Tue Nov 17, 2015 Stars 3 – Sabres 1
Thu Nov 19, 2015 Blues 3 (SO) – Sabres 2
Sat Nov 21, 2015 Stars (3) – Sabres 0
Mon Nov 23, 2015 Blues 2 – Sabres 1
With losses in each of the last four games, some might be wondering if the good times are over, but in my opinion they are just beginning. Our opponents in these last four games arguably consist of the top two teams in the league and I am of the belief that we played admirably and up to their level. The only game in which we truly looked outclassed was on Saturday night in Dallas. I felt like our guys were just tired and they didn’t really show up for the game. Part of that can be attributed to a young team, but these guys need to learn that as professionals you can’t ever take a game off, and I think they will learn.
There were stark differences between the Sabres and the Blues and Stars in terms of how the teams looked. The Stars and Blues are two veteran, playoff seasoned teams and Ken Hitchcock and Lindy Ruff are aware of this and treat their teams accordingly; you never saw Hitchcock or Ruff talking to their players or motioning to them on the bench – they knew that their veterans were there to get the job done.
In contrast, Dan Bylsma is animated and is involved all the time, talking to our guys and coaching, because that is what they need: they are a young team and they will learn. I do not think the results from the past week are necessarily a total negative. Yes it is disappointing that we have four losses in a row, but the good news is that we don’t have to play those guys anymore this season. Once again, we were really in three out of the four against top level, veteran, playoff tested opponents. The overtime and the shootout against St. Louis on Thursday were electric and so exciting. I like our guys and they are so much fun to watch. I’m super excited about Linus Ullmark – he made a great save on a breakaway from former Sabre Steve Ott last night.
We should give thanks that there will not be any more Bills and Sabres games on the same night this year. I mean, it is serious BFLO sports overload to have the Sabes and Bills on TV at the same time; and don’t even get me started about the refereeing in last night’s Bills game – unbelievable calls. The NFL has a serious problem with its officiating.
Tomorrow marks the Goose’s return when Nashville comes to town, but I’m thinking about turkey and mashed potatoes and the Turkey Trot on Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving everyone – Have a safe and tasty holiday. Go Sabres, Go Bills, Go Buffalo.
Philip Wilkins is a Baltimore Orioles fan, Buffalo transplant. Grew up in Connecticut but born in Maryland. Graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder – Go Buffs! Lived in San Francisco after college. Moved to Buffalo in 2009 after spending a half-year abroad in Australia and New Zealand. Life-long Baseball, Hockey, and Football fan. Sabres fan since NHL ’94 for Sega Genesis came out with the Sabres’ top line of Alexander Mogilny, Pat LaFontaine and Dale Howerchuck with Alexei Zhitnik and Richard Smehlik on D and Domink Hasek in net – best lineup in the game!
“I believe that the Sabres were robbed in ’99 when Hull’s skate was in the crease. Now Buffalo is home and I am looking for a Cup and a Super Bowl in short order. We have the talent and the coaching and the ownership – what is stopping us?”
Go Bills, Go Sabres, Go Bisons!