Undefeated Sounds Nice - Let's Keep It That Way

Dear Buffalo Sabres,

You did it! For a little while I wasn't so sure you would, but you actually beat Ottawa - for the second time in a row, in fact. I know it's just one game, but it's one game that ended with us getting two points. Were there things you could have fixed? Of course. Did the power play look downright awful at times? Sure. But you had grit, speed, and the ability to clamp down defensively when it mattered most - and that's all I can ask for. Thanks for giving this city a sports team to smile about - even just for tonight.

Dear Derek Roy,

Allow me to sing you this letter: "You made me love you. I didn't want to do it." Our relationship is tumultuous at best, Royzie, but tonight you earned some major points in my book. Here's hoping that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship (or fan-player relationship, to be more accurate).

Dear Tyler Ennis,

I really think I'm going to love you. Us tiny people need to support each other, and I'm pretty sure if you keep playing as hard as you did tonight I won't have any trouble supporting you.

Dear Chris Neil,

I wish Goose or Rivet or McCormick or Kaleta or anyone else would have punched you in the face. I wondered how long I could keep disliking you and your dirty play and ugly face, and I think I learned that the answer is forever.

Dear Ottawa Senators,

You looked bad then; you looked bad tonight. I love it when you look bad. Please continue to do so.

Dear 7 p.m. Saturday,

Are you here yet?

Quick Hits

Some random thoughts as I steel my nerves for the Sabres-Sens game tomorrow night:

*In my last post, I said that Paul Gaustad was challenging Pat Kaleta for his spot in my father's heart. Apparently, Patty took that personally and then went on to have two amazing games with two shorthanded goals. Both were impressive, but I especially liked the one on Lundqvist. It was a shot with a lot of confidence, and it was so unexpected. I always love seeing grinders get recognition, so I am very happy to see him in the spotlight. Plus, I like when other people get to see their underappreciated favorite get some love from people other than them, so I'm happy for my dad!

*Speaking of underappreciated favorites, I am really missing Goose out on the ice. I never noticed how important his face-off skills were until we were without them. At least he's improving, though, so hopefully he'll be back soon. I really wish he was playing tomorrow - he's the only one I trust to give Chris Neil a beating.

*In NFL news, J.P. Losman is reportedly heading to Oakland. I finally get to use my "I don't think you're a failure, J.P." tag again! That's pretty much the extent of how much I care about that news. It's nice to see him back in the NFL, but the Bills this season have drained a lot of my energy in terms of the effort I put into my football fandom. It's hard for me to care about a sport when my team is so irrelevant in it.

*I forgot to say this in my last post, but my thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Grier and his family after the passing of his mother. As someone who lost someone close to her around Christmas, I know that's not easy. Kudos to him for coming back as soon as he did, and I'm sure he's getting all the support he needs from his teammates and coaches. They really are a family, and I hope that comforts him.

*Tomorrow the Sabres play in Ottawa. Just saying that makes me start to shake involuntarily. I have come to dread Ottawa games like I dreaded Calculus class - the feeling of failure just hangs around it. I'm hoping that they prove my exceedingly low expectations ("just don't get embarrassed") wrong, but I'm not planning on a win. You may call that being negative, but I call that being a Sabres fan for the last four years. Again, let's just hope they prove my pessimism wrong.

For Comparison's Sake

In "The Battle of the Intros," I present the Buffalo Sabres latest entry:

And the old standby from Ottawa:

Cute kids trump ill-fitting helmets every time.

Let's hope it shakes out that way on the ice tonight, too.

Cute kids:

Ill-fitting helmets:

Tonight is a great night for rivalries. I'll be going back and forth between the Sabres/Sens and Duke/UNC. Expect a little something on both match-ups tomorrow, if only because I'll have no homework then.

It's Been a While

I would like to begin this post by apologizing for being a terrible blogger this week; this semester is going to be more intense than even I could have imagined.

There's not much I can really contribute to the conversation about the Sabres right now. They're playing really well. I know they're playing really well. I hope they never stop playing really well.

In all seriousness, I am so pleased with not only the fact that they're winning games but how they're winning those games. Whether it's a blowout like Wednesday or a tight battle like last night, this team has shown up to play in every situation over the last stretch of games.

I know everyone loves to talk about a season's "turning point," but I have to say that this team has been different since that loss to Washington in December. After Goose, Ryan, and the others stated that they were going to hold each other accountable, I've seen a more determined team on the ice every night. Sure, some nights since then haven't been perfect, but I think we can all agree that the thing that matters most, the effort, has been more palpable ever since.

I keep waiting for this to end, for the lazy, uninspired play to start again. I'm anxiously looking at the schedule for games where they could use travel or fatigue as an excuse (yes, I know I'm a masochist). So far, though, the boys haven't taken the bait, coming to work every night - much to my pleasant surprise.

