Pernell Subban created a bit of a stir when he boldly told reporters in Montreal yesterday that the Habs are better than the Senators.
He might be right.
This series could just as easily be 3-1 in Montreal’s favor. Craig Anderson stole the first game for Ottawa, and the refs had a definite influence in Game 4.
Of course, I also find it funny that Mike Therrien blamed everything and everybody other than himself and his players after the Habs choked away a 2-0 lead Tuesday.
On the controversial faceoff spot, he could have got the players he wanted on the ice but, as the ref told him, he wasn’t paying attention.
Anyway, Senators players aren’t paying much attention to Subban’s claims. Anderson was told of them after this morning’s skate.
“Everybody has their opinion,” he said. “If we didn’t believe we were a better team than them, then we should just pack it up and go home now. And if they didn’t believe they were a better team, they’d pack it up and go home.
“It’s a confidence thing, and everybody has confidence in themselves. He has confidence in his team and we have confidence in our team. That’s the way sports works.”
The Senators need to end the debate as soon as possible. I can’t believe Anderson is about to lose three games in a row now, but they also don’t want to have to come back to Bell Centre again this spring.

Okay, that is a little over the top.
Just finished packing for Montreal for Game 5.
Taking the train later today. I must tell Don Brennan to make some sandwiches _ much better than anything you can get on the train.
We’re taking hall of fame writer Roy MacGregor along for the ride. I hope he has his AMEX card. We’ll give hm lunch. He can get the drinks.
Anyway, where were we?
Quite the comeback Tuesday night.
The Senators have a horseshoe in their dressing room. Yesterday they had one … Forget it.
They can smell victory now. They can smell victory because Michel Therrien hasn’t been able to figure out what to do next. They smell victory because they have scored timely goals. They smell victory because they have found ways to win.
The No. 2 seed Montreal is on the verge of elimination.
The Senators are choking the life out of the Habs but this isn’t a choke job because the Habs have had one heck of a season. Young teams learn. This will be a learning lesson if they lose this series.
This series is not over. Not by a longshot.
Lots of work for the Senators to do.

Best game I’ve seen here in awhile.
The Senators were physical. They were strong. They answered back and they took the Montreal Canadiens off their game. The Habs can’t possibly play like this or want to play like this.
That’s not to Montreal’s benefit.
The Senators can push the Habs to the brink of elimination in Game 4 Tuesday with the same kind of effort. Capitalize on the momemtum.
The Senators have always had issues with killer instinct. They’ve got to show it here. They’ve got Michel Therrien outcoaching himself and rattled.
No question.

MONTREAL _ Eric Gryba is headed for a hearing.
The Senators defenceman will be forced to defend his actions for his hit on Montreal Canadiens winger Lars Eller during a noon conference call with NHL VP of discipline Brendan Shanahan.
League sources say the Habs are insisting the Senators rookie blueliner got his elbow up and knocked out Eller before hit the ice. Gryba, who is facing a suspension, is denying that claim.
“I stepped up to make a hit and I kept my shoulder down. He received the puck by the time I hit him I saw on the replay,” said Gryba. “My elbow was down and there was no intent to hurt him whatsoever. I hope he is going to be OK.
“I’m not out here to hurt anybody and it’s never a good scene or anything like that. Hopefully he has a full and speedy recovery.”
Coach Paul MacLean said Habs defenceman Raphael Diaz has to share responsibility for setting up Eller with what was a bad pass.
“The player I would really be mad at is 61 (Diaz),” he said. “That’s a dangerous place to be.”
Eller spent the night in hospital. He has a concussion, he lost teeth and has fractures to his face.
Gryba received a five minute penalty for interference and was thrown out of the game.
I’d say he gets a game or two because he has no standing in the league.
Looked like a clean hit to me.

Western Conference

Chicago vs. Minny: The Wild have played tight games vs. the Hawks, but barely made it into the playoffs. Hawks in 5.

Anaheim vs. Detroit: Wings just aren’t a great team anymore. They squeezes into the playoffs. On a downswing. Ducks in 6

San Jose vs. Vancouver: This could be the best series in the first round. These two teams will play from the trip. Canucks in 7

Kings vs. Blues: I just think the players in St. Louis have had it with Ken Hitchcock and his act. Kings in 5.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Isles: John Tavares has carred this team on his back. They just drew the wrong opponent. Pens in 5.

Montreal vs. Ottawa: The Senators wanted this matchup and they got it. Now they have to take advantage of it. Sens in 6.

Washington vs. N.Y. Rangers: Don’t love either of these teams. Can’t stand Tortorella but they’ve got the goalie. Rangers in 6

Boston vs. Toronto: The Leafs and Bruins will be another interesting series just because of the hype. Leafs in 6.