What Excitement!

                

The boys came out swinging and skating hard after their worst performance in the post season.  My heart was pounding as the players raced up and down the ice.  It was about 14 minutes into the first period before the first goal was scored, but it was heart wrenching as it was the 'Canes on the board first.  This post season there was only 2 games in which the opposing team scored first and we lost both.   Now, the third time, let's not back off boys.  They did for a bit, you could see the wind come out of the sails for a few minutes.  I felt a twinge in my heart and wished with all my might.  Five minutes later while on the power play Christopher scored to tie it up.  The crowd went nuts and the period ended with us on another power play.  The second period started and the boys came out strong and scored another power play goal a minute in.  Buffalo up 2-1.  The crowd was into it and the boys fought harder scoring 2 more goals to go up 4-1.  With less then 2 minutes left Carolina scored again and the period ended on a bit of a downer.  The third period was good, and the boys stood up the 'Canes at the blue line making it difficult to get in and get any good shots.  About 15 minutes while on the power play Carolina scored and got within one.  Can you say nerve wracking?  Five minutes left and we need to hang on for the win.  With about 2 minutes left in the game Carolina pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.  The boys gave up their bodies and played with their souls as they fought to hang on, and hang on they did.  Miller was awesome and stoned them on a few shots. 

 

Bad news, we lost another defenseman.  Henrik Tallinder left the game in the third period and didn't come back.  No word yet, and with the way things are in the playoffs we won't really know.  That makes 3 of our top 6 defensemen are out with injuries.  Kalinin has a broken ankle and we won't see him.  Teppo has been out the last few games and other then mid to lower body injury we have no idea.  Now Henrik.  I know the boys have always stepped up when need be, but this could be devastating.  Please say a little prayer that we can get 2 back and soon. 

 

I really couldn't pick a hero for tonight's game, so many guys stepped up.  Miller did a great job keeping us in there when things got crazy at the end of the third, and Danny Briere scored 2 goals.  I won't name the graphic 'hero', but rather just use the likes of them :)  I'm including the flag as a symbol of the fans who showed up and gave their support.   Game 4 is here in Buffalo on Friday.  Go Sabs!