To make up for my six days without posting, I give you six reasons to be really happy with the Sabres right now:

1.) Tim Connolly - I know that Timmy is the hot subject to talk about right now, but I couldn't write a blog about the recent success of this team and not mention him. That goal last night was a thing of beauty, but it's also a thing of regularity when Timmy's in the lineup. This team plays differently with him on the ice. That is why we cannot trade him at the deadline. He makes our team better, and, with the battle to move up in the standings getting more intense every day, we need the best team we can possibly put on the ice. That team only exists with #19 as our center.

2.) Ryan Miller - Have I mentioned how excited I am that we get to keep him for the next five years?

3.) Pat Kaleta - I'm almost as happy as my father to see his man-crush back on the ice. He plays a role on our team that no one else can fill, and I love that guys on the other team know what he's trying to do and still take penalties against him. He's been pretty strong on the PK lately, too.

4.) The Vanek-Connolly-Stafford Line - It's so nice to have a strong #1 scoring line again.

5.) Defense - Spacho's shot finally hit the net. Rivet is bringing the grit and character to the blueline that we got him for. Paetsch looked good out there as a forward yesterday, playing on the strongest line of the night. I've been so impressed with Nate this season; he does what he's asked without whining, and it was nice to see him rewarded with success yesterday.

6.) Paul Gaustad (kind of...) - So I'm extremely depressed about Goose being hurt...again. Indefinitely is a long time. However, many thanks to Amy from SOTC for alerting me to this interview following the Anaheim loss. Ladies, if this doesn't make you smile as a Sabres fan, nothing will:

I don't know about anyone else, but shirtless interviews with Goose just scream journalistic integrity for me. Just keeping it classy over here at M&G.

Tonight, the Sabres take on everyone's favorite team to hate (and, this year, to laugh at), the Ottawa Senators. I just hope Ruutu isn't hungry again...

Sens Bark Worse than their Bite

Sorry for the lame pun, but Mike Robitaille pretty much stole all the other ones.

Like most games against Ottawa, this one had its fair share of inrtiguing moments. I know that the Sabres gave up two goals to Jason Spezza in the lengthy span of 36 seconds. I know that the second and third periods were anything but pretty. I know some will criticize Miller for those goals or say that this win was not as impressive as it should have been.

I know that I couldn't care less right now. The Buffalo Sabres are winners of three straight games in regulation, games that were won by grit, heart, and patient play. The boys are actually starting to play as a team again, making clean passes and good outlets. They are bringing a new sense of determination to the ice right now, winning battles and sticking up for one another (see Craig Rivet's little scrum in the third when the Sens got too close to Miller).

My Unsung Hero of the Game is Paul Gaustad because Goose sure knows how to set the tone for a gritty effort. With that first hit on the first shift (which led to his assist on the first goal), he let both teams know how this game would be played and let everyone know that the Sabres wanted this win more. It's nice to see that again.

I suppose if I'm going to write anything more about this game, I have to say at least something about the Jarkko Ruutu's little snack break in the first period:

This is just plain embarrassing. I'm sure that Ruutu will not receive any punishment from the league, as we are still waiting for anything to be done about Gautier's sucker punch on Kaleta. This is the same NHL that lets blatant cheap shots go while they throw the book at Sean Avery for being a sexist pig.

Ruutu may have overtaken the title of biggest joke on the Senators from Chris Neil. I mean, really, let's think about it, he bit another man. He bit another hockey player in the hand. I'm sorry for repeating this, but I am still surprised that anyone would even think of doing something like that.

The best thing about this was all of the amazing jokes Roby had about it. From remarks about veterinarians and rabies shots to comments about the Sens being "hungry," you could tell he was having the time of his life with this. My favorite one was when he asked about how a roommate would react if Ruutu came home hungry. He was cracking himself up before he could even get it out.

All in all, this was a game we needed to win and we did, despite the brief period when the Sens took a nice bite out of our momentum (ok, I'm really done now). This was a win at home, against a team that usually has our number, at a time when we could have gotten complacent. I don't know about you, but I am going to enjoy this game for as long as I can.

Monday Musings

Did you ever just have one of those days, a day when you wish the Sabres were playing because you can't wait to see the next game?

Today is one of those days for me. There's been no hockey since Saturday's demolition of Boston's winning streak, and it's been too long for me. When the Sabres are winning, I want to see them continue winning. I want to see their heart and effort on display once again, and I can only hope that they have decided (finally) that they like playing this way as much as we like watching them play this way.

I'll admit that I'm a little nervous for tomorrow's game against the Senators. Yes, I know that Ottawa is 1-4-1 on their current road trip. Yes, I know that they are in the basement of the Northeast Division. Yes, I know that this Sabres team I'm nervous about is the same team that just beat up on the leaders of the Eastern Conference in their arena.

However, I also know that this Ottawa team has already embarrassed us once at home this season when we thought we were playing well. I know that this Sabres team has a tendency to play down to their opponents rather than crushing them as they should. I know that this Sabres team likes to get complacent after a few victories, forgetting the hard work that led to them.

