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Senators on Familiar Ice

The flag of the Ottawa Senators flies throughout Canada's capital, flapping closely next to the red Maple Leaf in front of hotels, office buildings and in car windows.

It was also spotted outside a funeral parlor, which could be an omen if things don't change Saturday night on the home ice of the Eastern Conference champions.

Quack Quack

The Anaheim Ducks' defensive stalwarts are hurting the Ottawa Senators on offense, too.

Samuel Pahlsson figured out sharp Senators goalie Ray Emery with 5:44 left in the third period to give the Ducks a 1-0 victory over Ottawa on Wednesday night and a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup finals.

Ducks Lead 1-0

Scott Niedermayer and defense partner Chris Pronger started and ended the Anaheim Ducks' penalty-box procession in the Stanley Cup finals opener.

If the Western Conference champs don't figure out a way to cut down on the high-sticking, roughing, tripping, slashing, hooking and holding, the constant march to the box could turn into the most-watched springtime Southern California parade this side of Disneyland.

Anaheim Takes Game 1

When a bouncing puck found Travis Moen in the slot, he was every bit as dangerous as Teemu Selanne, instead of the checker he's paid to be.

Moen wasted no time and snapped a shot past Ray Emery with 2:51 left, giving the Ducks a 3-2 victory over the Senators in the Stanley Cup finals opener Monday night.

Stanley Cup Finals

Back in 1927 when Babe Ruth and the rest of Murderers' Row feasted on American League pitching, Canada's capital celebrated a Stanley Cup championship.

The city of Ottawa has waited 80 years for another celebration.

The new version of the Ottawa Senators has a chance to end the drought against the Anaheim Ducks in the first matchup of teams in search of their initial NHL championship since 1999.