Sabres lost their heart in New York
Goal? No goal? Who cares?? Daniel Briere, who scored the wiped out goal, said that it was two games in a
row where controversial goals were disallowed. "In a sense, I’m hoping that the league is right," Briere boldly
commented on MSG NYC after the game. "I think they misjudged the one last
game. The Rangers’ goal (Sunday) should have been a goal. So for the sake of
the league I hope they make the right call because that couldn’t be good two
games in a row, two critical goals disallowed."
By Rick Anderson
May 2, 2007
The Sabres simply were not going to win this game, whether that goal with 17
seconds left had counted or not. It was written in stone on the ice, and the
stone wall was Henrik Lundqvist. Nothing was going to get past him, and when one
did, it didn't seem to make a difference. The Sabres lost their second straight
2-1 game in the Big Apple and now the series is suddenly tied at 2.
The Sabres, who had the courage to overcome all odds last year when 7
injuries tore huge holes in their roster, have not come close to displaying the
desperation and drive that got them deep into the playoffs last year. And now
they have no excuse! They have a completely healthy squad, especially when Paul
Gaustad rejoins the team on Friday.
It is clear to all Sabres fans what is missing in the Sabres attack, almost
everything they had last year at this time. If Briere's goal had stood, and
overtime would have resulted, the fate would be the same unless if there were a
complete turnaround in the Sabres level of play.
Where can one point to as the reason for the Sabres sudden lack of interest in the playoffs. It almost appears as if they want teams to lay down and hand them victories. There just isn’t any of the passion this team displayed last year. The team used to finish its checks, finish off scoring opportunities, and finish their shifts with pride. Now there isn’t any pride on the ice, just complacency.
To get back into this series, the Sabres have to get back their moxie, they have to get back their grit, they have to get back their heart. That’s a tall task. Friday night a 7 pm, Sabres fans will know whether the team from last year has returned. If it doesn’t, the series will likely end on Sunday with the Blue Shirts advancing.
Will the Sabres stand up or surrender?
It’s time for the Buffalo Sabres to stand up and fight for their honor. Since the playoffs first started, there doesn’t seem to be any pride or honor in the Sabres dressing room. Unlike last season when the Sabres fought all odds, surviving injury after injury and stepping up to the challenge, this year’s team seems content with winning the Presidents Trophy.
Unlike teams such as the Ottawa Senators where you have their top line like Danny Heatley, and Daniel Alfredsson making big hits, blocking shots and doing whatever necessary, the Sabres are stepping back instead of stepping up. They are retreating on their heels and not raising their level of their game.
To win the Stanley Cup or to even win a series, a team has to kick up their game several notches. Instead, the Sabres have turtled, they are afraid to stick their necks out to do whatever necessary to win. It isn’t lack of talent that has the Sabres being manhandled in the playoffs, but the meek attitude that is going to prevent them from reaching their ultimate goal.
Friday night, if the Sabres do not get back to playing desperate hockey, from making the hits, connecting on the passes, from crashing the net, they will be down 3-2 going back to New York. In order to prevent that bleak scenario, they have to play their best game of the playoffs. Do the Sabres have it in them, or will they waive the white flag?
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