Watching the playoffs

I've been watching some of the playoffs with the fiancee. And she's great like that letting me watch hockey teams I have no rooting interest in. She actually gets into the games more then me now. Especially last night yelling at the Caps to score in the final minute. I think I've turned her into a Ranger hater. As anyone should be. But watching yesterday made me think.

When my Fiancee, yelled "Punch Em" during a scrum. (She does it cutely, and it makes me love her more.) But it got me thinking, do I want that? Earlier in the day when Bulldog was talking about liking the tougher teams because they are fun to watch. I got that high horse mentality of well then why don't you just watch people fight? Its a game of skill, appreciate that.

But don't I yell "hit em" when the Sabres play? Yes. Do I enjoy a good fight, not the staged kind, of course.

This got me thinking even more. The reason the Sabres aren't enjoyable or as fun to watch, is the fact they aren't physical. They tend to shun contact. They are talented scorers and when they are on, its fun. But when they aren't they are a boring hockey team. I'm not saying they should trade all the scorers for goons. But just a bunch of guys that go full tilt, and pressure, hit and don't mind mixing it up after a whistle.

The Sabres changing to a more fun, and physical team isn't that hard a transition. A few trades and maybe a signing and the Sabres could be a tough team to play against next year. They have a goaltender, they have scorers, now they need to trade the Hechts, Macarthurs and Tallinders for the more physical versions. Maybe even sacrificing offense to get the deal done.

3 moves and the Sabres are a playoff team and fun to watch.

By the way, Lundqvist is on, and you better watch out. Because the Rangers aren't the best team, but if King Henrik keeps on playing the way he is, things could be interesting. But if they win they run into the Bruins. And that should be a fun series. Boston versus the Rangers. Imagine Lucic going after Avery.

Montreal thanks for playing, but adios.

In defense of Danny Briere

Now thats playoff intensity

I know this will sound like I'm turning Bucky Gleason on you, don't worry I'm not. This won't be a shot at management, or some slam on Golisano, this is just playing Devils advocate. But really should we as Sabre fans root against Danny Briere? We can root against the Flyers sure, but can't we also be happy for Danny and his success? What in his time in Buffalo did he do to upset us? Other then going to arbitration and seeing what hes worth. (For shame) He was one of the catalysts to the Sabres resurgence for bankruptcy hell. And what did management do to reward him? Let him go. They knew they couldn't afford him, he really wasn't in their plans. Probably saw Gerbe, Roy, Pominville as potential replacements. But honestly the team missed a guy like Briere.

What did he do in his time in Buffalo?

225 games 95 goals 230 points.

Playoffs?

34 games 11 goals 34 points

Thats over a point per game in the regular season and a point per game in the playoffs. His regular season numbers are even better if you take out the pre lockout years. There its almost 1.2 points per game. The guy is a legitimate all star. This year the numbers dragged, maybe due to contract pressures, new guys to play with. Playing in Philly. But really we all tried to put down Danny as a non playoff performer. But really, he showed up. He just got called out more for when he struggled. Hockey God, could disappear for games and let a big line roll right over him and still be deified. Chris Drury to me always seems like that guy, who does good work, is highly praised, but really looking for a better opportunity. Anybody who grows up a superstar always gives me a bad vibe. Danny scraped and worked to where he is. I like that. He was the perfect player for Buffalo. But we always want the other guy.

So what is he doing this year in the Playoffs?

6 goals 11 points and a +2.

Oh and he was also on the ice when Lupol scored. Because things happen when Briere is out there. Chris Drury has 3 points. Captain Clutch indeed. So Danny I apologize for enjoying in your earlier struggles, its a Buffalo thing, we don't like success. We want people who leave here to fail. Its a insecurity thing. But I am happy you are finding success in Philly.

I just hope Philly doesn't have any success.