Quarterfinals Preview: Buffalo vs. Boston

With of the top keepers in the league facing off, the series between Buffalo and Boston should be a low-scoring, tightly played defensive battle. Ryan Miller is the leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy on just about every ballot, but the only goalie with a lower GAA than Miller was Tuuka Rask. Goals will be in short supply in this Northeast Division battle.

*Offense’: The Bruins are the lowest scoring team in the playoffs, finishing the season with the lowest goal total in the entire league. Injuries have played a major role in Boston’s offensive struggles this year, and they will have to play their first playoff series without Marc Savard, who is not slated to return until the second round at the earliest. Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht and Drew Stafford are all hurting for the Sabres, as well, but Buffalo finished the year with the 4th best offense in the Eastern Conference. Connolly has been practicing and looks to be ready in time for Game 1.Advantage: Buffalo’'’Defense’’’: There’s a reason the Bruins were able to get into the playoffs despite having the league’s worst offense. Their blueline, headlined by monster Zdeno Chara, is one of the most effective in the game. Deadline acquisition Dennis Seidenberg is done for the year, but the B’s still have a defensive corps,k top to bottom, that can get the job done in their own end, and provide some offense as well. Not to say that Buffalo’s got a bad defense. With rookie of the year candidate Tyler Myers and captain Craig Rivet leading the way, the Sabres have a solid veteran blueline with plenty of experience.Advantage: BostonGoaltending: Take your pick: Miller or Rask. The only goalie with better numbers than Miller was Rask, but Miller played in 24 more games. Both goalies have shown the ability to singlehandedly win hockey games, and perhaps the only difference between the two is their level of experience. This will be Rask’s playoff debut, while Miller has shown he can play well under pressure. (see: Winter Olympics)Advantage: Buffalo’'’Special Teams’’’: Don’t be looking for a boatload of powerplay goals in this series. The Bruins and Sabres have the two best penalty kills in the Eastern Conference, and despite the presence of Chara on the point, the absence of Savard isn’t exactly a recipe for success on the powerplay.Advantage: EvenIt’s tough picking between two teams that have made a living out of keeping opposing offenses off the scoreboard. Buffalo’s edge on offense should be enough to get ‘em through this series. Still, it should be a close one, and Boston will probably steal at least a game at home.*My pick: Buffalo in 6’