It's All Over

[PTS]

I hate to say it because I was very optimistic a few days ago but this season is over. I hate the fact that we're going to loss to a damn city at doesn't appreciate hockey like we do. 98 it was Washington. 99 it was Dallas and this year it will be Carolina. The first two ended in Game Six in OT in Buffalo. I gotta feeling we'll get the same this Tuesday. You can't lose 3 of your 4 best defensemen and expect to win any series.

 

If we can somehow win Tuesday, I don't like our changes in Carolina for one reason: the officiating has been horrendous. We needed game five and we blew it as much as we had it ripped away by Don Van Massenhoven.

 

Whatever happens, this season was a freaking great ride. I hope it's a preview of things to come but you never know with the NHL which is terribly inconsistent on and off the ice.

 

I guess I just gotta believe but my head is telling me otherwise. The magic is out.

 

Let's Go Buffalo

[matter2003]

Believe me, its not over...

 

An undermanend, outgunned team outplayed the opposition in their building and THEY KNOW they should have won that game...

That is a HUGE confidence boost to them, and I think in Game 6, we will take control from the start and not give it up...

 

I think back to the Sabres-Pens series when we were like 1:30 from winning game 6 and advancing and then Lemieux scored and they won in OT...

 

Trust me, Drury will have something to say about it before its all over...

 

Expect Cam Ward to start in net again and don't expect him to pull so many rabbits out of his hat...

[Bmwolf21]

I hate to say it because I was very optimistic a few days ago but this season is over. I hate the fact that we're going to loss to a damn city at doesn't appreciate hockey like we do. 98 it was Washington. 99 it was Dallas and this year it will be Carolina.

 

Whatever happens, this season was a freaking great ride. I hope it's a preview of things to come but you never know with the NHL which is terribly inconsistent on and off the ice.

 

 

Let's Go Buffalo

I agree 100% - not only do the fans not seem to appreciate the league/sport/team, but we dealt with some real a$$holes after the game tonight. Before & during the game things were pretty tame in our section (aside from a guy two rows in front of us flipping the Buffalo fans off and telling us to f$%! off after Carolina tied the game at one -- in front of his wife & kids) but after the game it was ridiculous. People were getting right into our faces, throwing things at us and running their mouths, stuff like go back to the mistake on the lake, see ya later buffalo a-holes, F You Buffalo, etc. Naturally all the cops had disappeared, so we couldn't even get help if we needed it.

 

I am sure I am more bitter since we lost, but I have never seen a city less classy in victory. If I hear any stories of the big bad Buffalo fans who came down & caused a ruckus, I'll just laugh, since I saw Raleigh's "Southern Hospitality" up close & personal.

[The Goat]

Umm, I'm probably the last guy on this board who should be saying this but I'll say it anyways - the series isn't over.

As a Canes fan I am certainly not planning my celebration for the Wales trophy just yet - things look good but there is at least one game yet to be played.

 

The Goat

[PTS]

I just don't feel it. Cam Ward doesn't scare me, Gerber doesn't scare me. Our shots were aimed right at his crest. Max just need to push the puck toward the right side of the net and we'd be celebrating. Hecht deflected Max's pass back into Ward instead of the gapping left side. We're just out of the magic or running on fumes. No team scares me. Buffalo is the best team in the league, period. The problem is they need to be somewhat healthy, and somewhat healthy isn't even on our radar.

[matter2003]

Yeah, unfortunely we will never know what would have happened with our injured players in the lineup...

 

Carolina could say the same thing with Cole, although I think Connolly and 3 of our top 6 defenseman more than trumps that...

 

All we can control is what we can control...and what we can control is finishing easy scoring chances that 9 times out of 10 end up in the other teams goal...

 

Either way, I think it says a lot that we can outplay a virtually completely healthy team missing one of our most dynamic offensive players and 3 defenseman...

[MartyHavlatismyGOD]

As a Canes fan I am certainly not planning my celebration for the Wales trophy just yet

 

Must be a Canes fan if you'd actually celebrate anything less than the cup :D

 

 

This Series isnt over yet - 60 minutes of hockey left at least, more if the Sabers can play with desparation the whole game, and not just bits and pieces like tonight.

[JujuFish]

Calgary vs. Anaheim, round 1 of the playoffs.

[The Goat]

Must be a Canes fan if you'd actually celebrate anything less than the cup :D

This Series isnt over yet - 60 minutes of hockey left at least, more if the Sabers can play with desparation the whole game, and not just bits and pieces like tonight.

 

Or a Leafs fan :)

 

For the record I don't celebrate anything until the ultimate goal is achieved - hence I've never celebrated, merely enjoyed advancing through the playoffs before having my heart ripped out.

 

The Goat

[hopeleslyobvious]

Kind of annoying to see fans giving up when this team has it's back to the wall. Especially since this team has a history of pulling through with their backs against the wall.

[ExiledInIllinois]

I am not adding to this negative energy (like I said in my thread)... I am changing it to the positive.

 

Buffalo lost in game 6 at home in 1998 and 1999...

 

It won't happen again and Buffalo will NOT go 0-3 in these games.

