The Fifth Liners

The Ottawa Senators are having a tough time of it recently. With each loss, that playoff spot keeps slipping away. Coming off the back of two homes losses (San Jose and Anaheim), the team needed to rekindle the same spirit that beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-1 a week ago. Current Stanley Cup holders Chicago aren't exactly having a walk in the park either. A few overtime losses means that the Blackhawks trail the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division chase. Last night the Blackhawks welcomed the Senators to the United Center and the high scoring affair meant that for either team to take the edge, the game would require something a bit special. Step up Jonathan Toews . Last night Toews earned the right to drink for free in any tavern in Chicago. Except that one in Chicago Fire, cos it isn't real. Andrew Shaw opened the scoring early in the first to give Chicago the lead, only for Milan Michalek to restore parity with one minute left on the clock. The game stayed tigh...

The Pittsburgh Penguins have successfully seen off the Ottawa Senators to advance to the Eastern Conference final. Game three saw the only dip in the Pen's performance when Ottawa thoroughly outplayed Pittsburgh to take their first win of the series but Dan Bylsma was able to inspire his team to take two convincing wins. The first was on Wednesday when the Penguins came out of the game with the win after James Neal , Chris Kunitz, Jarome Iginla, Pascal Dupuis and Sidney Crosby all found the net. Milan Michalek , Kyle Turris and Daniel Alfredsson netted for the Senators but it was wasn't enough. The Pens finished the game winning 7-3. Last night the action shifted back to the Consul Energy Center for game five. Pittsburgh controlled the game with Brendan Morrow 's controversial goal opening the game. James Neal and Kris Letang then put the game at 3-0. Milan Michalek was on hand to grab a goal for the Sens but Evgeni Malkin and James Neal responded with ...