‘The defeat was demoralizing and complete and now, really for the first time this post-season, the swashbuckling Sabres are in the position where they must find their swagger again. The possible return of injured defenceman Teppo Numminen, out with a groin strain, would help immensely. He skated for 20 minutes yesterday before flying with the team to North Carolina. He said he felt the best he has since getting hurt in Game1 of this series and sounded optimistic, though not certain, about playing at Raleigh tonight.’