Insane Series to Conclude on Buffalo’s Home Ice
Montreal Canadiens (7-6) at Buffalo Sabres (7-5)
Puck Drop: 7:30 PM | Keybank Center | Buffalo, New York
TV: ESPN
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Montreal Canadiens
Record: 48-24-10 | 106 PTS
Division Ranking: 3rd in the Atlantic Division
Last Game: Lost to the Sabres, 8-3
PP: 23.5% | Sabres 20.8%
PK: 73.6% | Sabres 78.0%
What to Watch
1. For All the Marbles
Game 7 in the second round of the NHL playoffs, this is what the Buffalo Sabres are challenged with. The winner of tonight’s contest with Montreal will advance into the FINAL FOUR remaining teams, one of which will hoist sport’s ultimate trophy, the Stanley Cup. Buffalo got here with a remarkable 8-3 victory in the madness that is the Bell Center. Now they are tasked with closing it out. When asked about the final game in this wildly insane series, forward Tage Thompson had this to say; “It’s another game that we get to embrace. I think if you would have asked every guy in here in September if they would have taken being in Game 7 in round two, we all would have signed up for that. So we’re in a great spot. Like I said, now it’s just one game. That’s all that matters.” (from Sabres.com) He’s right, it’s a one game series now to be played on their home ice, where they have stumbled to a 2-4 record so far. (while going 5-1 on the road) Sabres’ fans certainly hope they can course correct things at Keybank Center for the series finale.
Tonight’s winner will play the thumb twiddling Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals. The undefeated ‘Canes are 8-0, having mowed down the Flyers and Senators in short order. That, along with some wonky NHL scheduling, will see Carolina have nearly two weeks off between rounds. Will that be a huge advantage for the Hurricanes or will the layoff of not playing meaningful games for so long adversely effect them? To be honest, I only care about that if the Sabres advance. So Buffalo must win to find out.
2. Bangers and Mash
In a series/playoffs where Buffalo’s vets have mostly struggled and we have seen the rise of the young talent, it may seen odd to point out the 4th line before game 7. I am doing that in the hopes they can bring the tight checking and the hard hits one more time, at their highest level so far. The Canadiens have scored in bunches mostly, many right after the Sabres just found twine. That needs to stop in this crucial final contest. I’d like to see Beck Malenstyn, Jordan Greenway and (now) Peyton Krebs on the ice every shift after Buffalo scores. Task your defensively responsible, hard working lunch pail grinders to swarm the Habs and keep them in check. Don’t let Montreal turn around and put the pressure right back on the Sabres. This trio can do just that.
It would be a huge bonus if the Greenway – Krebs – Malenstyn combo could plot a goal tonight as well. Only Greenway has cashed in on the scoreboard this round. Any additional tallies from Jordan, Peyton or Beck would be gravy for the team. Hopefully, Buffalo will get a contribution from each forward line in this pivotal game. The D can certainly continue to chip in as well.
3. Make it Count
The Sabres have defied the odds this season and done the seemingly impossible. For many, ending the drought and making a strong playoff showing is more than satisfactory. Being so close now, to the point the fans and players can almost taste it, well…you have to go for gold. Buffalo must lay it all on the line to advance to their first Eastern Conference finals since the 2006-07 season. Worry about Carolina when you get there. The Blue and Gold have the talent, the grit and the fortitude to get it done.
You know the Canadiens are going to bring it after the embarrassment they suffered at home. The Sabres must play to their strengths, using their speed and getting pucks to the net while involving the dangerous, mobile defense they have. Buffalo dominated 5 on 5 last game, so stay out of the damn box. Montreal is frighteningly good snapping that puck around and ever threatening to score. If the Sabres can get up a couple goals and lay that relentless forecheck on them, there is no reason this whirlwind season cannot continue. So put on your lucky Sabres jerseys/hats/underoos DBTB community, whatever you got. Rub Rob Ray’s head for luck if you can. (you better be fast though) Say your prayers and take your vitamins and cheer like HELL for our boys. LET’S GO, BUFFALO!
I know many of you are nervous and antsy right now as we await tonight’s game. For a little levity, (no pun intended?) I spotted this fellow in the main photo from above. This was from game one of the series. I can’t help but wonder what his story is. He is obviously a Leafs fan, but does he consider Buffalo his second team to root for? Maybe he crossed the border just to enjoy playoff hockey in person? (especially after Toronto fell into the dumper this year) He seems genuinely excited the Sabres scored and is capturing that memory on his phone. I wish I knew more about his reasoning for attending a Sabres/Canadiens game in a Leafs jersey. Look for him along the glass tonight on TV and ask him for me if you see him in person!
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards:
Benson – Norris – Thompson
Doan – McLeod – Tuch
Zucker – Helenius – Quinn
Greenway – Krebs – Malenstyn
Defense:
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Byram – Power
Metsa – Timmins
Goalies:
Luukkonen, Lyon
Montreal Canadiens
Forwards:
Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Newhook – Evans – Demidov
Texier – Danault – Anderson
Bolduc – Veleno – Dach
Defense:
Matheson – Carrier
Hutson – Guhle
Xhekaj – Dobson
Goalies:
Dobeš, Fowler