VABeachSabresFanatic

Was Ottawa really that dominant tonight? If a team gives up 2 short-handed goals in the same game, blows a lead FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES (including with under 15 seconds left), whiffs on a clearing pass to lose the game, and gives up SEVEN goals, how can it be considered dominant? I may be a biased Sabres fan (of course), but I thought Ottawa played slightly better overall other than the stupid Sabre penalties. Ottawa fans must be trying not to think about how this game stacks up with their past playoff choke jobs. TUG-NUTT, TUG-NUTT, TUG-NUTT!!!

In the words of Chris Farley in Tommy Boy: I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that...was...AWESOME!!! :P The last time I was that excited watching a Sabres game on TV had to be when they beat the Stars in OT in Game 1 in '99. I think virtually every game in this series will be a 50/50 coin toss (that would give us a 56.25% chance to win the series at this point). I would have liked much better goaltending, although Miller didn't have a prayer on several of the goals. They will definitely have to play smarter in their own end picking up Ottawa forwards.

I agree with you that the Rangers were weak in the playoffs, especially their goaltending. I was just saying that the Devils are the hotter team right now, their goaltending is superior to Ottawa's (at least with Emery in net), and we have a better shot at winning a game or two in Ottawa than we would in the Meadowlands. This will still be a very tough series for the Sabres, especially if they cannot steal one of the 1st two games.

I'm glad we've got Ottawa rather than New Jersey. Of course Ottawa is a very talented team, but Buffalo matches up better against them than against the Devils. New Jersey is riding an incredible winning streak after closing out the regular season on a tear and then sweeping the Rangers. Brodeur's playoff exploits are legendary, and the Gianta line is amazing. I know Ottawa's Heatley line is great too (and so is Chara), but Buffalo is better equipped to match up against them. Regardless of injuries, the late season wins against Ottawa are a big confidence boost for this team. Plus, when's the last time Buffalo won in NJ? Neither series would be easy, but I like Buffalo's chances a lot better against the Sens. Let Round 2 begin! :D

Wow, and I thought Game 2 was fun!!! The play where Grier outskated and outhustled Rathje and Gagne to the puck in the Flyer zone symbolized this entire series. Buffalo was faster, more skilled, better coached and hungrier in this series and that made all the difference. Forsberg's two-handed slash to the back of Max's leg after Max wouldn't back down from him really showed the kind of team Captain Kangeroo really had. The Flyers are the road kill on the NHL's new superhighway. :P On to Ottawa!!!