Still Failing in the Shootout

The Sabres blew an early three goal lead to lose 4-3 in the shootout. Coming into this game the Sabres' opponent the Philadelphia Flyers had the worst shootout record in the league. Yet once again one the shootout started the Sabres were unable to score.

Kotalik continued to be the best for Buffalo in the skills competition and scored on his chance, however Connolly fumbled the puck straight into Biron's stick, and Roy just completely failed to hit the puck on his shot. You can swing the stick all you want, but it's got to come into contact with the puck at some point. Miller was ok on the other end, but really shouldn't have let Briere score on him. Also, where was Henrick Tallinder?

Once again alot of the goals against came from mental breakdowns in a game that the Sabres really needed to win. Only seconds after getting their third goal, the Sabres gave up a breakaway to Jeff Carter who scored on a nice shot to the top corner.

The Sabres first two goals in the game did look pretty, with Roy proving that good things happen when you throw the puck at the net, and MacArthur getting set up real nicely from Connolly and Pominville just eleven seconds later. Paille ended the game minus one, but looked to be one of the better Sabres players on the night. Rookie Gragani once again only got around six minutes of ice time during the game, but seemed to get half of it during overtime and twice almost prevented the shootout from ever happening.

The officiating in this game was really bad. There were calls all over the place that really left everyone on the ice wondering what was going on. It didn't really have anything to do with why the Sabres lost, but it made the game really hard to watch.

Official Three Stars

Jason Pominville

Scott Hartnell

Jaroslav Spacek

My Three Stars

Jeff Carter (one goal, six shots, and a goal in the shootout)

Jason Pominville (one goal, one assist, plus three)

Mike Knuble (two assists)