New policy: You're in and you win

Ray Emery picked up the shootout win over Martin Biron and the Philadelphia Flyers with a 3-2 victory.

Antoine Vermette and Jason Spezza scored in the shootout for the Senators... and did the Sens ever need this one.

I think they'll begin to turn this season around, and it begins in net. I think John Paddock has been pulling for Emery all season, because he knows that only Rayzor has the balls to lead the team through the playoffs.

Giving Emery the start tonight is a vote of confidence and he seems to be making the most of it.

A beautiful goal from Chris Kelly started off the game (who knew Mr.Heart-and-Soul had it in him?), and after the very tradeable Vermette (Murray, I know you're listening) made it 2-0, the Sens took their foot off the gas a little.

It almost cost Ottawa the game. As the teams traded posts in the third period, it seemed the game was slipping out of Ottawa's hands. But, the ability to win tight games is a skill that must be honed for the playoffs.

Oh yeah, Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman? This is what it feels like to be a Senator. For reals.

The Black Mask!

...yeah, what's the deal with that?

It was a bigger story last week, but I think the story has only just begun.

Martin Biron wore a white mask for a whole season while he was awaiting being traded away from Buffalo. An Ottawa journalist questioned Martin Gerber about his plain new mask and whether this was a form of protest - Gerber responded "That's B.S."

Gerber stated it was simply the newest edition of the mask he gets from iTech and has not yet been painted - he's just trying it out.

Keep in mind that the Sens just changed their logo, and so a mask might just be in the process of being painted with the new logo... but the Sens organization has known for a long time that they would be introducing a new logo, so couldn't they have just sent the plans before hand?

Gerber, as mentioned earlier, got a shutout in his first pre-season start. In last night's game against the Washington capitals Gerber allowed 3 goals on 18 shots - not a great outing.

Let's keep in mind that Emery is making progress and will likely make a start in the pre-season.

Will Gerber keep his black mask? That will depend on his emotional state more than anything.