mphs mike

We need to show a continued ability to bounce back and avoid a losing streak tonight. Tampa is likely a team we will be fighting for seeding at the end of the year unless they can overtake Carolina. We need to win in regulation and avoid an eastern foe getting the "third" point. Man, it just struck me - I know its been years but typing/saying "we are going to battle TAMPA and CAROLINA for HOCKEY PLAYOFF position" is strange.

Any idea what all the future considerations for Tucker turned into? PS - Loved the THAT Tim Horton line. I still remember getting to put up a tribute to Tim bulletin board in the 7th grade in 1974!

I agree - that was the highpoint for the life of the franchise to date. They were a mere pup of a club and 1/2 a season removed from the Finals. This 14 year old (at the time) just knew we'd be celebrating a Cup championship in time for the bicentennial!

Our "checking" line of Luce, Ramsey, and Gare did it. The faceoff was in the circle to the right of our goalie and we went right down the ice - the entire line 3 on 2.

Two more thumbs up! Thanks for taking the time.

It would have been nice to tie it before the second ended. Excellent pressure if the Leafs zone the last 7-8 minutes of the second. If the Swordsmen keep that up they'll tie it at 3 and win the game. I have a feeling that the next team to score wins this one. Go Sabres!!!!!!!

Anyone else think that playing Miller for the last period to see what he looks like and get him some work would be a good idea? I assume he's the backup but don't really know. If so, I think this may be beneficial.

Neither were thinking - sort of like Marty for 1 1/2 minutes in the second. Nice effort for three periods and a big win. Despite a couple of softies. overall Marty played very well. We also have Vanek on a 3 game goal streak. Hopefully the nhl is beginning to "slow down" for him. On to Pitt PA!

I don't like the way we're playing tonight but I began to feel good about the game when we killed the Wild power play at the 4 1/2 minute mark. The tie with 39 seconds left in the second is beginning to become what I expect of this team. If we can play 20 solid minutes we'll eke out another win. We NEED the next goal.

Very slow, lethargic period by both teams. The ultra tight penalty calls didn't help the flow at all. $0 minutes of good hockey and we should be able to get another road win. Not only did Vanek score a nice goal, showing some persistence but he has now scored in consecutive games. Mybe, after a 1/4 season of nhl play he's starting to blossom.

I haven't seen the first - I can't believe it was worse than the second. Oh wait, this is Marty we're discussing. He deserves credit for very good overall play while Miller has been out, but weak goals late in tie games are a problem.

update in OT! Nice shot Max! Marty better thank his mates for picking him up. I didn't turn the game on until the beginning of the second. JS Giguere tried to steal the game for the Ducks. Once Vanek tied it at 1 Marty tried to give it away on an extraordinarily weak - even for him - goal.

I had a feeling when the Avs made it 4-2 before the second ended that it wouldn't be easy. I'm VERY surprised that the Swordsmen were able to pull it off once it was tied in the third. Another nice road win for the boys. These are the games we'll rely on for playoff positioning.

Congrats on another solid performance. Two more road points against a team they are "supposed" to beat. Big week to finish off. In Montreal against a team that is looking for some payback against us AND coming off being shut out in Ottawa tonight. Then a REALLY big game against the Sharks Friday as I'll be in HSBC for the game.

Could they please use the word "puck". I think they'll manage to broadcast an entire game saying only "biscuit" instead of "puck". I also don't know if it is because the crowd is quiet or it is microphone placement, but I seem to be hearing the puck hit sticks on virtually every pass and alot of skate blades along the ice.

Those were two pretty weak goals. Let's get it going in the second and pick up two road points.

I agree - he might deserve a star for that play alone! A little too exciting at the end - wow was that pressure by the Caps. All in all I got everything I wanted when I came home to watch. A Sabres win, the Sabres feed on Center Ice and a goal "top shelf, where momma hides the cookies!" Any win on the road is a good win.

I felt good after we killed off the Connelly delay of game penalty, Vanek giving us the lead is a good sign. With 20 solid minutes we can win on the road.

Agreed - a very enjoyable 20 minutes to watch. I'd like 40 more just like it this afternoon.

Today is one of the rare games I get the Sabres feed on Center Ice. Someone better score upstairs on the "top shelf where Momma hides the cookies"!

They may be the "worst" team but they have played .500 hockey against us this year. We need two points this afternoon.

My o my - Johnson just made Marty coming out to the boards at the faceoff circle to handle the puck look like a GOOD puck handling exhibition by a goalie! It is better to find fault in a win than talk about the moral victory in a loss.

I was particularly impressed with their ability to kill the penalty with 6 minutes left and a 3-1 lead. A Jersey goal there could have been a game changer. This was what this team needs to do - a solid effort leading to a win.

I just got home from work and turned the game on with 3 minutes left in the first. I was hoping that we wouldn't start the second on the power play but that last minute was horrible!

I'm afraid you're right. This game was a character test after the Sens game. Like it or not our Swordsmen have the character to show up and play a very good, entertaining 35-40 minutes before relaxing and losing.