(North York, NY) – The Buffalo Jr. Sabres are one loss away from a finished season. Penalties and a lack of discipline proved most costly in North York on Tuesday night, where the host Rangers took a commanding three games to one lead in their Ontario Junior Hockey League second round playoff series against Buffalo, defeating Buffalo 4-1.
The Rangers built a three-goal lead on power play goals, the first by Michael Giacometti (in photo, courtesy Tim Bates/OJHL Images) and the next two by Adam Valadao. Corey Kalk then built their lead to 4-0 before Buffalo finally responded with Tyler Gjurich’s power play goal late in the second period.
Buffalo again outshot the Rangers, this time by a count of 42 to 34, but North York’s workhorse Jason Pucciarelli frustrated Jr. Sabres shooters. In front of the Buffalo net, Parker Gahagen turned aside 30 shots.
Game Five will be played Wednesday evening at 8:40pm at the First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo. Admission remains $7 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Parking is free in the adjacent ramp and one of the arena’s concession stands will be open (please note the Jr. Sabres do not have any control over the food or beverage prices).
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