Just when you thought that you could not take anymore, our hockey team decides to give us a complete game of shock and awe. After losing three straight contests which saw us unable to push other teams to their limits, we see a baffling performance on Broadway that rewarded a giggle. If you were a betting person, which I know many of you are, you might like to dabble a little on combinations of players getting at least a point during a game for a high reward with little investment. Well, that was not in my wheelhouse as Buffalo went into New York after a decent win against the Senators. After watching this team box itself out of a corner already once this year, the probability of them flexing their muscles under the bright lights was an improbability. Well folks, only three players who stepped on the ice for the blue and gold were unable to get on the score sheet, and they were all on the blueline. Every forward chipped in. I don’t have the specific knowledge of how many times that has happened in the NHL recently, but I am positive it is rare. Twenty bucks might have won you ten thousand if you only chose six. What the fans of this team witnessed was a dominant performance, with everyone doing their part against one of the better clubs in the league.
Yup, that just happened. Shake and bake. It is really nice for once to be able to talk about so many things that are positive signs. They moved the puck with confidence out of their end and attacked the Rangers with speed. It was nice to see that so many different bodies had impressive puck control in the offensive zone. We cycled and had the biscuit on our sticks with poise, and passed with authority and precision. With minimal amounts of breakdowns, UPL was there for mostly perimeter shots and a few point-blank saves. When it was time to get nasty, everyone entered fray willingly. Slowly but surely, we are possibly creating an identity of brotherhood and a mob mentality. Simply put, more of the guys than not are elevating their game. Lindy is finding out what is working and what does not. He has not been stagnant during failure. He might seem outdated during a press conference after a tough loss, but you are starting to realize that behind the scenes he is pressing the buttons of accountability. He has been there and done it. He knows what it takes to pressure cohesive elevation. It doesn’t happen right away at times, but it is a process that we are going to have to endure. It is working in a new pair of stiff shoes. It is patience without punching yourself in the face because of utter frustration. Go figure, we have to trust the process. It is getting the most out of the assets and components that you have. It is having faith that positive results will be prevalent through repetition. If you want to be in the lineup then you have to buy in. Ruff loves his players, but he is the master of mind games and finds a way to squeeze out the best of what is given to him. I am not going to carry the torch and proclaim that we are out of the woods, but positive things have been happening. When they are down, guys are coming off the ropes swinging. It has been a while since we have been able to rebound from negativity and stagnant stretches. We have not been proud of our organization and crest for quite some time and always prepare for the worst. What I am sensing however, is a pulse and a heartbeat that might be able to be sustained. Buckle up Sabres fans, let’s see where the next handful of games takes us. Our coach is slowly winning them over. Enjoy the highlights from the trip to the Big Apple.
Some notes from the press box sitting next to Joker and Sammy. I love the fact that Lindy isn’t afraid to tinker with his roster until the impact is to his liking. It is all about the carrot and the stick. If you aren’t chasing it, you are not playing.
Sometimes you have guys who are similar players than the ones you have been rolling out. In the NHL, the status quo in regards to ice time and contracts is generally adhered to, but not always the right path. If you have not realized it folks, Jacob Bryson is just as good as Henri Jokiharu at one third of the price. Not only do they basically have the same skill set, but he is faster, and can move the play through the neutral zone on his own. I see no drop off here. Let’s move on to the next guy that has been dressing. Home town kid Gilbert has the physicality that we wish number twenty-three had, and he makes smart, simple plays. I do not care about the recognition that Mattias gets when we are a man down. I personally have been slotted in that position, but the reality of it is that it generally means you have no offensive ability. It is an honor, but you can be replaced by someone else easily. Hopefully the gut check from watching in the rafters lights a fire. Clifton can be part of the rotation of wearing a suit when the national anthem is played as well, and we have some viable replacements in Rochester.
I was hard on him after the first few games, but Zucker has given an excellent effort on most nights and has been a pleasant surprise. He forechecks with tenacity, and the pass he gave to Greenway was just plain filthy. Speaking of the big guy who was on the receiving end of that perfect dish, I have been critical in the past of him as well and have to eat some crow. Obviously, Granato could not uplift him to his full potential. He is hitting, producing, smiling, and giving interviews. He is new and improved, and pleasantly unrecognizable. I don’t know what is going on here but I love it.
Lastly, thank god for Benson being available. You know I gush about him, but he brings an element that few have. He doesn’t quit, and uses his size to his advantage where some might think it is a liability. He is the spark that is waking Cozens up.
Bring on Calgary with another chance at an even record.
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