Who can forget Opening Night of the 2006/2007 season?
That game had the ear markings of an ACC Hoops battle between UNC and Duke. Two teams with supreme hatred and ill will towards one another. Pride, tenacity, and above all else the courage to battle for 60 minutes.
The Sabres were to march down Tobacco Road, and extract a pound of flesh from the Hurricanes. Eastern Conference Paybacks.
The Sabres won that game, and the other three they played against the Canes last season.
That Opening Night win seemed to act as a springboard of confidence that would catapault the Sabres out to a 10-0 winning streak to begin the season. Conversely, that game seemed to act as a foreshadow of the bad things to come for the Canes in 2006/2007. The Canes suffered a miserable beginning to the 06/07 season, and their early season incompetence was the reason why they went from Cup winner to basement dweller in the matter of one season.
The Sabres enter tonight's Tobacco Road Tussle a paltry 3-4. They lost their first two; won their next three; lost their last two. If logic dictaes, the Sabres will win their next three games, right?
Not so fast.
The Canes are 5-1-3 in their first nine games this season. They once again boast of one of the best Power Play units in the NHL-- 13 PPG leads the NHL.
To what do the Canes attribute the about face?
1). A better start by Cam Ward- Marriage and weight gain go hand in hand. Ward was married during his magical Summer as Conn Smythe winner. His conditioning suffered as a result of his hectic Summer of 06, however, all that has changed this season. Cam is ripped, having lost 20+ pounds in the offseason, and he is back on the top of his game. Coincidentally, The Islanders' resurgence can be attributed to the fact that Rick DiPietro is playing 20 or so pounds leaner body weight and is in optimum cardio and physical condition.
Ward has turned the heads of his coaches and teammates his his renewed commitment to his off ice conditioning and it seems to have inspired his squad.
2). Better Special teams play- due in part to the return of Kaberle and Stillman to the PP attack. The canes won a Cup by playing the high/low Power Play game better than anyone els. They faltered last season with Kaberle and Stillman on the IR. This season, puck movement is better, and their PP efficiency rate have gone up because opponents have to respect the Canes more with its full compliment of Special teamers on the ice.
On the PK, The Canes are better because their best penalty killer is Cam Ward. When he's on, they kill penalties and win games.
3). The return to good health of Frank Kaberle and Cory Stillman- No question that these two guys bring a ton of experience and offensive production to the Canes. When they are out of the lineup long term, its hard to replace them, especailly on the Power Play.
Now that they are back and healthy, the Canes are thriving on their PP.
4). The Staal Factor- Eric Staal is enthused and reinvigorated so far this season, and he is leading his team is goal scoring. As evidence last season, the Canes cannot win on a consistent basis if Staal is held scoreless.
5). Matt Cullen. Those who read this blog on a regular basis know my feelings on Matt Cullen. I love the guy. I wanted Buffalo to sign him to fill the second or third centre job this Summer. He's the kind of guy you miss when he's not on your team. He works his ass of for 60 minutes and he's an intense competitor. After the Cup win, Cullen bolted for Broadway, and played a significant role there. He scored and killed penalties. Credit to Jim Rutherford for reaching out and reuniting him with this Canes squad.
If I'm Lindy Ruff, I tell my guys to harken back to Opening Night 06/07, to dial up some of the ill will and desperation, and to play tonight like its Game 7 of the ECH-- all over again.
Tap in to the pain and the anguish. Play with an edge. Finish your checks. Make the Canes miserable for 60 minutes.
The turning point in the Sabres young season begins at 7pm at the RBC Centre in Raleigh.
Do not be surprised to see #76 in the lineup tonight.......
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I like watching Lindy Ruff coach against Peter Laviolette.
Do we see a track meet tonight, or, do we see a Trap-tacular?
I'm not sure if Peter Laviolette wants to run and gun with Buffalo for 60 minutes. I expect his squad to concentrate on winning loose pucks, and denying the Buffalo forward time and space.
I can see Lavi throwing out a version of the 1-2-2 early on to test for echo.
In that case, Buffalo will have to be ready to skate. A tight forecheck game can kill a speed team like Buffalo-- if they don't move their feet. Lindy Ruff has spent the better part of the past two weeks imploring his forwards to use their speed to win loose pucks and to create seams in opposing D. Look for the Buffalo D to make smart, short passes on their breakous, hitting forwards who are in constant motion.
The Buffalo D have to keep and eye on Staal and Brind'Amour down low. They can pass and score like nobody's business. Brindy already has ten assists and he's looking to hit the cutter or the weakside winger whenever possible.
For teh Buffalo D, sticks in passing lanes and tight gap will deny time and space of Canes forwards.
Buffalo have to stay out of the box!
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TALE OF THE TAPE:
BUFFALO / Canes
6 Points 13
3 Wins: 5
1 ShutOuts: 0
14 Power Play Rank: 3
22 Penalty Kill Rank: 16
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Don't expect to se Jaro Spacek tonight.
He should return Friday night vs. Jack Martin's Panthers.
The Sabres are 1 for 11 on the PP since Spacek was boarded by Nik Antropov of The Leafs on Monday October 15.
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A tip of the bucket to Patrick Kane for his brilliance so far this young season.
"The Kid" has been nothing short of SPECTACULAR for his Chicago Blackhawks.
Great Job, Pat!
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