BUFFALO — According to Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, there are two types of teams at this point in the hockey season.
"One that's going well or one that's desperate to win a game," Ruff said today at HSBC Arena. "We've got one tonight that's desperate to win a game. We need to exceed that desperation."
Desperate? Yes, with four straight losses, the Canes do qualify. But will desperation be enough?
The Sabres come into tonight's game feeling good about themselves. They're playing at home, where they've beaten the Canes the last four times and routed them twice last season. They're coming off a stirring 5-4 shootout victory at Dallas, fighting out of a 3-0 hole.
"We want to build off that comeback victory," Ruff said. "We're in our building and we need to get the crowd behind us early. It's real important that we play well early."
And, conversely, important that the Canes keep the Sabres from doing just that. Asked today which would be more important tonight, effort or execution, Canes coach Paul Maurice said: "Winning."
"At the end of the day I don't care what it looks like. That being said ... it's not that (the Canes players) don't want to (play hard). Sometimes, you get paralyzed with wanting something and you stand and stand and stand.
"I'm trying to get to the point where, 'OK, these are the positions that we're supposed to be in and then after that, let it go and just go. And if you make a mistake I'll correct you. And when I correct you, don't panic. Go.'
"So I'd love to see the effort but it's not that this group doesn't want to work hard or they're not good guys. I'd like to see them kind of free up the bonds."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Getting used to it
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 19:34 — VIt's time for us Caniacs to accept the fact that this has never been a truly good team. The 'Canes Cup win really was a fluke, just like Tampa's and Anaheim's. The NHL has spread itself way too thin.
Well in kansas
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 18:44 — esteban1949Dorthy...anything is possible.Come Todo,we must be going,before the evil & wicked Darth Vader shows us the "Dark Side" of Hurricane's Hockey ! Oh Please... Personally, I'd love to see the cane's win and win big...but if we do win,it won't be by much.And if we lose...hopefully it won't be by much.Try saying that real fast with a All meat 3.00 dollar hotdog from the kitchens of the rbcc, jammed in sidways ...:-} Extra Mustard please !!
'Canes are going to lose
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 15:18 — V'Canes are going to lose 5-2. I really hope I'm wrong and would love to be proven so. Bench Brindy, give Sutter as much ice time as possible, and put Whitney on the wing with Staal -- and keep Wallin away from the puck until the last 2 minutes -- and maybe, MAYBE, the 'Canes will win.
Why the last two minutes?
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 17:39 — wxray1If the Canes are down by a goal or two, we might risk scoring a goal on our own empty net.
That would never happen, would it?
Snark
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 19:48 — VHa! Talking to you Nic! Please let the 'Canes TRY to trade you. Please and thanks!? Preesh.