Buffalo at Ottawa

If I told you one week ago that Ottawa would win this series in four games you would have called me crazy. Even now, it's hard to imagine the Presidents Trophy winner getting swept. But, if you look at this game in a vacuum, there's no other play but to back Ottawa again. We've been on them in games 1-3 because they are simply playing better hockey right now and this is obviously a great matchup for them. Buffalo has caved in a big way. They have just five total goals so far on 72 shots. They haven't scored a power play goal all series. They've allowed 10 goals in three games to Ottawa after holding the Islanders to 8 in five games and the Rangers to 13 in six games. Buffalo is in shock right now and we don't think they'll have what it takes to stave off elimination. Again, Buffalo's opponents that know them welll (division foes) have scored at-will on them all season long (3.3 per game allowed). Ottawa has exploited division opponents to the tune of 3.8 goals per game this season. The game three shutout loss in particular could be devastating to the Sabres. Winning NHL teams in the underdog role revenging a shut-out loss are just 25-71 (26%) over the past five seasons.