One Point From Successful Playoff Push

Thomas Vanek celebrates after scoring his sixth career hat trick
in a 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Sabres did themselves a significant favor by leaving HSBC Arena last night with two points.  The win over the Tampa Bay Lightning brought that playoff odd we have been following closely these last two months up 4.5 to 98.4%.  With a Detroit Red Wings win in Carolina tonight, that number could go from 98.4 to 100.0% meaning that "hurricane season" would be officially over and the Buffalo Sabres will have officially clinched a spot in this year's post-season.  Hopefully Detroit's motivation to catch the San Jose Sharks in the West standings will overcome the Carolina Hurricanes' motivation to extend their season so us Sabres fans can be merry.  At least Detroit will have the city of Buffalo rooting for them as well whether they like us or not.  Just think how much fun Friday's last home game against the Philadelphia Flyers could be if the Sabres will have already clinched; not that it won't be fun either way.  After seeing the arena overflowing with energy last night, I can't wait to see what Friday has in store.  Not only is it the last home game of the regular season, it is also the 40th Anniversary Fan Appreciation Night that will feature over 75 Sabres Alumni arriving on the red carpet for a special pre-game ceremony.  There will be a party in the plaza before the game, multiple "Jersey Off My Back" giveaways, a Sabres "7th Man Award", and a 50/50 raffle worth a guaranteed $40,000.  Judging by past infamous 50/50 raffles, this one will most likely top $50,000 or maybe even $60,000 that would make it the largest pot to ever be given away at HSBC Arena.  That is larger than the pot given away at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships Gold-Medal Game in Buffalo earlier this year.  Friday will be a fan-friendly game for the history books that you should not miss.  If you don't already have a ticket, I would not waste any more time getting my hands on one as soon as possible.  If you can't make the game, at least give a friend who can some cash to get you in on this 50/50 raffle.

Thomas Vanek scored three goals last night bringing him to 31 on the season with 70 total points.  He has scored 25+ goals in every season of his six year career.  Lindy Ruff was impressed with his play and said "Van was big again tonight. Our big players are making a difference, and that's important."  Tim Connolly also had three points in the game with a goal and two assists.  His goal came on an impressive sniper shot from the face-off circle that is worth seeing again.  You can check out all of the goals and any of the games highlights you may have missed wrapped up nicely here.  Also if you missed the game, take a look at the Willful Caboose's "25 Things I Loved About the Game Last Night" to clear things up.  Jhonas Enroth won again improving his record to 8-2-2 on the season.  The defense played well in front of him needing him to make only 23 saves.  Tyler Myers and Vincent Lecavalier got in a little shoving match after Myers took a cross-checking penalty in the second period.  It would have been fun to see those two thrown down but the officials put that fire out before it could get started.

The Sabres will enjoy today and tomorrow off before closing their regular season this weekend.  Friday's last home game is slated to start at 7:30pm EDT but fans have been asked to be in their seats by 7:15pm to enjoy the on-ice festivities.  All fans will receive a "7th Man Rally Towel" upon entrance to the arena.  Some good news regarding defenseman Jordan Leopold is that his left thumb will not require surgery and we could see him back within two weeks.