Sabres hold onto 9th spot in East

The Sabres fell to 5 points behind the Flyers tonight, but did manage to stay in the 9th spot in the playoff race. Philly's win over the Islanders gave them a more comfortable lead on the final playoff spot. The Sabres 4-3 overtime loss gave them one point, which with 13 games left is better than no points. Still, the Sabres have put themselves in a tough spot. I know they feel like they can still control their own destiny, but the reality is they don't! Unless the teams ahead of them start to lose, (and yes they do face a number of those teams in their remaining 13 games) they have no shot at the post season. Realistically they need 8 or 9 wins over this final stretch. It's going to be difficult. They host the Rangers on Monday, a team that they have had very little success against all season. This week it's the Rangers, Penguins, Carolina again, and Toronto. We should know by the end of the week where they stand.

Will the Sabres make the Playoffs?

If you've been watching the first period of tonight's game against Carolina you would have to say no, and likely have you head shaking wondering what's wrong with this team. The Sabres got some help today when Boston beat Washington which allowed the Sabres to stay in the 9th spot in the East, rather than falling to the 10th spot.
The Sabres showed no sign of desperation in the 1st period and were clearly outworked by the Hurricanes. Although they've scored in the 2nd period, they gave up another goal to Carolina right after. They're down 3-1 and it seems hard to believe that this team will find a way into the playoff picture with the way they're playing.

Rough day for Local HS Hoops

Two local Catholic schools saw their seasons come to an end today. The St. Joe's boys lost in the the state semi-finals to Chaminade 65-56. The Nichols girls also lost 62-60 in overtime. The Jamestown girls, who have been one of the most dominant teams in the area all season lost in the Class AA Far West Regional game 67-48 to Rush-Henrietta. As of right now, there has yet to be a winning basketball team from Section 6.

High School Hoops Snow Job

The Far West Regional high school hoops games at Buffalo State have been effected by the bad weather. The Buffalo East game scheduled for Friday night has been posponed until Sunday, as have the three games scheduled for Saturday. The complete revised schedule is available on the main sports page here at wivb.com.

Brett Favre/Maple Leafs...Hot??

Brett Favre...Calling it quits after 17 years in the National Football League, 16 starting for the Green Bay Packers. He led the Packers to two Super Bowls and set all kinds of records. He set the NFL record for most touchdowns but also set the record for most interceptions, definitely a ying and yang type player. My memories of Brett Favre have been the guy who never backs down. Any type of injury he shrugged off, starting every game since taking over the starting position for Green Bay in 1992. My favorite memory of Favre was a game in the mid 90's against the Steelers. Favre was hit hard on a play and had to go to the sidelines and was coughing up blood! But again, shrugging it off and throwing a touchdown pass to Mark Chmura on the very next play! Even though, I was young at the time, I got the message from Favre, never give up! The other is hands down the 2003 Monday Night game against the Raiders, just a day after the passing of his father. Favre went on to complete 22 of his 30 attempts, 399 yards and four touchdowns in the win. What are your favorite memories of the Packer great and where does Favre rank on your list of Top NFL Quarterbacks?

Onto the Toronto Maple Leafs…Are they for real? No one would have thought so a few weeks ago. The Leafs have strung together a solid stretch of games putting them only three points behind Buffalo and six behind Philadelphia for that desired number eight spot in the Eastern Conference. In it's last ten games, Toronto is 7-2-1 and fresh off of a 8-1 thumping of another hot team in the East, the Boston Bruins (although the Bruins have lost their last three). It's usually the hottest team entering the playoffs that teams fear the most. I know it's still a stretch but my question to you, viewers, are the Leafs hitting their stride at the right time or is it too little too late? Will Toronto's late emergence bring back that hatred rivalry when the Leafs and Sabres play out their final three meetings?

Eagles Cut Spikes

No real suprise about the Eagles cutting Takeo Spikes, and it validates the Bills for their decision to trade him. The Eagles save $5 million dollars by releasing the Pro Bowl linebacker. While he was 2nd on the team in tackles, he's never been the same player he was before the achilles tendon injury. The big, explosive players are gone. Spikes had no interceptions, no forced fumbles and just 2 sacks. I think of all of those national writers and broadcasters who were outraged about the Bills trade. But the Bills knew that he just wasn't the same player, and couldn't justify his salary. It only took the Eagles one year to figure that out, too.

