I finally dragged myself back to a hockey mindset today after three thrilling days in Buffalo known as the "Mario Party". The Bills signing of Mario Williams has given me new energy to root for a final push by the Sabres.

I want to touch on Wednesday's game against the Avalanche. First off Marcus Foligno is showing more and more why Zach Kassian became available in a trade. Foligno has 4 points in 4 NHL games, all 4 coming in his last three games (3 goals 1 assist). To bad the Sabres defense can't close out a game. I know it is illegal, but my goodness there's 5 seconds left in the game you need to hook, trip, cross check, or hold. Do whatever you have to do to get the two points. However Mike Weber again was out of position and for the second straight game the away team tied the game with under 5 seconds left in the game. On Monday they got away with it with a overtime win, not the case Wednesday. Avs would go on to win 5-4 in a shootout. Also notice Myers doesn't play and the defense looks awful. Thanks Shanny.

Cody Hodgson continues to stay off the score sheet. He rang a puck of the post 15 seconds into the Avs game and then was never really seen again. However he did get his first actual practice with his new team today. Alexander Sulzer on the other hand has player very well with Ehrhoff and even added his first goal as a Sabre against Colorado. He's played so well that when Andrej Sekera and Tyler Myers return, I think Mike Weber will be sent to the press box. Funny how the throw in's in that deal are out playing the big names currently.

The Sabres take their talents to South Beach to meet the suddenly hot Florida Panthers on Saturday and then head to the Bay to play the Bolts. I said earlier in the week I expected all 3 games this week (Montreal, Colorado, and Florida). Well with that no longer possible they need to win tomorrow and get 5 of 6 points this week. With 11 games left, Buffalo needs to win 8 or 9.

On the injury front Nathan Gerbe was a surprise late scratch Wednesday. He has an upper body injury and skated alone today. He is making the trip to Florida and is questionable for those two games. Andrej Sekera also practiced today wearing the "don't hit me" jersey and is also making the trip. He is also questionable for the two Florida games.

In practice today lines were a bit different:

Tropp-Roy-Pominville

Vanek-Hodgson-Leino

Foligno-Ennis-Stafford

Kaleta-Boyes-McCormick

Only real interesting thing I noticed is Tropp skating with Roy and Pominville. If Gerbe plays that could be his spot that Tropp is just sitting in for the time being.

Crunch time for the Sabres 11 games left 3 points out of 8th. Washington and Winnipeg will make up their game in hand tonight when they face off in the MTS Centre. I'm pulling for a Winnipeg win. NO 3 POINT GAME!