The picture above just about sums up the evening for the Cats, as Buffalo exemplified why they are headed to the postseason and the Panthers are not.
Before we delve into the scorers, let the final SOG be known: 41-15 in favor of the Sabres. Oooookay.
Recently-recalled Jeff Taffe and sophomore Michael Frolik scored for Florida but were outdone by Buffalo’s Jason Pominville, Tim Kennedy, Nathan Gerbe, Adam Mair, Tyler Ennis, Henrik Tallinder, Frank Poole, David Bowman, Biggs Darklighter, and Leonard McCoy (son of David). A long night.
The last four in that list had their goals rescinded, but six was enough for the home crowd as the Sabres cruised.
Ryan Miller stopped 13(!) shots, while Tomas Vokoun – in what may well be his creaky swan-song with the Cats – blocked 35 of 41. Can he be faulted?
In better news, the Lightning dominated Pittsburgh 2-0, while Carolina defeated Montreal 2-1. Woot.
Panthers are in Boston Thursday night. Live Game Forum at 6pm.