Sabres comeback keeps the playoffs in sight

by David Oleksy on Mar 19, 2008 10:32 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Lightning wish they could play 40 minute games against the Buffalo Sabres. For the second time this season they failed to close out the Sabres when they had them on the ropes. The Sabres scored six third period goals to comeback from down 4-1 to win 7-4 at HSBC Arena. Thomas Vanek netted a hat trick for the second time this season against Tampa Bay and Jason Pominville had two goals and two assists for Buffalo.

If you think back to about a month ago when Buffalo beat Tampa Bay, tonight was eerily similar. I'm sure I could have cut out my post from that night and posted it here. It's not often I give up on a game but once again I did tonight. What's the saying fool me once...shame on you, fool me twice...shame on me, that certainly held true tonight.

Buffalo fell behind 2-0 early in the game but I thought they were playing well in the first period. It was disheartening to see the way they played in the second period. They seemed to lack the heart and desire that it takes to compete for a playoff spot. The Lightning out shot Buffalo 8-2 in the second period and scored two goals to take a 4-1 lead going into the final frame. It was Lecavalier who scored both second period goals but more importantly it was Lydman and Tallinder on the ice. Last time I checked Lecavalier is pretty good but for some reason they left him all alone while four Sabres players converged on the puck. The Lightning's fourth goal wasn't much better as they allowed Lecavalier to get behind the defense and in on a breakaway.

Note to self: Don't allow Vinny Lecavalier to be left alone!

I'm obviously excited that Buffalo won the game but I'm really getting sick of this Jeckyl and Hyde thing they have going on. Last Wednesday they get demolished by Pittsburgh 7-3 but now they have score seven, six and seven in their last three games. They will need to better in their last eight if they are going to make the playoffs because it is going to take 10 or 11 points to get that final spot. The Laughs come to town on Friday so we are sure to see a good game.

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Great Comeback!!

Thank Goodness that The Sabres won tonight. We were lucky that we were able to win one period and overcome a three goal deficit. Hey guys you need to tighten up the defense, because you won't have the luxury of scoring six goals in a period when you get into the playoffs. Let's make sure you guys do what it takes to to beat the Senators over the next two games. Keep on wining and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.

by Bobby The Blade on Mar 20, 2008 12:29 AM EDT reply actions

Ok...

Why for some reason did I forget that the Sabres play the Leafs before they play the Senators?? Brain Freeze I guess.

by Bobby The Blade on Mar 20, 2008 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right Bobby

They need to really tighten things up if they are going to beat the Sens. I think they have to get 11 points to make the playoffs. That is the equivalent of 5-2-1 over the last eight games.

D.O. www.diebytheblade.com

by David Oleksy on Mar 20, 2008 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions

WOW

way to hit the gas in the third period. Well done. It's not over yet man - keep at it.

FrankD from http://www.pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Mar 20, 2008 3:14 AM EDT reply actions

Captains

I think that with this game Pommers and Hetch have set themselves apart for the captaincy (sp?) next year, I don't have any problems with the rotating C but I really think that those two guys (along with Roy) have been the most consistant performers for the Sabres and have solidified themselves as the teams truest leaders...you could really tell after Jason's first goal a fire was lit under the teams ass and they responded well...I hope they keep this run going and show they desparation it takes to win the cup (desparation that was lacking in last years playoffs)

by Lion Alum on Mar 20, 2008 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

The captain of this team should be Hecht with Roy and Pommer getting an "A". I really hope they make the playoffs this season but it's important to note how young this team is. If they lock up Pommer and Miller I like the core of this team well into the future.

D.O. www.diebytheblade.com

by David Oleksy on Mar 20, 2008 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions