Flyers-Sabres Game 3 recap

Score:

Flyers 4, Sabres 2

How it happened: Nik Zherdev pushed a well-placed, cross-slot pass from Mike Richards past Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller at 16:44 of the second period to put the Flyers ahead 3-1. It came after the Flyers survived a lopsided first period onslaught and before they survived a third period in which the Sabres had a five-on-three power play.

Heroes: Brian Boucher's play in the last 10 minutes of the first period saved the Flyers from what might have become an imposing Sabres lead. Released from the press box, Zherdev scored the third goal. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen was great, as usual.

Goat: Buffalo defenseman Chris Butler whiffed on a clearing attempt. Scott Hartnell hustled to the puck and fed Danny Briere for the go-ahead, second-period goal.

Did you know? Buffalo's 16 shots in the first period were its most in a period of the series so far. The Flyers had 16 shots in the second period of Game 1.

Hit parade: Once again the Sabres were the more physical team. Especially given their status as one of the league's most penalized teams, the Flyers have done an amazing job taking extra shots without retaliating. Briere was choked after a whistle and Hartnell took a punch to the neck without retaliating.

Living on the edge: Whether he was taking penalties, drawing penalties, knocking his own net off its moorings or picking up loose pucks to create goals, Hartnell was a force.

History lesson: The Sabres had won five straight home playoff games against the Flyers before last night, outscoring them 26-7. The Sabres are now 9-9 all-time in Game 3s.

Up next: Game 4 is tomorrow night at Buffalo's HSBC Arena.