Day off for the Sabres

The Sabres had the day off after playing in back to back games. They'll hit the ice again tomorrow morning before heading to Carolina to face the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Last night's loss to Washington was a costly one. While they didn't fall out of the 9th spot in the East, it was a missed opportunity to move ahead of Philadelphia for the 8th and final playoff berth. The Capitals, who are playing some of their best hockey right now are just 1 point behind Buffalo. The race continues to tighten and the Sabres are losing opportunities to control their own destiny. If they continue to play mediocre hockey and rely on the teams around them to lose, they will be sitting home when the playoffs begin. Let's hope they forget about the key 2 points they should have had last night and focus on going into Carolina with the feeling of being a desperate team. The Hurricanes are 3rd in the playoff picture, but that's only because they lead a week division. They have 75 points, compared to the Sabres 73.

Sabres Lose to Capitals

Don't complain about the late no-goal. Not after the Sabres got lucky with the too many men on the ice play in Philly, and not when they had no penalty called against them until :19 seconds remained in the game.
Here's what bugged me. How does 225 pound Steve Bernier get spun around and knocked off the puck by Ovechkin. That turned into the go-ahead goal, and changed the entire game. Less than a minute before, the Sabres had tied it up. Could there have been a penalty called on that play? Sure, but as I said, the Sabres got their break Tuesday night.

ALEXANDER AWESOME

Everyone knows that Alex Ovechkin is a great player, but it's time to start thinking of him as one of the greats ever. Yes, I know he is still very young, but barring career shortening injuries, he will go down as one of the top ten...or even top goal scorers of all-time!

He certainly is not in the same class with Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, but he is in that next echelon of goal scorers. It should be interesting to watch Ovechkin and Crosby in the upcoming future. Crosby may get the nod as a better playmaker, but Ovechkin will get the nod as a pure goal scorer.

What do you think?

UB Football Looking to go to Next Level

U.B. football players showed their stuff for NFL scouts in Amherst today. The top prospect going in to the 2008 NFL draft is center Jamey Richard. Richard is a tough, hard nosed lineman with good skills and intelligence. Look for Richard to be drafted in day two of the draft, probably in the 5th to 7th round range. This will mark the first UB Bull drafted since Drew Haddad was picked in the 7th round by the Bills in 2000.

Another standout from today's workout was Defensive End Trevor Scott. Scott was a terror for all MAC opponents during his career at U.B.. Scott is a high motor guy, but unfortunately will have to move to linebacker at the next level because of his size. Scott's speed may not be good enough for a linebacker at the next level. I don't think Scott will be drafted, but look for him to get a shot in the NFL when the free agency period starts immediately following this year's draft.

Punter Ben Woods is also a prospect, but very few punters get drafted, so he will have to look to make it through the free agent track as well.

Turner Gill has changed the attitude of the football program at UB and I see UB turning out more quality players and players who will compete at the next level.

Free Agent Visitor Anderson

I'm not getting too excited about the latest Bills visitor. Tight End Courtney Anderson hasn't made much of an impact in his NFL career. In his first three years with Oakland, he had 62 catches and 6 TD. Last year, he was let go by the Raiders...then bounced from the Dolphins to the Lions to the Falcons. He did not have a catch. Anderson is more of a receiving tight end, and he's big at six foot six. He has no more visits planned, and he's had none so far. If the Bills wanted him, they should be able to get him at their price. They've already signed Anderson's former Raiders teammate, six-foot-six Teyo Johnson....who sounds like the same player.

U.B. Pro Day

Scouts from the Bills, Jets, Dolphins, Charger and others NFL teams were in Amherst for UB football's annual Pro Day. Its the chance for the Bulls seniors to workout for the scouts, and improve their chances of getting invited to an NFL training camp. For the first time since Drew Haddad was picked by the Bills in 2000, a Bull should be drafted. Center Jamey Richard is among the top ten centers in the draft. He's expected to be a mid round selection. Punter Ben Woods and defensive end Trevor Scott should sign as free agents and go to training camps. Don't count any of them out. Last year, linebacker Ramon Guzman was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colts, made the 53 man roster, and was a significant contributor on defense and special teams.

Sabres get ready for Ovechkin and Capitals

The Sabres are in another must win tonight when they host the Washington Capitals at 7:30. The Caps are in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, just 3 points behind the Sabres. Alexander Ovechkin comes in with 52 goals, and 90 total points. He just became the fastest player to reach the 50 goal mark in one season. The star winger also has 8 points in his last 3 games.



