Sabres Breakthrough Against Caps

Right from the beginning, the Buffalo Sabres looked like the team we all had hoped they would be. “A fast moving, hard-hitting, quality-goaltending team.”

All four lines were rolling and the puck was finding the back of the net. Goals by Pominville, Ellis, Ehrhoff, and McNabb (1^st career goal) opened a first period to remember. Was this an extra Christmas gift? It pretty much was as the Sabres were able to control the rest of the game. Even though they didn’t score again, there was still a lot of entertaining hockey. A hit by Robyn Regehr on Alexander Ovechkin was something that made me say “good job Darcy.” Something that hasn’t been said very often this year. But that is the kind of play we need out of Regehr and the play he brought to Calgary every night, the player who Ales Hemsky still has nightmares about. There were a few times I could have said that tonight.

How about Zach Kassian working his butt off to get back and make a great play as the Capitals were about to take a shot. Or Drew Stafford moving his feet and going to the net as if there was no tomorrow. It’s those little things that will go a long way for you. Jochen Hecht and Brad Boyes came back and made a difference, each tallying an assist. I felt Brad Boyes skated better than he did all year. Derek Roy was generating offense for himself and his teammates.

I really didn’t understand Lindy Ruff having Roy and Vanek together the last few games. The combination of breaking them up again and putting Boyes with Roy (who I believe is one of the few players who can play with Roy) was successful. Also, the home crowd was really on Ovechkin all night. At one point after all the drama had occurred, a rare “Ovieeee" chant broke out (in taunting form of course). The crowd has been really good two games in a row now and hey what a coincidence, the Sabres won both games. For the second time all year they’ve won two games in a row at home.

Also, this was the 15^th consecutive sell-out. Maybe this team is starting to turn the corner. One thing is for sure, Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff are going to have their hands full with roster decisions pretty soon. Myers is nearing a return. Will they make the easy call and send down McNabb. Or will they make the right move and keep him on this team where it appears he belongs. When Ennis and Gerbe get back, will they make the easy move and bring down Kassian? Or will they make the right move and either make a trade or waive a player (maybe Ellis as he most likely would make it through waivers and to Rochester). And finally when Leino comes back, well yea, you get the point. But anyways it’s a good problem to have and let’s enjoy this win and then Wednesday, let’s hope they get another!

Also of note… The Sabres were good at the face-off dot, winning 31 of 53 face-offs and were 2 for 5 on the power play.

Article written by newest DT Sports member Joey Pezzino