Sabres-Panthers Recap- There’s a Problem!

That about sums it up.  I pleaded for a good start, and a solid effort early in.  I meant for the Panthers and not the Buffalo Sabres, who came out with their guns loaded, and basically steamrolled over the Panthers in the first period.  Mike Greer and Jason Pominville both scored with just under two minutes gone in the game and that was it for starting goaltender Scott Clemmensen of the Panthers.  Clemmensen was replaced by Tomas Vokoun who was victimized three minutes later by Matt Ellis who got his first goal of the season giving Buffalo complete control of the game with only five minutes gone in the period.

This frenzy prompted the teenage female high school sophmore who is part of this household to make the following profound statement:  ”Glad we didn’t go to this game”!  Yes my daughter who refuses to use  profane language unlike her father put things into perspective with a very subtle and calm remark. Whilst I was ready to reach into the television and strangle whichever Panther I could grab.

This team is suffering.  This team is a mess, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better unless something is done.  Problem is what do they do?  Untradeable players because of both performance and contract, therefore not much to attract in return.  Better preparation is required by this unit.  I am not going to harp on this anymore after this next statement, but after they stopped their four game losing streak with a win over the Flyers Friday night, they were given the weekend off.  Bad move!  You only won one game, and there’s along way to go, so my thought is that it backfired.

Head Coach Peter DeBoer looked completely frustrated behind the bench last night.  He had a look on his face as though he was ready to kill someone.  Before he does that, he needs to look in the mirror and see what can be done to make these players understand what is at stake.  The power play for the Panthers was 0-5 including a brief 5 on 3 in the first period, which could have given them some life had they capitalized.  No chance. 

This team needs to grow up.  They were rewarded with time off and they should have come out on fire.  Especially in their own building.  In the first period David Booth was put into the boards head first and came up a bit woozy.  Absolutely no retaliation from any Panther!  Until the last few minutes of the game when Nathan Horton decided to throw his weight around with the team down 5-1 and the game out of reach.  Big f-in deal.  What makes matters worse is that DeBoer seemed to be shaking his head in approval as Horton went off the ice.  Must be hoping that this little stunt sparks the team.  I don’t think so. 

Booth later said that you’ve got to have the mentality to come back.  We’ve got to start getting that mind-set in here.  Start?  They should have had this a long time ago.

 The only thing that’s going to spark this bunch is putting a fire cracker in their ass!

Next up-Friday in Pittsburgh, and Saturday in Philadelphia.  Should be a blood bath!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!

Tags: buffalo sabres, florida panthers, scott clemmensen, tomas vokoun