By WBFO News
Buffalo, NY – Oleg Saprykin helped the Ottawa Senators to a 5 to 2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals at HSBC Arena Thursday night.
After Ottawa squandered a two-goal lead, Saprykin snapped a tie 7:41 into the third period.
The Sabres rallied from a 2-0 deficit on goals by Maxim Afinogenov and Toni Lydman. Buffalo then wilted, allowing three goals - including McAmmond's empty-netter - in the final 12 minutes. It was the Sabres' most lopsided loss since a 4-0 defeat against Carolina in Game 4 of last year's conference finals.
"Our puck management wasn't very good," said Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff. "It's probably the reason we ended up losing the hockey game."
Game 2 is at HSBC Arena Saturday night at 8:00.