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"Sabres Win Cup!"
Lancaster, NY • United States • 36 Years Old • Male
I wrote yesterday about how the Sabres need to ratchet up the “physical” play if they expect to make a serious run to the cup. After watching game 4 of the Pens & Sens… maybe the Sabres plan will work out just fine if they meet one of these teams in the ECF.

To put it simply and succinctly, these teams are absolutely KILLING each other. I have to believe that this series will have a significant negative effect on which ever team advances. Neither of these teams can expect to continue to play at this pace for another 20 games.

On the other hand, perhaps the Sabres are getting a pass. The Islanders have been “bringing it” as best they can, but as we saw in the third period of game three, they couldn’t keep up their pace. The Sabres out shot them 17–2 in the third.

The Senators better hope to win this in 5, because if it goes 6 or 7, both teams will be shot. My “spidy-sense” tells me that this less intense series will pay dividends for the Sabres further on down the road.
Filed Under:   Penguins   Islanders   Buffalo   Sabres   Senators   cleon  
April 18, 2007 9:59 AM ET | Delete
The Sabres won't be playing either team as either Tampa (the 7, up 2-1 over New Jersey) or the Rangers (the 6, up 3-0 over Atlanta) will be their opponent should they go on to win their series against the Islanders.
April 18, 2007 10:10 AM ET | Delete
Maybe you're the wuss, who cringes at watching these guys play. It will be interesting to see OTT vs. Avery however. But at the same time the depth and playoff experience in OTT is far greater than ATL. The fact that the Sens can play this pounding physical game is a great indication of potential future success. If they pound NYR, wow... are the Rangers in for trouble. They are a more talented team than NYI, but definitely slower... Reg season they were 3-1 against them, winning 1-0, 6-4, 3-2 and losing 3-1 in an away game.Sabres have more than enough, although a series against Tampa, I think finally the Holmqvist issue may come up. Then again, if he gets hot, it could be a very interesting outcome.Sabres need intensity all throughout, especially if they meet up with OTT, it will certainly be a match-up where OTT will want to pound BUF physically because that's how you beat them. (if it is at all possible, 4 times out of 7)
April 18, 2007 10:17 AM ET | Delete
I hardly "cringe at watching these guys play"... it's dowright spectacular hockey. In fact, i wish the sabres would get nasty as well. I just think it has to take alot out of them.
April 18, 2007 10:39 AM ET | Delete
The physical play could very well take a toll on the winner of the series, without a doubt it could. You can see it starting to effect Heatley in the corners, as he is constantly losing the puck or trying not to get drilled rather than make the play.
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