I want to talk about love. (Hey, don't stop reading!)
It's no secret that the city of Buffalo has embraced these Sabres completely and that this team is close -- if not there already -- to becoming the most beloved team in the franchise's history. Today, The Buffalo News had a great news article about why fans have spring fever:
"That down-to-earth Sabres charm was on display in the HSBC locker room after practice late last week before the team left for Raleigh. Some guy, shorter and lighter than almost everyone else in the room, stood smiling, a congenial and unassuming host wearing not much more than his Under Armour. He could have been the towel boy.
It was Jason Pominville. Of Game Five. Ottawa. Short-handed goal. OT. Series over. Pominville, 23, was answering questions about how he was ignored by every NHL team and spent the early season in Rochester.
"If I worked hard," said the smiling Pominville, "I knew I would be called up again."
Before moving on, Pominville reached out to shake hands with the reporter asking him questions. For those unacquainted with pro athlete interviews - that doesn't happen often."
Aww. I could go on and on about Pominville. While Tim Connolly's presence on the roster is irreplaceable, Pominville has noticeably stepped up his game since Connolly went down. The OT winner is an obvious example, but a good one, especially since he has started killing more penalties, and is burying his chances in pressure situations. But he's not the only one.
These guys are so easy to embrace because most of them were unknown to the league -- even most Sabres fans -- before the season started. Sure, Henrik Tallinder had played a few seasons for the Sabres, but who knew he would rise to the status of number-one defenseman? Or Daniel Briere -- he always showed signs of incredible talent, but couldn't find his place, bouncing back and forth between Phoenix and its farm team. Now he's a star and a leader. Fans in Buffalo were doubting Chris Drury -- even throughout the season -- for not putting up enough points. In the playoffs, it isn't crazy to mention Drury and Conn Smythe in the same sentence. Not to mention the amazing comeback of Tim Connolly.
And beyond the noticeable improved play on the ice, this team is just plain, well, lovable. They're young and inexperienced. A good chunk of the roster is made up of eighties babies. And heck, even the "older guys" like Daniel Briere are adorable:
"Then there's the appeal of Sabres co-caption Daniel Briere. Ottawa winger and Briere's friend Dany Heatley told reporters he "looks 12." A full-page photo of Briere's cherubic face appeared in a recent Sports Illustrated story called "Tiny, Happy People."
"All the women want to hug him," a Sabres beat reporter said." (TBN)
So true. The man couldn't grow a worthy playoff beard to save his life, but when he pumps his fist in the air after a goal and flashes the camera a boyish grin... that's why you love him.
Even Ryan Miller has evolved to be not only one of the best goaltenders, but also one of the best interviews in the game. And coach Lindy Ruff? He epitomizes what Buffalo fans love. He's one of their own, he's one of the hardest-working coaches in hockey, and now he's writing his own comeback story. Ruff has changed his style from a defensive-minded, goaltender-reliant system to an aggressive, five-man forechecking unit. He's nominated for the Jack Adams award and is ever-so close to earning his second trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
What's not to love?
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HATE CAN BE HEALTHY TOO: Thank you, 'Canes, for beating the Sabres in Game Two. Before I was entranced by Cam Ward's budding talent, reminiscing about Doug Weight's good old days with the Edmonton Oilers, and drawn into Carolina's exciting, fast-paced style that mirrored that of the Sabres. How could I dislike that team at all? I loved the way they demolished the New Jersey Devils and rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Montreal. And now they were playing the Sabres.
Sports is all about rivalries. It's about having a healthy respect for the opposing team, but checking the cordialities before the drop of the puck. Once the game starts, it's a war, a battle. There are no friends for those 60-plus minutes. I didn't get that feeling before the Carolina series started. But Game Two changed all that.
Now, I picture Cory Stillman leaving his feet and crashing his elbow at Brian Campbell's head. Or coach Peter Laviolette whining about the Sabres diving. And even how the 'Canes ran circles around the Sabres for much of the game, dominating and toying with a injury-ladden team.
Thank you, 'Canes. I'm ready to dislike now. I'm ready to start hating. And I think the Sabres are too.
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