Sorry everyone, obligatory NHL playoffs post follows:
The Buffalo Sabres captain Chris Drury tied game 5 with 7.7 seconds lefin the third period to take it into overtime. 4:30 something into the first overtime, Maxim Afinogenov scored to take the series lead of 3-2 over the NY Rangers.
Maxim Afinogenov, who had been benched the previous game for a lack of production, earned his place once more in the eyes of the team's fans.
The Sabres earned that win, because they dominated the entire game up and down the ice, but they just could not figure out how to beat the goalie, who was incredible. Both goalies have been incredible this whole series, making games 3,4, and 5 come to 2-1 decisions. I had the pleasure of having my first Buffalo Sabre run-in 2 nights before, seeing none other than Maxim Afinogenov himself eating with new teammate Dainius Zubrus at the Fuji Grill. They were seated after we got our drinks, in the table right behind us, and it was pretty crazy. But I didn't want to be "that fan," so none of the 10 of us said anything to them. But I can honestly say if the dinner and this last game had switched their order, I probably would have gone over and shook his hand. I could only imagine what the feeling would be for someone who is native to Buffalo. I have only lived here and followed the Sabres for 2 years, and it's pretty crazy even to me.
Yeah, so it was crazy. And we got to see the game from right outside the arena, with around 6,000 other people. For all the playoff games they have a "Party in the Plaza," which involves bands, other festivities, and a jumo-tron TV screen broadcasting the game live, which was going on right inside the HSBC arena tonight. Think of the loudest concert you have ever been to. Yes, the one where you were right next to the huge speaker the entire show. When the Sabres tied the game, this parking lot went INSANE. Louder than that concert you have been to. Way louder. And when the game was won, forget about it. Out of the arena poured 18,000 ticket holders, with a solid half hour of high fives, screaming, chants, horn-honking, and the like. Walking several blocks to find a vacant train station was a blast too, with hundreds of people walking down a car congested road, with most of the cars honking the tune of "lets go buffalo."
All in all, it was one hell of a game to be in the mix of downtown for. Downtown Buffalo is amazing, and the people here are great. It was one incredible atmosphere, and it will remain a memory to me for a while. But for now, I'm going to bed early because that sort of thing wore me the fuck out. Night.
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