Addition by subtraction. That was the theme of tonight’s game in Buffalo.
Micheal Cammalleri was stopped dead in his tracks by Miller at 3 : 43 of the first period and was promptly cross – checked from behind into the boards.
Addition by subtraction as Cammalleri left the game favoring his left side . No problem as the Habs continued their strong play accumulating with a James Wisniewski slapshot from the right point . The ‘ Wiz ‘s ‘ shot hit Max Pacioretty on the left forearm / chest and crumpled the Habs ‘ forward to the ice.
Addition by subtraction.
Moments later , Wisniewski atoned for felling his teammate as the rearguard saved a clearing attempt by the Sabres defence from reaching Carey Price’s side. James fed a quick pass to his partner Hamrlik at the opposite point. Hamrlik must have spoken to Wayne Gretzky before the match as Roman adopted the Great One ‘s ability of having eyes in the back of his head.
Hamrlik , without a moment ‘ s hesitation , fired a rocket to David Desharnais who was waiting patiently to Miller’s right. Being so close to the ground paid off for the 5 ‘6 ” former Bulldog as he neatly deflected Hamrlik ‘s pass beyond the Sabres ‘ star netminder.
Addition without subtraction and the score was 1 – 0 for Montreal.
The Habs appeared to be in control regardless of the loss of two important players and if not for Miller’s antics , the score could have risen dramatically. Gionta was so confident in his team’s play that he laughed off a shot with assistant coach Muller . A shot that ‘whiffed ‘ his ear as he headed into the Buffalo zone. Carey Price withstood Buffalo’s brief fluttering around his crease.
Things settled to the point where the Ambulance attendants let out sighs of relief and the period wound down with both teams ready for a rest.
A minute and a half toward that point – P. K Subban ‘s ankle decided that it was jealous of all the attention that Cammalleri ‘s shoulder and Pacioretty ‘s arm / chest was getting from the trainers. Subban’ s ankle jumped in front of a Sabre slapshoot and P.K barely was able to limp off the ice.
Addition by subtraction.