Although we only played two games, they were both revealing, to say the least. Tampa Bay is a cup contender and if it weren’t for a horrid stretch in the second half of the first period (when we forgot where Steven Stamkos was in the defensive zone), I thought we played Tampa pretty tough. They are a good team, no question about it, but we were right with them at the beginning of the first and then throughout the 2nd and 3rd. Ullmark got pulled, I thought a little unfairly, and Chad Johnson came in and played well in relief. C’est la vie, we can’t win them all. We definitely didn’t get worked – we were beaten by a really good team.
On Saturday, Ryan Miller made his return to Buffalo, and the Sabres made a nice gesture by playing a video montage of his Buffalo highlights. I like Millsy, but I’m glad we have moved on. And just as we all watched while he was here, Mr. Softee showed up again, giving up a game winner to Rasmus Ristolainen with 16 seconds left in the 3rd.
I want to talk about our new hero, Magic Hands, Jack Eichel. His goal against Tampa was just an insane individual effort where he shrugged off a check, skated into the slot, and rifled a shot over Elliot’s left arm. And then on Saturday, he had his first multi-point game of his career – this kid is the REAL DEAL… what a pleasure to watch. And guess what guys and girls? In case you forgot, he’s 18!!! We have him locked up for years and it’s only gonna get better. I am super pumped.
And how about Karlos Williams coming back with 100+ rushing yards and two touchdowns! What a great Buffalo sports weekend. We have Tampa on Tuesday and then the Bills color rush game against the daft Jets on Thursday. Let’s keep her rolling and get over that .500 hump on Thursday. Go Sabres, Go Bills, Go Buffalo!