Article Written By: Adam Wible
The NHL got back in action last night, as the Buffalo Sabres defeated Carolina 3-2 in an action packed game.
Buffalo is back in the national spotlight as they host Boston, at First Niagara Center, on NBCSports. The Sabres are the hottest team in the trade market right now.
This tells you something: Which teams do NOT have a scout in BUF press box tonight? FLA, NYR, NYI, ANA, PHX, CGY. That’s all. Uh-huh.
— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) February 26, 2014
As you can see, the majority of NHL teams had scouts in Buffalo last night. Ryan Miller did not disappoint.
Miller not only made 36 saves, he also added his first two assists on the season. Miller picked up both assists on goals scored by defender Christian Ehrhoff. This may have been the last time Miller puts on the only sweater he has worn in his career, and he knows it.
“I’m going to be 34 this year and let’s be realistic,” Miller admitted after making 36 saves in the win, “there’s only a handful of guys who played effectively longer into their 30s.”
“I’d like to be one of those guys, but there’s no guarantees. I’m not going to close anything off because maybe as we go through, some things change here. The things they’re going to have to do are probably going to come during the trade deadline and maybe I’m one of them.”
Sabres GM Tim Murray was very blunt after Tuesday’s victory.
“I don’t think signing here is his first choice at his age and where we’re at.”
With the performance he had last night, I’d be shocked if Miller makes another start in Buffalo.
I guess we’ll just wait and see how things play out in Buffalo. The Sabres will start Jhonas Enroth in net, against the B’s tonight.
In other action around the league tonight:
Detroit looks to climb the ranks and gain ground on their playoff spot. They have a one-point lead for the final spot in the East. The Red Wings travel north of the border to Montreal tonight for a showdown with the Canadiens.
Canadian olympic gold medalist, Cary Price, will miss the next two games for the Canadiens. Price tweaked a lower-body injury during the olympics.
“It’s a lower-body injury that he aggravated during the Olympics,” coach Michel Therrien said. “We want to ensure that he’s completely healthy when he returns to the lineup. His situation is one that we’ll be evaluating day by day. We’ll check on his status for practice on Friday ahead of the game on Saturday [vs. Toronto].”
The Kings travel to Colorado (10 pm EST NBCS), for one of two late games. St. Louis heads to Vancouver for the other late night contest.
How the west is won will come down to the next few weeks.
If the Blues make a deal for Miller, they will be one powerful contender out west.
There’s one thing that’s for sure, never count out the defending Cup champs.
Picks for the Night
Detroit (3-1), Los Angeles (4-3), St. Louis (3-2)
Upset of the night- Buffalo (4-3)
Cage of the day.
Marc-Andre Fleury’s cage and pads, for this Saturday’s Stadium Series game in Chicago.
