Spezza threw a few hits on the forcheck, big deal, where were the hits in the defensive end? Where are those hits that turn the tide of the game? Crosby throws em, Datsyuk throws em, Malkin, E. Staal, Lecalivier, Zetterberg, you name a number 1 center with a cup ring in the last 10 years and you will see them play physically and do things they are not "out there to do".
People want to blame Clouston for Spezza just not being good enough? Who do you want him out there against? Staal? That guy doesnt make a mistake on the other side of the puck and will shut him down. Malkin? Maybe that's the guy to put Spezza out against but last time I checked he's accomplished more in 3 years in the league then Spezza has his entire career. Malkin will out play Spezza, period. Crosby... well, you've seen it all thus far, it's not even fair.
You can put who ever you want on Crosby, better players have tried and it's the exact same results. The only way you beat The Pens is by being more physical then they are are getting in on the forcheck and forcing their D to play in their own zone, short of that, it wont be happening for The Sens. Spezza better start doing this he isnt "paid to do" because winners to the things needed to win, not what they are paid to do.
As for Alfi, he's 37 years old and getting run by The Pens and he is still going back at them... someone else might want to take notice of this besides Ruutu/Kelly/Neil along with Regin.
PS WTF is Shannon doing in the lineup, everyone and their dead dogs saw how useless he is on that 4th line except Clouston... he better stop playing favorites at this point because it might have cost him a game or two.