Well, the last game of the 7 game journey away from HSBC is coming to a close.
Regardless of what the team does against the Canucks, its fair to say this road trip fell short of what the team is capable of. That in affect, makes it a failure, but by no means does this put the team into a tail spin of any sorts. We all knew this would be a good measurement of the teams abilities and we also knew there needed to be some moves by the deadline in order to become a true Cup Contender.

With that being the case, I was dissappointed in the team this trip (and they have a 5 game road trip in March). But I will also say I saw some very positive signs from this team. Most of the games were close. They have shown the ability to come back and threaten to make a game of it. They never gave up, played hard and battled through to give a good accounting of themselves. Scoring is up, which is what I was wanting to see so bad. The Hecht-Connolly-Pomminville line has found some chemistry.

There of course, is the need to address the other players on the team. Roy and Vanek need a RWer.
Stafford and MacArthur have truly become expandable. Backup Goaltender, as so many of you have pointed out, should be addressed if the team is serious about making a run this year at the cup.

The team is still the Division leader and I am comfortable they will continue to be atleast until the Olympic break.
I like the teams chances in both round 1 and round 2 of the playoffs. The ECF series (should Buffalo make it) will be an interesting matchup.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

Hey, could be worse...we could be the Bruins. A win will cure all that ails us right now, and I know we really don't want to lose 4 straight with Ottawa en fuego. Thing is, we've actually played very well in all 3 losses.

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

No doom and gloom from me...but this trip has been a reality check. If this is the way we play against the California teams, then even if we make it to the finals, fighting for the cup, I don't think they have it in them if they're going to play the Sharks. Chicago would be our only hope. Or if we win the presiden't trophy (don't laugh...its possible this year) again and can have home ice advantage. But they're going to have to learn to play those California teams that seem to hand us our ass every time we play them. They can't even blame the sun glare because SoCal has resembled Springtime in Buffalo lately. They have no excuses for the loss of points...other than being outplayed...imho.

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Its NNYFAN, but you can just call me Kris.

It was, to quote some esteemed board members, a "total failure," and a "complete collapse."

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

This.

Even in the losses I think they've played some of their best hockey of the year during this trip. (And met some furry friends in the process...! )

Love this thread, Slesh.

If we can find a way to bring in a high scoring winger (NOT KOVALCHUK), this team will be considered a cup contender by the masses.

Right now, it's feasible, but not probable.

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Wheelhouse

You can quote me on that
It truly was IMHO. This team is much better than what they showed this road trip. As a fan CV, it has taken me half the season (as I indicated prior to the season) to draw an assesment of this teams performance. Lindy's comments as of late have bolstered my hopes and Darcy is very quiet on any movements that may be made lead me to believe they will do what is necessary to improve the teams chances come playoff time.

I am not one to "follow" the crowd or drink the kool aid as it were. And although I feel dissappointed in the teams efforts, there is no reason why I should not state that overall the team still presents a good product to the fans.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

While we're thinking happy thoughts . . .

We could be the Rangers, but thank Grier we're not.

Last 7 games - only 5 points
and shut out 4 times, including last 2!!!

no doom and gloom from me. i still have my concerns, but they havnt been magnified much from this roadtrip. its a gauntlet.

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I was thinking it was:

"Wherrrrre, wherrrrre are you tonight?
Why did you leeeave me here all aloooone?
I searched the world overrr and thought I found true love.
You met another and <insert nasty sound> you were gooooone."

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Its NNYFAN, but you can just call me Kris.

No, I think that was the one with 2 guys & a pitchfork. One guy (on the left) had his back to you but would turn around for the chorus and 'pfft you were gone'.

Gads, are we dating ourselves or what?

Well we don't see those teams very often so we don't know their tendencies, so really whenever you play a team once a year, you have to just guess what they normally do.

The trip wasn't a total failure, we are still 2-2-2 on it, so 6 points out of 12 so far on this trip, so far we are at .500% with it there.

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That's right...I loved that song. I'd come running from wherever I was in the house to see it. They just don't make TV shows like they used to.

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Its NNYFAN, but you can just call me Kris.

its an old show, but Hogan's Heroes is a personal favourite

still need to watch the last season tho

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PSA: I am an overly sarcastic person. If you take me at my word, then i will most likely anger and offend you.

They played better in some of these losses than in some wins. This roadtrip wasn't a disaster - it was a lesson in what they need to do to get better.

I, too, am not concerned.

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mechaphil

no g&d either....you have to like the fight in them even when they are behind....looks like they are starting to get that killer instinct....a few tweaks by darcy though would be welcomed

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"It is more about them than it is about the team...Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win." - Mike Singletary

Tyler Myers - Future captain of the Buffalo Sabres, and future Norris Trophy Winner

Manning the machine gun on the Tyler Myers Bandwagon - just in case any teams have an idea of prying him away from us (3 GM's shot already)

Connolly/Roy - 2 goals in the last 47 playoff games

I would have signed up for a .500 roadtrip at the beginning of the season. It's not like we played bad during it either. If anything I'm glad we're not just owning everyone. We need to fly somewhat under the radar and we need to remember we are mortal so Darcy actually makes some positive changes at the deadline.

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"Go out and run 'em."
- Lindy Ruff, 23 Feb. 2007

In the other thread I said I expected Buffalo to get six points on the road trip, but it really wasn't meant to be very critical. It would take one of the best 3-4 teams to go on a seven game road trip - five on the other coast and most against competitive teams - and take 9-11 points. It's just too hard to win on a regular basis, and with Buffalo usually having a tough time out west earning nine points was a tall order. They just aren't quite up there yet with THE best teams. They're just a bit shy.

Now they could still come up big and take some more points tonight, but either way this road trip isn't a failure or a conviction of the team. It's the toughest stretch of the season, and there will be another couple tough road trips before the end of the season. I expect them to drop a few but hang on for the division, and that's not bad at all. If Darcy can somehow trade MacArthur, a prospect and/or picks for a better scoring winger or PP point man on defense, then they'll probably be as good as any team in the East and right there with Chicago, Vancouver, and San Jose.