May 13, 2006 -- Entering the second-round playoff series between the Sabres and the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff had a little secret: he thought the Senators were the better team.
"I thought they were deeper with talent up front. We were worried about their power play, which had been running real hot," he said.
But the better team doesn't always win, and Ruff was more than happy that his team rose to the occasion. The Sabres beat the Senators, 3-2 in overtime, to complete the series win in five games.
Jason Pominville's short-handed goal was definitely one of the highlights of his career. Sabre fans won't forget it any time soon either.
"Once I got a step on him I had the puck on my backhand," Pominville said. "Once I saw [Ottawa goalie Ray Emery try] the poke check I just pulled it around to my forehand and had a lot of net to put it in."
It was on to the Conference Finals and a date with Carolina.
--- Budd Bailey
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