Series Breakdown: Maple Leafs vs. Senators
By Bill Clement
Special to ESPN.com
The Battle of Ontario might not produce the Cup champ. But it will be fun to watch these Provincial rivals go at it. Check out which team has the edge, and then see what I think the outcome will be.
Matching up 5-on-5
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Ottawa must play its patient, suffocating, defensive style and wait for its chances, then let its speed take over. If the Senators run and gun, they are done. Toronto thrives on an uptempo style; if the Leafs get it, they will win. If not, their defensive patience and discipline will be seriously tested. As long as Ottawa is patient, they merit the edge. This series will be about which team can best dictate the style.
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Special teams
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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I don't think Toronto's power play, which ranks sixth in the league, is as dangerous without Bryan Berard, and Ottawa's penalty killing is among the best in the league, tied for third with New Jersey. Berard was like a Sandis Ozolinsh on the Leafs' power play.
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Goaltending
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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If Curtis Joseph plays like CuJo can, then Tom Barrasso and Patrick Lalime will be overmatched. It's uncertain whether or not the Senators will go with former Cup champion Barrasso or Lalime. Either way, they can't equal Joseph.
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Intangibles
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Berard's injury seems to have really affected Toronto. The Leafs sputtered down the stretch. Ottawa's early play in the series will determine the outcome. If the Senators can split in Toronto, they will win.
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PREDICTION
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Maple Leafs in seven, provided Joseph doesn't come up short. The Senators are better defensively, but I can't see either Barrasso or Lalime outplaying CuJo.
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Bill Clement, a former NHL star with the Flyers, serves as an NHL analyst for ESPN and ABC.
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