Buffalo blows game with the Bruins

Despite entering the third period with a solid 2-0 lead the Sabres lost to the Boston Bruins in a shootout. The Sabres, backed by Ryan Miller played very good in the first two periods, but were dreadful in the third, overtime, and the shootout. For the most part Miller played ok, but let in a very easy one in the skills competition.

The Sabres played very poorly in four of their five powerplays, even getting outshot and outworked on a powerplay in the third, but did have one that went really well at the end of the first. The Sabres had good puck control almost the entire time, and got in a number of quality chances, then with almost no time left in the period Jaro Spacek knocked one into the top corner to give the Sabres the early lead. Vanek got the Sabres other goal at the end of the second.

Come third period though, the team just fell apart, allowed the Bruins to get the first fourteen shots on net in the third. The Sabres allowed a goal to Chara early on, and then following a huge defensive mistake by Campbell gave up a second to allow the Bruins to tie up the game. Unfortunately they never came back.

Patrick Kaleta wasn't as noticeable in this game, and seemingly was hardly on the ice in the third when his aggressiveness was most needed. Stafford left the game injured in the third with what looked like to be a sprained right ankle. Assuming he is reinjuring that from earlier this year, he should probably only miss around three games or so.

Official Three Stars

Phil Kessel

Thomas Vanek

Marco Sturm

My Three Stars

Zedeno Chara (scored a goal)

Marc Savard (an assist)

Ales Kotalik (despite the loss)