For all intents and purposes, the first period of Game 2 on Saturday in Philadelphia ended in the exact same fashion as the first period of Thursday’s Game 1. Heading into the final 40 minutes of play, the game is tied.
Sabres Vs. Flyers, Game 2: After Wild First Period, Teams Locked At 3-3 Score
But okay, today’s second period was a little different. Opposed to a 0-0 score following the first in Game 1, today’s first period featured six goals, several power plays, a five-on-three chance for both clubs, six goals, a fight and a goalie change.
It was a period that featured essentially no defense of any kind, as both teams appeared completely discombobulated in their own end. Former Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller looekd horrible and shaken. Highly-touted rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky looked just as bad, and now he's on the bench in favor of veteran hand Brian Boucher.
In all reality, though, the goals really weren't the story of the first period -- a period that lasted over an hour, by the way. No, the story was the physicality, and in the grand scheme of things in this series, these teams are quickly developing a strong distaste for one another. James van Riemsdyk clocked Patrick Kaleta near the net. Cody McCormick shoved Boucher. Paul Gaustad took down Danny Briere in the face off circle.
It’s getting nasty, and there are still 40 minutes (at least) of hockey to be played in Game 2. Stay tuned.
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