Kanata, ON (LGS) -- It's Post-Game with a twist. Paul Szeglowski takes you through Buffalo's 4-3 victory in Ottawa with LGS.com's "The Power Play" ... a two-minute read on the good old hockey game!
The Big Picture
Buffalo comes into Ottawa expecting to find a motivated Senators team but no such team was found. The Sabres jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals by Henrik Tallinder and Brian Campbell. They never relinquish the lead and even though they need third period goals by Chris Drury and Jason Pominville, Buffalo – led by Martin Biron in net -- never loses control of this game.
Entertainment Value
MILD | medium | hot | suicidal
Ottawa pulled within one goal three separate times but the game was never in doubt. Buffalo took the early lead and coasted to victory despite not giving a full 60 minute effort. You'd think Ottawa would have wanted some revenge against the team that ousted them last May? Guess not tonight.
Scary Good
Jason Pominville says in his post-game interview that the Sabres haven't really put together a full 60-minute hockey game. When they finally do, that will be scary good for Sabres fans and just scary for whomever their opponent will be on that night.
Just Frightening
Buffalo answers Ottawa's second goal quickly and takes a 4-2 lead late in the third. The two goal lead lasts a whole 10 seconds as Jason Spezza takes advantage of a disorganized Sabres team to bring Ottawa back within one.
Superhero
Martin Biron. Coach Lindy Ruff said he will commit himself to playing Marty more this season. Biron's performance impressed in the pre-season and his team-first attitude has impressed since last season. By the way he played tonight; he definitely won't be waiting a month and half before his next start.
Slugs
The not-so-Sensational Senators. Sabres fans used to fear playing this team and now they look like another pushover. You know your team is in trouble when your team leader and captain is asked if he spent the summer thinking about his poor play that led to Jason Pominville's series clinching goal against the Sens last May and his only response is "Not really. I don't know if I would have changed a whole lot." Daniel Alfredsson -- just another great player you should never want to see wearing Blue and Gold.
Fourth Star
Jason Pominville. It took Lindy only a game and a half to realize Jason Pominville should be playing with Daniel Briere. Pominville scores the game winner and his second goal in two nights. Postgame Power Play Three Stars: 1. Martin Biron 2. Chris Drury 3. Jason Spezza (Official stars at right)
On the Hot Seat
Sabres finally score a power play goal but they still seem off when playing with the man advantage. The Sabres seem to be trying to hard to find the perfect scoring opportunity instead of playing it simple.
Verdict: Campbell's power play goal is a relief but 1 for 7 is nothing to write home about. The jury is still out on this one.
Defining Moment
The Senators erase Buffalo's two goal lead with less than five minutes left in regulation when Jason Spezza deflects a Dany Heatley shot into the Buffalo net. The Scotiabank Place crowd is back into it and Ottawa nearly ties the game moments later. The Sabres regain control, pin Ottawa in their own zone before Briere dumps the puck in front of a crowded Ottawa net. Pominville storms the crease like bumble bees before backhanding the loose puck into the Ottawa net.
Turning Point
The turning point takes us back to last season when Ottawa dominated the Sabres game in and game out until Thomas Vanek's around the world shootout goal turns the tide. Since that night, the Sabres have gone 8-3-0 against the Senators including post-season.
The Big Click
Can you remember a solid hit in this game? Singer -- and I use that word loosely -- Sinead O’Connor had more hits than this hockey game.
The Burning Question
Is the Senators dominance of the Northeast officially over?
The Fight Card
Nobody dropped 'em.
Crunching the Numbers
18 - Power Plays it took before Buffalo's first power play goal of the season.
33 - Seconds it took for the Sabres to remind the Senators of last May.
39 - Different reasons Hasek might not play against Buffalo next Friday.
8-1-0 - Buffalo's record this season including pre-season.
Gum-Flapping
"He got kind of eased into the game which I think gave him a lot of confidence." -- Lindy Ruff on Martin Biron
In the Buffalo Wings
Buffalo has a mini-break before traveling to Hockeytown USA on Friday to take on Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings.
