Sabres End Hackers Streak with Win Over Lynx

For the first time in the 6-season history of the FHL, a team other than the LAN Hackers will finish first overall in the regular season standings. The Lite-Sabres guaranteed themselves first place overall in the 2002A season, after winning their 8th straight game of the season. In the 2001 season, the Sabres and Hackers finished the season with identical 8-1-1 records and 1-1 records against each other. However the Hackers were awarded first place overall as a result of their superior plus-minus differential.

Tuesday's win was far from routine for the Sabres as they were pitted against the second place ADC Lynx. The Lynx, missing sniper Craig Mercer, asserted themselves in the first period, racing out to a 3-1 first intermission lead. Phil Pellerin led the Lynx with two of their first period goals.

The Sabres, who also trailed the Lynx after one period in their first meeting, found their groove in the second period. Flooring the most balanced attack in the league, the Sabres dominated the second period, outscoring the Lynx 6-0. The Sabres' run was highlighted by a brilliant end-to-end solo rush by Dave MacKenzie that started behind his own net, and ended with a shot that beat Lynx goalie Tony McCarthy stick-side.

The Lynx eventually got their offense going again midway through the final period. Three quick goals brought hope to the once-beaten Lynx squad. But the Sabres fired back, led by Chad Griffin, who finished with 3 goals and 2 assists while leading the Sabres to a 11-7 victory.

Lynx captain Richard Wanamaker led his team with 3 goals, while defenseman Blaise MacPhee took third-star honours by way of his 1 goal and 3 assists. Sabres goalie Chris McMaster's 37 saves garnered him first-star accolades.

The Sabres' win guarantees that they will have a bye through to the semi-finals. The Lynx' hopes of having a first-round bye will likely be decided by a critical week-nine match-up against the LAN Hackers.