1979 Playoffs: Sauve helps Sabres even things up

Denis Herron thwarts a Sabre attack as
defenseman Tom Bladon arrives to help.

After their impressive road win in Game 1 of their 1979 preliminary round series against the Buffalo Sabres, the Penguins returned to the Igloo for Game 2 in front of the largest playoff crowd in the team's history - 16,033 cheering, stomping fans. Unfortunately for them and the team, Buffalo's young goaltender Bob Sauve turned in a 30-save performance to help his team come away with a 3-1 win and even the series. Sauve rebounded from a performance in the opener that he confessed was not his best.

"I was really uptight in that first game," he told the Pittsburgh Press in this game recap. "I don't think I ever relaxed in it. Tonight I was loose all the way."

His counterpart at the other end of the rink was impressed. "He came up with some fantastic saves," said Denis Herron. "I guess you could say the first game was my hot game and this one was his. Now it's my turn again."

The series would be decided the next day, a Saturday, in an afternoon game at Buffalo's venerable  Memorial Auditorium.

1979: George Ferguson wins it in OT

What a thriller that was last night, with the Penguins beating the Caps with an overtime marker by Kris Letang. Add it to the list of great Penguin overtime moments.

One of the best came 30 years ago last month, in the third and deciding game of the Pens' preliminary round series against the Sabres. The hero that night was George Ferguson, who came streaking down the left side of the ice in the Buffalo's old "Aud" and beat Bob Sauve early in the first OT frame.

Buffalo, only four years removed from a Finals appearance and still sporting a wealth of speed and talent, were favoured to take out the Pens with relative ease. But a combination of grit and spectacular goaltending from Dennis Herron enabled Pittsburgh to move on and send the Sabres golfing.

This Associated Press story from April 15, 1979 tells all about it.

And if you want to see the goal, check out these 13 seconds of pure Pittsburgh Penguin glory!