Game Day Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres

by Zachary Zielonka on Apr 4, 2009 2:42 PM EDT

The Buffalo Sabres keep their playoff hopes alive for another night after their win in overtime over the Capitals last night. The road ahead does not get easier though as the Sabres head back to Buffalo to face the Devils and Martin Brodeur.

The Sabres are four points behind the Rangers who are playing the Bruins at the moment. They are two points behind the Panthers who play the Penguins tomorrow.

The Sabres played what was probably their best game of the season last night, being able to capitalize on their opponents mistakes in overtime. Sergei Federov turned over the puck to Tim Connolly who fed Pominville for the game winner. Ryan Miller played an alright game in net, allowing 4 goals on 37 shots.

The Devils played last night as well, beating the Lightning 5-4 in overtime. Martin Brodeur was supposed to get the night off last night with the Devils planning a ceremony for Brodeur before the game. That lasted a total of 21 minutes when Kevin Weekes went down with a injured knee. Scott Clemmensen will serve as the backup to Brodeur tonight. Patrick Elias will miss tonight's game as well for the Devils.

Game time is 7:00 pm at HSBC Arena.

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Bruins Up 1-0

after two. Hold on, Boston!

by ccthemovieman on Apr 4, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

BRUINS WIN!

This makes tonight’s game really, really, really huge – we can pull within two of the Rangers.

Did I say “really?”

by ccthemovieman on Apr 4, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

thank you boston

by tripl21 on Apr 4, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

As I read everything...

It could be closer than you might think.

Rangers, 79 games played, 40-30-9.
Panthers, 78 games played, 38-29-11.
Sabres, 77 games played, 38-30-9.

Let’s say that Florida wins their game in hand on New York, and Buffalo wins their 2 games in hand. Here’s what happens:

- Buffalo, 40-30-9
- New York, 40-30-9
- Florida, 39-29-11

Even though they have the same points overall, Florida is eliminated by the first tie breaker, which is the greater number of games won.

Even though they have the same record, New York is eliminated by the second tie breaker, which is greater amount of points between the tied teams. Buffalo is 3-1-0 with a SO win against the Rangers.

by dfderie on Apr 4, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

The main key to being able to capitalize

is to win as much as possible which could be very tough for this team. We still have three division leaders in six games left plus Carolina

by Zachary Zielonka on Apr 4, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

Agree - it's a tough road

but it’s fun being on it. Better than being eliminated.

Many people counted us out several weeks ago.

by ccthemovieman on Apr 4, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I was one.

Okay, not “several weeks ago”. But a week ago. And it was a long shot a couple of weeks ago.

I also have to admit that I wrote that before checking out our remaining schedule. We’re talking 2-2-1. And that’s from an optimist.

The bottom line is the team has to go no worse than 3-1-1 and probably better. Even if they sneak in with something worse they are dead come the first round.

by dfderie on Apr 4, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions