First of all, Merry Christmas to all of the Buffalo fans. Regardless of if you like my style, or just accept it, I appreciate the support and criticism. This outlet has given me some purpose through the roller coaster of life, and I hope that we are just starting to climb to the top again for a glorious journey. The lows and the bumps are always there, but they are fun for some, and expected by others. I hope that after the last handful of games, the purpose of a good ride will not be wasted. With more bodies available, we are starting to see signs of a competent team.
Is it too late Batman? Will Gotham City fall? Will our cape crusaders be chopped in half in a suspect place when the sawmill cuts them in two? Do we have the nuggets to get ourselves out of the quagmire of despair? I really am not a Marvel guy, but I do believe in superheroes that can turn things around. It is all about entertainment, and the ability to will yourself out of a bad situation for your faithful audience. We need our top guys to start producing at critical times. Everybody on the team grow a beard who can, and dye it white. Deliver the goods to all of the Sabres faithful in a time frame that doesn’t seem possible. In other words, give us a miracle on ice… Win… Again, again, again, again, and again…. Paul Hamilton would proudly do his job as Herb Brooks smiles from heaven…
The question is if we have it or not. We have played 35 games and have 32 points. We can’t string wins together, regardless of looking like we have a purpose and beating the best teams in the league. With the recent upturn in roster health, we are starting to have three lines that might be competent, with the fourth chipping in, checking, eating time, and doing their jobs. The back end has the pieces to survive, but not getting a true top four veteran in the offseason just might bite us. Our forward ranks can perhaps find the fight to riddle the competition if they get on track complimenting one another, but the acquisition of a proven stalwart has been ignored. The next five games are critical. You have to get eight points. It is just that simple.
Once again, they went into New York and played the Blueshirts tough, coming off a surprising domination of the Leaf’s for the second time this year. What they did to Toronto showed they have what it takes to punch back after adversity. They gave it to them like a sixties feel good story on TV. Wouldn’t it be great if every episode ended with victory?
Can we find the strength to rise above the evil that is Boston? Can we thwart the likes of the Penguins, Habs, and Jackets? Can we save our beloved city from NHL domination? Time will only tell.
Game 36
Buffalo Sabres, 14-17-4, vs. Boston Bruins, 19-7-6
Wednesday, December 27th at 7:30 pm
“The Crossroads” (Feel free to comment on this that you get it, second time I used it), Buffalo New York
If we can relentlessly pound the B’s and take revenge on the Blue Jackets after two days’ rest, then there might be some hope for our Blue and Gold saving the season. Ninety points or more will be needed to make it into the playoffs, and the time to start imposing your will on other squads is now. The excuses and regurgitated statements that have been thrown upon us this fall are tiring. Strap the tape up tight and foil up. Make a statement, or admit that some of the contracts that have been handed out without proven performance have been neglectful to the success of our franchise. Chase the Brown Bears out of town with their tails between their legs. Give Marchand a mouthful of chicklets, and give the fans some holiday cheer. Seriously, we need something to build momentum on, and the time is now…
Notes from being thankful that the 25th is over. The only ball drop I am looking forward to is from Tyreek Hill..
Nice to see that Jack Quinn is acclimating himself into the lineup with some immediate production. The achilles injury is not easy for a hockey player to confidently come back from. Regardless of his size, I am always surprised by the kids ability to rise to the occasion. It has just been a small sample, but it is encouraging. It certainly gives us more legitimate depth.
Once again, just play Levi more than UPL. If the kid wants to go, then let him take the crease. UPL can hold the fort on some nights, but his ceiling just might have been reached. Like I said, if you want Martin Brodeur, then you have to will it to happen. If you want a Shesterkin performance, you have to let a young kid rebound from bad nights so his mind set can grow. The best goalies play a lot, this platoon idea is for the weak who don’t have fortitude.
It is going to be an interesting stretch ahead that will determine what direction should be taken. Management will have no choice but to listen to the fans if the blades fall off the skates.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»