Magic number down to one!!!

[Dr. Lecter]

After tonight's regulation victory.

Carolina is going have to go 3-0-0 and the Sabres 0-2-0 or else were are witnessing a miracle and there will be playoff hockey in Buffalo!!!!!

I am actually getting excited.

In all seriousness, this team looks much different than last year's team. They have more points than anybody in the East since the middle of February. They have rebounded from a horrendous start that would have been easy to fold up after. They have won big games (Montreal, Rangers, Carolina, Tampa). They have done so without Miller and other regulars like Roy, Grier, Leopold and Hecht. They have not lost two in a row since February 18-19.

The team looks like it might be growing up.

And give Vanek the 'C' now.

[Bufftp]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

Talk about jinxes ESPN nhl headline has buffalo clinching a spot. :afraid:
"
Sabres Are In

Buffalo has joined the dance. The Sabres beat the Bolts 4-2 on Tuesday to clinch a playoff spot and end Toronto's hopes"
stupid espn

[G Wolly]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

Carolina won't beat Detroit.

[Nighthawk]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

After tonight's regulation victory.

Carolina is going have to go 3-0-0 and the Sabres 0-2-0 or else were are witnessing a miracle and there will be playoff hockey in Buffalo!!!!!

I am actually getting excited.

In all seriousness, this team looks much different than last year's team. They have more points than anybody in the East since the middle of February. They have rebounded from a horrendous start that would have been easy to fold up after. They have won big games (Montreal, Rangers, Carolina, Tampa). They have done so without Miller and other regulars like Roy, Grier, Leopold and Hecht. They have not lost two in a row since February 18-19.

The team looks like it might be growing up.

And give Vanek the 'C' now.

No, it isn't growing up, it is a different team making the run. Some of the players that everybody hates are either not playing, gone or have reduced roles. It should be no surprise that the energy is better with younger, more eager players in the lineup. It just proves everybody right, they needed to get rid of some of the "core" guys to see a change in the demeanor of the team.

[SkateZilla]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

Talk about jinxes ESPN nhl headline has buffalo clinching a spot. :afraid:
"
Sabres Are In

Buffalo has joined the dance. The Sabres beat the Bolts 4-2 on Tuesday to clinch a playoff spot and end Toronto's hopes"
stupid espn

they must have realized we need more pt or a carolina loss, I want 6th place....

[TMu11]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

After tonight's regulation victory.

Carolina is going have to go 3-0-0 and the Sabres 0-2-0 or else were are witnessing a miracle and there will be playoff hockey in Buffalo!!!!!

I am actually getting excited.

In all seriousness, this team looks much different than last year's team. They have more points than anybody in the East since the middle of February. They have rebounded from a horrendous start that would have been easy to fold up after. They have won big games (Montreal, Rangers, Carolina, Tampa). They have done so without Miller and other regulars like Roy, Grier, Leopold and Hecht. They have not lost two in a row since February 18-19.

The team looks like it might be growing up.

And give Vanek the 'C' now.

Dear God, please don't.

[Mski]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

Dear God, please don't.

elaborate why you dont believe he's worthy of it?

[G Wolly]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

elaborate why you dont believe he's worthy of it?

He's good and I enjoy seeing him play well, but doesn't always show up when he should.

[Dr. Lecter]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

No, it isn't growing up, it is a different team making the run. Some of the players that everybody hates are either not playing, gone or have reduced roles. It should be no surprise that the energy is better with younger, more eager players in the lineup. It just proves everybody right, they needed to get rid of some of the "core" guys to see a change in the demeanor of the team.

Interesting.

If you deny that guys like Vanek, Stafford, Sekera, Butler and Pominville are different this year then you are not watching the games. At all.

And what core guys are gone or have been gone? Grier is not core. Kaleta is not. Hecht played during much of the resurgance.

So what core guys are gone or not playing?

[SabreEleven]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

He's good and I enjoy seeing him play well, but doesn't always show up when he should.

Maybe the 'C' on his chest will drive up his confidence. I'd like to see what it would do for him.

[trapezeus]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

vanek can be very much like a hot shot adult rec player. When beating up on a team, that player usually scores like 2-3 goals. but in a close game, that guy who has the nice stats is no where to be found.

Luckily, the sabres have been playing a much mroe even game. They aren't reliant on one player beinga superstar, so vanek's struggles the last couple weeks isn't noticeable. and quite frankly i think that is the team that is more dangerous in the playoffs. When one guy stops producing, another guy is there.

Vanek was buzzing last night because there were a lot of opportunities. And the thing about last night's game was that it didn't look much like playoff hockey. it felt like a mid november hockey game. crowd was quiet, neither team really pushed that much and took what was given.

in the playoff atmosphere games this year, we relied on good defense and one or two timely goals. Vanek has been good in the defensive end this year, but i don't think he's captain worthy yet.

[Crisis]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

i think vanek is deserving of the C but i'd wait til next year before giving anyone it.

[G Wolly]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

vanek can be very much like a hot shot adult rec player. When beating up on a team, that player usually scores like 2-3 goals. but in a close game, that guy who has the nice stats is no where to be found.

I always compare the play of my teammate's brother to that of Vanek.

He has the ability and can make nice plays/score goals, but half-asses it most of the time and only pushes himself when there's a clear opportunity to make a play.

[OpIv37]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

Interesting.

If you deny that guys like Vanek, Stafford, Sekera, Butler and Pominville are different this year then you are not watching the games. At all.

And what core guys are gone or have been gone? Grier is not core. Kaleta is not. Hecht played during much of the resurgance.

So what core guys are gone or not playing?

I'll give you 4 of those 5. Pominville is the same guy. He's come up with a few key goals in the last few games, but don't let that make you forget that he's been the same guy for most of the season.

Butler has improved tremendously.

Vanek is still too inconsistent for my tastes but I have to say he's getting better in that regard.

[Mski]

Re: Magic number down to one!!!

if we wait till the offseason to name a new "C", who woud Betmen had the cup to if we got there?