[GAME DISCUSSION THREAD]

The three stars were picked by the Carolina media not ESPN. We stayed until they picked them, we were shocked they were all Hurricanes, but it figures.

[GAME DISCUSSION (5/22/2006)]

I always thought this would be a tough series. Tonight, with the Sabres down 2 defensemen, it sgoing to be really tough for them to pull out another victory on the road. I think Buffalo wins the series in 7, but tonight's game goes the 'Canes way as they win 5-3 with an empty netter in a close one.

[Eastern Conference Finals, Carolina Hurricanes (2) vs. Buffalo Sabres (4)]

I agree wholeheartedly. The Sabres should try to score at least the first two, and preferably the first three or four, goals each game. I think that would give them a really good chance of winning.

All I'm saying is getting a one goal lead on the Hurricanes is no big deal. Thats not going to bother them at all. Once Buffalo scores they need to keep attacking and not try and sit on the lead like they did a couple of times against Ottawa.

[Eastern Conference Finals, Carolina Hurricanes (2) vs. Buffalo Sabres (4)]

Buffalo will need to continue to get out of the gates quickly. They'll need at least to goals in the first period of each game to set the 'Canes back a bit. During the year Carolina came back in the third period to win several games after being down by two or more goals. The more we score on them early the harder it will be for the canes to come back.