Sabres take 1-0 series lead
What a way to start they playoffs? An intense game with the Bruins ended up going the Sabres way Thursday night in downtown Buffalo. Ryan Miller was phenomenal once again, stopping 38 shots and leading his team to victory.
Thomas Vanek played in what was arguably his best game of the season. He only scored one goal, but his work ethic was outstanding. Vanek scored just under five minutes into the opening period for the first goal of the game.
Emotions ran high later in the first, as a bit of a brawl began because of Zdeno Chara’s hit on Patrick Kaleta. Each team received a few penalties. Check out the video clip at the bottom of this post.
Mark Recchi tied the game in the second with a power play goal. The captain came through for the Sabres in the second period. Craig Rivet scored what would be the game winning goal, outlasting the Bruins 2-1.
Shots were 24-8 in the second period, but the Sabres managed to escape with only one goal allowed. Boston was putting on pressure in the offensive zone late in the third, but Miroslav Satan and Zdeno Chara took back-to-back penalties hurting their chances of any comeback.
The Sabres improved to 31-0 this year when leading after two periods of play. The Sabres are 81-2-11 when leading after two periods since the start of the 2007-08 season.
Buffalo earned a 1-0 lead in the seven game series, much from the help of Miller. Game two is on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.