Can the Sabres win with such a depeted lineup?
599385
I think it's going to game seven, which is a toss up. But then, Carolina could take it in six in light of the injuries...jcass, I think you have it twisted. Let's not forget that Buffalo would not even be here if it were not for the key injury to Ottawa, aka Hasek. Ottawa handled Buffalo all year, but they were lucky enough to run into a rookie goalie in the playoffs.\n\nUndeserving Oilers? Remind me who beat the President's Trophy winner in 6 games? And who came back from 2 games down to beat the hottest team in the NHL going into playoffs in 4 straight (barring possibly New Jesrsey)? Who is up 3 games to 1 against the team that battled the Flames to a first round defeat and swept the Avalanche (another one of the 3 hottest teams in the league going into the playoffs)? Who fought wars all year just to make the playoffs in the toughest divison in the NHL? If there has ever been a team more deserving of a Stanley Cup than the Edmonton Oilers, I have not heard of them.
669568
They have won in the past, but they are getting quite old now and the legs don't work as well anymore.  They also had a very easy schedule in the regular season.  Most of the teams in their division were the weakest in the league and they got most of the points possible against them.  Having a series against a young team that played over .500 hockey was just too much for them.
375409
I'M WITH YA FLYERS RULE!! WE'RE GONNA WIN IN 7. TRUST ME\nALL WE NEEDED WAS FOR FORSBERG TO GET HIS LINE HOT AND ESCHE TO GET ON SOME KIND OF RYTHME AND DON'T FORGET SABRES GOALIE RYAN MILLER IS A ROOKIE TO THE PLAYOFFS ALL WE GOTTA DO IS GET HIM SHAKEY.\nFLYERS RULE!!!!!     LET'S GO FLYERS
733299
I would have to think that people are surprised that the Senators aren't doing "better". They have great players, a lot of talent, speed - all needed ingredients in today's NHL. \n\nThe fact that they are at the bottom has a lot of people talking... however the Sabres and Sharks both started that way last year and finished well.\n\nI think last night's win will shake things up.
133001
They're only 2.5 games out of the eight seed going into tonights games so it's possible.  I don't know if they have it though.  I'd have to say no.  They're just not that good this year.
163176
Nobody will ever say they suck, they just fail under pressure.  1-14 is no good any way you slice it.  The Yankees, Toronto have the best shots, Mets, maybe.  Jones, Chipper and Smoltz cannot carry a team of no names into the series.
610947
They sure could use a big centre.  Thornton is unrealistic, but I would say that Marleau is a possibility.
987074
No, not with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau owning everyone. The only problem is the White Sox and the Tigers keep winning so our bad start is haunting us. Go Twins!
577787
Bearing in mind that the Ottawa Senators are the #1 seed remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are devastated after surrendering their first two games at home in this series, I expect them to play desperate hockey tonight lest they fall behind 3-0 in the series (a deficit virtually impossible to come back from). So my Sabres need to be fully prepared to withstand what should be a powerful onslaught, particularly in the 1st period. \n\nIf Ryan Miller plays like he did in Game 2, we should be in good shape. If he plays like he did in Game 1, we could be in trouble tonight. He's doing amazingly well for a rookie goaltender in his first NHL playoffs, but he does tend to give up too many rebounds and the Sens are a high-scoring team who capitalizes on mistakes (much like the Sabres, btw). \n\nWe also have to be careful about injuries. Ottawa are a bigger, more physical team than Buffalo and we did lose a key player, Tim Connolly, in Game 2. He has a history of concussions and actually had to miss an entire season because of it. As I write this, his status is still not confirmed for tonight's game nor are the details of his condition fully known. This worries me.\n\nThat said, I am confident my proud Buffalo Sabres will win at least one of these back-to-back games at home (we play again tomorrow night) and wrap up the series shortly. Then it's on to crush Carolina (possibly New Jersey if they mount a comeback) and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals where our team will win it all!\n\nThanks for the question, Moon! :)\n\nLet's Go Buf-fa-lo!!!
404866
It has to be buffalo, they gave a headache to the number one in the ewast senators, they have a no-name team that is so powerful almost no one will see them comin, just like \nUmberger didn't seee that check comin durin OT in the Flyer's 2OT loss to the Sabres
308743
anything is possible.  realisticly, no.  they need a superstar player.  they lack discipline.  it takes a good few years before a team makes the playoffs.  it needs good coaching.  the wings were not a good team overnight.  it took many seasons before they got to number one and made the playoffs and won three cups.
652301
The Sabres in 7 games. They are going to be a good match for one another, so I don't think one team is heavily favored to win.
341823
Yes. They have a very deep roster, and in the playoffs that is crucial. If they can continue to play defense, Dirk steps up, and the bench produces, they have a great chance.
381060
I'm very pleased my Sabres shut out the hated flyers 3-0 at home, but I'm not entirely certain they'll thrash them again in loathsome philistinia. I'm hoping we can wrap this up in six games but it may require a return trip to Buffalo where I am dead certain we would annihilate them in game seven. I'll keep you posted about who they would play in the next round as soon as they advance (hopefully Tuesday).\n\nGO SABRES!!!
847667
Of course they can. The biggest problem for the pitching staff has been resolved. The bullpen blew close to 29 leads late in games last year. They've inked Wickman, a proven closer, to an extension. Smoltz and a healthy Hudson will certainly help. They're also getting Mike Hampton back from Tommy John surgery and Glavine may make a return. With a rotation of Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, Glavine and John Davies, they'll be alright. Middle relief and set up are where they need to improve, but the farm is deep and talented. Now if we can only get a quality lead off man. Look at the offense. Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, LaRoche, McCann, Francouer (very low average and still close to 30hr and 100 rbi) and Giles. Productive lineup-if healthy.
524665
Sounds GREAT! And we can do it, too! Ottawa is on the ropes awaiting the knockout punch -- and it's coming! Carolina is likely next and we can and will destroy them too! The Stanley Cup Finals will be a mismatch as we can skate with and crush ANY of the Western Conference teams. The beauty of the 2005-06 (and beyond) Buffalo Sabres is that the combination of youth, speed, skill and work ethic is unrivaled in the NHL. This is the winning formula and it means the long-suffering fans of Buffalo are about to experience euphoria when our proud Sabres bring home the Cup!\n\nLET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!!\n\nP.S. Does anything top loser Leafs fans trying to mock our successful Sabres when their embarrassment of a team is out on the links? ;)
1127921
Injuries, Injuries, Injuries\n\nLosing 4 of your top 6 defensemen and a playmaking center will hurt any team. Most teams would not have gotten as far as the Sabres did without some of their key players