After a a few games off, I’m back. I hope that the Sabres are back as well. This last stretch of hockey has been painful, to say the least. But a win against arguably the best team in hockey is a good start. Let’s get to it.
Positive Strides on Defence
A great sign tonight was the Sabres overall improvement on team defence. With the offence taking a significant step back this season, the flaws on defence have been highlighted. That is expected with a young team, but the Sabres had not shown anything so far this season in terms of getting better. A win like this is a great sign. The team kept mistakes to a minimum, and other than the last two minutes, Devon Levi did not have to stand on his head to win this game. Shots kept to the outside, good awareness in front, and if it weren’t for a shot going off of Erik Johnson’s foot, this might have been a shutout.
Feed the Beast
Speaking of, Devon Levi is so back. I was (and am) a staunch defender of Levi. He is an excellent goalie playing behind a wildly unstable defence. But tonight, he got to shine thanks to his team. Levi will always make the saves that need to be made. I have not seen a goal on him this year that he should have had. He deserves to be in the show, and frankly, Eric Comrie should be the one lighting it up in the AHL. I rest my case.
I Love JJ Peterka
John Jason Peterka is our most consistent and reliable winger. I will die on that hill. He has been scoring in bunches this year, leading the team in goals. He has been forechecking well and is almost always the first on the puck. And he is never a defensive liability. On a team full of extreme waterslide players, JJ Peterka is the relaxing lazy river. And I love watching him play hockey.
The Sabres host Montreal on December 9th. I hope this game is the start of the winning streak me and every Sabres fan needs.
ITR 49: For Real This Time – Inside The Rink
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