Bruins-Senators: Martin Gerber Rules Ottawa's Net with Iron Fist

So it's looking more and more likely that Martin "Darth" Gerber will be the No. 1 'tender for the Senators heading into the postseason. He's not only been the Sens' best player for the past six games, but it also helps that his name's not Ray Emery.

Management doesn't seem to be a fan of ol' Razor these days. For good reason. He pretty much got John Paddock fired a couple weeks ago. Then he finally broke his silence this week with a half-assed apology to the coach who moulded him in the AHL. Add in the fact that he can't stop a beach ball on the short side when he does play, and you've got a pretty 'easy' decision.

Enter Darth Gerber. Dah da da da, Dah da da da da da daaaahh.

Although they managed to lose 3-1, 3-2, and 2-0 before winning 4-2 on their recent Left Coast trip, the Sens have at least had the goaltending they've been so desperately looking for. The blame for those three losses lands squarely on the shoulders of every skater on the team, not Gerber. Technically, he only let in 1 in L.A. They potted an empty-netter late in the third. Things turned around when they hit the desert last Saturday, though. Gerber played well, and the rest of them actually played defence. There's a concept. Backchecking, defensive coverage, physical play. Ya know, things that you should do every time you step on the ice if you intend to win the hockey game.

Last night's game against Beantown was no different. Gerber made some stellar saves which translated into offensive rushes and goals by Heatley. It was like watching Sens hockey of old. Quick transitions, bodychecks, great saves, and good ol' fashioned lamplighting. It's worth noting Heater's quality game. A nice 'trick to break out of his recent slump.

It's always nice to see a certain player step his game up when the rest of the team is struggling. Gerber has been to the Cup Finals 3 times. All 3 times he's had his rear-end planted firmly on the pine. If the last week is any indication, he'll be relegating that role to a player who needs to give his head a firm shake. Get used to sporting that beauty new cap, Razor. You could be sitting there for a while.

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