Haven't read a word from anyone else yet so this is my base reaction w/o any insights applied.... I am simply stunned that they actually pulled this game out since it had classic Buffalo "choke" written all over it.
Sabres were out of synch almost the whole night.... or most of the game except mid way thru the 2nd, the start of the 3rd and at the end.
Pass were off, pucks bouncing off sticks, over skates, reach backs, stick plays that failed to strip the puck away. You know, their standard stuff when they are too tight, playing w/o a lot of confidence or not prepared for what's being thrown at them.
Yet, they managed to over come all of that to take 2 points! I really don't know what to make of this team right now.
Very Good:
Foligno - what a beast,
Ennis - once he got it in gear
Roy - even though he disappeared some shifts, he brought it when he had too
FES as a line - moments of brilliance, intensity and pressure.
Good:
Leino - worked his ass off - show time for little reward
Stafford - other teams are showing him respect and he's getting more room to work in. Also, stuck his nose into scrums (easier to do when you know Marcus has your back). I appreciate the effort
Poms - could see he never gave up
Hodgson - played hard - wish he'd scored on that slapper from inside the blue line. That's his shot and he had room short side.
Tropp - played hard - took a beating and kept on ticking
Fair:
Miller - closer to bad on some goals, outstanding saves at other times
Sekera - thought it was his worse game in a while
Leo - but I will take the goal
Vanek - could see him trying hard, he's obviously hurt
Bad:
Sabre's defensive play overall... everyone forgot whatever they all committed to doing. D zone coverage and support seems to be taking a step backwards.
Weber - scared me every time he was out on the ice.
Honorable mention: McCormick, McNabb
I don't know where to put Sulzer because I now know there are 2 Sulzers on this team. The good Sulzer - who scores goals and makes good defensive plays. And the bad Sulzer who can be a bonehead which results in other teams create opportunities to score goals. I gotta say however that w/o his offensive contributions tonight, we don't win this one. I leave it to you guys to come up with something catchy to distinguish the good Sulzer from the Bad Sulzer. (Anikin Zulzer/Darth Zulzer?)
Too many distractions watching this one at the bar:
so I'm pretty sure I missed key elements of some of the play.
Next two are going to be a lot tougher and they better be prepared from the opening face off.
GO SABRES!!!
