Month: May 2007

Did that really happen?

I’ve held off writing about the Sabres thus far in the playoffs because the team really hasn’t done anything yet–there’s a long way still to go if they want to raise the Cup in Buffalo. But I have no choice but to write something after last night’s hyper-dramatic Game 5 overtime victory in HSBC Arena. As I said in my previous alcohol-fueled rant, the Sabres needed to lift the puck up when shooting on Lundqvist, as the Swedish goaltender has stoned everything that comes in lower than a foot off the ice. He’s just too good down low to repeatedly fire shots into his pads.

Unfortunately, the Sabres still hadn’t figured this out until it was almost too late. They peppered Lundqvist with 30+ shots in regulation, nearly all of them slapping harmlessly into his goal pads. Wouldn’t you know it, when all looked lost, Chris Drury (who shall henceforth be known as “Chris Freaking Drury!”) fires a rising wrist shot that sailed through Thomas Vanek’s legs and into the net to send it to overtime. All Drury does is make gigantic plays at the most important moments. He’s done it since he was a kid. (Here’s a great story on him from Sports Illustrated.)

After successfully killing a penalty in the OT, Buffalo got a call of their own and converted with the extra man–the goal scored by none other than Maxim Afinogenov, who had stunk up the joint thus far in the playoffs, having been a healthy scratch from Game 4. This is what makes sports great; the Russian goes from goat to toast of the town with a single shot.

Pandemonium in the arena, pandemonium outside on the plaza, pandemonium all along Chippewa Avenue. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Sabres fans in such a euphoric, delirious frenzy after a goal–and if you were out in Buffalo last night, you were a part of something special. And hey–they’re not done yet!

*5/5/07 7:28pm*

One thing at a time

Another great episode just in time for May sweeps. I’ve said it before–Locke-centric episodes always give the show the forward momentum that makes it so compelling to watch. Locke’s inability to kill his father was interesting in that it brought out the hypocrisy of the way Ben goes about his work on the island. He speaks of lists and “the good guys” and of virtue while kidnapping castaways, killing those who get in his way, and manipulating his “allies” to his own ends. I initially bought into the fact that he might just be testing Locke by dangling his father in front of him, and would reward him with a place among the Others if he didn’t go through with it. Instead, he was more interested in making Locke a murderer, as a “gesture [of Locke’s] free will and commitment” to the Others and their cause.

It’s another facet of Ben’s trying to maintain his increasingly tenuous role as the leader of his cult. His right-hand man, Dr. Alpert, didn’t seem to be buying Ben’s line of B.S. when he gave Locke the dossier on Sawyer. We’ve seen evidence of dissension since the first episode of the season, and I think it’ll be coming to a head in the next episode or two. The Others certainly seem primed for a messiah-like figure to rescue them from a leader that’s led them astray. The “special” Locke may be that guy. I envision some great scenarios in season four if Locke ends up replacing Ben as their leader.

Continue reading “One thing at a time”

RAGE

I don’t think I’ve ever been more enraged after a professional sporting event than I am tonight. The Sabres just went down to the New York Rangers 2-1 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, evening the series at two. Am I mad about the reviewed no-goal in the 3rd period? NO. I’m angered over the piece of s*!t effort the Sabres exhibited over the first two and a half periods. How in the world can these players rise through the ranks to the highest levels of professional hockey and JUST. NOT. GET. IT?

1) DUMP THE PUCK IN!
2) GET TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF THE NET.
3) SHOOT THE PUCK HIGHER THAN AN INCH OFF THE FREAKING ICE!

IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE.

If the Sabres put forth an iota of sensible play in the first two periods, they probably win this game by two goals. Instead, they CONTINUE to get cutesy at the blue line and try to make a highlight-reel pass to a streaking trailer who’s defended by three opposing players. WHAT THE FREAK ARE YOU DOING?

The no-goal in the 3rd period is wholly irrelevant. Congratulations, Ranger fans, you got even for the calls that went against you in games 2 and 3.

Coach Lindy Ruff, this is on you. If you can’t get your team to shape the eff up and play like they have a shred of intelligence, what good are you? Look at those three simple tasks again:

1) DUMP THE PUCK IN!
2) GET TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF THE NET.
3) SHOOT THE PUCK HIGHER THAN AN INCH OFF THE FREAKING ICE!

That’s how you win in the playoffs. If you can’t get that fact through to your team after 50 minutes of hockey, then how good a coach are you really? WHAT THE EFF?! If these offensive pretty-boys can’t get the job done, put them in the press box and let Mair, Peters, Kaleta and Gaustad dictate play to the opponent in the corners. You at least know you’ll get sensible, reliable play out of those type of players.

I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!