This is Becoming a Habit Around Here...

... and, man, does it feel good.

Last night at the HSBC arena the boys in the AGH sweaters won yet another one-goal game, this time against the despised Dallas Stars (No Goal!).  Listening to the game last night it didn't really seem that close, as two of Dallas's goals came from fluke deflections off of defending Sabres.  To Dallas's credit they did outplay Buffalo in the 3rd period, outshooting them 17-4, and 32 to 22 overall. 

But, with the game at 3-2 early in the third period Martin Biron (BYRON, YOU SUCK!) stopped Jason Arnott on a clear break and flat-out stole one from Bill Guerin on the rebound.  Biron has won his last 11 starts, which extends his franchise record. He is also making a serious case for trading Ryan Miller, who should have more value around the league as he's younger and costs a lot less.  The truth is I almost wished Marty wouldn't play this well so as to make the decision about which goalie is 'The One' easier.  Then again, I'm a big fan of him as well, so there's no way I really wanted to see him do anything but succeed brilliantly.  Mixed emotions and all that.

I'm reduced to listening to the games on Internet radio now that I've started the new job away from home and refuse to buy the Center Ice Package twice.  So, that means that my game reports can't be as detailed as they were before. 

I do know that the league better watch out for the Roy-Vanek-Afinogenov line.  Boy howdy, do they give defenses fits.  Every shift no matter the team or the situation they just attack, attack, like angry ants mad for the smell of a goal (10 points to those who get the movie reference).

Some news and notes that I've been slack in reporting:

• Tri is out for "a week to 10 days" (Ruff) with a hairline fracture in his finger. 
  He's been playing much better since they gave up on him as a Right D-man and moved him back to the Left side.
• J.P. Dumont and Taylor Pyatt  will be out for at least 2 more moths with a sports hernia and a broken wrist, respectively.
• Danny Briere got his first goal since returning from his abdominal injury.  He's skating with Timmah! and Big Al.  They sounded dangerous last night.
• Weird Stats of the Day: Tim Connolly leads the team in points and +/-with 23, +5, while Maxim Afinogenov leads us with 34 PIM's.  *shakes head at the wonder of it all*
• 7 players have at least 20 points and only 2 (Al and Briere) have more than 10 goals.
• Mike Grier is so worth the $1.3 million we pay him.
• The Sabres are now 10 games over .500 and in sole-possession of 3rd in the Eastern Conference.

The Buffalo News has been doing a fine job covering the individual contributions from some of the lesser-known lights on this team including profiles on Mike Grier,and  Adam Mair (or SCUD as he's known in the room).

Even Jerry Sullivan has come around.  His recent articles (Including yesterday's knob-job on the 4th line)are a complete 180 from where he was during training camp.  He, like a great many of us, didn't trust management's assessment of this team and the individuals who make it up.  But, that's changed, at least for right now.  These guys need all the friends they can get and as Sullivan said during the intermission of last night's game that hopefully, the city will come around once The Bills are truly over and done with and support these guys who are working especially hard to provide them with not only entertainment but a source of pride as well.

Only 8 days until the game against the 'Ning, where the wife got my 7th row seats behind the Buffalo bench for Christmas this year.  I may have to do a podcast or something.  Of course, I'm one of those fans Jes Golbez talked about. You can put me down as the 'loud guy cheering for the other team.'

JOHN GRAHAME, YOU SUCK!  (sorry... getting warmed up, is all)

Ta,

Comments

[KJB]

"BYRON YOU SUCK!" That still makes me laugh.

I'm expecting this bandwagon to get a mite more crowded in the coming days. IMO, this was the biggest game of the season so far, and it's especially sweet that the AGH finally rewarded a large home crowd with a solid all-over game.

[Chris]

True...I even got my folks tickets to the game (I live in DC, they in Buffalo). I told my Dad, this game will be so good, I'll PAY for you to go it. They were sold...we'll all be at the Isles game on 12/26.

[Tom L]

KJB,

If that guy (BYRON YOU SUCK!) isn't at the game on the 23rd I will consider it a 'less than optimal experience.'

And I'm all for the AGH guys getting some bandwagon fans, more money in the budget means more chance of keeping this group together to have the league salary cap actually affect our decisions.

Chris, that's a great story.... Give Miro a Jeer or two for me! And, remember, if you don't come home from the game hoarse, you've short-changed yourself. :)

Ta,

[Paul]

I finally saw a Sabres game in person, but obviously only because the Stars were playing.

Biron managed to stand on his head despite allowing three goals - the Sabres' zone looked like a Chinese fire drill (excuse the expression) during the third period. I came away with a lukewarm impression.

I had great seats though, and they were cheap. First row behind the Stars' bench and a clear view of Bill Clinton for only $49!