Final Score: Buffalo 5 Rangers 2
Buffalo leads the 2nd round series 1-0.

The Rangers came out sharper in the final 20 minutes. But it was too late. They did have one pivotal chance to get back in this one when both Daniel Briere and Dainius Zubrus were sent to the box for different infractions with 13:33 to go.

Predictably, they blew a full two-man advantage. It summed up the kind of night it was. Ryan Miller was only forced to make one big save on it snatching Brendan Shanahan’s one-timer. The Rangers were just far too predictable on it with their passes and didn’t get enough quality chances to throw Miller off his game.

One problem as we saw it in this one for Tom Renney’s club was their failure to get much done on the cycle. The one instance when the Jagr line did, it produced their first tally. Michael Nylander setup Marcel Hossa in the slot for a one-timer which beat Miller to cut it to 3-1 with 9:16 remaining. It was one of the few shifts where the top line got something done. They’ll need to be far better in Game Two.

The Sabres really didn’t attack much in this stanza. Shots at one point were 6-1 Blueshirts. But they have such dynamic skill and countering ability that the few chances they get are sometimes enough. This was proven true when Jason Pominville got credit for his third off a quick three-on-two rush started by Briere. Jochen Hecht tried a pass for a cutting Pominville, who got the shaft of the stick on it to put it home. Intially, referee Marc Joannette waived it off thinking the net either came off before it crossed the line or thinking it might’ve gone off Pominville’s glove intentionally.

After a lengthy video review which probably involved Toronto headquarters, they ruled it a goal which was just as well and summed up a frustrating night.

Brendan Shanahan got his first of the series in the final minute from Straka Nylander. But the Sabres added an empty netter from Drew Stafford with 16 ticks left to seal the Sabres’ 5-2 Game One victory.

So what are our thoughts?

1.Buffalo was just sharper. They started slowly but once they got going, there was no stopping their transition game. Nobody has better finishers and it showed.

2.The Rangers were far too undisciplined. Handing the Sabres eight power plays and taking needless minor after minor is no way to beat these guys. They’re that good. While it’s true Buffalo only got one PPG, it gave them momentum forcing the Blueshirts to play from behind.

3.The officiating was disturbing. I was told by NY Hockey Report’s own Joe McDonald that the NHL brass was in the building. It showed. Far too many penalties were called. Some of the tacky variety. Ryan Hollweg got two minutes for just breathing on a Sabre. You also have to question the two goalie interference calls in this one as both Mara and Briere’s showed. Mara was clearly pushed in on his. What’s he supposed to do when he’s battling with a guy there? And Briere barely touched Lundqvist. Meanwhile, blatant infractions such as high sticks and take downs were let go of. This is what’s so frustrating.

4.Miller was better than Lundqvist. Yes, Lundqvist faced far more tough opportunities but that match-up is big in this series. Tonight, the more experienced netminder was a little better.

5.Too many turnovers. You just can’t turn it over against Buffalo. The Rangers were guilty of this and paid the ultimate price on the scoreboard. They also backed up too much. When you do that, you make it even tougher on your goalie.

6.There was hardly any physicality which was disappointing. Neither side really pounded anyone. Expect this to change as this series progresses with each side ratcheting up their intensity level.

7.HSBC Arena was very loud. Those are some great hockey fans. It’s one of the louder arenas in the NHL. They were vocal taunting Sean Avery during the game with an “Av-ery, Av-ery, Av-ery” chant. They made a difference.

8.Speaking of Avery, his line was miserable in this one finishing a combined minus-10. They just couldn’t get anything done. It was similar to Game One against Atlanta where they were invisible. They need to be much better the rest of this series.
Here are my three stars:

3rd star- Ryan Miller (32 saves)

2nd star- Ales Kotalik (goal)

1st star- Thomas Vanek (2 goals)