DarthEbriate

Ideally, yes. But I kept it at 2-1 because the Sabres would still mathematically be within striking distance of the Isles with the 3 games in hand if they won all of those games in hand. The Sabres already need help from someone (say PIT since they're already flagging) faltering down the stretch. And of the 6 remaining games amongst their chief competition for the final wild card, they must go 4-2 or better and really cannot even afford to go to OT in any of those wins (vs 3NYI, 2WSH, 0PIT, FLA1). Now... if a goalie gets hot and the top line reignites and the defense/PK tighten up and the Sabres go on a 15-3-2 bender in their next 20 games (December on repeat)... well then, they're right back in it.

Absolute must-win for playoff hopes. 3 games against the Isles and need to take 2-of-3 without the third going to OT to make up ground, otherwise the games in hand become meaningless. Same with PIT, WSH, and FLA. The team has risen up for every big/event game since the outdoor game. Let's hope it continues.

The Sabres have played no defense against Toews-Raddysh-Kurashev tonight all night. This is a game that should've been over after 2 periods, but so little energy and attack in the third.

Joker needs to wait for traffic to get to the crease before his point shots.

Annnnd... once the top PP unit was out, it was dreadful. The Hawks controlled the puck once PP2 came off.

Their only line going is the Toews line and they're matching them up against the 7s line as much as possible, as they should. But overall, the Sabres have responded to losing Dahlin for 10. No Dahlin on the PP. Let's see how they operate.

He skated to complain to the ref after the goal, but went through the Hawks' gathering goal celebration huddle to do it.

The shots were 20-5 with about 6 minutes left in the period and the Sabres started coughing up every puck to close the period.

Gotta wake back up for the third. Don't let the tankers hang around.

Decent. Trying to give the Blackhawks a chance to get back into the game with the giveaway. But otherwise, this is period is a domination except for the score.

This team has had reason to believe when they've had a goalie worthy of it. Completely different play when they had Ullmark vs. Hutton. Last season, Anderson calmed them all down and they rallied around Houser, but Toker, UPL, Dell last season all resulted in lesser team play. This season, UPL has gotten the team's rallies and confidence (and Anderson to an extent, too). Unfortunately, Comrie hasn't yet earned their trust and it shows (and the D-corps injuries hurt for few starts there before he was injured). The best thing that can happen to the Sabres is Comrie getting back to game speed and getting hot. It would chase UPL back to the AHL where he can get reps and continue to work on rebound control and quicker setting on long-range shots, remove the logjam of healthy forwards, and hopefully lead to lots of wins.

The 7s line has been their best all-around line the last week or so. The Kids needed a reset, the Tage line has struggled against good defensive pressure, and the Krebs and the vets line has been dismantled by roster moves/injuries. If the 7s continue to provide good forechecking, continued competence in their own zone, and a goal every other game at even strength, then that RFA deal for Jost could get pricey (and also worth it).

The lack of NHL-contract/prospect controlled D is systemic of drafting and not hitting on some AHL-level guys, and started back with JBott and Housley. The first JBott draft got Laaksonen (moved for AHL-equivalent but defensive in Ceccione) and Bryson (7/8). Only 6 picks, though. Second JBott draft Dahlin (obvious pick and a 1D) and Samuelsson (2/3). Then the 3 guys who never crossed the pond (Kronholm, Kukkonen, Worge Kreu). So far, great for the NHL. 2 drafts and a future top-pair and a depth guy. But no AHLers except Ceccione via trade. JBott's third and final draft is where it went awry: only 1 D in only 6 picks. Ryan Johnson, still in college and may not sign. That is the draft we'd expect to have folks in the AHL (as Rousek and Cederqvist are), but there are 3 players still in college. Finally, GM Sheevyn's 1st draft only 1 D chosen in Lyckasen. The next draft was Power who skipped the AHL entirely, but there's only 1 other D chosen (Novikov) and he's still too young. Not enough picks devoted to the position. The positive side: Pilut returned from the KHL. The negative: Fitz got claimed off waivers otherwise that Amerks D lineup would be pretty solid. Karmanos made a very shrewd move to get Bartkowski when the injuries hit earlier this season and Laaksonen was still on his way out. And Clague is good enough to be a 7/8 and would get claimed if waived. One more UFA NHL D signed this past summer might have flipped the balance though -- a 3rd pair of UFA + Boushh, Bryson as the 7. Then AHL top 4 of: Pilut-Fitz, Prow-Clague (and could still get Bartkowski when the injuries hit). It still wouldn't address the lack of rookie contracts in the pipeline though. I do expect to see at 2 of the Sabres top 4 picks go toward the blue line this summer.

That's the question. There aren't many Tim Murrays in this world.

Around the East tonight overall was decent. No 3-point games which is excellent. Leafs, Pens, Sens, Wings, and Caps lose. But Isles and Panthers (Sabres have 3 games in hand on each) get Ws.

Good win. The 7s line looked good in both zones. Tage made a great assist on Skinner's lovely goal, but otherwise couldn't possess the puck or unleash the shot tonight. The Kids are rejuvenated. Girgs and Krebs back in the lineup is important though, because Asplund and Hino didn't generate the pressure/cycling that those two do with Okposo. On defense... I'm ready for Clague back in over Bryson.

Hal Gill is working the crowd -- it's their fan appreciation night. Like when RJ used to do the commentary from in the crowd and Ray would run around. Same thing.

They're purposefully shooting wide so they can stay on the ice. So that VO can bury the ENG. Just to upset people.

Lauzon tugs on Tage's jersey twice, then takes him down on the wall. And he drew Jost's retaliation penalty. And I haven't seen him play poorly. That's the kind of physicality we need from somewhere. JJP gotta get that on net. Quinn! Bulls-eyeing womp rats!

Whoa. Free hand from Lauzon just threw Quinn to the ice. Lauzon even looked around for the call figuring he'd get a hold.

I like chippy Joker. He's happy to give some jabs after the whistle, but not escalate it to take the penalty. I think... was it the outdoor game vs. Toronto last season he was happy to chop away.

Agreed. They used to be a rushing defense with the 4 that made Housley our coach. Now they're heavy but don't possess the puck well or cycle. This is a game the Sabres really could blow open. Nashville's visit to Buffalo in March might be a whupping.

WOOOOOO! Old Dad Kposobi! If you strike him down he will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.

Dang. That line was doing well, and has been really good tonight. But you can't give opportunities like that. Especially since a shift change against a tired Preds line would've been in the works with another pass. Bad Jost!

Not enough quick movement on that penalty. Can't come out flat like that when you've got the chance to make them chase you all period.