There is no doubt the Buffalo Sabres had their chances on Tuesday night to close out their first-round series against the Boston Bruins. Now they'll be looking to finish what they started in Game 6.
The Sabres have had many players step up which has put them in the position they are at. They need certain ones to step even more on Friday night to allow them close out the series.
Tage Thompson (Center)
The Sabres would not be where they are this season without the goal scoring and high-danger chances that Thompson created. The center started the team's scoring in the series by finding the back of the net twice during a memorable Game 1 comeback win.
He has not scored since, and has not been as consistent as needed. A prolific Game 6 could be the difference as Buffalo tries to eliminate a defensively strong Bruins squad.
Beck Malenstyn (Winger)
The physical play and intensity will be notched up for Game 6. The Sabres need to continue to keep pressure on, and find ways to impose their will on the Bruins like they have in their three wins this series.
Malenstyn has a goal and an assist, but more importantly is tied for second on the team in hits (17). While he has continued to provide timely contributions on the offensive end, it will be more vital for him to make a strong impression defensively on Friday.
Alex Lyon (Goalie)
Head coach Lindy Ruff elected to go with Lyon after Game 2. He has only allowed four goals since and is pushing the Sabres to the brink of a spot in the second round. A victory in Game 6 or Game 7 may rest on Lyon's shoulders.
A .953 save percentage has given the Sabres the edge since he took over in the crease. If he has a strong showing on Friday, it may be the difference between coming back to Buffalo for another game or ending the series.
The last thing that Sabres need to think about is second guessing their decisions in the series. Ruff has taken the team further than any thought. It will be up to the players on the ice to close the deal.
Would Ruff want to switch up the lines? Would he want to turn back to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen between the pipes? Everything is on the table if Game 7 is necessary.
A victory in Game 6 could put all of the questions to rest. That is all that has to be done to have the Sabres not question the little things and begin looking toward the next series.
But players such as Thompson, Malenstyn and Lyon need to take care of what they can to win on Friday night in Boston.
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