 

The Pittsburg game 7 helps to break out of these bad odds.

 

It just won't happen... Take it to the bank folks! I just can't see why folks will not embrace this... It really is a no lose situation at this point.

 

:D

[The Goat]

I am not adding to this negative energy (like I said in my thread)... I am changing it to the positive.

 

Buffalo lost in game 6 at home in 1998 and 1999...

 

It won't happen again and Buffalo will NOT go 0-3 in these games.

 

The Pittsburg game 7 helps to break out of these bad odds.

 

It just won't happen... Take it to the bank folks! I just can't see why folks will not embrace this... It really is a no lose situation at this point.

 

:D

 

Exiled,

 

I fail to see how this is a "no lose situation".

 

The Goat

[ExiledInIllinois]

Kind of annoying to see fans giving up when this team has it's back to the wall. Especially since this team has a history of pulling through with their backs against the wall.

 

Exactleeeeeeeee!

[Bmwolf21]

 

If we can somehow win Tuesday, I don't like our changes in Carolina for one reason: the officiating has been horrendous. We needed game five and we blew it as much as we had it ripped away by Don Van Massenhoven.

 

Let's Go Buffalo

FWIW, Buff was 0-4 on the PP, Car was 2-7.

 

Also, I don't know if the TV coverage picked it up, but after the game ended, Briere was pretty hot at the refs - he was skating by the zebras and was pretty animated in his argument, including pointing at Van Massenhoven until he was pulled away by a teammate (didn't see who it was.)

[Stoner]

PTS, my friend. How can you watch one of the gutsiest performances in team history and not believe we will find a way to win Game 6 at home? We can all nitpick about Miller giving up a goal here or there he shouldn't or this guy or that guy not finishing, but let's look at the big picture. I don't know when I've been more proud of a Sabres team. This team is loaded for bear and will bring the pain to Carolina on Tuesday night. Then it's a best of one.

 

It's a weird thing. We lose, but I really feel we have regained the momentum in the series. Having said all that, how much can these guys have left in the tank, especially on D?

[ExiledInIllinois]

Exiled,

 

I fail to see how this is a "no lose situation".

 

The Goat

 

I was refering to game 5 (at this point)... Of course game 6 is a losing situation... But that is not in the plan... Still gotta win one in Carolina, that will be game 7 now.

 

There is no sense worrying.

 

If the Sabres won tonight... They would HAVE (IMO) had to finish off Carolina in game 6 or some real huge momentum for the bad guys in game 7.

 

Game 6 was a given and must win.

 

Just win game 6 which is a must game no matter what and now you got them reeling into game 7!

 

See, at this point it is a no lose situation.

 

:D

[frisky]

I'm trying to remain positive and maybe I'm just a boo bird but from what I saw from the game seems to be different from most. To me it seemed as though the D is suffering from the missing guys. It looked as though they shortened it to just the top four towards the end of the game and Fitzpatrick didn't stay on his man. It seemed as though they controlled the neutral zone for the majority of the game as well as along the boards where we lost a bunch of battles. We had difficulty moving out of own end with Carolina keeping the pressure on and running our boys around. Basically, it appears as though Car is effective in neutralizing our offence for the most part and is effective working it deep in our end. Power play was frustrating to watch. Part of that could be because the refs are letting alot of the old stuff go with the old style clutchy grabby stuff but they need to figure out what they need to do in the next game cause now it's elimination time. I'm hoping they bring it all but in my opinion the injuries are beginning to show.

[Taro T]

I'm trying to remain positive and maybe I'm just a boo bird but from what I saw from the game seems to be different from most. To me it seemed as though the D is suffering from the missing guys. It looked as though they shortened it to just the top four towards the end of the game and Fitzpatrick didn't stay on his man. It seemed as though they controlled the neutral zone for the majority of the game as well as along the boards where we lost a bunch of battles. We had difficulty moving out of own end with Carolina keeping the pressure on and running our boys around. Basically, it appears as though Car is effective in neutralizing our offence for the most part and is effective working it deep in our end. Power play was frustrating to watch. Part of that could be because the refs are letting alot of the old stuff go with the old style clutchy grabby stuff but they need to figure out what they need to do in the next game cause now it's elimination time. I'm hoping they bring it all but in my opinion the injuries are beginning to show.

Yes, the team is hurting because of all the injuries on D, but the team fought through them. If Max goes 5 hole or if Jochen goes wide (or Danny doesn't turn it over in Carolina's end or Toni covers Recchi), we'd all be saying Tuesday night is the night the Sabres finish Carolina. It didn't happen. So be it. Carolina won 2 in a row. Time for the Sabres to do the same.

 

I can't believe I'm saying this, because I was as down (or worse) than anyone after game 4, but I honestly believe Buffalo wins game 6. I know they CAN win game 7, but I don't know that they will. I do know game 7 will be the best game of the playoffs and I know who wins that game WILL win the SC.

[ExiledInIllinois]

Yes, the team is hurting because of all the injuries on D, but the team fought through them. If Max goes 5 hole or if Jochen goes wide (or Danny doesn't turn it over in Carolina's end or Toni covers Recchi), we'd all be saying Tuesday night is the night the Sabres finish Carolina. It didn't happen. So be it. Carolina won 2 in a row. Time for the Sabres to do the same.

