‘While Goliath was taking an early nap, David was busy at work with his slingshot, chipping away at a series deficit. Such was the case in Game Two of the first round matchup, pitting the heavily-favored and top-seeded Sabres against the underdog Islanders, as Buffalo failed to duplicate their opening period energy from Game One’s victory against a revitalized New York squad that brought their hard hats and work boots to the second contest. Injected with the adrenaline of star netminder Rick DiPietro’s return from the ranks of the injured, the Islanders did themselves and coach Ted Nolan proud with a persistent, grit-filled performance to knot the series, heading back home to Long Island. In losing their home ice advantage, the Sabres had no answer for DiPietro, and further hindered their cause with undisciplined play, after orchestrating another rally from a two-goal deficit.’