Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said it best: "I wouldn't consider that a narrow defeat by any means." The final score in game two of the Eastern Conference Championship read Carolina 4 Buffalo 3. In fact, the Hurricanes dominated play. Carolina outshot Buffalo 35-19. The Canes outhit the Sabres 25-14. They even blocked more shots (16-11)than the Sabres, who specialize in getting bodies in front of pucks.
Hurricanes heroes were many. Defenseman Glen Wesley made perhaps the play of the game when he leaped over Cam Ward to stop Jay McKee's slap shot from trickling into the net. Wesley also blocked five shots and picked up an assist on Ray Whitney's second goal. Whitney made things happen in front of the net-two goals on two shots.
There were many other big stat lines. Justin Williams had three takeaways, three hits, and a goal. Eric Staal posted four takeaways, a hit, and a big assist on Whitney's first goal. Aaron Ward racked up three blocked shots and a couple of big hits in a whopping 24 minutes of ice time. Veterans Rod Brind'Amour, Cory Stillman, Doug Weight, and Mark Recchi also recorded multiple hits and takeaways. Brind'Amour dominated the face-off circle, winning the draw 23 of 34 times. Matt Cullen's passing led directly to two Hurricanes scores.
The second period should go down as one of the best in the history of Carolina Hurricanes hockey. The Canes seemed quickest to every puck, and at one point outshot the Sabres 16-1. Only a couple of big saves by Sabres goalie Ryan Miller kept the game at 3-1, instead of 5-1 or 6-1.
If there was a negative, it's that the Hurricanes logged too much time in the penalty box. Buffalo's first goal came on the heels of a tremendous penalty kill by Carolina. Very late in the first period, Cory Stillman took a dubious penalty that led to Thomas Vanek's power play goal. Buffalo's second goal came via a 5 on 3 power play.
The Sabres also drew a penalty in the final two minutes, which led to a 6 on 4 Sabres advantage when Ruff pulled goalie Miller with about a minute fifteen to go.. To the the Hurricanes' credit, they fought off the 6 on 4 until just two seconds remained. Buffalo's very late consolation goal made the final 4-3.
Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette was pleased with his team's play in all phases of the game but notes: "We still have work to do in Buffalo to regain home ice advantage." Ruff wondered aloud whether the Hurricanes can keep the momentum going. Ruff said in his post-game press conference, "Now we're going to see if they can show up in our building the way they showed up in theirs."
