"Every series needs a hero, and if the Ottawa Senators are to ultimately stun the Penguins and end Mellon Arena's life six weeks earlier than the defending Stanley Cup champions would like, Pascal Leclaire will be the person most responsible.

The Ottawa goalie was named a surprise starter Thursday morning and, with Friday morning looming, produced maybe the greatest performance in Senators history while leading his squad to a 4-3 triple-overtime win over the Penguins.

Leclaire, shaky all season and ultimately replaced between the pipes by Brian Elliott, was simply spectacular in Game 5. In the longest game in Senators history, Leclaire's 56 saves represented another team record.

"He was just unbelievable," Ottawa center Matt Cullen said. "I mean, what else can you say? He was just incredible for us. He deserves all the credit in the world."

Leclaire was indeed terrific, though he had some serious help. Ottawa was credited with a remarkable 46 blocked shots. Defenseman Anton Volchenkov, who appeared to become injured in the third overtime, blocked a game-high 11 shots ? only six fewer than the entire Penguins' team.

"That's the kind of sacrifice you have to make to win a game like this," Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips said."