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The Buffalo Sabres were the one team everyone figured was a lock to advance to the second round. The outcome of every other series going into round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs was at least a little bit in question. But almost everyone agreed that there was really no chance that the Islanders could actually upset the President Trophy winners.
So how is it that three teams have already advanced before the Sabres?
The Sabres have a chance to become the fourth team to advance to round two tonight as they host the Islanders in Game 5 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, leading the series 3-1. (Note: If the game goes into super overtime – maybe third or fourth OT? – then there is a chance that Buffalo would be the fifth team to advance, should the San Jose Sharks finish of the Predators in a game with a start time that is two hours later than the Sabres. But… that’s unlikely.) 🙂
The NY Rangers were the first, finishing off the higher-seeded Atlanta Thrashers in a sweep. (The only sweep in round one.) They are the likely opponent of the Sabres, if indeed the advance tonight, or any time in the next three possible games. Also moving on yesterday were the Ottawa Senators, making easy work of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks sent the Minnesota Wild home with a 4-1 win last night.
Just over a week into the playoffs and we’re getting ready for round two! It’s getting pretty exciting here! Let’s hope Buffalo can finish off the Islanders tonight and get a bit of a rest before suiting up to take on the Rangers, or perhaps the Tampa Bay Lightning? We shall see!