NHL Playoffs: Senators Kick It in Gear to Beat Devils

Martin Brodeur can't believe he was scored on - especially high and to the short side. (AP Images)

The Ottawa Senators couldn't solve Martin Brodeur the conventional way, so they went the controversial route in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup playoff series.

Ottawa took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series with a 2-0 victory on Monday night at Scotiabank Place in Kanata, Ontario. The favored Senators paid out at -175 on the moneyline (meaning a successful $175 wager would reward hockey bettors with $100).

Defenseman Tom Preissing scored on Brodeur from the halfboard with a third-period shot that eluded the out-of-position New Jersey Devils' goaltender. Brodeur, who had been stellar through the first two periods, had fallen to his knees because Senators center Mike Fisher had kicked out his right skate. Fisher was skating through the slot and had his head turned away from Brodeur when he clipped the netminder. Brodeur fell and Preissing delivered the puck to the short side before the goalie could set himself. Fisher wasn't called for a penalty.

Jason Spezza scored into an empty net, but the total was still under five in the contest that featured excellent skating and forechecking.

Ray Emery made 25 saves for the shutout. Brodeur made 32 saves. Game 4 is Wednesday at Ottawa.

In the Western Conference on Monday:

San Jose 2, Detroit 1: Jonathan Cheechoo scored a power-play goal with 6:41 to go as the Sharks defeated the Red Wings in Game 3 in San Jose. The Sharks, who paid out at -165 on the moneyline, hold a 2-1 lead in the series.

Detroit had carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission but Ryan Clowe tied the game midway through the second and the talented Sharks' forwards dominated the boards with their down-low cycle, earning scoring chances and drawing penalties. Cheechoo fought off three Red Wings to put the puck past a prone Dominik Hasek with a deft backhand.

Game 4 is Wednesday night in San Jose.

For complete NHL playoff odds, visit the Bodog Sportsbook.

NHL Playoff Schedule for Tuesday (all times Eastern):

• 7 p.m.: Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers, Game 4 (TSN, Versus, MSG) - Sabres lead series 2-1.
• 10:30 p.m.: Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks, Game 4 (CBC, RDS, Versus) - Ducks lead series 2-1.