For the Sabres, Jason Pominville has a point in eight straight games.



A couple of line-up notes for the game:

Tim Connolly will not play, because it's a back to back game and he's still suffering from a bone spur on his hip. Clarke MacArthur will dress adding another center to the line-up.



Henrik Tallinder is out, and there is no time table for his return. Tallinder was hit hard into the boards last night in Philadelphia. Lindy Ruff said this morning that he's concerned about the defenseman's shoulder.



One day after being scratched from the line-up for his lack of passion, Dmitri Kalinin will dress because of the Tallinder injury. Andrej Sekera will also stay in the line-up.

Dressing for the Interview

Bryant Johnson win the best dressed free agent visitor award. The Cardinals wide receiver came to Buffalo Monday dressed in a snappy blue pinstrip suit with a vest. The lavender tie finished off the ensemble. If he plays as good as he dresses, sign him now.
Most players are more casual, jeans and a sweater or shirt. Now, this is isn't like a job interview you or I would attend. For these guys, their play speaks for itself. I don't think the Bills are making decisions on who to sign based on how they dress for the interview. But I like that Johnson felt it important enough to dress the part.

Bills Free Agent Visitors

Tuesday, three players made the rounds at One Bills Drive. Safety Marlon McCree is an 8 year veteran, who last played with San Diego. There's some question as to how he'd fit in, and where. Do the Bills view him as a starter, or a veteran backup for Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson. McCree made it clear he wants to start, and play strong safety. That would mean Whitner would have to move to free safety, and Simpson to the bench. It does make me wonder if Simpson's broken ankle is fully healed and ready for the season. McCree has ties to defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, from their time in Jacksonville.
Ben Troupe is a big (6-4, 270) tight end. He played in Tennessee, and had 55 catches in 2005. He fell behind other players, and was a backup the last two years. There would have to be a projection that Troupe is an untapped talent, who would be an improvement over Robert Royal or any rookie the Bills could draft. Troupe had a great personality, and seemed excited about Buffalo.
Corey McIntyre is a 245 pound fullback/special teams player. Of course, the Bills are not looking for a fullback. With Aiken, Haggan, Stamer and Wire gone, they need some new blood on the coverage units. McIntyre is a restricted free agent, which means the Falcons would have the right to match the Bills offer. There is no compensation because McIntyre was undrafted.

Local teams in NCAA Tournament

There are two local teams in the women's NCAA Division III basketball tournament. D'Youville won its conference, and they'll play Badwin-Wallace in Ohio on Friday.
Medaille, coached by former Niagara coach Peter Lonergan, plays Friday at Scranton. Look for Robin Adams to preview both team's games later on this week.

Sign Bryan Johnson NOW!

Cardinals free agent wideout Bryant Johnson was at the Stadium Monday. He spoke glowingly of his visit and the team, even saying "Buffalo is the place I want to be." But no deal yet. Get it done Russ Brandon! This guy fills a huge hole at wide receiver, giving the Bills some size. Johnson is six-foot-three. He would be a great compliment to Lee Evans. Playing behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald (2 Pro Bowlers), Johnson just hasn't gotten the playing time. Yet he still averaged 42 catches a season, and he's a former first round draft pick.
Sign Johnson, and your work is done. That would allow the Bills to have flexibility with their first round draft pick. It would also leave no glaring holes in the starting lineup.
Johnson also has interest from the Redskins and Bucs. Don't let him leave. Sign him.

Old Bills in New Places

Two free agent Bills have new homes. Tight End Michael Gaines is now a Detroit Lion. He gets a 4 year deal worth $10 million. Remember, he was on the street at the beginning of the season, and signed by the Bills when Kevin Everett was hurt. It leaves the Bills with just Robert Royal, Derek Schouman and Teyo Johnson on the current roster at tight end. Look for that to be addressed in free agency or the draft.
Receiver and special teams ace Sam Aiken is joining the Patriots. He'll likely focus on special teams there too, although New England is currently down a wideout due to the departure of Donte' Stallworth. Randy Moss is set to re-sign.
So the Bills core special teams players..Aiken, Coy Wire, Mario Haggan, Josh Stamer...are either gone or still free agents. Looks like Bobby April will have his work cut out for his this season.