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Habs Eliminate Sabres

Buffalo's playoff hopes come to an end

By Jamie Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Bryan Smolinski scored twice, Carey Price came within 8:30 of posting his second straight shutout, and the Montreal Canadiens beat Buffalo 3-1 on Thursday night, eliminating the Sabres from the playoff race. Chris Higgins also scored for Montreal, which is tied with Pittsburgh atop the Eastern Conference with 102 points. The Canadiens host Toronto on Saturday night. The Penguins finish the regular-season in Philadelphia.

The Sabres, who won the President's Trophy last year and went to the conference final each of the last two seasons, needed at least one point to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Buffalo, which has 88 points, completes its schedule Saturday in Boston and is assured of finishing 10th overall in the East.

Montreal Canadiens' Tom Kostopoulos get a glove in the face as he is checked by Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, of the Czech Republic, during their game tonight in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens' Tom Kostopoulos get a glove in the face as he is checked by Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, of the Czech Republic, during their game tonight in Montreal.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
Buffalo Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller lies on the ice following a goal by Montreal Canadiens' Bryan Smolinski during the second period of their game tonight in Montreal.
Buffalo Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller lies on the ice following a goal by Montreal Canadiens' Bryan Smolinski during the second period of their game tonight in Montreal.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
Montreal Canadiens' Bryan Smolinski runs into Buffalo Sabres' Nolan Pratt during the second period of their game tonight in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens' Bryan Smolinski runs into Buffalo Sabres' Nolan Pratt during the second period of their game tonight in Montreal.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
Montreal Canadiens' Christopher Higgins runs into referee Marc Joannette as the Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres' during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, April 3, 2008, in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens' Christopher Higgins runs into referee Marc Joannette as the Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres' during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, April 3, 2008, in Montreal....   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
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NHL • Buffalo Sabres • hockey • Eastern Conference • Montreal Canadiens • Carey Price • Bryan Smolinski

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