did. When Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza strike, there's a good chance that Ray Emery is going to win... when that combination strikes, Derek does take advantage.

In the clinching game, Heatley had a goal and two assists and Spezza had a goal and an assist, while Emery did get his 12th win of the playoffs. That was more than enough to move Derek into first place with winning in it's sights.

In second place now, Dan, benefitted from more of the Sabres scoring than the Senators, but did get a point from Andrej Meszaros. With the Senators going through, the East will not be friendly to Dan... it will be tough for him to stay up near the top without proper Senator presence.

One point back in third, Mike E., has that better Senator presence with Heatley, Wade Redden and Joe Corvo. Although the presence is dominated by defensemen, having Heatley could be enough to stay in contention for the money. If the power play gets more point shots through to the net, Mike may have a better chance at money.

Tied for third, Benson, doesn't have much for Senators going into the Finals, which may keep him out of the money now. Only Mike Fisher and Corvo remain in the East for Benson, but that's no Heatley, Spezza or Alfredsson. He'll need a big finish in the West to go places.

And the race only gets better... nine teams are within 8 points with the Western Final still to finish up. When the West is decided, there will be a pretty good overview of who's close and who's out.


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