Sabres, Start Slow, Lose 2-1 In Overtime

         After a summers worth of waiting, the Buffalo Sabres opened their season Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens. After a summers worth of waiting we saw the same old Buffalo Sabres.

         The game, a 2-1 loss in overtime yields one point in the standings for Buffalo, but tells us much more than that. I for one, am disappointed with the performance. They were excellent on the penalty kill, but their offense was non-existent. The comment by Lindy Ruff last season about our best players needing to be our best players, plainly did not trickle down to the lockeroom. Vanek looked average, as did Roy, Pominville, and Tim Connelly (who had the teams only goal).  

      Jochen Hecht looked like he had a purpose on the ice and hustled at both ends. Captain Craig Rivet had a solid game at the blue line, and an assist on the teams only goal. Ryan Miller looked solid in net but was not tested often. I would be remiss not to mention Pat Kaleta, who always shows up and plays hard.

      Two and a half hours (which I will never get back), left me feeling like the faces have changed but the philosophy which has left the team out of the playoffs the last couple seasons, is in place and is as unexciting as ever.

      We have the talent to move the puck up the ice quickly, yet we still dump and chase. Lindy, this didn't work well when you were a player and it doesn't work well now!! As a lifetime Sabres fan I have had it with this type of hockey, carry the puck over the blue line and work it in deep. Utilize the speed you have, up the pace of the game, force the other team to keep up with you.

     The Sabres do not have an Ovechkin or Crosby, so they have to outwork their opponents, giving the puck to them in their own zone is not forcing them to play Sabres hockey. And without a big threat player that is exactly what they need to do. Force the other team to skate with them and chase the puck down if they want it.

      I hope these were just opening night kinks, otherwise it is liable to be a very long season.