After a week of trying to get the bad taste of the uninspired global failure out of our mouths, fans descended on the arena for the home opener. It was supposed to be called “Crossroads”, and ironically most of us feel that this is where we are as a franchise. With a packed house, and the mesmerizing aura of a brand new central digital experience, the patrons waited in their seats as the ritual announcements were made. Our leader was back behind the bench, and he received the well-earned applause of nostalgic hope. On the other hand, however, our general manager heard the boos because all that we have done in his tenure is lose. A clean slate for one, the other guy gets a reception for what he has done. So here we are, the first three games in the loss column with seventy-nine to go.
I can’t say that I am immune to how the contest ultimately transpired on Thursday night, but to all of us it is all too familiar. Are we snake bit like Lindy referenced? Do some guys need to be slapped around for stupid mistakes at the most critical times? Should the players go on a yoga retreat and get in touch with their inner selves, and learn to visualize the biscuit hitting the twine? I am not sure but the Sabres nation as a whole are frustrated and discouraged after being thwarted by a thirty-seven year old warrior named Anze Kopitar. A veteran leader who can shoot with the best of them, and can take matters into his own hands. I am not giving up hope after what I saw, but Kevyn has just not implemented a guy like that in our lineup. Somewhere along the way some of our top six forwards have to transcend youth and grab the horns of the Buffalo. Three goals in three games is simply not enough. Unsuccessful on eleven power play attempts including a five on three is atrocious, and definitely will lead to an unfavorable score. They better fix it fast.
This all being said, there were a lot of bright aspects to what was witnessed. We are starting to see why some of the components that have been put together could lead to success. We can’t panic, we have to give Ruff a chance to straighten things out and truly understand the assets that he has been given. The boys in blue out hustled and outperformed the Kings for over forty minutes and had 28 scoring chances to Los Angeles’ 15. You can’t ignore hitting posts, a penalty shot, breakaways, a nullified goal at the first period horn, and Darcy Kuemper playing a staunch game. The penalty kill put one on the board and seemed visibly improved from what we are used to seeing. We saw speed and a good for-check with some decent cycles in the offensive zone. You just have to bury the puck when you have the opportunity, it is as simple as that. No more hesitation, just go to the net.
We have only seen a small sample of what this team can do if they collectively put their heads together. Let’s hope they can put this one behind them and play a full sixty minutes. We have not seen it as of yet and it is certainly alarming.
Notes from the bottom of the Atlantic Division –
Our captain played a decent game but was not ready to start the third regardless of a few seconds of a man advantage left. You can’t cough up the puck behind your net. There was no awareness or urgency. A back breaker.
Zach Benson looked great on the top line and was complimentary to Thompson and Tuch. This kid has tremendous puck control and on ice smarts. Regardless of his size, he competes every shift and isn’t afraid to go anywhere dangerous. He just keeps fighting and is a complete player. Give me ten of these guys. I personally would like to see him stay there for a few more games when Peterka gets back. Put him with Cozens again to see if he can get him going with Quinn who has been almost non-existent. What the heck is wrong with number twenty-two? Hopefully he can shake it off.
This leads us to our hero Mattias Samuelsson. I hope he does not become my whipping boy before he is finally injured. I am not viewing much conclusive evidence that he is earning his 4.2 million. The penalty that he took to give the Kings a two-man advantage was deplorable. You can’t chop down on someone and expect it not to be called. It was imperative that he had his head on straight at that moment and he did not respond. He is supposed to be a steady force and needs to turn it around.
Kulich looks like he fit right in and worked hard. He deserves the chance to get more of a look. I could easily accept him over Krebs or Lafferty at this point. I guess we will see how it plays out. Shout out to Greenway for giving everything he has regardless of his shooting capability. Forget the broad side of a barn, he couldn't hit City Hall.
It was great to see what McLeod can actually do when he gets his game going. If he can play like that every night I understand the acquisition.
Next up the Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers. Let’s see how we respond. How about this goal by our boy Reinhart the other day. I guess he can carry the puck and beat a netminder.
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