First of all, the Muckers and Grinders Unsung Player of the Game Award goes to Danny Paille for some absolutely beautiful assists on the goals by Vanek and MacArthur.
Now, in honor of the seven goals the Sabres scored this afternoon, I offer seven observations about a very nice 7-1 win over the NY Islanders:
- I LOVE Craig Rivet. I know that he probably should have just let Mair handle himself. I know he may get suspended for jumping in. I also know that he is exactly what this team has needed for so long. Today he showed that no one can push this team around. Yes, I did just say that no one can push the Sabres around anymore. It's been so long since that's been true, and it feels so good to say that. Captain Craig is not only a true leader; he is a true mucker and grinder of the highest order.
- The character of this team is changing, and it's for the better. I know it's only two games, but sometimes you can just feel it. You can feel the desperation, the drive to prove themselves once again. You can see the heart and the effort in every shift, and you can sense the maturity starting to settle upon these boys. I don't know much about the technicalities of hockey, but I do know that, if they play every game (or even most of them) like these first two, I will be a very happy and proud Sabres fan.
- I think Point 2 is directly a result of Point 1, as well as a new hatred for losing that last season taught them.
- With three goals in two games, Thomas Vanek is on pace to score 123 goals this season (yes, I did the math). Seriously, though, I love his visible fire this season. You can tell that he is proud to finally be on the PK unit, and I'm so glad he got rewarded for what I feel is solid shorthanded work with the first shorty of his NHL career.
- If I was an Islanders fan, I would be embarrassed tonight. It's never a pretty thing to watch a hockey team simply give up before your eyes. I'm still having trouble deciding if the Sabres were just that good or if the Isles were just that bad. Related to this, does anyone have a picture of Mike Comrie waving the white flag in the penalty box?
- This picture is the greatest thing ever:
- I wish Goose could have been in that fight, and I'm sure he does, too. It seems like almost every time a brawl erupts (see,Ottawa Brawl), Goose isn't there. Watch the video again and picture Goose out there instead of Max, and think of just how much greater an already great piece of pugilism could have been:
And an extra thought for the one goal the Islanders got against the very solid play of the adorable Patrick Lalime:
8. Trent Edwards is practicing again, and I for one could not be happier. Sorry, JP, even you have to admit that we were lost without him.
Finally, I would like to offer my deepest condolensces to the family and friends of Alexei Cherepanov, the Rangers prospect who, at 19, passed away on the ice during a game in Russia today. RIP, Alexei; things like this are so terrible to hear about that I honestly have no words...
11 comments:
With three goals in two games, Thomas Vanek is on pace to score 123 goals this season (yes, I did the math).
I just wanted to let you know how much I love that you figured that out and how I kind of for a millisecond convinced myself that it was plausible.
Agreed with Anne. You are my hero, Sabre Sister. 123 goals is officially Thomas Vankek's expected outcome.
I too love Craig. He's for sure rubbing off on the Sabres. :D
Not sure my man crush for Craig Rivet can get any deeper.
Wait a minute, it can. Can't wait for the first time Chris Neil bumps into Ryan when Captain Craig is on the ice. Wow, won't that be fun!
Where in the world did you get that picture of Mair from, it is hilarious!
I kind of for a millisecond convinced myself that it was plausible
I did, too, Anne! In my head I was thinking that one or two goals a game is not impossible, but then I saw the number again and laughed at myself. haha
You are my hero, Sabre Sister
I do not deserve any praise - all of it should go to the calculator on my computer - haha. I just wanted to know exactly how absurd the number would be.
Can't wait for the first time Chris Neil bumps into Ryan when Captain Craig is on the ice. Wow, won't that be fun!
Good point! As if Goose fighting Neil wasn't good enough. I may be going to the first Ottawa game, and now I have even more reason to be excited for it!
Where in the world did you get that picture of Mair from, it is hilarious!
I'm so glad you appreciated it, too! I got it from ESPN yesterday, and I couldn't resist posting it.
The character of this team is changing, and it's for the better. I know it's only two games, but sometimes you can just feel it.
I feel it too, Katie! I can just see with the intensity of most of the players on the ice...things are definitely changing for Buffalo, and I couldn't be happier! I love how these first two games went!
You can tell that he is proud to finally be on the PK unit, and I'm so glad he got rewarded for what I feel is solid shorthanded work with the first shorty of his NHL career.
I can say that I honestly squealed after seeing that he was the one who scored the shortie. Did you see his postgame interview on the website? He looked really happy and said that 'it was exciting'. I love that he's working really hard to get more ice time.
Did you see his postgame interview on the website? He looked really happy and said that 'it was exciting'.
I saw it, and I loved that he said it was the first shorty of his entire hockey career, which I think there are not many firsts left in. He was so excited, and I am totally loving the emotion from him so far this season!
Ha, considering the record is 92 and it was a BFD when Ovechkin broke the 60 mark.... I don't think 123 is in the cards. Although (following your lead) after 5 goals in 3 games he's now on pace for 136, hahahahahahha.
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