Look, everyone has pretty much dissected the tale of tape for this match-up and there’s no need for me to just rehash everything. Zdneo Chara is taller than Tyler Myers. Tuukka Rask has better numbers than Ryan Miller, but started only 39 games this season. Neither of these teams are going to be confused with LaFontaine and Mogilny versus Oates and Neely. They both play defensive hockey and rely on their goaltending. Their styles of play makes me want to fall asleep. Boston Market is better than Buffalo Wild Wings. Blah, blah, blah, blah.
Here’s the bottom line (or at least a couple of lines). This is the one match-up that I think the pressure isn’t as high on Ryan Miller, like it would be against the Penguins, Capitols or Senators. The Bruins can’t score to save their lives. When you have only one player that has scored over 20 goals, then you have a better shot at scoring at the Playboy Mansion as a shit poor, nerdy teenager. Ask yourself this; what if Ryan Miller doesn’t play his best series against Boston? What’s the worst he can do? Give up 2 goals a game? Like I said, Boston can’t score a lick.
Now, I just want to get out some of the wives tales that are going around about this match-up. Yes, Rask has never started a playoff game, but before we start going all “We got him right where we want him” rhetoric. Lets not forget that Ryan Miller and Cam Ward were both rookies when they guided their teams to the Eastern Conference Finals in 06′. Yes, the Sabres had Patrick Lalime and Jhonas Enroth start two games against Boston; both wins for the Bruins. However, the Sabres only scored 11 goals in six meetings against the Bruins; three of those goals against “The artist formally known as Tim Thomas.” That my friends, is where the series is going to be won or lost. No, not Tim Thomas, but if the Sabres can score.
The pressure is on the top six forwards. If the Sabres lose this series, it’s going to be on them. If you really believe in the stats for both teams; scoring is where the Sabres have a clear cut advantage. I never thought I say this, but I’d rather have the Sabres top six forwards over the opposition. If the Sabres can score 2-3 goals a game, they are winning this series. It’s going to be tough. I have a feeling this series is destined for a couple of overtime games. I think the Sabres offense is going to do just enough to beat the Bruins.
Buffalo in six games.
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