Archives for May 9, 2001

A minute and eighteen seconds separated the Buffalo Sabres from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Leave it to Super Mario Lemieux to spoil the Sabres party and now they have to play another game to see who will advance as the Penguins beat the Sabres 3-2 in overtime. The Pens kept the pressure on the Sabres and it was Martin Straka who scored the game winner.

The key to the victory was Mario's goal that sent it into overtime. Forget about Straka's overtime goal, this game and possibly the series was won on one of the wackiest goals seen in years.

'Each team has now won a game in overtime, and the Sabres have outscored the Penguins 15-14 in the series. Momentum means little.'

‘And while the duel between Hasek and Lemieux is a hockey fan’s dream, it’s the Sabres’ worst nightmare. Buffalo had Game 6 won. It had the series won. The Sabres played well for most of the game and led as the clock ticked under two minutes.’

'"It's a tough way to have the game tied up," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. "It's frustrating to give it up, but teams get bounces … that's all part of the game."'

'What are the Penguins' chances of going into Buffalo and winning Game 7 tomorrow night? Not bad, if history is any indicator.'

'"We've had good success in overtime," Ruff said. "It is frustrating to give it up, but teams are going to get bounces. There have been bounces going either way. That's all a part of the game."'

'With less than two minutes left on the clock, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed a savior. Lucky for them, they have one on the roster.'

'"It was one of those plays where it went up and you look for it," Warrener said. "It comes down and it was right there. They got the bounce." How Buffalo.'

'About 6,000 seats are still available for Game Seven, which will be played Thursday night at HSBC Arena.'

Sooner or later one had to figure that the Penguins' second line would start to make its presence felt.