The Sabres went into a loud building and stole a game one win from the Flyers tonight. Sabres fans can thank Paul Gaustad, Nathan Gerbe, Pat Kaleta, Chris Butler, Mike Weber and Tyler Myers. Oh, Ryan Miller was stellar as well.
Buffalo got a few big boosts from areas they will need to count on in this series. A. Ryan Miller stole one for them. B. Their grinders (28, 42, 36) were a force and their most effective line. C. The penalty kill was awesome. Here are a few more thoughts from the game:
– Ryan Miller has stolen you one. I mentioned this once but the Sabres needed Miller to steal at least one game and play solid for the entire series. Starting in game one is just an extra bonus. I don’t want to rail on this too much, the Sabres need three more wins and it is a long run.
– The NHL cannot seriously parade around claiming they are clamping down on calls and hits to the head and let every, single, interference penalty go. Maybe Kelly Sutherland really sucks at his job. Who knows. But the fact that there have been many low scoring games and the Sabres game was a cluster, makes me a little peeved. Namely, there were two blatant interference penalties before Cody McCormick was called in the first period. If the NHL doesn’t find a way to remedy the poor officiating the playoffs could be smeared.
– How did the Philly media choose James van Riemsdyk as the first star? Ryan Miller and Sergei Bobrovsky both played a great game and the Gaustad trio was effective all game. All JVR pulled was some after the whistle nonsense and a few brutal dives. I haven’t been a fan of his since he failed to show up in the World Junior Championships a few years back. Complete no-show. He also played in Hockey East, I have little respect for that conference too.
– The Sabres’ puck possession was horrid. Steve Montador really struggled and most of the team had a few tough moments in the defensive zone. That situation needs to be remedied quickly. Allowing 35 shots per game will spell a quick exit for the Sabres. The puck possession and turn overs were probably the two sore spots in Buffalo’s game.
– If the top six and power play reminded me a bit of last year’s first round. The Connolly line and Boyes line (in particular) didn’t do very much damage last night. They were held in check and had little to no zone time. The powerplay only had once chance but was far below average. The Sabres could use a serious boost from those two groups in game two and beyond.
– Rob Niedermayer is still slow. I have to wonder if he is the best choice for the wing, or center, on the fourth line. I am a big Matt Ellis fan and I still think 11-1-2 speaks volumes and his checking ability is perfect for the playoffs.
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