Classic Miller, Lundqvist Battle Decided in SO

Game 51, New York Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres, 2/1/12

The Buffalo Sabres looked to keep their momentum going after winning back-to-back games for the first time since early November. The Sabres once again came out flying. Every line was working hard. Both goalies were sharp. It was a classic Lundqvist, Miller battle. The Sabres had many chances, including 5 power plays but without two of their most important scorers in Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford out of the line-up, the Sabres couldn’t bury one past Lundqvist.

The first two periods were entertaining; however the third period was incredible. The energy at the First Niagara Center was there and the Sabres fed off the energy. The Sabres killed off a Tyler Ennis penalty mid-way through the third period, where the puck was in the Rangers zone for the majority of the time. The team was refusing to back down. They didn’t care about any standings, it was just about this individual game. A late power play opportunity for the Sabres nearly put the game away. But the game was destined for overtime.

In overtime, the Sabres still had some time on the power play. They couldn’t bury the puck past Henrik Lundqvist though. A penalty mid-way through the overtime on Tyler Ennis for boarding put the game in jeopardy. The call was very, very questionable and Lindy Ruff wasn’t very happy about it from the bench. The Sabres showed that they weren’t going to lose the game on a bad call. Blocked shot after blocked shot, the Sabres were unbelievable. When Ryan Miller plays like he did, you just get the sense that the team in front of him has so much confidence and “will.” The Sabres killed off the penalty and after a brilliant chance for Derek Roy, the game was headed to a shootout.

In the shootout, All-Star MVP Marion Gaborik scored first to put the pressure on the Sabres. Brad Boyes got absolutely robbed by Lundqvist on his opportunity. My jaw literally dropped. What a great save. The Sabres captain, Jason Pominville was the last chance for the Sabres. He had to be clutch once again. Pominville came through again and gave Buffalo another chance. What a great job by the captain. In round five, Ryan Callahan ended the game, giving the Rangers the two points.

The Sabres played a very good game and they still haven’t lost in regulation at home since December 13th. A sign that every player played well once again… Every player had double-digit ice time numbers. Ennis had a 2 minute and 32 second shift in between. Paul Gaustad nearly played an entire penalty kill. If Vanek is healthy for this game, the Buffalo Sabres win, plain and simple, but all is not lost. The Sabres play the Islanders Saturday night. If they can keep up the effort from the last three games for the rest of the season, the playoffs will be possible.

Also: Zach Kassian and Luke Adam played well for the Sabres. Miller gets the shutout for the game. The shootout goal isn’t a goal against for Miller. Stafford should return Saturday. Vanek is hoping to return for the highly anticipated Bruins game next Wednesday.