McKee Out!
Word out of Buffalo is that Jay McKee will not play in tonight’s game 7. Apparently he has a shin infection that has caused swelling in his leg. It is believed to be from a cut he suffered in the Ottawa series.
I have wanted to say something about Buffalo all through these playoffs. Simply, this team is amazing.
I do not know of one other team that could take Carolina to 7 games missing 3 of their top 5 defensemen, and now 4 of their top 5!! nevermind they are also missing the forward who had the best PPG average for them in the playoffs until his injury.
The last time I saw anything like this was when the Leafs were playing 7 or 8 St. John’s Maple Leaf players against a favored Ottawa team… so there is hope for Buffalo, but very slim hope indeed.
Further, throughout this playoffs, I have felt that I possibly have never seen a team that was better than this year’s Sabres. I believe that, were they healthy, they would already be in the cup final. The passing, finishing, the SPEED, shot blocking, goaltending, discipline and sheer guts of this team has impressed me throughout. They are relentless. The only teams that compares were the Oilers dynasty… and they do it without a clear superstar or stud on D or a proven NHL goalie.
They are also too injured I think to win this thing. Carolina is just too strong.
With apologies to Edmonton fans, I have seen most all the NHL playoff games and I just don’t see Edmonton standing a chance against Carolina; Just my opinion. There was NO comparison between the quality of hockey played in the East and West conference finals and Anaheim is a long long LONG way from either Biffalo or Carolina’s class. The good news is that IF Buffalo pulls out a miracle, we may see an Oilers cup. I don’t believe any team can go into the finals with those kind of injuries and win.
Win or lose tonight My hat is off to Lindy Ruff (love him or hate him) and the Buffalo Sabres. Their fans should be proud of what they have accomplished already in light of these cir¢umstances.