Lucic will be a marked man/By S. Bradley
Sometimes it’s best to expect the unexpected.
Like maybe there won’t be any fighting in the Bruins-Buffalo tilt tonight, and the two teams will just stage a spirited affair between a couple skilled clubs with a lot at stake in terms of the standings.
Of course, that would be a letdown to many hoping that the Sabres go after Milan Lucic for his hit on Ryan Miller — retaliation they failed to execute over more than 40 minutes in that game after the hit — in this the first matchup between the Northeast Division rivals since that night.
As expected, both sides talked mostly about hockey, not extracurricular stuff, on their off days yesterday. John Vogl of the Buffalo News has the story giving the perspective of both clubs heading into tonight’s battle in Buffalo, including this quote from Lucic:
“A lot of people are talking about it. There’s a lot at stake with getting that first place in the division. Even the fans here in Buffalo are going to be excited for it. I know we’re excited for it. We’ve been looking forward to this game as much as they have.”
Going after Lucic might be easier said than done considering the Sabres’ roster makeup. Their best revenge might be to play their best game, end the Bruins’ nine-game winning streak and snap out of their own mini-slump that has featured just two wins in their last five games. Regardless, there should be some dramatics at the First Niagara Center on this Thanksgiving Eve.
I was all excited about the Bruins…again…until I heard how Lucic decided to lay a goalie waste. Just unliked the B’s.
Tim Thomas with some pretty amazing shootout saves. What a shot by Pouliot, Claude works in mysterious ways.
“No telling what will unfold…” What, like Puliot getting the start and then winning the shootout after getting benched last game?
You called it, Matt!
The shootout, by the way was as exciting as they come. i really didn’t think Puliot would pot a goal, but good for him. Even after last game’s disappointment I thought he still deserved a chance to show his stuff. Julian’s faith in his players get rewarded again.
I always find that usually these games never live up to the hype. Remember vs. Cooke and the Pens? I think that was a far worse situation and we didn’t even show up. Sure Thornton got it going with Cooke but that was it and, truth be told, I almost respected Cooke a little more for taking his retribution and stepping up to fight a guy who was out of his class for sure. I’m hoping it’s the same for the Sabres tonight. I want 10 in a row, and the division lead, more than a fight-filled game. Of course I’ll still enjoy a fight-filled game. Let’s not be silly…
To answer Casey’s question, I still don’t think what Lucic did was that bad. Had the Sabres stepped up to defend their goalie – at least on the scoreboard – and if Miller was uninjured, this would all be water under the bridge. I still think Lucic actually seemed to defend himself as if he thought Miller was taking a run at him. If you watch it from the net angle, he’s almost startled when he looks up to see a body in front of him. He really made no attempt to hit Miller, just got caught in the trolly tracks. A place where Lucic is rarely going to lose, especially vs. Ryan Miller.
B’s grab a lead and continue to play like they have the last 9 games and the Sabres will probably respond for the Lucic/Miller collision…not so sure it will be Lucic they’ll target.
I know TT is hot and its a Division game but I would have liked to have seen Rask get tonight’s start.
I’m in upstate ny to visit w/ family over the holiday. Can’t wait to cozy up to a bar amongst a bunch of Sabs fans & watch this game. I’m carrying the light in enemy territory & plan to represent ;-/
Should be a good one, for sure!
Responding to the comment about the hit: it was borderline and should be adressed but really it wasn’t that bad, I think. I looch does it again then that’s another issue.
@Casey: absolutely not that bad.
The lack of Buffalo’s physical response was what was bad. Imagine Gaustad bombing into Thomas; it would have been a yard sale. But really, there’s only a handful of guys in the league willing to try an handle Lucic, and none of them are Sabres.
I know I’m biased being a Bruins fan, but was the Lucic hit on Miller really that bad?