Reality check

[Stoner]

OK, my skin is starting to crawl a bit reading all of the post-mortems on the Flyers. It's crazy. Haven't some people ever watched the playoffs before? Series can turn on a dime and leave nine cents change. :) The Sabres lost the first two games at home to the Penguins in 2001 and took the series to a seventh game overtime. The Sabres won the first two games at home to the Islanders in 1976 and lost the next four. As for blowouts in Sabre playoff history, they actually bode very well for the blown out team in the next game. To wit:

 

1975: Sabres won the first two games of the semifinals at the Aud, then lost in Montreal 7-0 and 8-2 but returned home to the Aud to win Game 5 in overtime and eventually the series.

 

1980: The Sabres beat the Canucks 6-0 in Game 2 of the best of five preliminary round at the Aud, but lost Game 3 in Vancouver. The Sabres did win the series.

 

1983: With the Adams Division final series tied at 2, the Sabres got beaned in Boston, 9-0, but returned home to the Aud and won Game 6 to force a deciding game that they lost.

 

1989: The Sabres won the opening game of the Adams Division semifinal at Boston 6-0 but lost Game 2 and the series.

 

1992: The Sabres stayed alive in the Adams Division semifinal with a 9-3 win over Boston at the Aud in Game 6 but lost Game 7 in Boston.

 

It's time for everyone to get their game faces back on. Now, it doesn't matter if the media and fans think the series is over. But what if the Sabres do?

[cgang]

I agree. Tonight's game will be the toughest. Sabres held serve at home, now they must assert themselves on the road. Can't wait to see how it all shakes out.

[Claude_Verret]

I'm with you. All of the pissing on the Flyers grave talk needs to stop until 4 games have been won.

[Spandrel]

Take a look at Jerry Sullivan's article from today. He has some great quotes and lines in it. Though I think the Flyers will come out playing hard and with pride, they still don't have an answer for our speed. That speed can neutralize a lot of the other positives the Flyers have going for them in tonight's game.

 

They are now 1-5 against us for the season, and the last time we were in that building Grier ripped their heart out. I just don't see how this team is going to find a way to win 4 games against us, unless we absolutely collapse.

[mphs mike]

The series is not over. All the Sabres have done to date is to KEEP home ice advantage. We need a supreme effort and TWO more wins.

 

 

LET'S GO BUFF - A - LO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jad1]

The Sabres are still kind of an unknown commodity, so there's reason for some caution, but the only way I see the Flyers coming back is if the following things happen:

 

-- The Sabres start skating into the Flyers trap defense

-- Esche stands on his head again

-- Miller completely loses it

 

And it will probably take two or three of those things happening, over four games, for the Sabres to lose the series.

 

Buffalo will have to fight its nerves playing on the road, but if they stick to their system, there's no way in hell they're losing this series.

 

I know the history is there for teams to come back, but this series is such a mismatch that the history of poor teams getting swept by superior teams is more applicable.

[Kristian]

OK, my skin is starting to crawl a bit reading all of the post-mortems on the Flyers. It's crazy. Haven't some people ever watched the playoffs before? Series can turn on a dime and leave nine cents change. :)

 

Couldn't agree more.

[Knightrider]

Usually I would agree. However, I simply cannot think of one game right now in the last six months where this team didn't show up (all right: one - sans the first Otter's game after the break) and follow through, especially when they have the other team's throat firmly in their grasp. How many leads did they squander? The only one I can think of is when Luango (sp) came in off the bench.

 

To make a comparison to football, (sorry) right down to the basketball style timeout, this seems like a week long hockey version of the 51-3 Bills-Raiders game in 1991. There are other lessons to learn from that too, like our buzz saw may run into a Beillichek in the future, but CK isn't even close to BB as far as getting his players to play for him.

[topshelfcookies]

Take a look at Jerry Sullivan's article from today. He has some great quotes and lines in it. Though I think the Flyers will come out playing hard and with pride, they still don't have an answer for our speed. That speed can neutralize a lot of the other positives the Flyers have going for them in tonight's game.

 

They are now 1-5 against us for the season, and the last time we were in that building Grier ripped their heart out. I just don't see how this team is going to find a way to win 4 games against us, unless we absolutely collapse.

 

I agree Spandrel...Sully wrote a great article today. While no part of me feels like Philly will win this series (they'd have to win 4 of the next 5!!!!) I agree with others that tonight will be the toughest test.

 

I think the Sabres will continue to "grow up" a lot tonight...and am thinking they'll need to rely on Miller more so than in Games 1 and 2.

 

To make a comparison to football, (sorry) right down to the basketball style timeout, this seems like a week long hockey version of the 51-3 Bills-Raiders game in 1991. There are other lessons to learn from that too, like our buzz saw may run into a Beillichek in the future, but CK isn't even close to BB as far as getting his players to play for him.

