Fleury Sabes The Day Again

photo by The Canadian Press

Sure, it was nice that Buffalo’s star offensive player Thomas Vanek was missing with an upper-body injury.  Sure, it was nice that back-up Patrick Lalime was in net replacing the NHL’s leader in almost every goaltending category, Ryan Miller. 

However, despite those facts, the Sabres played a close-to-the-vest defensive minded game that was surprisingly exciting.  The Penguins generated numerous scoring chances as did their hosts.  Both goalies made huge saves and both teams had point-blank opportunities, but just two pucks crossed the crease in 65 minutes.

The Pens’ penalty killing was exceptional all night in helping secure the fifth-consecutive win.  They thwarted Buffalo on a 5-on-3, back-to-back minors, and a 4-on-3 in overtime.  Staal was amazing, as solid as hard-hitting Brooks Orpik, playing in his hometown, and former Sabre, the shot-blocking king, Jay McKee, returning to a city where he played for several years.

As for the shootout, Letang is just nasty.  I believe he is a free agent after this season and , if for no other reason, I hope the Pens resign him for his disgusting moves on helpless goalies.  I think Fleury has the shooters completely flummoxed at this point. How great was his poke-check on Derek Roy.  Tell me it didn’t remind you of this classic exchange.

By The Way…It is an absolute travesty what the Sabres have done with their uniforms.  Their old logo is brilliant, their new logo is crap … I have read about him, but this was my first chance to see Tyler Myers, Buffalo’s 6’7” rookie defenseman.  I was impressed with his smooth style, especially for being such an oaf. Myers leads all rookies in assists, blocked shots, and ice time … Since he was the subject of our preview, we should mention that Patrick Lalime played fairly well in making 23 saves during the game.  However, Letang made him look quite pedestrian in the shootout … Paul Gaustad, who returned last night after missing more than two weeks with an injury, is renowned for his face-off prowess.  He won 7-of-9 against Crosby and 9-of-16 against the rest of the team … Didn’t show up anywhere in the scoresheet, but I though Tyler Kennedy played a great game.  His stick was usually in the right spot and his defense was very important.

Penguins 2, Sabres 1 (OT)
Media’s Three Stars – Fleury, Lalime, Letang
Labyrinth’s Three Stars – Fleury, PK, Kunitz
Blew a Tire – Very tough call, hard to think of anyone that struggled.   However, we must pickone. So…Evgeni Malkin missed seven shots, including one open-netter that would have put the Pens up 2-1 in regulation, had two give-aways, and played the puck before completely leaving the penalty box, drawing his second consecutive minor.

Highlights 

As previously mentioned, my brother took in the game tonight in Buffalo.  Here is a slide show of their pictures. Some sweet shots of the shootout.