THe Leafs and Devils also had 3 of the best goaltenders of the generation. Lalime wasn't at that level, but he wasn't the biggest reason the Senators lost those series. The damn team couldn't score against the Leafs. THat was the main reason.
Maybe if Rachunek had been in position on the Friesen goal things would have been different in 2003 as well.
The main reason was he never stepped his level of play up in any series against the leafs or devils. Yes scoring was an issue but the sens were playing with no confidence in him, cant take risks cant play their game.
Maybe if Lalime didnt let in 4 goals on 21 shots in game 2 they would have never been in that position.
Maybe if Lalime didnt let in 5 goals on 20 shots in game 4 they would have never been in that position.
In 2004 Jacques Martins and Lalime were the reasons they lost. Jacques wouldnt dress or play Spezza while they couldnt score, its actually insane.
In 2003 Lalime and Alfie were the reasons they lost. Alfie had an abysmal series against the devils, 1 assist in 7 games. However Lalime was down right terrible in games 2 and 4 in that series he had a sub .800 save percentage in those games. The fact the sens were able to push them to 7 while spotting New Jersey two games was impressive.
I personally wanted them to go after a new goalie in the 03/04 season to me he was the weak link and it ended up he certainly was.
Anderson stepped up and outplayed or played on par with the best in the game, Lalime didnt. Personally like Lalime's personality and attitude way more than Anderson but to say he was the better goalie is not correct. Patrick Lalime was the product of a very good team, they werent winning because of him. He is like Chris Osgood just not as clutch.