Damn that was a tough loss. It's always so sudden in when it goes into overtime. One second you're playing and the next it's over. Even if you outplay the other team throughout they still only have to sneak one by you. And that's exactly what happened.
The first period was goddamn awful. We were on our heels the whole time. Buffalo passed it around us like a basketball team swing passing. Even when we had the puck we weren't finding players' sticks. Or we were trying to do too much and just turning over the puck.
But still I couldn't believe those first two goals they scored. One from that angle is fine. But the second was too much. I think Lavi should have pulled Bouche right there. All he had to do was stay on the post. Two goals from practically behind the net.
Once Leighton was in we seemed to get our groove back. I thought the Zherdev, Giroux, and Van Riemsdyk line gave the best effort. Zherdev was flying up and down the ice, playing defense for once. He's the player that stood out to me. Lavi knew exactly what he was doing by scratching hi from the roster most of the season. He has some fire now and he has a lot of energy left. Giroux has been doing his thing. Sometimes I don't know how the fuck he gets through defenders and gets an open look. Him and Leino have amazing puck control. No one touches them. And JVR is blossoming like many of us thought he could.
Richards had an amazing assist, no denying that. I actually don't know how he did it. But he still needs to step up. He has had good chances but hasn't finished. He's the captain, he's our spark, and I don't see it.
Zac Rinaldo was brought up to take the place of Carter. I thought he did an alright job of filling in, but I look for Carter to help our team in the next game. I'm predicting that Richards and Carter (if he's back) to have big games in Buffalo.
As usual our defense was pretty solid. Timonen made a few mistakes but he always makes up for it. Luckily the didn't score on them. Mezaros is our best defender at this point. He's big, strong, and has good awareness on offense. He has a great slap shot that seems to always end up on net. Pronger has to come back for this game. He's such a good distributor in the offensive zone. And we have to make sure they don't score on their powerplay opportunities.
It's all or nothing here. If we bring the series back to Philadelphia I think we'll take the series. But we still have to get through game six. Ryan Miller has been stellar. Everyone knew he was the key to the Sabres, but I don't think anyone thought he would be THIS good. You can't just take shots from the point and expect them to go in. We need to get him moving and get on every rebound. The save against Briere in game four shows just how cool he is under pressure.
On a lighter note, the Phillies shut out the Padres for the second time in two games. Hamels was dominant and the Big man came through. Were playing like the team we are. Utley's still out but Valdez has been great. I think if we decide to not resign J-Roll, Valdez will be a great replacement. Game three of the series is tonight at 8. Let's sweep those Dads.
Phuck Swords Love Philly
J
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