Senators Articles: Playoff race doesn't let B-Senators look back; Key games ahead vs. division rivals
March 26, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Scott Lauber of Press Connects.com

Playoff race doesn't let B-Senators look back

Key games ahead vs. division rivals

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- After what happened in the third period Wednesday night, the Binghamton Senators could have easily spent all of Thursday lamenting an opportunity lost.

But there wasn't time.

"We're a team that has to scratch and claw for points, and we let two slip away," winger Brad Tapper said after the Senators allowed four third-period goals in a 4-1 loss to the Manitoba Moose. "We have to come out with a mentality starting (tonight in Syracuse) that, if we want the third-place spot, we have to win no matter what. We have to regroup and come out flying."

The silver lining from the Manitoba Massacre -- and the Senators appear to be able to see it -- is that it came against the Moose, not Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Norfolk or Hershey, the three teams with which they are battling for three playoff spots in the AHL's East Division.

And while the loss dropped the Senators three points behind third-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, left them in a fourth-place tie with Norfolk and prevented them from gaining ground on sixth-place Hershey, the eight games remaining on their schedule (including three with Norfolk and one against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) give them plenty of chances to make amends.

It all starts tonight in Syracuse against a Crunch team that has plenty to play for. Syracuse is four points behind the Hamilton Bulldogs for the top spot in the North Division and the No. 1 playoff seed that comes with it.

Then, the big and tough Philadelphia Phantoms visit the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday night, looking to take hold of first place in the East Division.

"No doubt, we've got a big weekend coming up," center Serge Payer said. "Every game remaining is big."

The Senators' biggest player, in stature, didn't practice Thursday. John Jakopin, a 6-foot-6 defenseman acquired on loan from Hartford two weeks ago, was nursing a groin strain that is not considered serious.

Meanwhile, captain Chris Kelly, whose broken left kneecap is on the mend, continued to skate in an alternate-colored sweater with the hope of returning within the next few games. That should be another positive to which the Senators could cling.

"There's no time to dwell on (losing to Manitoba)," coach John Paddock said. "There are lots of games left to be played. We still have games against Norfolk and Wilkes-Barre, so our destiny is still in our hands."