Buffalo Sabres New York Islanders series tied

by Steve

Can people around Buffalo stop counting down the number of victories to clinch the cup now? This team looks flat. They appeared out coached, not ready to play. This team is the best in the entire league? Maybe it is Miller's mediocre play or how great Dipietro really is, but Saturday night was ugly hockey down at the bank arena.

I'm sure the fans will be blaming the refs, I mean isn't that the Buffalo way? I know one thing, Rick and Jim reminded us of every no call, possible penalty, and weak call by the refs throughout the game. Well, they're broadcasters they don't need to be objective, and either do fans for that matter, but I for one am sick of all the whining. I don't recall any questioning of a missed call when Islander defensman Sean Hill was clipped in the face in the third period and dripping blood all over the ice? I understand these guys are biased but they take it to a whole other level.

The team didn't play terrible, they just seemed to be less motivated, played down to their opponents. The power play was awful and the penalty kill gave up the deciding goal. Tim Connolly is showing flashes of his former self, but is still no where near last years clip. By Tuesday I may be sending out a search unit for Daniel Briere, although he may just be recording new radio commercials and lining his pockets before jumping ship in June.

Maybe the Sabres just have a hang up about playing on Saturdays, they are 10-15 this year when playing the day after Friday. Who knows, maybe the team stays out late parting on Fridays. The most troubling thing is the play in the first period. Lindy Ruff in his pre-game presser said the 'team was ready' and they looked everything but in the first. Does Ruff really have that little grasp of the team, or did he push them too hard in practice?

Then again the Sabres could roll into Long Island (weather permitting) and own the Islanders for 2 straight and look to clinch on Friday. Thats why they play the games. Just take down the count down, the first series is tied 1-1.

Hot
Dipietro
Vanek
Nolan

Cold
Briere
Hecht
Ruff