Don't kid yourself. Friday night's tilt in Buffalo's barn is a PLAYOFF game. Forget the " aw, its only October... its only game seven of an eight two game season".

Bull pucky.

The Eastern Conference has taken on the same complexion as a NASCAR race. Everyone leaves the starting line at the same speed, racing nose to butt, door to door, looking for points however they can get them. One trip up or flat tire and you're behind the wall. The Eastern standings are wide ass open right now. There are 12-14 teams that are presently fighting busted tooth and nail for points every night. The teams that miss the Playoffs in April can look at the games that they failed to win in October as their margin for error.

Buffalo (2-4-1) and Ottawa (1-4-1) each trail first place Tronna by 6 points in the standings. The anxiety of being 10 points out of first place by November 1 is culpable and real, and is keeping Lindy Ruff and Cory Clouston awake late at night. Lose now, miss the Playoffs.



Buffalo and Ottawa are in the same leaky boat right now. The Sens have had their struggles thus far. They sit in last place in the Adams with 3 points. Their goaltending is their Achilles Heel, and have allowed 21 pucks, while scoring only 12. Pascal Leclaire is dinged AGAIN, thus, Brian Elliott will try to stop the hemmorage with his hands and feet in Buffalo on Friday night. Ryan Miller will do the same for his team. Elliott has ow0-ned the Sabres with an impressive 8-0-0 lifetime record. 1.87 GAA and a .937 save % vs. Buffalo. He has one shutout, and has allowed only 14 goals in those eight games against the Sabres.


Buffalo's win in Atlanta Thursday night helps to clear their headspace for now, however, the Sens will stand in Buffalo's way of two points and will not go quietly into that good night.

This will be a Playoff game.


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