Forty years ago the Sabres came into this world, blinking into the poor lighting of their old crappy arena. And probably the only things people really remember is ice fog and the death of a poor little bat by a high stick. The Aud may be gone now but someone managed to take some nifty abandoned pictures before that happened.
Forty years ago the Habs, wearing their road reds, were visitors and beat the Sabres wearing home whites 3-0.
The Pens called the Sabres after the game and apologized for forgetting to tell them that if they want to celebrate an anniversary, don't call the Habs. Party poopers.
Two of the most chillax goalies in the League and probably two of the only goalies in the League continuously hung out to dry by their teammates.We all know how Buffalo plays. Lindy Ruff and Jacques Martin makes strange bedfellows. Both are system strong coaches, except Lindy screams a lot while Martin swears under his breath and doodles notes on his notepad all game. Both teams came off a rather annoying loss the game before, except the Sabres didn't score a single goal while getting outshot 35-24 by the shorthanded Devils. In fact, it was hard to tell which goalie was angrier after the result of their last game. Price entered this game as the only goalie in the League to face the most shots in 3 games. One thing's for sure, in spite of crap ice, the Habs came out way more determined than a supposed "angry" Sabres team.
- Ryan Miller is Ryan Miller. Carey Price is Carey Price. It's like "Hey, I made THIS save!" "Oh really, well I made THIS save!"
- After the penalty fest on Wednesday, nice to see the boys play more disciplined. Also the refs in this game decided they weren't going to call every little twitch or twat for once, probably keeping in spirit of the 40 years celebration.
- Who pops the cherry on the powerplay? JOSH GORGES! Complete with sound effect.
- Also on that note, El Jorje scoring means there really is a God. No sticks needed to be sacrificed either.
- For once a defenceman kicked the puck into the net NOT covered by Carey Price.
- Still can't make any saves while being glomped by 3 guys though. Seriously, why you do this to him... Why won't you let him have a shutout?
- Andrei Kostitsyn or bull in a china shop? If the Sabres set up a brick wall at their blue line he'd break through that too.
- Only thing, Andrei, dear... Kovy would have totally picked that far corner while having a tea and biscuit.
- I was upset that Rhino was benched for Picard, yet it turned out ok. Honestly I think he might have had that epiphany. With Eller drawing everyone's attention, he actually had the presence of mind to continue on the puck for the opening goal. And he only got caught once or twice, but there was no harm done.
- PK is special. He screws up, yet he fights hard to cover for his errors. This is why I love this kid.
- Yea, the ref that fucked up that too many men call after Miller left for the bench, I'm thinking you're in trouble.
- Of course after that travesty on Wednesday, we were happy to see some officiating in our favor for once... And to see Derek Roy pissed off is always lovely.
- Not cool sending out the truculence with 4 seconds left, Lindy...
Solid team win. For once, no passengers. Even Pouliot. And holy puck possession, Batman! You guys finally got the concept! And it was lovely seeing the goofy victory moves again.
The New Bulldogs!
Hey hey! The Bulldogs opened their season tonight! And they spanked the Amerks 5-2. It's weird though because Chuck Weber, ex-coach of the Cyclones, is now the Amerks coach. I'm sure he was proud when Wyman and Desharnais scored on his team. Rough time for Jacob Markstrom, Florida's prize goalie prospect (and WJC drama queen). I mean, CONBOY scored! Also Cunneyworth used to coach the Amerks.
What is this, Coach Swap?
Dogs didn't start off too good and found themselves down 2-0 early but then scored 5 unanswered goals. No one was a minus. Mayer held his ground. A couple of fights (typical Amerks/Dogs game). And they got their new coach his first win in his first regular season game.
