Eastern Conference Final: Senators v. Sabres
Ottawa Senators (4)
v.
Buffalo Sabres (1)
v.
Buffalo Sabres (1)
The stage is set for the Eastern Conference Finals. The President Trophy winning Buffalo Sabres (1) host the steamrolling Ottawa Senators (4) in a battle to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Buffalo Sabres, known "affectionately" by rival fans as the BuffaSlugs for the team's new logo and general work ethic of their fans, have had a reversal of season. Starting strong out of the gate with a strong record over the first 20 games, the Sabres held on to gain home-ice throughout the playoffs and have been playing middle-of-the-pack hockey from around December onwards.
This series promises to be the best of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs as plenty of bad blood still exists from the February 22 meeting which saw Ottawa's Neil lay out Buffalo's Drury while finishing a clean open-ice check.
The Sabres responded by sending out goons Mair and Peters against the skilled Senators Spezza and Heately which turned out to be the best matchup Buffalo could manage with a chance of winning.
Biron, wholly embarassed by the fists of Emery was sent-off to Philadelphia for some fresh air and the chance to see attractive women.
The bad blood is sure to boil early and often. How long before Peters & McGrattan appear on the lineup cards? Which goalie will stand tallest? Will Brian Murray stoop to Lindy Ruff's tactics or will hockey prevail?
Sens & Sabres fans: Post your best and post it often - it's likely to get as messy here as it is on the ice.
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