Sabre's Up 1-0

There are a lot of adjectives anyone watching the first playoff game between the Flyers and Sabres last night could use to describe the game last night, but one nobody was use it pretty. The game was a slug fest- more like a series of scrums with some hockey in the middle - in which not even the goalies were immune as each was tested every time they held the puck. The game was a bit rocky for the Sabres at the start as the team gave up some dumb penalties, but managed to kill of every powerplay. Killing 38 seconds worth of 5-3 hockey was especially huge, as was the killing off which seems liked an entire powerplay where Paul Gaustad was stickless. The games only goal came when Patrick Kaleta glided home a rebound into the back of the net. Even this goal was ugly as Kaleta got little to nothing on the shot, but he was at the right place at the right time to give the Sabres the lead. Ryan Miller carried the Sabres to victory stooping all 30 shots he faced and showing no signs of the injury that cost him a few games down the stretch run. Miller's play combined with the physical play of the Sabres 3rd and 4th lines gave the Sabres the victory. Heading into game two there is plenty the Sabres can to improve their chances for victory: 1) Limit our penalties: We took 5 penalties in Game 1. I think only Myers penalty on a breakaway was justifiable. The Flyers are struggling to score, we cannot give them these opportunities. 2) Take it to Bobrovsky: Our only goal was scored off a rebound. Brobrovsky simple does not have the experience to handle the game at this level. We need to test him often and early by attacking the net at every chance. 3) Do not back down: I was very glad to see us take the fight to Philly in Game 1. In Game 2 I want to see more of it, especially with a chance to go up 2-0. Overall, this game was not anything spectacular, but a win in the playoffs is a win in the playoffs. Getting a victory in Philly was great, but getting 2 wins and Philly would be beautiful.