‘Lindy Ruff, coach of the third-seeded Sabres, didn’t have to look far for reasons his team failed to advance in its first playoff trip in three years. His power play was frustrated again on three tries Monday to go 0-for-19 in the series. Thomas Vanek had a point in all three games he played, including Monday’s brave comeback, but missed three games when chopped down with an ankle injury in Game 2. Tim Connolly was nowhere to be seen on the scoreboard and combined with fellow offensive centre Derek Roy for three points in the series.’