Let’s forget about the Game 4 melt-down, it really was not that important. Tonight’s Game 5 overtime loss was a tough one. Before complaints about the penalty call or anything else come up, it was easy to summarize the loss tonight. Two factors came into play, a difference in either of which would have led to a Buffalo victory: (1) power play apathy and (2) lack of scoring diversity – read, Hecht and Afiniganov. Even with a 3-1 lead early in the second period, it was clear to me that at least 4 goals would be needed to win; I even thought 5. This is the new NHL and both of these teams are explosive.
Game 5 was big and winning it would have really killed Carolina off. Having to then win in Buffalo and again at home if they would be lucky enough to get there would have been nearly impossible. I think Carolina really needed to win Game 5. The Sabres didn’t have to, but I do belive winning it would have meant the Series.
Ruff was right that the Game 4 loss was really not about the defense. Nobody on the Sabres scored! In Game 5, the Sabres looked great. They just needed 1 power play goal or for Afiniganov or Hecht to finally score one. The Sabres won all year round by having production from across the team. Briere and Drury are key scorers and playmakers to be sure, but they need production from others to keep on winning the big games. Both Afiniganov and Hecht came up empty again, and if they continue to do so, I believe we will see Carolina move on.
Cam Ward was great. Miller was solid. But too much should not be read into Laviolette making yet another goaltender change and then having that new netminder blank the Sabres. It’s not the goalie as much as it is the lack of diversity of offensive production that was so prevalent all year round, and the pathetic power play that is now 0 for 8 in the last 2 games.
The onus is clearly on the Sabres here – nobody else is to blame. And, while the injuries are unfortunate, it’s not about that either. The team played a great game without some of its key players.
The finish just isn’t there. They need to find it otherwise the finish will truly be there for this otherwise remarkable season.
This series is still very much in reach for the Sabres. Carolina has the upper hand now, but a breakthrough from Afiniganov, Hecht or others and/or a renewal of their power play prowress will have the Sabres advancing to the Stanley Cup. Even Lydman scored today – they need more of that! The Sabres just need to find themselves …. soon.
– bkm