 

When Hitchcock called the timeout in Game 2 after it was 2-0, I turned to my Dad and said the same thing! It was like the Raiders calling a timeout on the Bills opening posession of the 51-3 game.

 

Of course, the hockey playoffs are a completely different beast. The Flyers will respond better in game 3.

[SHAAAUGHT!!!]

Am I the only that watched this series? Yes, it is conceivable that a team can come back from being down two games, but you really think this year's Flyers are the team to do it? Yes game 1 was close, but the sabres completely out worked and outplayed them. Game 2 speaks for itself. They fact they do not have a goto goalie, they only have one scoring line, and their defense is completely unable to keep up, are all signs this team is destined to fail. If the Flyer's were going to win a game it was going to be game 1.

 

I appreciate everyone being consience of the fact that there is still two games to be played and we shouldn't count our chickens before they're hatched. But this team is a joke; the Flyer's aren't the homeless guy that just needs one more chance to turn his life around, they are like the homeless guy who is just a lazy stupid drunk who made poor life choices.

 

Also, the sabres players are smart enough to know they still have to work for the win (Fatty V being the possible exception).

 

My prediction, Sabres take the series in 4.

[LoveAndWarrener]

Usually I would agree. However, I simply cannot think of one game right now in the last six months where this team didn't show up (all right: one - sans the first Otter's game after the break) and follow through, especially when they have the other team's throat firmly in their grasp. How many leads did they squander? The only one I can think of is when Luango (sp) came in off the bench.

They did blow a two-goal lead in the Rangers game a month ago, but that team has its own problems right now. I would worry about the Devils as we continue in the playoffs.

[hopeleslyobvious]

They did blow a two-goal lead in the Rangers game a month ago, but that team has its own problems right now. I would worry about the Devils as we continue in the playoffs.

 

I wouldn't pick that game as indicative of our team. The game was in the middle of a slump for Miller and the team. Not to mention the fact that the Sabres took a lot of penalties late in the game.

 

I am actually not worried about the Devils. They are hot, but they will cool off. I think if the Sabres play on their game, they should be able to beat the Devils. Which is unfortunate since 3 of the 4 times they met during the regular season the Sabres were not on their game (2nd game of early slump in October, a lot of key injuries in January, and in the middle of a slump in March). If the teams meet in the playoffs, the key to success is definately going to be scoring first. I don't see the Devils being able to keep up with us if they have to open their game up.

[topshelfcookies]

I wouldn't pick that game as indicative of our team. The game was in the middle of a slump for Miller and the team. Not to mention the fact that the Sabres took a lot of penalties late in the game.

 

I am actually not worried about the Devils. They are hot, but they will cool off. I think if the Sabres play on their game, they should be able to beat the Devils. Which is unfortunate since 3 of the 4 times they met during the regular season the Sabres were not on their game (2nd game of early slump in October, a lot of key injuries in January, and in the middle of a slump in March). If the teams meet in the playoffs, the key to success is definately going to be scoring first. I don't see the Devils being able to keep up with us if they have to open their game up.

I wouldn't write the Devils off so quickly, but you bring up some good thoughts, Hoplessly. We did not play the Devils while we were playing well at all this year, and that does make a huge difference. Opposed to popular opinion, I would rather meet NJ sooner, rather than later. They have a great chance of sweeping NY (who is a mess right now), but they aren't going to win, what, 20 games in a row? Buffalo has a better chance of beating them in the semi's where they're bound by physics to cool off a bit, than if they meet in the Conf. Finals, where they might have already cooled off, then bounced back.

 

Part of the reason NJ has been playing so well however, is their willingness to open their game up a little bit. They aren't winning games by 2-1 or 3-2 scores...they're putting the puck in the net on a pretty consistent basis. A series with NJ would be really really interesting, and a huge test for this club. I'm not saying the Sabres aren't up for it, but other than Detriot, I don't think there's a more dangerous/difficult team in the league than New Jersey.

[Taro T]

I wouldn't write the Devils off so quickly, but you bring up some good thoughts, Hoplessly. We did not play the Devils while we were playing well at all this year, and that does make a huge difference. Opposed to popular opinion, I would rather meet NJ sooner, rather than later. They have a great chance of sweeping NY (who is a mess right now), but they aren't going to win, what, 20 games in a row? Buffalo has a better chance of beating them in the semi's where they're bound by physics to cool off a bit, than if they meet in the Conf. Finals, where they might have already cooled off, then bounced back.

 

Part of the reason NJ has been playing so well however, is their willingness to open their game up a little bit. They aren't winning games by 2-1 or 3-2 scores...they're putting the puck in the net on a pretty consistent basis. A series with NJ would be really really interesting, and a huge test for this club. I'm not saying the Sabres aren't up for it, but other than Detriot, I don't think there's a more dangerous/difficult team in the league than New Jersey.

I agree that NJ is scary right now. They have nearly (if not as much) team speed as the Sabres and play the trapping style that has given the Sabres fits on occasion.

