Conference Semifinal Preview Capsules

5. BUFFALO vs. 6. PITTSBURGH

Best of seven (*if necessary; all times Pacific):

Today: at Buffalo, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: at Buffalo, noon.

Monday: at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m.

May 5: at Buffalo, 10 a.m.*

May 8: at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m.*

May 10: at Buffalo, 4:30 p.m.*

THE BREAKDOWN

* Team records: Sabres--43-25-11-3, 100 points; Penguins--39-28-12-3, 93 points.

* Season series: Penguins, 3-1-0.

* Coaches: Buffalo--Lindy Ruff; Pittsburgh--Ivan Hlinka.

* How they got here: Buffalo defeated No. 4 Philadelphia, 4-2. Pittsburgh defeated No. 3 Washington, 4-2.

* Scouting report: The Penguins and Sabres took alternate routes to this matchup. Buffalo scored 21 goals against the Flyers. Pittsburgh defeated Washington with stingy defense. Buffalo’s superstar goaltender, Dominik Hasek, gave up at least three goals in four consecutive games. Chris Gratton scored five against Philadelphia. Winger Miroslav Satan led the Sabres with nine points. Old-timers Doug Gilmour and Dave Andreychuk also played well. The story in Pittsburgh is goaltender Johan “the Moose” Hedberg, 27, who made his NHL debut March 12. Hedberg allowed Washington 10 goals (only three at even strength). The Penguins are playing a different style in the postseason, using the left wing lock to thwart the opponents’ rush. Mario Lemieux led Pittsburgh with four goals, while Jaromir Jagr had only one goal but added five assists. Wednesday, the Penguins announced defenseman Bobby Dollas has left the team for undisclosed personal reasons and will not return.

* Team leaders: Buffalo--Chris Gratton (7 goals); Miroslav Satan (7 assists, 9 points). Pittsburgh--Mario Lemieux (4 goals, 7 points); Jaromir Jagr (5 assists).

* Injury report: Buffalo--D Richard Smehlik, (foot, questionable); Pittsburgh--None.

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THE MATCHUPS BUF PIT Avg. goals 3.5 2.3 Avg. goals allowed 2.2 1.7 Power-play pct. 33.3 23.8 Penalty killing 76.4 68.1 Save pct. .926 .938 Faceoff pct. 55.0 43.0 Shooting pct. 11.5 9.2

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