With those points in mind, I was very happy to read Paul Hamilton's report on WGR's website today. To summarize his points:

*Captain Craig is set to return to the ice tomorrow. I can only hope that means he's ready to join Goose in a beat-down of Chis Neil because I've been waiting for the day his fist meets Neil's face since we signed him. Seriously, though, having their Captain back should give them an added incentive to play all-out tomorrow (even though they should be playing this way all the time).

*With Teppo battling an illness, Chris Butler has been kept up with the team. I don't want Teppo to be sick, but I really want Butler to stay up with the big club. Even if he is feeling better, give the veteran a rest tomorrow and keep the youngster in. I like everything about Butler's game right now, and I don't want him to see Portland ever again (even though it's pretty much a given at some point).

*Max is out for a stretch, but Timmy is coming back. I never wish for anyone to be hurt, but letting Max rest for a while may be the best thing for this team. Plus, with Timmy coming back, our offense should be riding high soon (hopefully). We are in desperate need of another center (no offense, Jochen), and Timmy provides play-making opportunities that should lead to even more scoring chances for other guys and an even stronger powerplay.

*The best thing about Hamilton's report, though, is what he said about the nature of the practice today:

"Ruff put the troops through a hard hour today in the Marina. He wants to make sure he stays on top of them after two very good efforts in Toronto and Boston"

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. This team needs constant reminding that they cannot rest on their laurels. I understand that this shouldn't be necessary, but it is. This is a group of hockey players who know that they are talented and think that should be enough. They need to be force-fed one of my favorite quotes: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." Two wins do not signify a turnaround, and I'm so glad to hear that Lindy is pushing them the same way as before; hopefully it will have the same results.

This is Lindy's happy handshake. I want to see more happy handshakes in the future, please.

I would be remiss if I closed this post without mentioning that the Bandits won their home opener in impressive fashion, beating the Philadelphia Wings 15-11. The view from our season ticket seats is amazing - seven rows up from the penalty boxes. If any of you ever go to a game this season, stop by Section 117, Row 7, Seat 10 and find me!

Our Song(s)

Another slow day in NHL-land. Well, except for the fact that Ray Emery has fled the continent to play in the oh-so-new and oh-so-Russian Continental Hockey League. Farewell, Ray; I'll miss chanting your name in playful mockery at every Ottawa game.

EMMMMERRRRY....EMMMMERRRRYY - Gosh I'll miss that

To combat this slow news day, I've decided to satisfy my inner music geek. S(h)ara over at Sabretooth's House had a great idea a few days ago to list all the songs that remind her (for better or worse) of our boys in Blue and Gold.

Today, I bring you my Sabres Playlist:

Move Along (The All-American Rejects)
This song will always remind me of the 2005-2006 Cup run. They used to play it on KISS 98.5 after every game when they did their "Sabres Report." Every time I hear this song, all I can think of is how perfect it was for that year, that team. They just kept going, even when it seemed impossible. I still get goosebumps when I hear this song because, for as great as 06-07 was, 05-06 was our year.

I'm Shipping Up to Boston (The Dropkick Murphys)
I heard this in my friend's car on the way to the Bisons game last week, and this is how the conversation went:
Me: Are we on the power play?
Best Friend: Katie, you really need a life.

City of Blinding Lights (U2)
Whenever I hear this song, I have to look around and make sure the Sabres aren't rushing onto the ice around me (which is odd because I usually hear it in my car).

Livin' on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)
Yes, they play this at EVERY sporting event, but this has a special Sabres memory for me. My two best friends and I went to the first Tampa Comeback game last February. When Vanek scored to tie the game with less than a minute left, they played this song. It seemed like everyone in the arena was singing along, and it reminds me that, even when we are at our most pessimistic, Sabres fans, at our core, are a group of believers.

Don't Stop Believin' (Journey)
Was that a nice segue or what? I remember this song being on a lot during the Ottawa series of 2007. It was almost as if we were trying to will them to win.

I'm a Believer (Smashmouth)
The only Sabres playoff game I've ever gone to was Game 5 of the Sabres-Rangers 2007 series. Yes, that Game 5. It was probably one of the greatest moments of my life, and this song will always be associated with that game for me. When the Rangers iced the puck before that last faceoff in regulation, they played this song. I swear, it was like something out of a movie how perfect that moment was - first they play the song, then Drury scores, and we win in OT.

Better Days (The Goo Goo Dolls)
This song still makes me tear up whenever I hear it. That video was just so...quintessentially Buffalo. We work hard during the day, and we expect the same from our teams. All we ask is that they give us a chance to feel good about ourselves. For a moment, that 06-07 team did just that. They made us stop feeling bitter and start believing something good could happen here, even if it didn't end perfectly.

So that's my list. Any other suggestions?