Who Canceled My Hockey Game?

I was sure - SURE - there was a Sabres game tonight.  I came racing out from my babysitting gig, turned on the car radio, and heard a repeat of that morning's Whiner Line.  (And believe me, I try to avoid the Whiner Line at ALL COSTS.)  Here's the good news: I was really disappointed!  I think my hockey exhaustion might be wearing off.  The playoffs are around the corner, there are barely 10 games left, it's late enough in the season to start watching for playoff match-ups.  Hockey is fun again!  Thank goodness.

It probably helps that the Sabres are finally starting to resemble a winning hockey team again.  I get that there are peaks and valleys in every season, but those valleys are still pretty darn annoying.  It doesn't help that, speaking in very general terms, the Buffalo fan community kind of freaks the second the Sabres start sliding.   Any time I hear anyone talk about the peaks and valleys of the season, I think of what might be my favorite Andy Van Slyke quote: "Every season has its peaks and valleys.  What you have to try to do is eliminate the Grand Canyon."  Grand Canyon eliminated!  Wooooo! 

It also  helps that two of my very favorite guys to see do well are Toni Lydman and Jochen Hecht.  I like when those underappreciated, unlikely guys come through.  A game like that last one where Jochen looked like a goal scorer - until he got to the bench and dissolved into sheepish and embarrased half-smiles - and Toni fakes out the goalie?  That's like a soothing balm to my hockey-tired soul

So while I know it's been quiet around here lately, I'm feeling re-energized.  When I get my dates right and the Sabres actually do play, I'm gonna be ready.