Game 5, Sabres Rangers

By Steve

No two ways about it, tonight is a must win game for the Buffalo Sabres. Mathematically it is not, but the Sabres have not been able to prove they can win in the Garden in the playoffs this year. Maintaining home ice advantage will probably determine this series.

Ryan Miller has yet to steal a game however has played well above average. Lundqvist has been balling as well, and scoring 1 goal will not win a game. Calling the fourth line! Where is this four line team that everyone has been chirping about all season? Lindy Ruff is making nervous decisions juggling lines benching players rolling only 3 lines, why change now? Then again Drury and Briere have been a no show the past 2 games.

The stats are there, terrible power play, average penalty kill, maybe it has just been a product of a difficult environment in New York City. Regardless, the Sabres better show up tonight or fans and the media will turn on them quicker than the $5 million man can imagine. Then again, there is nothing really to point to that would insinuate a Sabres collapse tonight. Everyone keeps telling me they have a "great" coach, who knows how to get it done in the playoffs (0 championships) and Miller is playing strong sans 1 weak/average goal a game. Plus everyone's boy Paul Guastad returns to the line up.

Is this guy's return being grossly over stated or is it just me? He'll be on a line allegedly with Pominville and Mair, watch out! He hasn't played in some 4 months and is looking at about 7 minutes of ice time. Maybe I'm undervaluing his presence in the lockeroom, and his "grit/toughness" but I just don't see him being a major factor tonight.

Alas it is definitely not time to panic... yet, wait till 10:45 tonight if the Sabres score less goals than the Rangers. Until then feel confident, drink some beers and hope the captains find their game.

Hot
Henrik Lundqvist
Jaromir Jagr
Paul Guastad

Cold
Briere/Drury
Lindy Ruff
Jochen Hecht