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I thought the opening video of the French Connection was cheesy. But it was nice to see them come out on the ice to meet with Pegula. I noticed how long Pegula and Robert were standing with their arms on each others' shoulders, mugging it up for the media. I think this was significant, and deliberate. A way to show that the schism between Robert and the previous ownership was a thing of the past. I think it was Rene acknowledging the attitude TPeg was bringing to the organization in terms of class and respect. I really took note of that moment. I find it greatly encouraging. The Sabres organization will treat their former players and staff better, and so we can easily believe they'll do the same for their current players and staff. No more Tim Kennedy episodes, if I am accurate in my prediciton.
I expected the Sabres to come out with a vengeance at the start of this one. It seemed that everyone, from the most diehard fan to the most fairweather, from the players, to the coaches to the vendors could feel the electricity in the air. It was a bit magical. But give Atlanta credit, they set Buffalo back on their heels a bit in the first few minutes. Then Myers jumped on a long pass through the neutral zone, backed Enstrom off with great speed and blasted one from his favorite sniper perch. Seriously, he's scored at least two from there and rang another off the pipe. I hope we can see that cannon more from the point, especially on the PP. The kid can rip it.
Atlanta controlled the play for most of the 2nd period, working hard in the offensive zone and giving the Sabres fits. They generated great chances, and finished off a nice play with some hard-nosed aggression around the net. Buffalo got in a bit of penalty trouble, but Miller was stellar to keep it tied at 1. Finally the Sabres struck near the end of the period. Atlanta made a lazy play as Gerbe found Goose streaking through the neutral zone. Goose drove hard and didn't give up on the play, smacking in his own rebound. A great shift in the offensive zone immediately followed the goal, as Hecht, Pommers and Ennis had some great chances. Eventually the puck got back to Myers at the point who ripped one high. I seriously thought the Atlanta netminder took it in the mask, because he dropped like a sack of hammers. Pommers corralled the loose puck and put it in the open net. 30 seconds between goals, and late in the period to boot. It was the game right there.
Early in the third, another good shift by the same line. Hecht eventually corralled the puck behind the net, came out front with a backhand wraparound chance that got behind the goaltender but hugged the line, came out the other side, and right to Ennis who fired it in with no hesitation. The Sabres didn't give up much to Atlanta after that and actually had a handful of great chances later in that first half of the period.
This was a huge win in many ways. Get them off the schnide on home ice and give the fans something to cheer about. Win one for the new owner. Distance themselves from Atlanta in the standings. Make up ground on Carolina and the Rags. And get the offense moving again.
I thought Myers and Miller had huge games. Ennis, Gerbe, Goose, Kaleta, McCormick and Weber were good. Connolly, Niedermayer and Grier disappointed again, though I don't know why I would be surprised. It was nice to see some hits out there. I think Kaleta's just about back.
Ham
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