Flyers Vs. Sabres, Game 6 Score: Michael Leighton Allows Three Soft Goals; Buffalo Up, 3-1

Peter Laviolette opted to go with Michael Leighton as his starting goaltender in Game 6, a must-win game for his Philadelphia Flyers against the Buffalo Sabres. It appears that was the wrong decision.

Leighton allowed three extremely soft goals on just eight shots in the first period, while Ryan Miller easily outdueled him at the other end with one save on 17 first period shots. Of course, Miller probably had his eyes closed in the process. The Sabres lead, 3-1, after one period.

The possession time, the shot totals and just about everything minus the goalie numbers and the scoreboard are in Philadelphia’s favor, and that’s what makes this first period and this entire playoff round more than frustrating for fans of the Flyers. But terrible goaltending and a punchless power play have been unable to get the job done, and when you stack that up against the tremendous work of Miller, it’s a nasty potion.

Chris Pronger returned for the Flyers in the first period but only saw the ice on the power play. He played just three shifts and he took a retaliatory slashing call against Tyler Myers while the Flyers were up a man.

If Philly can keep pressure on the Sabres, there’s no reason to think they can’t come back in the game. They’re going to need their goalie to make some saves on the few chances Buffalo does get, though. Wouldn’t be shocked to see Brian Boucher in goal to start the second period.