Gerbe Vanek Magic Locks Buffalo Sabres Into 2011 Playoffs

April 8, 2011 Buffalo Sabres v. Philadelphia Flyers ~ The game started out as a defensive struggle. The Sabres gave up one goal in the first period. The second period was a bit more exciting, edge of your seat, type of play because four goals were scored, two by each team. The Flyers took a 3-2 lead at the end of the second period. I tweeted at that time the following "@Tonester5 #Sabres have heart, they will persevere - Will Win!" Not to be gross but I also streaked naked through my house to try to change the vibe for the Sabres. (think it worked)

The momentum changer of the night was Lindy Ruff's decision to pull young goalie Jhonas Enroth, who did not play badly, and insert Ryan Miller into goal at the beginning of the third period. The Flyers players must have looked down toward the Sabres end of the ice and thought "Great, we have to get a puck past him this period? WTF!" The Sabres played the entire third period like it was there last. Halfway through the period the Sabres made a nice entry into the Flyers zone with speed and nice puck handling. Steve Montador passed the puck to Thomas Vanek who passed and found Nathan Gerbe on the right side of the net(if you are looking from behind him toward the goal), Nathan did a Denis Savard style spin-o-rama and lifted a backhander up  at the left corner of the goal, he hit the iron and we heard that slight PING as the puck went in the net. That tied the game at three goals each. What came next was something I've never seen in a game with the implications that this particular game had. Looking beaten, the Flyers retreated to there own blue line and did not chase the Sabres for the puck for almost the last :40 seconds of the game. It was like the Flyers wanted the Sabres to get into the playoffs, which the tie gave Buffalo a much needed point in the standings and locked the team into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The stunt the Flyers pulled at the end of the third period came back to bite them. One minute sixteen seconds into the overtime period, a streaking "O' Captain, My Captain" Thomas "Golden Hands" Vanek netted the game winning goal, splitting two defenders at the blue line, and beating Flyers goalie Sergie Bobrovsky with a nifty backhand shot. The Celebration for Sabres Nation became even more ecstatic. I ran around the house clapping and yelling "He Scoooorressss!", in my best Rick Jeanneret voice.

I was so sure last night was a dream, that I pinched myself to make sure what happened was true. It hurt too! All I know is being locked in the playoffs is so much better for my stress level. Sabres Nation say it LOUD "The Buffalo Sabres are in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs!" Eastern Conference be warned, Buffalo is going to bring the pain ~~~~~~> at whoever stands in their way. Lets Go BUF-FA-LO!

The Cincinnati Reds did not fair too well last night. The Arizona Diamondbacks put a smack down on the Reds 12-2. Joey Votto went 2-4 with a HR in the 9th inning. Paul Janish was the only other Red to have more than one hit going 2-4 at the plate. Travis Wood had an off night, his line was 5ip, 7h, 6r, 2w, and 4k's.  Matt Maloney had his first rough outing, from the bull pen, which his line does not need to be discussed. I have confidence that Matt will bounce right back and toss some shut out innings. No worries fellas, every next game is a new start. Go get um tomorrow. Lets Go Reds!

Thanks all, hope everyone has a safe and great day. Cheers from the Cheap Seats!

Sabres Look To Make Playoffs Thanks To Youth 4.8.2011

Excitement, nervousness, faith, hard work, commitment, perseverance, scratching, clawing, intensity, and more.... Tonight's game between the Sabres and Flyers is all of the previous words all in one game. Earlier this season none of the hockey experts really gave Buffalo a shot at going to the playoffs. The Sabres started the 2010-2011 season very rough. The team had more losses than wins and were struggling to reach .500. Derek Roy was our top scorer and then he was lost for the season due to injury. No one would have guessed that prospect players like Tyler Ennis, Nathan Gerbe, Cody McCormick, Chris Butler, Jhonas Enroth, Mark Mancari, Mike Weber, Luke Adam, Paul Byron, and Marc-Andre Gragnani would step up to score goals, make plays, throw fists, block shots, make saves, check everything in sight, fill roles, and propel the Sabres to the verge of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some of us faithful fans had ideas (hopes) that this would/could happen, but pretty sure none of us knew the young players would contribute as much as they have this quick.

