Sabres Vs Lightning Preview

Hey its after the All star break and its time to lock it down for a playoff run, many are pessimistic about the team, but that thats the natural Buffalo way. When things are good we are wary, and when things are bad, we make them worse then they seem. Deflecting the pain if you will. But what we got here is a battle of the bottom feeders in the east. With Buffalo standing at 13 and Tampa dead last at 15. Though the Sabres are only 6 points out of 8th, so really they shouldn't feel too bad. A good run and things are sunny and happy at HSBC again. But both teams are rested and looking to make a move.

Whats up with the Lightning

Well things are down with the Lightning this year. The big contracts to their 3 big superstars really hasn't worked. Wait paying a couple guys a lot of money doesn't work? WHAAAAA? This has hurt them in the goaltending and defense positions. Especially at the Goaltender position where none of their goaltenders have a +.900 sv% and Johan Holmqvist, just sneaks under a 3.00 GAA. Their defensemen don't have terrible +/- liked you think, its their forwards that are atrocious. Brad Richards is a awful -25 on the season. The lightning are hurting without the services of a Dan Boyle, who just returned last week. He is their top defender and is very offensive as well. Vincent Lecavalier is so good he is even a plus on this goal giving team.

Who does what?

Lecavalier is the man in Tampa, with 66 points on the year. Also leading in goals with 30. Martin St Louis is the main setup man with 40 assists on the year. Vaclav Prospal and Brad Richards should also be looked out for, Prospal with 46 points and Richards with 41. Though Richards is having a disappointing season with his huge contract. Mmm sounds familiar. After that its a bunch of guys filling up the roster, with only Paul Ranger in the 20 point range and the rest below that. You control the top two lines, and its over for the Lightning.

Outlook

Well the Sabres should be rested and full of confidence after beating the Stars last week. But this Sabre team is known for not continuing anything and playing lazy. The warm weather, mixed with lack of activity could spell trouble for the boys in blue and gold. But I have confidence they'll at least get a point out of tonights contest.