Sabres Win The Weekend

This was just what the Sabres’ needed to get right with the playoff race, two regulation wins, and both in resounding fashion. First off was a 7-1 smackdown of the Carolina Hurricanes that was owned by the muckers and grinders. Paille, Mair, Gaustad and The Kaleta! all scored for Buffalo, with Derek Roy and Ales Kotalik rounding it out. Once the Canes realized they couldn’t compete on the scoresheet (which was about 11 minutes in down 3-0) they went dirty, amassing 86 penalty minutes.

The offensive renaissance continued tonight with Buffalo beating the Leafs 6-2 at the ACC. Kotalik, Hecht, Stafford, Pominville, Paille and Tallinder had the goals for Buffalo, who got ahead early in a game where fatigue had to be a factor. The Sabres played 3 call-ups on their blue line, and played them a LOT (Weber 19:01, Sekera 21:22 and Funk 14:42). That had to help Hank and Lydman as they didn’t have to play 30min. There were some great passes from the skill players (check Roy to Kotalik out) and more offense generated by The Kaleta!, as he crashed into Colaiacovo which dislodged the puck for a goal. Tallinder’s goal was a 150 footer, as the Leafs pulled Toskala with more than 4 minutes yet to play.

Buffalo next plays on Wednesday against the Lightning. I almost wish they played sooner, although the wounded could use some more time to get right. I just want this energy and scoring to continue for the rest of the season.