Nov

16

Sabres Game Night: Play or DIE

November 16, 2007 |

So the last two, or ten, games have been pretty depressing for Sabres fans. It is easy to focus on the negative aspects of gameplay, which pretty much equate to very few goals, horrible defense, and half-hearted hockey. Then again, putting these things in the back of our minds just hides the obvious. I think the worst part is our expectations of the Sabres to win, which has nearly become a guarantee over the past two years. Right out of the NHL lockout, Buffalo took the hockey world by storm and put themselves in a successful position. Last season, that success continued and we came to expect wins almost every night. The fact that we lost a huge portion of the team over the summer was not thought to be something that would negatively affect the team. I was one of “those people” who believed that the team would triumph over the obstacles and show everyone that they could come together. So far, I have been sorely disappointed with the season, but that disappointment stems from who the Buffalo Sabres were. Who they are now is very different, and I find that it is difficult to accept such a change.

In a way, the team also has to accept a new identity that they are not comfortable with. Frankly, the leadership is not there because no one has been put in that position for an extended period of time over the past. We continue to compare the Sabres to the Sabres of 2005 and 2006, yet there is no basis for comparison. Sharing the same name does not necessarily mean that the two are the same! The main problem is that the post-lockout Sabres built up their identity for two years. This season represents a drastic, horrible change that is not easily swallowed. My feeling is that Buffalo is simply not comfortable with who they are, and that discomfort is translated into each and every game. The solution? Play the game, and realize that there is no reason to live in the past.

Tonight should be interesting, as the Sabres take on the Montreal Canadiens at 7:30 PM. I will be looking for more elements of teamwork and actual playing, rather than expecting a win. And of course, there will be some metaphorical “deaths” if need be! Go Sabres!


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