The optimism thread has been created.

December is a make or break month for us. Look at the competition we've got in our schedule:

Rangers ---- 2X
Devils ----- 1X
Capitals ---- 2X
Blackhawks - 1X
Canadians -- 2X
Senators --- 2X (FUCKING WIN THESE GAMES)
Leafs ------ 2X
Penguins --- 2X
Blues ------ 1X

Realistically, I see 10 very difficult games out of 15. The Senators are always a challenge, the Penguins and Devils are going very strong right now, the Capitals and Blackhawks are both dirty, and the Canadians are going to be looking for vengeance and an opportunity to climb up in the standings.

Considering the way Toronto has played us this season, those games won't be easy, either.

On the flip side, Gaustad is one of the most important pieces of this lineup. And yet, even after he was injured, the Sabres have managed to go 3-0 to recapture first in the northeast.

The new line combinations that Lindy has put together are giving us a balanced, wave like attack.

Clear your mind for a second. You're the coach of a new NHL expansion team (because we know it's coming anyways, right?) Tomorrow night, you have to play the Sabres.

Which line are you going to play your best defensive pairing against?

Not so easy, is it?

On Wednesday, the boys came out with a superb effort to recapture first in the Northeast. Last night, Boston had the chance to leap frog, and the were wrecked by the Montreal Canadians.

This is a HUGE RIVALRY, and the B's had a chance to ruin the celebrations. But so far this year, they lack that fire and flare necessary to go in for the kill.

As for the Sabres? That fire and flare may have finally arrived... and it's something that we've lacked in both seasons prior.

Now, back to the schedule.

Lets not forget; the most detrimental part of our season last year was the crash in November and December.

November 2008: 5-7-1
December 2008: 6-6-2
Total ----2008: 11-12-3
November 2009: 7-5-1
December 2009: 1-0-0
Total ----2009: 8-5-1

Point being, if the Sabres can come out of December with a 9-6 record or better (which will be tough to do if Patty Lalime doesn't get his act together), they're going to be in excellent position as they head down the stretch into January, where the schedule eases up before the all star break.

Here it is boys. Make it or break it!

LETS GO BUFFALO!

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Wheelhouse

One, I love the new addition to your sig, Adam...I love it as much as I hate Doc Emrick!

Second, a lot of people and pundits said after the fast start and the mini slump in November that this is the same old team. Well, lo and behold, the Sabres wound up finishing November with a winning record and a strong winning streak.

I feel this whole season is a make-or-break season, and December is going to be another tough month. A winning record here is VERY important.

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mechaphil

Looking at the schedule I think January will be more of a challenge. 14 games in January including the 7 game road trip against Atlanta, NYI, Phoenix, Anaheim, LAK, San Jose and Vancouver. Throw in a Sunday afternoon game in Montreal and home games against Toronto, Atlanta, Colorado, NJ and Boston and it looks like we have a lot of work ahead of us. I can't wait for the Olympics, and definitely thinks the NHL players should be there, but it makes for a real tough schedule. In the end though, each team plays the same amount of games each year, so the break doesn't give anyone an edge.

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We were biting this morning. We were biting this morning.

Haha thank you Phil.

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Wheelhouse

There is a long way to go here. The optimists get giddy when we win a couple in a row. The pessimists get gnarly when we go through a bad streak.

The fact that both occur is an indication of an inconsistent team that can be, and should be better. The fact that the inconsistency has not been eliminated is what angers some of us long time fans. We call it as we've seen it over many years.

December is a very telling month. If we falter, we are the same team we have been over the last two years. A strong December would be an indication that we're probably not the same old team.

Regardless; we can win on any given night with Ryan Miller. However; and especially as the season progresses - either Lalime must be able to play more/better, or we'd damn well better bring in someone who can to spell Miller.

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

I bet Miller will play 13 games in December - we definitely need a back up who can win a game or two, so Miller can get a little more rest. I wonder what that skinny bastard will weigh by the time April roles around at the current rate he is being played, plus adding in Olympic games?

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"I don't feel like Satan, but I am to them"
Neil Young