Buffalo: Do or Die

It's only Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals, but with the Ottawa Senators holding a 2-0 lead over the Sabres and home ice for the next two games, things don't look good for the NYers.

Not only is Tallinder questionable for Game 3, but the Buffalo fans are sorely disappointed after a goal with 5 secs left (forcing OT), didn't lead to victory.

Key to the series: If Buffalo gets their special teams back.

The exact stats aren't clear, but Buffalo is something like 0-27 on the power play in the last 3 series and has allowed 5-40 on the penalty kill.

If they don't improve, they will lose. Then they'll have nothing to do.

Rangers and Sabres split 2-2

There's a fantastic article on ESPN recapping the game last night and the series as it stands.

Highlights from the article:

• During the 2006-07 regular season, the Sabres were never held to fewer than two goals in consecutive games. (like games 3 and 4)
• "I believe I've seen a replay where it's in," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff (Lindy likes to whine)
• Struggling RW Maxim Afinogenov, Buffalo's sixth-leading scorer in the regular season, was scratched. He was replaced with rookie Daniel Paille, making his playoff debut. (Anyone who owns an Afinogenov sweater should be upset)