BillsGuyInMalta

I just feel happy the Sabres got this far, I really do. They just got raped by injuries at the worst possible time, what can you do about that? I know I'm wearing my Sabres hat proudly tomorrow because they showed this much grit, even when every single card was stacked against them.

I'm serious. We take Game Six, 4-1.

We'll win Game Six.

Definitely nerve-wracking.

Waaaaaay too many penalties.

Obviously people are going to be disappointed we gave up our lead, but on the plus side the Sabres towards the end of the period calmed down and looked to return to their level of hockey. They FINALLY started get some shots on Ward towards the end of the period, which they need to really pour it on like they did to Gerber if they expect to win. Its a shame that this team is SO prone to giving up goals after they score them, apparently they like to torture us all by playing such tight games In the third, its time for the Sabres to man up. This game is probably the hardest they've had all year, I truly feel that...they've got to get back to playing their game.

Whats hilarious is I just came back to check the score, saw that JSP posted last and figured "Yep...Carolina tied it back up. Joe never posts unless its something he can complain about" Sabres GOT to start getting in Ward's face...they are playing back on their heels again and its killing them. Carolina was smart to pull Gerber when they did though, talk about a team with the sudden momentum.

You figure with the Defensemen being the walking wounded, the Sabres NEED to put up goals in bunches if they want to win this game. Seems simple I know, but this is a game I truly think the Sabres need to put up 4 goals to win. Thats a tough task...while Gerber definitely was knocked down a few pegs, he'll probably come out playing like a maniac to try and redeem himself in the 2nd period.

A couple of positives coming out of this period. First off, Sabres scored first...thats always a big help in terms of confidence. Secondly, and what is in my opinion the most important so far, after getting shut out of the last game they've put up 2 goals in one period against Gerber on his home ice. In terms of messing with the Canes, thats definitely a nice touch. Got good shots on goal and even managed to win the face-offs in that period. Nice play by the Sabres...they'll have to keep it up and keep putting shots on Gerber while they can. Still a loooooooong way to go in this game though, but a nice start for our boys.

Woot! There we go.

Quick! Get Michael Leighton in there!

Not saying the season was bleak by ANY means, I'm simply saying that down three of our best Defensemen, going into hostile territory against a goalie that shut us down in the last game is bleak. I think thats a damn accurate statement. I cant imagine how anyone can spin the Sabres being shut out in Game Four as something positive.

I'm still BillsGuyInMalta and I havent been on the island in years. Although apparently there IS a Malta, NY somewhat close to me, so I'm still truthfully covered.

Cant blame Faustus, it does look bleak tonight. I've got a strange sensation of hope though, so we'll see what happens. No idea who Mair is filling in for...

Things just got even more difficult. No Teppo

I say Buffalo takes this game.

On a completely different sidenote...and going in the face of everything I stated after Game Four...but I've got a weird feeling we're going to win tomorrow. Cant explain it, just a feeling. Take it for what its worth.

What will it take to make the playoffs? Divine Intervention?

And sadly, I was right

I hate to say it...but my hopes for a Stanley Cup were just deflated. The Canes have ALL the momentum now, and I've come to the conclusion that we simply wont get healthy enough for the rest of the season. Connolly wont be back, neither will Kalinin or Tallinder. Teppo might stumble in during Game 6, but who really knows with him and that injury? Gerber played outstanding tonight. The Sabres Defense was pathetic. The series is headed into Carolina, following a brutal home shutout and tossing the Sabres around like they were the Penguins. I'm not giving up by any means, but at the same time I think every fan has to realize that the injuries have caught up with the Sabres. It sucks if it ends this way, thats all I can say. I really want to believe they can turn it around, but I got this feeling in the pit of my stomach that they've finally tapped the well dry of magic.

Ugghh...now I'm more worried about how this team reacts in Game Five. Reality had to kick in sooner or later gents, you cant just keep losing players due to injury and expect things to be all hunky dory. They're looking at going into Carolina at 2-2...and they'll still likely be down all 3 Defensemen.

And Carolina gets on the board first...off Jillson. Not good juju. Gerber is OWNING us early in this game. I mean absolutely stonewalling every chance we've had. Does not look good for a win tonight my friends. Injured Defense, opposing goaltender with something HUGE to prove. Not good. Not being negative about the Sabres chances in the SERIES...just saying tonight looks to be one of those impossible odds, and I was saying that even before Carolina scored first. You sometimes just that weird feeling as a fan where you know that you wont win, despite how much heart you show on the ice.

I just read that Teppo is out for tonight Sadly that means 3 of our 6 D-men are average to below average. I hate to say this and come off as negative, but I dont think the Sabres have the strength to pull it off tonight. The injuries will catch up to them methinks. Just wont be our night, I cant see us pulling out a win. And I HATE saying that, I feel sick just typing it out.

Well the good news is all signs point to Teppo coming back on Friday, so its not AS bad as it could be. Jilison played VERY well and Teppo playing again can neutralize Rory's crappyness...so I think we'll be fine. I'm still holding out hope that Kalinin will surprise us and be ready to go some time in the next two games.

Potentially, 3 of our 6 Defensemen in Game Four could be Rory, Jillison and Janek. Canes will be salivating. Miller will be crying.