Alright, Buffalo, listen up. It’s game day, and tonight, the Washington Capitals roll into the KeyBank Center. Puck drops at 7:00 PM. We're 40-19-6, sitting pretty at the top of the Atlantic Division with 86 points, and we’ve gone 8-1-1 in our last ten. That’s a *win* streak, for those of you keeping score at home, which, let’s be real, you all are.
What I'm watching for tonight? First off, let’s see if we can keep that defensive intensity up. The Buffalo Sabres have been playing some suffocating hockey lately, giving opponents no room to breathe. They say defense wins championships, and while we're not there yet, it sure as heck wins regular-season games. And against the Washington Capitals, who still have some bite in them even if they ain't what they used to be, we need to be sharp. We can't let them get comfortable. This isn't a rivalry game, not in the way Toronto is a rivalry, but every game against a decent Eastern Conference team is a measuring stick. It’s about proving we belong where we are, not just having a nice run. The energy in Buffalo, NY right now, it's something I haven't felt in… well, a long time. People are actually talking about the Buffalo Sabres down at Duff's, not just complaining about the potholes on Delaware Avenue. They're excited, they’re nervous, and they're ready. Let’s Go Buff-a-lo!
This is a chance to keep building that momentum. It’s about showing the league that this isn't a fluke. We've got a good thing going here in Buffalo, NY, and tonight, we show the Washington Capitals exactly what that means.
Let's Go Buff-a-lo — from the City of Good Neighbors, this is Peg.