The Buffalo Sabres started their season last Friday with a 2-1 shoot out victory over the Montreal Canadians. Many players expressed a huge relief in winning the first shoot out challenge of the year after being so bad in that area last season. They also trounced the New York Islanders 7-1. The final score was great and it was nice to see the goals come from all over the place. Not only did 6 different players have a goal but 14 different players ended the game with at least one point. The Sabres also scored at full strength, on the power play and short handed. After dropping the first 2 games of last season to the Islanders this obviously appeared to be somewhat of a statement game for Buffalo. Many players stressed during the off season the importance of starting the season off right and having a team with an identity from the first preseason game on. They are on the right track.
There were a lot of things to be impressed with in the second game. Not only the goals but the defense played well and the back up goalie, Patrick Lalime, proved that he is a worthy back up. This will hopefully give Ruff confidence in resting Miller more often but I am getting off track here and way ahead of myself.
After 2 games there is not that much you can really tell about a hockey team. Sure they look great now but a lot can happen. For now I am going to forget about how good they played and talk about one of the things you can tell this early in the season...how does the team come together?
Craig Rivet is a veteran defender and many doubted the players decision to vote him Captain after only 2 weeks on the roster. Those doubts should be gone after Mondays game. After jumping out to a 4-0 lead Adam Mair was crossed check following a face off. Who was the first guy in to stand up for his teammate? Craig Rivet. As you will see in the video above not only did he protect his fellow Sabre but he also took on a second guy. I say take on like it was a fight, for the most part it looked like he was hitting someone without arms.
I think Buffalo fans are extremely appreciative of guys that are willing to get their hands dirty. Think about who gets the loudest cheers most nights in HSBC arena. It is not guys like Vanek who has led the team in goals the last 2 seasons. They cheer loudest for guys like Andrew Peters, Adam Mair and of course local fan favorite Patrick Kaleta. They do this because talent is great but heart is what makes a team. Rivet has obviously already proved to his teammates that he is a leader and when he stepped up to protect Mair he proved to the fans that they have no reason to be concerned by #52 wearing the C on the front of his jersey.
A quick note on a player worth mentioning. Daniel Paille arguably has been the best forward in the first 2 games. Keep an eye on him because he seems to be on the edge of a break out type of season.
Note about video...You will not see the cross check that led to the fight but it did happen.
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