The Ice Bowl

The Ice Bowl has finally come. In the end the Penguins got the win in a shootout. Pittsburgh's Colby Armstrong scored a goal within the first minute, while the Sabres came back to tie it up in a second period that they dominated.

Watching on TV the game didn't have too much of a different feel despite the specialness of the game. The actual impact on the game was minimal, although the puck visibly did not slide as well whenever the snow would pick up.

The weather seemed to favour the penguins, as they seemed better prepared and conditioned to the ice differences, especially in the first period when it was the most pronounced. The second period in which the weather had the least influence was also the Sabres best.

Conklin played great in goal again, allowing only one shot to get by and then stopping a great chance by Afinogenov to seal the win in the shootout.

Buffalo actually outshot the Penguins 37 to 25, including 7 to nothing in overtime. Miller played great all game long, but really should have had the two he let by in the shootout.

The Sabres have now been in three shootouts in the past two weeks, after having none for the entire season before that...

Official Three Stars

Sidney Crosby

Ty Conklin

Ryan Miller

My Three Stars

Ty Conklin (only gave up one goal in last two games)

Tyler Kennedy (played great all game long)

Sidney Crosby (one assist and a goal in the shootout)