Four thoughts on Pens-Sens series

Is Marc-Andre Fleury back in form in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins?

He looked sharp in the final 10 minutes of Game 2 after looking uncomfortable in the series up to that point. He didn't see many shots, posting a paltry 19 saves in winning 2-1, and so the body of work wasn't all that compelling. Fleury will have to be better with the Senators returning home.

Do the top players emerge on home ice for the Senators?

Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher have been quiet offensively. No goals from this trio won't get it done for the Sens over the long haul. In the short-term, Spezza in particular has to turn in an inspired performance. Everyone will recall Sidney Crosby's stop-and-start moment against Spezza on the game-winning goal in Game 2. Spezza actually worked well there. He was guilty too many times, however, of giving lackluster efforts defensively, especially on lost faceoffs, including Crosby's first period goal. The game doesn't come down to Spezza-Crosby specifically, but Spezza needs to have a statement game in Game 3 ... like Crosby did in Game 2.

And speaking of Crosby ...

Sid the Kid has had a hand in five of the six Pens goals in the first two games. His individual resolve has been inspiring to witness. The Senators as the home team will get to dictate the match-ups to a greater extent than they were able to in Pittsburgh. That means the defensive pair of Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov will be on the ice every time No. 87 comes over the boards. In Game 1, they did a commendable job on Crosby, yielding just a single even strength assist. In Game 2, Penguins bench boss Dan Bylsma avoided that match-up most times, but he won't have that luxury on the road. If Phillips can force Crosby to give up the puck early, the Senators will be in good shape to at least contain Crosby.

Finally, can Brian Elliott build on Game 2?

Yes, Elliott was the losing goalie in Game 2, but he played a very solid game. He looked much more calm and composed than the nervous effort in Game 1's victory. There really is no break when facing the Penguins, with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal at center behind Crosby. Elliott needs to follow up his strong effort in the last game with a similar outing in front of the home fans.