 

The thing is, assuming the Rangers can't get back into their series, and minus Lundqvist and Jagr there is no reason to assume they can get back in, and assuming the Sabres beat the Phlyers the Sabres will have to play a team that matches up well against them next round (Montreal, NJ, or Ottawa).

 

While I would prefer to play Montreal (especially because it means the Otters were eliminated), that is a lot less likely than a matchup with NJ. It will be a very evenly matched series, and will be a frustrating series, because NJ manages to still work their trap. I expect my pick, should that matchup occur, to be Sabres in 7; but it will definitely be a much tougher series than the current one looks to be. NJ is pulling for Filly as much as we should be pulling for the Strangers.

 

Detroit, due to age and (lack of) quality goaltending is not scary. San Jose, with speed, goaltending, and Thornton(s), is scary.

[deluca67]

Know who's really scary? The Sabres.

[hopeleslyobvious]

I wouldn't write the Devils off so quickly, but you bring up some good thoughts, Hoplessly. We did not play the Devils while we were playing well at all this year, and that does make a huge difference. Opposed to popular opinion, I would rather meet NJ sooner, rather than later. They have a great chance of sweeping NY (who is a mess right now), but they aren't going to win, what, 20 games in a row? Buffalo has a better chance of beating them in the semi's where they're bound by physics to cool off a bit, than if they meet in the Conf. Finals, where they might have already cooled off, then bounced back.

 

Part of the reason NJ has been playing so well however, is their willingness to open their game up a little bit. They aren't winning games by 2-1 or 3-2 scores...they're putting the puck in the net on a pretty consistent basis. A series with NJ would be really really interesting, and a huge test for this club. I'm not saying the Sabres aren't up for it, but other than Detriot, I don't think there's a more dangerous/difficult team in the league than New Jersey.

 

I am not writing them off by any means! While they have been more willing to open up their game, I still think when push comes to shove they would not be able to beat us in a wide open series. However, if they do get the all important first goal it could prove to be a long and frustrating series.

[Rock DJ]

Three things the Flyers need to win the series......

 

1. Bush gets elected to 3rd term.

 

2. Bin laden walks out of his cave and surrenders.

 

3. The cow finally makes his jump over the moon.

 

 

Seriously, I am still hoping for a game five for 3 reasons.

 

1. They finish the series on home ice.

 

2. The youngsters get the feeling of what it is to lose a game.

 

3. Correct me if wrong, but the team pockets about $1,000,000 per home playoff game. Each home game goes a long way in helping the financial strength of this team for future years.

[Corp000085]

PA, you bring up excellent points. I get very weary of talking sweep or winning out, however, as long as the sabres themselves don't buy into it, i'm happy. Do i see the flyers taking the series? Hell no. Do i see them splitting their homestand? Absolutely. Tonight's game is the game for them to win too. Unlike other teams that can take a shot, if the sabres do indeed get on the board first and early, philly's chances are as good as shot. Tonight is a huge game for us. The team cannot buy into the philly crowd hype, the away playoff game hype, or the sweep hype. They just have to come out and play their game.

[deluca67]

Three things the Flyers need to win the series......

 

1. Bush gets elected to 3rd term.

 

2. Bin laden walks out of his cave and surrenders.

 

3. The cow finally makes his jump over the moon.

Seriously, I am still hoping for a game five for 3 reasons.

 

1. They finish the series on home ice.

 

2. The youngsters get the feeling of what it is to lose a game.

 

3. Correct me if wrong, but the team pockets about $1,000,000 per home playoff game. Each home game goes a long way in helping the financial strength of this team for future years.

 

That's a great question. When the report was out about the Sabres making a profit it was said they could make as much as $5 million profit if they go deep. The math doesn't work out. I wonder if the new revenue sharing has lowered that number a bit. :blink:

[Rock DJ]

[/b]

 

That's a great question. When the report was out about the Sabres making a profit it was said they could make as much as $5 million profit if they go deep. The math doesn't work out. I wonder if the new revenue sharing has lowered that number a bit. :blink:

 

That could be total overall profit. Didn't they still lose money during the regular season, and were needing at least a round one playoff to get into profit territory?

[deluca67]

That could be total overall profit. Didn't they still lose money during the regular season, and were needing at least a round one playoff to get into profit territory?

 

Don't know.

 

I'm not even sure how this would effect the revenue sharing.

[hopeleslyobvious]

That could be total overall profit. Didn't they still lose money during the regular season, and were needing at least a round one playoff to get into profit territory?

 

I remember hearing that they were going to make a slight profit during the regular season. Although I don't remember where I heard that, so take it for what it's worth.

[Knightrider]

They did blow a two-goal lead in the Rangers game a month ago, but that team has its own problems right now. I would worry about the Devils as we continue in the playoffs.

Lundquist and the Rangers was what I meant not Luango. :ph34r: