If the Sabres have enough desperation to win without Vanek in game 5, you would hope they would have enough desperation to win with OR without him in game 6 AND game 7.

Vanek at 60% is better than Vanek in the press box. They don't have the luxury of sitting him an extra game when they are staring elimination in the face.

If he can go, he goes.

That's why that extra time off would be good for him. The Sabres can hold it down at home.

When they head off to Boston, and Vanek is good enough to come back and play, that would get them all riled up about their chances to force game 7.

That is true.

However , this entire scenario is predicated on a game 5 win. This is never an automatic in sports, and you cannot just assume that they'll win because they're at home. They've already shown they can lose here.

If Vanek isn't healthy enough to play, then he shouldn't play. If he IS healthy enough to play, then he should play. It makes no logical sense to sit your best offensive threat in the press box to 'save' him for the next game, when there are no guarantees there will even be a next game.

That is true.

However , this entire scenario is predicated on a game 5 win. This is never an automatic in sports, and you cannot just assume that they'll win because they're at home. They've already shown they can lose here.

If Vanek isn't healthy enough to play, then he shouldn't play. If he IS healthy enough to play, then he should play. It makes no logical sense to sit your best offensive threat in the press box to 'save' him for the next game, when there are no guarantees there will even be a next game.

I'm not saying hold him out purely on this idea that a game 6 return would be better.

I'm saying injury wise, if he isn't well enough to go in game 5, it could be beneficial to us in the way that I explained above.

I do believe that if Vanek isn't 90% or better tomorrow, he shouldn't play. Game 6 on the other hand... different story.

It's funny to see people trying to quantify Vanek's readiness:

if he's 60%
if he's 75-80%
etc.etc.

What do these figures even mean or represent? What criteria are you using for this analysis?

Let's be honest, a Vanek at 60% may be a lot worse than a much less talented replacement who's at 100%. We're not talking about Ovechkin here (and even Ovie at 60% may be well below par quality for play).

Considering the edge players need in the postseason, especially in THIS series, Vanek needs to be reeeeaaaal close to 100% to help the team. Anything less than that and we have another Connolly standing around.

Vanek is still in rough shape. He looked tender in practice, and probably won't play tomorrow night. At first, it's disappointing. But after putting some thought into it, I think this will be an advantage for the Sabres IF he can return in game 6.

Overcoming a 3-1 series deficit is no easy task. You have to outwork and outplay a team that smells and tastes blood. While not impossible, it's improbable.

In order for such an upset to happen, I personally believe there has to be certain factors that give the desperate team the extra boosts they need to get each win.

So here are the games, logically thought out.


Game 5 - The Sabres are facing elimination, at home. This alone should be enough motivation to come out and get the win, especially after the way game 4 was ripped away from them by the officials. Die another day. Refuse to lose 4 in a row.

Game 6 - The most difficult of the final 3 games for Buffalo. Boston has a chance to advance on home ice, and they are going to come out flying. Almost all teams falter here. Having Vanek return for THIS game would give the Sabres the energy and confidence boost they need to come out with a very, very close win in Boston.

Game 7 - Should they finally make it here, they've got to be fired up. They're on home ice after a huge two games to tie the series. Boston would be on their heels, nervous about losing twice in a row and having to clinch in Buffalo. The crowd would be ravenous. Take it and advance.

If Vanek comes back for Friday night, he's not playing 100% and the Sabres barely survive, they're screwed for game 6.

Give him that extra rest, and give the team the extra boost they need in game 6 by having him return then.

It's sickening how much I agree with your train of thought.