By Kevin Forrester  Apr 12, 2004
 

2004 Playoffs

The Sens (especially, Radek Bonk) were consistently frustrated by the Leaf netminder.
This series is eerily similar to the past four Sens' playoffs series losses to the Leafs do largely in part to great goaltending.
Curtis Joseph was virtually unbeatable when he was the masked man in Toronto.
The Leafs have beaten the Sens four, of the past five years in the playoffs.

Mats Sundin scored a highlight reel goal when he fought off Brian Smolinski to put the Leafs ahead for good with his first goal of the series.
The Leafs most dangerous player again tonight, Joe Niewendyk, scored the first Leaf goal on a beautiful one timer from the high slot over Lalime's shoulder.

It was another physical affair led by the Sens Mike Fisher. He was hitting every Leaf player that moved and the Sens forechecked well again as they did in game one.
Veteran Leaf defenceman, Calle Johansson, continues to struggle and it's mainly because he gets caught flat-footed by the speedy Sens' forwards on the forecheck.
There is a question as to why Pat Quinn has decided to remain with Johansson. He appears to be having trouble adjusting to the pace of the games due to his lack of playing time for the majority of the regular season.

Darcy Tucker has been at the receiving end of what seems like every Sens body check but even with two black eyes, he has done his job since returning from a groin injury in game two.

Jason Spezza was inserted into the Sens' lineup but was virtually non-existent five on five and on the power play.

The Leafs were outplayed and outhustled by the Senators again tonight. Patrick Lalime has to be wondering why his team can't score goals in games the Sens should be winning.
Before this series started, goaltending was a definite advantage for the Leafs and Ed Belfour is showing us why.