Playoff Push: April Adrenaline

Derek Roy jumps into the arms of teammate Marcus Foligno
after scoring the game winning overtime goal.
(Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

So the streak continues: The Buffalo Sabres have not lost the home portion of a home-and-home series with the Toronto Maple Leafs since a 4-2 loss on Dec. 20, 1970.  The two teams split the season series 3-3 with five of the six games decided by one goal.  This particular win was especially crucial to the Sabres and their #PlayoffRun.  Just when fans count the Sabres out (trailed 3-0, 4-2, and 5-3) they come storming back with two goals in the last five minutes to send the game into extra time.  The Sabres were without a doubt "saving the drama for the finish."

Derek Roy scored the game-winner on the power play with Dion Phaneuf in the box for a puck over the glass delay-of-game penalty.  "This means a lot.  It means we didn't roll over and die," Roy said.  "Our will was better than theirs I thought."  Toronto head coach Randy Carlyle said, "Gut-wrenching.  Everything went our way early, and then everything went against us late in the hockey game."

What sent the game into overtime was Jordan Leopold's self-described "pitchfork goal" that came during a wild scramble in front on the net to force overtime with 1:53 left (pictured below).  Make sure you watch the video of it over and over.  Its "many layers of crazy will keep you coming back for more."  There is so much to look at from Marcus Foligno getting slammed to the ground instantly, to Ben Scrivens holding Leopold's stick, to the official's late reaction on the goal call.  Watch the video a few times and focus on something new each time.  This could go down as one of the more memorable Sabres goals ever if they do indeed complete the playoff run.

Jordan Leopold's "pitch-fork" goal with 1:53 remaining in regulation.

"Today was one of those days where we could've found ourselves losing that game 5-0," said Leopold.  "It didn't work out that way, because we decided to dig in and push it all the way."  The Sabres rallied to win after trailing by three goals for the first time since a 4-3 overtime win over Atlanta on Jan. 1, 2010.  "It's one win, but it gives us some momentum.  It was one of those games where I think everybody in the stands and media was waiting for that one to turn out worse than it ended up being.  For us, we pulled together and found a way to win."  Buffalo Sabres defeat Toronto Maple Leafs in OT (+8.4%).  Overall Sabres playoff odds are currently at 28.2%.

April is Buffalo’s best regular season month since the lockout, with a combined record of 23-10-2 (.697) in 35 games.  The Sabres went 4-0-1 in April to finish the 2010-11 season and are now 1-0-0 this season.  More after the jump.


In the other important game last night, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Florida Panthers in OT (-0.1%).  Andrew Ladd scored two goals, including the winner 3:12 into overtime, to give the Jets a 5-4 victory over Florida that prevented the Panthers from clinching the Southeast Division title.  While odds were decreased very slightly, this was great news for the Sabres because it keeps Thursday's Panthers and Capitals game meaningful.  The Panthers missed a chance to clinch the division and secure their first playoff berth since 2000, but they need only one point in their final two games to hold off Washington.  Florida could have earned a spot in the playoffs if Buffalo had lost in regulation against Toronto.  They'll now have to fight hard Thursday to clinch their division and fend off the Capitals.

There are no games affecting the Sabres' playoff odds tonight, but Thursday will make up for it as we will see enormous changes.  The Sabres need to end the night earning one more point than the Capitals.  If that can be accomplished, odds will shoot up once again.  Take a look at the game outcomes and their odds impacts below.

Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers

PHI - Reg Win (-17.6%)

PHI - OT Win (+5.3%)

PHI - SO Win (+5.3%)

BUF - Reg Win (+23.2%)

BUF - OT Win (+23.2%)

BUF - SO Win (+23.2%)

Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals

WAS - Reg Win (-14.7%)

WAS - OT Win (-15.8%)

WAS - SO Win (-15.7%)

FLA - Reg Win (+25.9%)

FLA - OT Win (+7.7%)

FLA - SO Win (+7.7%)

These odds will change slightly depending on how each game ends in relation to the other.  If Buffalo takes two points tomorrow along with a Florida regulation win, odds could skyrocket by as much as 49.1% landing them at 77.3%.

For a complete guide on what needs to happen for the Sabres to make the playoffs, check out Brad Riter's magnificent work, titled "Here's How Sabres Make Playoffs Now".  You won't regret it.  Also, thank you for taking the time to read.  If you still haven't had your fill on last night's adrenaline-packed game, head over to Die By The Blade for more of today's Daily Links.