I predicted to my significant other and friends, before the beginning of the season, the Sabres would be tough to play, win games, and make the playoffs as an eight or seven seed. I did not take into account losing our top center for the season, getting rid of our short time captain, going through a myriad of injuries, and have eleven players on the roster under or at the age of twenty five. With a win or tie tonight, my prediction might come full circle and really happen. I've had my fingers, toes, and MagicRedShoelaces crossed all morning. They will continue to be crossed until first puck drop. All I have to say is: LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!

I have a couple shout outs:

Congratulations to Luke Adam - Sabres/Pirates - AHL Outstanding Rookie of the Year - great Job Adam, look forward to seeing you in Blue and Gold soon!

Good Luck to the Cincinnati Reds in D-back land. @LeonardBrains - D stands for Done! as in - Reds win, get it done!

Good Luck to the Boston Red Sox - hope they get off the schnide. I finally said it Lish!


Hope everyone has a great day and Cheers from the Cheap Seats!

Reds, Sabres, and most certainly more.

4/7/2011 - Cincinnati Reds fans are higher than kites over the 5-0 start to the 2011 season. The Reds beat the Astros last night after being down 4-0 at one point. Edison Volquez is struggling in the early innings and then settling down in the later ones. Edison pitched 5 innings giving up 5 hits 5 walks 4 earned runs, and struck out 8. WOW! The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly all in one outing, but still got the "W". The Reds battery had 14 hits, not one being a homerun, and still scored 12 runs. Standouts at the plate were Brandon Phillips 3-4, Joey Votto 2-4, Jay Bruce 2-5, and Paul Janish 3-5. Great job with the wood guys.

The Sabres had the night off, giving the team some much needed rest. The Hurricanes won 3-0 to pull within two points of the Rangers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Quick Shout out to Rochester native Ryan Callahan ~ sorry to hear about the season ending broken leg. I love seeing you on the ice, except against the Buffalo Sabres. Best regards for a speedy and healthy recovery.

To my main point this morning, I'm not a political man by any means. I served my country in the U.S. Air Force, Persian Gulf Vet 90'- 91', and am damn proud of that fact. My main beef with the recent news about the pending government shutdown is in reference to our men and women in arms overseas. The shut down will in affect, cut off their paychecks and put their families at risk of having no financial stability. On the flip side of the coin, our federal politicians will still get their salaries, which in my opinion are too damn high. How can we, as Americans, allow or justify the cutting off our military members from their financial life line and watch our lazy, snobby, and self centered politicians get their monies. I say we need to throw out the current government, start fresh, and get some people in office that represent the everyday ordinary common man. Everytime I read or listen to our government woes and short comings, it makes me realize one thing, in this day and age an honest man cannot get a fair shake from any of our elected officials.

To quote Jim Garrison, "This is not the country, today, in which I was born, and is certainly not the country in which I want to die in."

Thanks all, I get a little edgy from time to time. Have a great day.

Reds v. Sabres - and a bit more

Good morning everyone.

Last night was a huge night in Buffalo, as the Sabres beat the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Two points closer to punching their ticket for the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thomas Vanek paced the team with a 3 goal night, collecting his first Hat Trick of the season, and 6th of his career. Tim Connolly had a goal and two assists. "My Name is Jonas" - Jhonas Enroth had 23 saves on 25 shots, he is now 3-0-1 in his season saving last four games. Patrick LaLime continues to ride the pine, hhhmmm! We all know why, does "can't stop a Beach Ball" mean anything!? Great work guys, keep diggin'.

The Cincinnati Reds hosted the Houston Astros last night, they went on to beat the Astros 8-2, to start the season 4-0. The Reds were paced by a very good first outing, on the hill, by starting pitcher Mike Leake. He went 6 solid innings, gave up 3 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, while striking out 4. The Reds battery was paced by Drew Stubbs 2-5ab 1 run scored 1 stolen base,  Joey Votto 2-4ab 2 runs scored 1 RBI, and Brandon Phillips 2-2ab 1 walk and 3 runs scored. Brandon Left the game early after what was described as an awkward slide at home. There has been no formal statement as to the injury type or severity. All of RedLegNation hope the injury is minor and that Brandon will be back out on the field at second base soon, with old school pant legs up and RedStockings showing.

