When there is something special to write about, only if it lasts for a day, it needs to be acknowledged. I went to the game in my seats for the first time in quite a while. My son was home from college, and my family and I have a very long history of going to games together. To put it mildly, I forced my hobby and team on my kids, with hopes that the special privilege of being a Buffalo sports fan was ingrained. We all have paths and memories. A constant in my life was the Sabres through two generations. My close knit tribe has been there from the start. The loyalty can’t deviate despite years of failure. The Blue and Gold is a special niche, the Knox dream is real. When the ultimate goal is achieved, the passion and emotions will be sincere. We are a special community that embraces our teams, even during the worst times we still keep coming back with hope.
I am going to always repeat myself on specific points that I need the world to know. If a hockey game is worthy to attend in the Queen City, people will come and fill the seats. Many southern Canadian fans have a soft spot in their heart for our crest. We are in a central location, we are a hub of hockey. So many teams in the United States are different in demographics and don’t provide the whole experience. They do not have the dynamic that we do. On any given night, depending on the whether the opponent is from a province, the building has a different dynamic. But what is true, is that it is full of NHL fans wanting to see a good game, and being able to see the stars that they might only watch in highlights. Our city is a bona fide hotbed for this sport. It is not superficial, it is genuine.
Whoa, didn’t know I would go into nostalgic mode, but I couldn’t help it after being at the game with my boy who was under ten when we last had a playoff series.
To the tilt last night. It took me a while to get there.
I can’t remember the last time that I could say that the Sabres came out flying. From the drop of the puck, they were on it and determined from the top of the lineup to the bottom. I have not seen a first period like this in so long, I was just speechless as I stood up and cheered. Tuch got it going early with a physical play through defender Chariot with speed, going all alone in on goal with a casual deke, sliding the biscuit through the five-hole. The astonished crowd erupted, and the many Wings fans were dejected. What we did not know was that it was only the beginning of a night of dominance. I do not need to go into everything that lit the lamp, because it happened regularly with forceful play and aggressive pursuit.
I know I have been hard on this team with a right to do so, but let’s give some credit when it is due. You know this is where my loyalty lies, I just want more like all of you do.
Regardless of Detroit missing Larkin, they had no answer for the relentless forecheck that our boys brought.
I have not seen team cohesiveness that I witnessed last night is quite a long time. Crisp passing, relentless forecheck, defensemen not hesitating to pinch low on the offensive boards with a forward covering. It was a complete game. On the defensive side we looked superior. Smart outlet passes and impressive control. They had no answer and virtually had no extended periods of time in our zone. There were portions of the contest when Buffalo had puck possession for extensive periods of time. Cycling, give and goes, dishes to the point, fearless retrieval on the walls and in the corner. Four lines that competed hard, and a blueline that is starting to look like a juggernaut with the addition of number four. The Wings honestly had no answer. In a must win of many games to come, our guys looked impressive.
I know that the hill is probably steep, but with all of my criticism, when positive acknowledgement is worthy, they earn the nod. That is all it takes. Thanks for last night to the men who laced them up for our town, you gave it all. Play like that and you will see what it is like to have the arena full of enthusiastic followers. Full game highlights to enjoy –
Gut check mode, next game up, another critical home game against the Fishermen. Foil up and sink the ship. Show the people in the stands that you are finally getting it together with a team concept and solid goaltending. One game at a time. Win this one and dig deep on the most important five game road trip of your careers. Do us proud and bring us into April with hope. Anything is possible if you are starting to feel it.
Game 67
Buffalo Sabres, 31-30-5, vs. New York Fishermen, 29-21-14
Tuesday, March 14th at 7:00 pm
The Crossroads, Buffalo, NY
Keep grinding down those points.
Notes from missing RJ at this time of the year and being thankful for Dan Dunleavy.
With the uncertainty of our goaltending situation, it is clear that UPL has established himself as a worthy starter in this league. Early in the year I was clamoring for Levi to get more time between the pipes, but this is the best-case scenario, and I have to give Granato a shout out for seeing his progress and throwing him in there every night. Devon is better served carrying the torch for the Americans this year, but I would not mind if he was brought in for a game when number one isn’t going to play. What I was underlyingly saying before was that they needed to stick to one guy who wasn’t named Comrie. They needed to let someone have the opportunity to consistently prove themselves even after bad games. Goalies are quirky, you have to let them build confidence.
In my last blog I mentioned Bowen Byrum. I understand that I might be the master of the obvious, but this acquisition could prove to be paramount to our success moving forward. He possibly is just as good as Dahlin and Power with a slightly different skill set. Watching him dump and chase puck with muscle into the corners last night was eye opening, let alone his skating, passing, and offensive skill. Need I say more?
Lastly, nothing but a good old staged hockey fight to bring back memories. Congratulations to Reaves and new sensation Rempe for entertaining us.
Until next time let’s root for our organization the next couple of weeks. Signs of hope are there for a good stretch, or at least the proverbial “next year”
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