Flyers spanked at the Spectrum in game 5.
Game 5, Hockey Bones
BUF 1-1-1=3
PHI 0-1-0=1
After dropping both games in Buffalo, the Flyers came home for the pivotal game 5 and laid an egg. Once again it was penalties that killed the Flyers and once again it was solid play by the 3rd line that propelled the Sabres to a win. Even with my playoff home brew penalty check, the Sabres still had 8 powerplays.
The third line got things going for the visitors, as for the 5th straight game the Sabres scored first. Stanfield from Lorentz and 3rd line D Carriere had Buffalo up 1-0 with a PPG.
The shots were fairly even, 12-9 in favor of Buffalo, with each team getting 2 in range chances. --
It took just 8 seconds for Clarke to tie the game for the Flyers in the 2nd. Leach and Joe Watson assisting on the goal. That was all the good news for the home team as they would not get another by Desjardins. The news got worse for the Flyers as just a minute later Danny Gare blasted one by Stephenson to put the Sabres up for good. Shots were 15-6 in favor of the visitors in that middle period. --
There wasn't much offense in the third, as the defense buckled down for both teams. The lone goal came from defenseman Jerry Korab on the powerplay to give Buffalo an insurance goal. The Flyers were hemmed in for the final 1:30 and couldn't pull goalie Stephenson. --
Buffalo was 2-8 on the PP and Philly was 0-1. BUF shots 12-15-6=33, PHI 9-6-7=22. Desjardins made 21 saves on 22 shots. Stephenson made 30 saves on 33 shots.
Each team had 5 in range scoring chances in the game.
The Sabres now have a chance to clinch on home ice in game 6. Desjardins and Parent are the scheduled goaltenders for that game.