As Goes Teppo, So Goes Buffalo?
Despite what the score may suggest, this was not a close game. The 'Canes played a great, great home game. Buffalo was out-shot (35-19), out-hit (25-14), and out-manuevered on the face-off (44-28). Carolina even blocked more shots. Sigh. So, it was pretty much a defeat in every way. Although I have no stars (no stars when we don't win), there were a few bright spots. First, Ryan Miller, overall, continued to look strong in net, particularly in the first. Yes, he gave up that bad fourth goal, but was otherwise solid. Second, the power play seems to be back on track, although the penalty kill was uncharacteristically poor. Third, Cam Ward has yet to look like a goaltender who can win this series, unless he gets some help from the Sabres. Fourth, Buffalo had two goals in the second half of the third and Roy's in the last three seconds of the game was particularly important.
I listened to the WGR feed online, so I can't say that the officiating was a problem, although Jim and Rick were very vocal about inconsistencies. However, I don't know that anyone can blame the refs for NO OFFENSE. Really, 19 shots and a defenseman was the Sabres' shot leader. Afinogenov and Gaustad didn't register a single shot, but, hey, Dumont got one! Drury only registered two shots and led the team in stinky face-offs -- maybe he's just really tired since he logs more ice time than any other forward most nights.
Given everything, I would say that Game 3 on Wednesday could really use an injection of Tim Connolly and, maybe even more importantly Teppo Numminen. The old man. Darcy's big trade that everyone bitched and moaned about and, yet, this guy's out of the line-up twice during the Philly series and we lose both games. He's out tonight and the Sabres...(wait for it, wait for it)...lose. Coincidence? Well, there's got to be a reason that this guy has worn the "A" for so many NHL teams. Speaking of trades made by Darcy that may have initially looked lopsided, is anyone else as glad as I am that crybaby Gratton is no longer around, spreading his poison? Briere is such a sparkplug.
Enjoy this photo of Teppo scratching his ear on the cover of what I think translates to Sports Sheet or not.
Go Sabres.
PS: Thanks, Kevin, for reminding me about Teppo and the Philly series.
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