Buffalo Sabres Level Quarterfinal Series against Philadelphia Flyers after shutout 1-0 –NHL Play-offs
Ryan Miller repeated what he did in game one of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals and that was shutting Flyers out. Miller’s perfect 32-save performance levelled the series between the Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers at 2-2 in game four as they won by
1-0 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York, on Wednesday.
Miller, supernaturally, made some major saves throughout the game, including a tough rejection as he blocked a firing puck off of his stick when Philadelphia’s Mike Richards tried to pull off a tying shot in the final moments of the third.
"He made saves he had no business making", Sabers defenseman Chris Butler said. "It was absolutely phenomenal". Coach Lindy Ruff was extremely pleased at his performance, adding that he also was chanting his name throughout the match along with the sold
out crowd.
It came after an emotional moment for Miller as fans and critics questioned his ability to remain the main goalie for the Sabres. They wanted him replaced after their two consecutive losses against the Flyers but he showed them this time around.
Jason Pominville scored the only goal of the match 9:38 into the first period. He luckily penetrated through Philadelphia’s goalie Brian Boucher who made 28 saves himself to get a near shutout.
"There were a lot of opportunities tonight", Flyers’ coach, Peter Laviolette, said. "Offensively, it seemed like we had the game down there and just couldn't get it by".
Rob Niedermayer had the puck in Boucher’s crease which was full of defensemen and attackers trying to stick it out. Niedermayer narrowed on Pominville who was standing wide open near the right circle and quickly fed him the puck after taking control.
Pominville received the pass after a slight shock because he was not expecting a chance at the moment and had to redirect himself and then shot it through Boucher’s right side.
Buffalo wants to advance to the next round and they will try anything to make it happen. After the takeover of billionaire Terry Pegula, the team has been re-energized and has not lost consecutive games since.
Their strategy in future games would be to continue using Miller because he is one of the best goalies in the world which does not come without reason.
Teammates were full of support for Miller after their previous loss, saying that everyone has an off time at some point in their career, but that does not mean he should be replaced immediately.
The Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres head back to Pennsylvania on Friday to face off for game five of the quarterfinals. It is where the Sabres won game one and they are not hesitating to show them they can do it again.
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