Everyone have a great day. I hope it is sunny where ever you are, Cheers from the Cheap Seats!

Sabres v. Reds - Quick Rant

Today the excitement going through my being was almost uncontrollable. Actually it was uncontrolled, I blogged during my morning lunch. Now, while sitting here listening to the Reds and watching the Sabres, my excitement has turned to fidgeting, cheering, yelling, and stressing.

This little rant is happening during the first intermission of the Sabres v. Lightning game. The Reds are up 4-0 over the Houston Astros. The Sabres are tied 1-1 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lets Go Reds! Lets Go BUF-FA-LO!

If you are new to my blog thanks for viewing. I've added some of my Favorite Blog links. Check them out if you have time. Thanks Friends.

Double Dipping - Reds and Sabres

I've been sitting here trying to hold back my excitement for the past four hours. This time of the year is so awesome for my sports addiction. Baseball and Hockey are the best sports on the planet, hands down, no if ands or butts. From the beginning of Baseball spring training to the end of the Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs, I get to watch or listen to both sports. Of course my two teams have not had much playoff success in the past few years, but that is all about to change.

The Sabres have been purchased by a true fan of the sport of Hockey, Terry Pegula. Since his ownership started, the vibe in all of Sabres Nation has been unbelievably awesome. Huge things to come for the Sabres organization, team, and fans in the next few years. Let me not jinx, but dare I say Sir Stanley in Buffalo not too far off in our future. Lets Go BUF-FA-LO!

The Reds are so full of exceptional young talented players, our cup runeth over. The vibe in RedLegNation has been overwhelming since mid way through the 2010 season. I'm not trying to be obtuse by this comment, but there was a funny feeling in all Reds fans this spring - EXPECTATION! The Reds have started this season off at a 3W-0L pace. I predicted earlier this spring the Reds would win 86-90 games and possibly win the NL Central in back to back years. That has not happened since the 75-76 Big Red Machine. We shall see what happens over the season, but I'm all about it.

Good Luck today Sabres & Reds. I'm with you through thick and thin.

First Blog Post - Lets Do This.

Today is April 4, 2011. I'm officially stepping into the Blog Waters! All my friends will tell you my favorite teams are the Cincinnati Reds and Buffalo Sabres. I'm VERY passionate about my favorite teams. Although there is a limit to how or what I'll do for those passions.

On Sunday 4/3/2011, I was watching the Buffalo Sabres v. Carolina Hurricanes game and was on twitter at the same time. During the game some tweeps were poking fun back and forth between Sabres and Canes fans. It all seemed harmless at the time. One of my retweets was taken a bit out of context, which can happen easily online, and certainly had good reason for that out of context perception.
A twitter tweep, who I did not know until Monday morning, was a part of this poking fun. Unknown to me, this person was assaulted by a Sabres Fan in the parking lot after the game. She was walking with friends when she was verbally and physically harrassed. The Sabres Fan said some vulger things, grabbed her, and when she defended herself by trying to push him away, the fan punched her in the face. She had her nose broke and suffered a concussion. She was in the emergency room for two hours, rather than being in the comfort of her home settling down for the night. The good thing is that there was a Police Officer near and the assaulting person was arrested, will pay for all medical fees, and was taken to jail.
I hate the fact that the person was a Sabres fan. Any Sabres fan that is violent toward another teams fans is a terrible person and not worthy of calling themselves a Sabres Fan. No one should resort to violence for any reason, espcially when sporting events are involved, no matter whether your team wins or loses. It's a sport for our entertainment, not for us to take out our anger.
There are a couple good things that have come from this incident. Writing about the incident to raise the awareness to stop violence at sporting events and I have a new Friend who is a Carolina Hurricans fan. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.