New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators
Dug One Really Crazy Story off the TSN Website, Completely irrelevant
No matter what happens next, Jakob Silfverberg is going to have some kind of story to tell.
The highly touted Swedish prospect jumped from one playoff pressure-cooker to another, joining the Ottawa Senators on Monday as they looked to finish off the New York Rangers in the first round. Accompanied by his own Swedish camera crew, Silfverberg's appearance at Scotiabank Place created considerable buzz.
He was just days removed from bringing the Swedish league championship back to his hometown of Gavle for the first time in 13 years, scoring the winning goal and collecting MVP honours for Brynas.
The champagne had barely dried from the walls in the team's dressing room before Silfverberg was on his way to North America.
"It meant a lot," Silfverberg said of winning the Swedish title last Thursday. "The people in the town during the playoffs were so good. They always came up to us and wishing us good luck and things like that. It meant a lot for the town to bring back the Cup there.
"As I said, it's been a very emotional trip."
Okay Now to The Real News that Barely Matters
Craig Anderson and the Ottawa Senators have pushed the top-seeded New York Rangers to the brink of elimination. After registering a franchise-best 41-save shutout Saturday, Anderson will look to provide the final shove during Monday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series in Canada's capital city.
Captain Daniel Alfredsson, who has missed the team's last three contests with a mild concussion, is - by his own words - "hopeful" to play in Game 6
New York Rangers : With three goals in the first three contests of the series, Brian Boyle has been an unexpected offensive contributor for New York. Boyle's availability for Monday's game is in question after he sustained a concussion on a play which coach John Tortorella later equated to the one that got Raffi Torres suspended for 25 games. "Well, they have a blueprint," Tortorella said. "It was probably the exact same hit as Torres, different part of the ice. (Chris Neil) launches himself, (it's) a head shot, the puck's at the goal line when he's hit. So the blueprint's there. ... Not too much research to be done there."
Ottawa Senators : After mustering only nine shots in the first four contests, Jason Spezza registered six during Game 5. The increase in shots also resulted in a pair of goals for Spezza - his first of the series. Spezza's first goal was set up by Mark Stone, who was making his NHL debut. The 19-year-old threaded the needle on a brilliant pass to Spezza, who beat Henrik Lundqvist from the right faceoff circle. "It was pretty nice to get that assist, my first game in the NHL," Stone said. "It really means a lot to me.
Just Released INJURY INFO
The New York Rangers will be without forward Brian Boyle for Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Ottawa Senators.
Alfredsson will be back in the lineup tonight. Hagelin, who was suspended three games for the incident, will also suit up tonight. The Rangers are hoping Hagelin's return will help an offense that has managed just 9 goals in the series and was shutout in Game 5. Alfredsson has appeared in 109 NHL playoff games in his career, all with the Senators, and has recorded 46 goals and 43 assists.
Synopsis: WOW I was Ready to write Ottawa off on this one. Being at home Daniel Alfredsson being back, The Rangers losing their spark plug Boyle and The Arrival of the Highly Touted Silfverberg and the Lights out playing of Goalie Gary Anderson who can go against them? Not me
Prediction : Ottawa 3 Rangers 1
Am I going to pick? : Not just yes Hell Yes

