The Sabres split the last two games with the Rangers after playing two completely different styles of hockey. The dominating 5-2 game win in game one was a masterful performance all around, from the beginning to end, with only one small hiccough.
That was a last minute goal scored by Brendan Shanahan on a one time rocket from the top of the faceoff circle. The defense played masterfully, keeping Jaromir Jagr and his linemates to zero points. Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman, both right, really stepped their game up for Jagr, who's always a huge threat to any team he's playing.
The Sabres hit pretty well that game and the defense picked their opportunites to jump in offensively very well. This led to very few quality shots from the Rangers, even though their shot total was over 30.
Game two was a similar, yet different gameplan. Offensively, the Sabres released the pressure on point shots, but really put a hurting on the Rangers with BIG hits throughout the game, highlighted by Ales Kotalik, Danius Zubrus, and Adam Mair, the Sabres' biggest bruising tandem.
For the first two periods, Buffalo had placed such a demand on taking the body of the Rangers that they had only accumulated nine shots on goal and found themselves in a 2-1 hole at the start of the third.
After the faceoff win by Drury, the Sabres moved the puck in the offensive zone for about 10 seconds of pressure. On the outlet, Marek Malik made a terrible pass that ended up beign a giveaway to Toni Lydman who ripped a shot on Henrik Lundqvist and Chris Drury redirected it over the keeper's shoulder to tie the game.
The third was ALL Buffalo, no matter who watched the game. Ryan Miller stood on his head for a couple saves, but the Sabres put over seven real quality shots on goal of their nine.
The biggest hits were Danius Zubrus' (right) though. Zubrus in his second best hit of the night undercut Jaromir Jagr with his hip and sent him flying. Click here to view it.
My favorite hit of the night was Zubrus' best. In the neutral zone, Zubrus made a bad pass to Chris Drury. Sean Avery, the pesty antagonist was coming on the ice over a line change and as soon as he touched the puck, Zubrus sent him flying.
I almost think Zubrus saw that Avery was getting on the ice and made that pass on purpose, it was that perfect of a play...and Zubrus was already following his pass.
Game three was the first game the Sabres have played at Madison Square Garden in over five months. The Sabres were slowed by the ice, which was horrid. Unfortunately, so was the officiating, highlighted with a no-goal call on the Rangers that would have seen them up 2-0.
Ultimately, the game was Ryan Miller vs. Henrik Lundqvist. Sloppy play highlighted both teams and scoring was thwarted by bouncing pucks, making this game a heartstopper.
The Rangers finally beat Miller on Mikael Rosival's shot from the point, with less than five minutes left in double overtime.
The Sabres are up 2-1 in the series and play the Rangers Tuesday night at MSG.
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