 

I can't believe I'm saying this, because I was as down (or worse) than anyone after game 4, but I honestly believe Buffalo wins game 6. I know they CAN win game 7, but I don't know that they will. I do know game 7 will be the best game of the playoffs and I know who wins that game WILL win the SC.

 

Awesome Dave.

 

You know the nice thing?

 

Those mulligans go back up to 3 after game 7...

 

:D :D

[scottnc]

All I know is I've got my tickets to game 7 down here in Carolina, and I fully expect to be sitting in that arena Thursday night.

 

Kudos to the HUGE amount of Buffalo faithful that made it down for game 5. We really had the chants going pretty loud.

[bills_fan_in_raleigh]

I agree 100% - not only do the fans not seem to appreciate the league/sport/team, but we dealt with some real a$$holes after the game tonight. Before & during the game things were pretty tame in our section (aside from a guy two rows in front of us flipping the Buffalo fans off and telling us to f$%! off after Carolina tied the game at one -- in front of his wife & kids) but after the game it was ridiculous. People were getting right into our faces, throwing things at us and running their mouths, stuff like go back to the mistake on the lake, see ya later buffalo a-holes, F You Buffalo, etc. Naturally all the cops had disappeared, so we couldn't even get help if we needed it.

 

I am sure I am more bitter since we lost, but I have never seen a city less classy in victory. If I hear any stories of the big bad Buffalo fans who came down & caused a ruckus, I'll just laugh, since I saw Raleigh's "Southern Hospitality" up close & personal.

so this mornings news is saying that they had extra police to prevent those BAD sabres fans from causing a ruckus like last saturday. Further comment was info about a sabres fan arrested last sat for jumping on canes car nothing about the redneck that hit a kid with stick or opened door and kicked someone in head. yea us rowdie sabres fan if we didnt come to the game the damn place would have been almost half empty.

 

what a joke cant sell out playoff games on the weekend!

[mrjsbu96]

I hate to say it because I was very optimistic a few days ago but this season is over. I hate the fact that we're going to loss to a damn city at doesn't appreciate hockey like we do. 98 it was Washington. 99 it was Dallas and this year it will be Carolina. The first two ended in Game Six in OT in Buffalo. I gotta feeling we'll get the same this Tuesday. You can't lose 3 of your 4 best defensemen and expect to win any series.

 

If we can somehow win Tuesday, I don't like our changes in Carolina for one reason: the officiating has been horrendous. We needed game five and we blew it as much as we had it ripped away by Don Van Massenhoven.

 

Whatever happens, this season was a freaking great ride. I hope it's a preview of things to come but you never know with the NHL which is terribly inconsistent on and off the ice.

 

I guess I just gotta believe but my head is telling me otherwise. The magic is out.

 

Let's Go Buffalo

 

Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!

 

*Sorry....someone had to say it! All I can say is that was a tough game to lose last night. I thought these guys played their balls off and sometimes it just doesn't go your way. Win or lose on Tuesday or Thursday these guys deserve so much credit for taking us on a ride in to June. Don't forget that...

[X. Benedict]

A team that blocks 30 shots, wins faceoffs against the best faceoff team, and looses in overtime by a well preformed clutch of a stick to draw a penalty followed by an unreal bounce from the Carolina boards ( is there any other place in the league where the puck comes off the boards as queerly as Carolina?)

 

Buffalo is not out. Sabres will not loose three in a row if they muster up that kind of effort.

If they force a game 7 you have to like Buffalo's chances.

[apuszczalowski]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!

The Germans Bombed Pearl Harbour???

 

I am trying not to be a realist in this situation, but its getting hard now. I just don't see this team running on anything more then about an 1/8 of a tank below empty. Somehow the Hockey gods (or Gary "get over it Buffalo" Bettman) just don't want to see a Buffalo team succeed. The injuries just aren't going our way and are really hurting the team right now. If they can pull out a win in Buffalo for game 6 they have a chance, but they are going to need some help. I will still be cheering and hoping for the win, but I'm bracing myself for this being the end of the road.

[mrjsbu96]

The Germans Bombed Pearl Harbour???

 

I am trying not to be a realist in this situation, but its getting hard now. I just don't see this team running on anything more then about an 1/8 of a tank below empty. Somehow the Hockey gods (or Gary "get over it Buffalo" Bettman) just don't want to see a Buffalo team succeed. The injuries just aren't going our way and are really hurting the team right now. If they can pull out a win in Buffalo for game 6 they have a chance, but they are going to need some help. I will still be cheering and hoping for the win, but I'm bracing myself for this being the end of the road.

 

*It was a quote from a movie....Animal House. Usually makes the Top 5 list of Best Comedies of all Time...

 

Why "brace" yourself for the end? What good does that do? Enjoy the ride, semi-final hockey, etc. There will be plenty of time to play the down-in-the-dumps card when the playoffs are over, but in the meantime get excited! I'm still so happy that I get to watch my hockey team past Memorial Day Weekend!