2022 Playoffs Begin

The 2022 RHL Playoffs are underway, and the league did not disappoint with this years opening attraction. Tailgating and table smashing started early this year outside First Niagara Center, as fans prepared for game one of the series. 17964 fans made their way into the building to witness the event, many of which were Islanders fans, as unfortunately Buffalo doesn't have many.

The puck dropped, and the battle was on. The home team struck first, and second, with a pair of goals by Tyler Johnson in the opening frame. The building was loud with Sabres fans cheers as playoff hockey was under way. It appeared refs had left the whistles in the change room, as we flew through 20min of hockey without any infractions called. 

During first intermission the Islanders regrouped, and I'm guessing the veterans in the room had a message to send. A hole to climb out of, but one that was worth climbing. Message received, as it only took 2 minutes and 43 seconds into the second for Max Domi to find the back of the net. Plenty of back and forth action, but the goalies were dialed in and the score stayed 2-1 Sabres going into second intermission. The Islanders were able to cut the deficit in half, with one frame remaining. Midway through the third, previous goal scorer Max Domi was called for roughing, on what we can only speculate to be a call by a ref on Sabres payroll. Only the second penalty of the game, both being on the Islanders, the visiting team was running out of time, and the penalty kill this late would be crucial. Islanders fans brought out the chants, "Ref You Suck" echoed through the building, and the team was able to kill of the penalty. Then with 3 minutes and 22 seconds left in the game, Peterborough native Corey Perry (every Peterborough Cor(e)y is gold), tied the game with a wrist shot that found its way behind Varlamov. Isles fans were pumped as the recent waiver claim got the game knotted at 2.

Game one would need overtime, it seemed only fitting. The Sabres started overtime on a mission, but Islanders defence wasn't allowing anything easy as Michael Del Zotto was blocking shots like he was Dikembe Mutumbo. The game seemed like one that could last forever, but then, just 3:25 into overtime, trade deadline acquisition Dustin Brown collected a rebound off a Tyson Barrie block, and snapped one passed Semyon Varlamov for the game winner. 

The Sabres fans were deflated, and yet, seemed to appreciate the game not going on longer, as midnight was approaching on this cool 4:20 eve, and many were already thinking about how they would relax post game.

Game Two: Thursday Night

Happy 4:20