Lindy Ruff told us this would happen. When the Sabres came back and beat the Atlanta Thrashers in overtime on New Year's Day, Lindy Ruff said "you can't expect to come back every time you fall behind early". Those words prophetic after the Ducks held on to win 5-4 over the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres left Patrick Lalime out to dry in the first 10 minutes and despite their best efforts they couldn't complete the impossible comeback. The Sabres were the better team for much of the game and actually pulled within one with over 35 minutes left in the game. The Sabres were not only the better team over the final 40 minutes but they dominated the Ducks with their speed. They created offensive chances but Jonas Hiller was impressive making 41 saves for the Ducks.
The Sabres met their demise in the first 11 minutes but it was sealed when the Ducks forecheck forced Pominville to give the puck away in the final five minutes of the game. Ducks forward Troy Bodie buried the opportunity from the high slot under the arm of Ryan Miller who replaced Lalime after the Ducks fourth goal.
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Game Highlights
Backup Factor
The Sabres had to know the odds were stacked against them tonight. They were playing the second of back-to-back games, they had their backup goalie playing and they were playing a team that won seven in a row on home ice. The Sabres did lose and Patrick Lalime allowed four goals on only 11 shots but how much of that was the fault of Lalime?
Answer...this had more to do with the Sabres lack of support than ithe play of Patrick Lalime. One goal was scored on a breakaway and another was deflected by something in front o the Sabres goal. Hopefully the team will apologize to Lalime and let him know that this loss is on them and not him. He was just starting to get some confidence and this game could be a set back if he doesn't keep his head on straight.
Olympic Snubs Benefit Sabres
I wonder if Brian Burke is regretting his decision to keep Tim Connolly off the United States Olympic Roster. He is on a tear and is showing no sign of slowing down. He extended his point streak to 13 games with a goal and an assist to give him 21 points in his last 13 games. Two months ago people were surprised that he was still healthy but now the league, and Sabres fans, are taking notice of his offensive ability.
Jochen Hecht is another player that has responded since being left off the initial roster for Germany at the Olympics. Hecht scored in the final minute of the game to give him 12 on the season. Remember that Hecht has only had 20 goals once in his career so he might have a career year after we all criticized him and wondered if he should even be on the team.
Game Thread Roll Call
We used to always do a game thread roll call and then I stopped doing it. This game deserves to be recognized because all of you made this the best game thread in the history of this blog. It was a 10 p.m. faceoff and the Sabres fell behind 4-0 but much like the Sabres we didn't give up. Thanks to everyone that commented tonight.
Roll Call: manic hispanic, David Oleksy, higs59569, Andy Boron, bflo, Americanario, twoeightnine, Afino, dfderie, Ubiquitous, aerosmithers, JSCoope, Rafal Ladysz, Zachary Zielonka, BFLOS OWN, FloridaBuffalo, Fucilli5, Fedorable, krytime, J2, sabre74kkn, hawaiianbuffalonian, kitaman27
Total Users: 23
Total Posts: 448
Total Threads: 1
JSCoope led the way with 68 comments tonight and Rafal had 58 followed by Ubiquitos with 54. Thanks again to eveyone and hopefully we can do even better on Thursday.