This team can be very frustrating. We all know that. Struggling to win more games than they lose, they pull off some gems that make you nod your head in approval against some of the best teams in the league. After getting obliterated in Colorado they limp into money town, and bring a concentrated effort from start to finish. We do have a game tonight against a team that we beat soundly the other night, but they are no pushover. Thankfully they are playing a back-to-back as well, but this is the test for our squad. Was it just acclimation to the road trip that led to such a dud in Denver? Can we finally put two wins together on a tough road trip? Are our rookies starting to find their way and are finally making our veterans wake up? We have been here before this year too many times. I truly hope we are figuring it out. I pray that managements camaraderie proclamation at the beginning of the year is starting to actually resonate. We are starting to see some signs of secondary-scoring, we are witnessing some battle in tough environments. I walked away from the “Avalanche” of poor play at high altitude and did not understand how once again, our coaches and players could not hold serve in the first frame. It is critical in hockey, especially on the road. The tone is often set in the first twenty minutes, and the game is dictated from there. I honestly thought that coming out of the gate with your head in the right place was addressed by our staff of misfit toys. Too many points have been lost because of this. We will see what happens moving forward. There are many good things that are finally mobilizing. I will speak about those at the end of the blog.
Game 31
Buffalo Sabres, 13-15-2, vs. Arizona Coyotes, 14-13-2
Saturday, December 16th at 9:00 pm
Mullett Arena, Tempe, Arizona
Yes fans, Mullett Arena. Zach Benson just might have a game for himself..
With the short travel we will see what the boys have left in the tank. They desperately need to string some victories together. They have not proven that they are capable of it on a consistent basis.
Dissecting what is wrong with this team and what is needed is not very hard. To my faithful readers, we have all beaten a dead horse on this. My opinions have mostly been correct, but it seems that those of us who are knowledgeable are on the same page. It is easy to pat yourself on the back with the obvious. Hopefully our General Manager has finally realized that we are smart, and demand that this thing doesn’t spin out of control. We can make the playoffs, things just have to be determined, and concise moving forward. No more inept months slipping by.
Notes from Santa's lap watching the holidays rush upon us –
The injury to Zemgus Girgensons might have forced Adams hand to get Eric Robinson, but the move seems to be kick starting some dormant play through the bottom two lines. The guy can skate and create scoring chances. He is a better version of our aging veterans. I applaud him for making the best of his opportunity in his first handful of games. Guys like Olofsson, Greenway, Jost, and a few others are expendable if they can be replaced with somebody who wants to prove themselves. Players who have the desire to be on the map because they are getting another chance can be valuable. Robinsons’ motor runs hot. Are you taking him out of the lineup when some of our banged up “locks” are healthy? Tough roster analysis to come.
I am tired of not realizing that Devon Levi is our best chance to win. He clearly has more potential than our other two stoppers. He is hungry, he is fun to listen to, his lateral movement is among the best. I understand that he is young for a goalie, but it is time to ride or die with this fresh buck. The season isn’t getting any longer. The time is now. I know he got derailed with an ailment early on, but I have said it before. Play the kid. Play him night after night if he wants to go. We are in control of his development. If you want Martin Brodeur, than put him in the cage. You can’t learn if you are not tested. He has won in Toronto, Boston, and now Vegas. It is Levi time. Mr. Strauss, the torch is yours. Carry it, or let it burn out.
Highlights of the game last night and the postgame interview from number 27.
Two last points before next time –
I know I have gushed about him before but our new number nine can play. As an eighteen-year-old he has shown a compete level that has earned him a permanent spot on our club. He is skilled and seems to love to be out there. I think we finally hit on one. I can’t wait to see what he can be in a few years. He elevates the play of everyone around him.
I hope Skinner is not hurt too badly. He is essential to the success of our team. I can’t stand the designation of injuries that they are allowed to get away with these days. “Upper Body", “Lower Body”. “Week to Week”. Give me a break. Can't we just say that someone has a separated shoulder or bruised sternum? Somewhere along the way they forgot that we care about these guys and it should be mandated that organizations be a little more specific.
Thanks, and go Sabres.
Lot on the line for the Bills tomorrow. I know you will all be watching. It would be great if it goes well.
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