For the past decade, this is typically the time of the year that the Buffalo Sabres start getting me depressed, as the team is either barely missing the playoffs or getting bounced out of the first round.
This season, the Sabres are frustrating for a completely different reason – winning games at one of the only times in franchise history when it is counterproductive to their future. Last nights victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs has Buffalo clinging to a two point “lead” for last place in the NHL, with only five games remaining.
The rollercoaster of emotions began just six minutes into the first period, when Zac Dalpe notched his first goal of the season. It was not a thing of beauty; just one of those goals that bounces around a bit, and has eyes for the net. Ironically, Matt Ellis picked up his first point of the season. It only took him 34 games. Andrej Meszaros continued his hot streak, picking up the other helper.
The tides then turned as Toronto scored 3 unanswered goals. It appeared at that point that Buffalo was in the drivers seat for a loss, but goals by Cody Hodgson and Matt Moulson had the game notted at 3-3 early in the third period.
Ellis then came along, performed his best Wayne Gretzky impersonation, and scored what ended up being the game-winner. Ellis, of all people, may have pushed my liver to the brink of extinction with that goal. Another useless win by the Sabres, as they appear to be flipping the bird to their fans, and seeking revenge for the home cheering their loss to the Arizona Coyotes last week.
In a normal season, these last two wins would be meaningless in a decade from now. In a lost season, where the top pick could potentially change the fortunes of the team for the next decade, these last two wins could turn out to be heartbreakers. The stuff of Buffalo legend, like wide-right, or no-goal, music city miracle, or Jay McKee’s ankle. I don’t know about you, but I wish the season was over already, for the first time in my life.