Quick Thoughts

As I was watching last night's game, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Here we go again...". It just seems all too familiar for me to be watching the Sabres get chance after chance, yet they fail to convert... The results usually end up with a frustrated squad and another tally in the "L" column. Those games that they let slip away and at the end of the season when they are 2 points out of a playoff spot you can't help but look back to those kind of games and shake your head. The games where the Sabres have all the chances in the world, but then the opposing team scores a goal and the team just gets completely deflated and that's the game...

But last night was different. Obviously I was very happy to see the team win last night...2 points is 2 points no matter how you look at it. But for me it was reassuring because it seems like those were the kind of games that the Sabres would lose last year. But the team didn't get frustrated and as soon as Phoenix scored, the Sabres wasted no time to tie the game up, and then they finally converted on the PP late in the game which proved to be the game-winner. They got it done. Now, let's move onto my favorite players of the game...there won't be any surprises here.

- Tyler Myers... He continues to blow me away. As exciting as it is to see him perfom, I'm trying to be level-headed and I keep reminding myself that he's only a kid and he's bound to have some serious gaffes out there that might lead for some of his supporters to turn on him...but as of now I am just loving watching him out there. I think he might be the real deal...it gets me real excited to not only imagine how he's going to turn out later in the season, but in the upcoming years. It was a pretty scary moment when he was lying on the ice after his assist on MacArthur's goal...good to know that he only got the wind knocked out of him. Welcome to the big leagues, Tyler.

- Mike Grier... Have I mentioned that I'm still pretty excited that he's back? Seriously...it's going to be the last game of the season and I'm still going to be like, "I'm just so glad that he's back!" Sometimes I need to tell myself to get a grip. I don't want to turn all fangirl on Mike, but watching him kill those penalties out there last night really isn't helping my cause. Makes me remember why he was my favorite Sabre before he departed. His presence out there is just what the team needs when its late in the game and things can get pretty chaotic out there in the dying seconds.

- Patrick freakin' Kaleta... He's just so good at what he does. The more he gets under people's skin the more I like him. He's that type of player that you hate but you would welcome with open arms if he were to ever join your team. I do find it laughable how many fans around the league can't stand him. I was browsing through some blogs and message boards and there were so many fans saying how that hit on Prucha was very dirty and he should be suspended. That's real cute...just goes to show you much he agitates people. Hey Prucha, keep your head up next time. Not only is he a great energy player that can fire a game up, but he draws a lot of penalties. Let's just hope he doesn't draw penalties in vain...although Vanek did score the game-winner on the PP, they were only 1 in 7 for the night. I think if they keep at it like they are they'll be just fine, though. The goals will come.

- Ryan Miller... You really didn't think I was going to make an entry and not mention mah main man, right? Seriously though...he had just as much of an impact on the game as the players that I mentioned above. While the Sabres were getting chance after chance but failing to convert, Miller did his part to keep the team in the game by making timely saves. He had about 4 or 5 huge saves that I can remember on the top of my head that shows that Miller is one of the best goaltenders in the league right now. I don't care what anyone says. People say I'm biased because he's my favorite player, but it's only a matter of time before the nay-sayers have to admit that the dude is one of the best. I'm real excited for him this year...it's going to be a big season for him. Can't wait. Now if he would only update his blog then he would be PERFECT. Just kidding...except not really.

I'm also liking what I'm seeing from Hecht so far...last year was a pretty tough year for him, and I know it's still extremely early in the season, but perhaps we'll be seeing a more solid season out of Jochen. LaBarbera was also excellent. It's so frustrating for fans to see your team have all these scoring opportunities but it doesn't show up on the scoreboard, but you have to give credit when the goaltender is playing his heart out. He had a great game.

Looking foward to Saturday...