GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[nfreeman]

Thank you New Jersey and Pittsburgh!!!

 

Here's the current playoff scenario:

To make the playoffs, the Sabres have to win their final 2 games and then have 2 of the following 3 things happen:

 

1. BOS loses their final 2 games in regulation - OTT and BUF

 

2. PHI loses their final 2 games (1 can be in OT) - NJ and PIT

 

3. WAS loses their final 2 games (1 could be in OT) - TB and FLA

 

The faint ray of light is a little brighter than it was a few days ago. Time to get the Habs back for the 3rd period meltdown and keep the season alive for one more day. A Sabres win on Thursday would keep things alive until at least Friday.

 

#3 is the real problem. There is NFW the Caps (who, since hiring their new coach, are on a 107-point pace) are going to lose to both of TB and Florida (and, IIRC, both of those games are in DC). That leaves us needing the Sabres to win out (a highly dubious proposition for this non-clutch group) AND needing all 3 of the remaining games in which Boston and Philly are playing to go our way (the 4th game is boston's game against us, which we control).

[X. Benedict]

that was a great game to watch.... nice skill , hitting, a few fights... intense

we survive to meet again tomorrow

Agreed that was a fun game.

 

As much firepower as the Pens have, that D gets out of position a lot. Keeps it interesting.

Gritty game.

[millbank]

Yes they are a good team but I agree with you the d is going to let them down in end.

 

Agreed that was a fun game.

 

As much firepower as the Pens have, that D gets out of position a lot. Keeps it interesting.

Gritty game.

[wonderbread]

WOW! That last goal by Crosby was a thing of beauty!

[wjag]

WOW! That last goal by Crosby was a thing of beauty!

Maybe he's been reading OV's press clippings....

[wjag]

Timing is everything. NJ posting that win before Pitt was done probably motivated the Guins to win tonight. IIRC they are now the division champs. I hope their motivation on Sunday is they just hate the Flyers and want to knock them out of the playoffs... I guess same goes for NJ...

[Hawerchuk]

None of these situations would even be a factor now if only Miller could have won more Shootout games/points. He was terrible this year, squandering aprox 9 possible points. UUUUUGGGG!!

[ROC Sabres]

None of these situations would even be a factor now if only Miller could have won more Shootout games/points. He was terrible this year, squandering aprox 9 possible points. UUUUUGGGG!!

I think about that every time i see the third column of stats.

[evil_otto]

The Pens game was a paradox for Sabretooth73. I hope he hasn't exploded.

[VABeachSabresFanatic]

#3 is the real problem. There is NFW the Caps (who, since hiring their new coach, are on a 107-point pace) are going to lose to both of TB and Florida (and, IIRC, both of those games are in DC). That leaves us needing the Sabres to win out (a highly dubious proposition for this non-clutch group) AND needing all 3 of the remaining games in which Boston and Philly are playing to go our way (the 4th game is boston's game against us, which we control).

 

I don't see the Caps dropping their final 2 games either, but I think there's a decent chance that BOS and PHI lose their games.

 

If the Sabres and Caps win on Thursday, then Friday will be the toughest night to get through. Both BOS and PHI play on Friday night, but they would both be under a TON of pressure. OTT has a good shot at beating BOS, although they better do it in regulation. While NJ is locked in as the #4 seed, they are bitter rivals with PHI and would love to knock them out of the playoffs.

 

A Sabre win on Saturday in regulation would set up the PHI-PIT season finale as a fight for the final playoff spot. The Pens will play hard to knock PHI out even though they would already have the #1 seed locked up. I bet the Pens would rather play Buffalo than PHI in the 1st round anyway since they are 3-4 vs PHI this season and 4-0 against BUF.

[wjag]

It is truly amazing to me that there is still a slim chance to get into the playoffs. Reminds me of someone holding on to a rope and it is fraying. With each night, the rope frays some more but they are still holding on.

 

That point Boston got tonight while not huge, did fray the rope some more. It would have been nice to have the "luxury" of Boston claiming a point in Ottawa.

 

The way Ottawa is playing of late, there is no telling what team will show up. Ottawa has lost 3 straight including shut out losses to Montreal and Boston. They're really close to imploding....

[FogBat]

NESN sucks.... ESPECIALLY Jack Edwards!!!

 

This NESN broadcast makes me sick.. but not as sick as the NO GOAL.

 

PUCK

I prefer listening to Sherry Ross from the NJ Devils feed. She probably knows more hockey than some guys do.

[FogBat]

Can't believe I have to root for Ottawa now... Come on Ottawa, beat Boston...

I agree. That is certainly not a pleasant thought whatsoever. Kinda runs along the lines of "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."