The Rangers were dreadful the final half of that period and paid the price against an explosive and opportunistic Buffalo offense.

First Marty Straka went to the box for yet another penalty. And Buffalo finally cashed in when sniper Thomas Vanek redirected home a Dmitri Kalinin one-timer to put the Sabres on the board.

Only two minutes later, it was Ales Kotalik capitalizing off a two-on-two surprising Henrik Lundqvist with a wrister up top. That was one he could’ve had. It definitely hurt.

Vanek would strike yet again 2:05 later when Rachunek fell down allowing the dangerous sniper to walk in around Paul Mara and fire one top shelf for his second (fourth of playoffs).

Just like that, the Sabres had exploded for three goals in 4:05.

My sentiments…stay out of the box and stop turning the puck over. You just can’t do it against this kind of offense. They’re far too skilled.

Making matters worse the Blueshirts lost Rozsival to a leg injury and he won’t return. Talk about a rough period.

We’ll see you after the game for more analysis and our three stars.