Sabres fall to Flyer in game 3, go down in series 2-1
The Buffalo Sabres fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 at HSBC Arena Monday night in game three of their best-of-seven series. Philadelphia now leads the series 2-1.
This game was slightly less physical than the previous two and certainly did not has as many penalties, though there was still plenty of checking and some nastiness after the whistle as always.
The team has been competing well with this talented Flyers team, but a few things need to change for them to win the series.
On the Philadelphia goals I thought Buffalo could have done a better job defending in their own zone. One goal was the result of a giveaway and another was a result of failing to clear the puck. Jordan Leopold returned to the lineup in favor of Andre Sekera which should be a good thing for the team, but he left Steve Montador alone on a two on one that led to a goal.
Buffalo's first goal was a good example of what they need to do to win this series. On a power play chance, they moved the puck well around the zone and took shots. Eventually, Drew Stafford got a good look form in front of the net and he hit the shot.
Buffalo had more than a minute of a five on three advantage in the third period and weren't able to capitalize, that was their chance to tie it, and they didn't cash in.
They are a good power play team, but the top two lines need to be able to generate more chances when at even strength. Buffalo's playmakers need to step up. I know Thomas Vanek scored two goals in game two, but I didn't see him make much of an impact tonight. Brad Boyes, Jason Pominville and Tyler Ennis all took shots on net, but they need to be the ones scoring the goals.
With Patrick Kaleta potentially injured and the team struggling to find a good center for the second line, I want to see Mark Mancari play. He filled in well for Jochen Hecht in the last few games of the season, and Hecht is still out so I don't see why Lindy ruff doesn't give him a chance now.
Similarly to last year's playoffs, the stars on the team aren't pulling their weight, while the third and fourth line players have been doing a great job setting the tone and even scoring goals.
Nathan Gerbe continues to look great, his goal was a snipe and I really like what he can do with the puck.
Paul Gaustad was all over the ice, winning faceoffs, making hits and he even had a couple of good scoring chances.
Mike Grier and Rob Niedermayer are great to have in the playoffs, they play a physical game and don't make mistakes.
Marc Andre Gragnani has filled in well on defense. He hasn't done much spectacular but after three games in the playoffs he has four assists, which is tied for first in the league right now.
Game four will be in Buffalo on Wednesday at 7:30.
