Off the bench and down the hallway to the lockerroom, here come the Buffalo Sabres, a 1-0 lead on the board and the fans for once actually cheering after 40 minutes. Over the railing above the walkway spill four arms covered to practically their fingertips in the bright red sleeves of their oversized third jerseys. Arms swing, hands wave, fingers wiggle, anything to get the attention of the players below. The Sabres' helmets are only three feet away, but it might as well be three miles.