Sports -- Saturday back on the scene right here WGR Sports Radio 550. Back SE crispy clean this morning is black Jeep went once -- it is crispy outside it is. A different kind of a Saturday this morning according to experience but this as a we have near buffalo Western New York it's got a crazy 71 day forty the next in. Always always -- that the on your dial thanks a lot for joining me I'm south of pot GO sports -- Saturday ahead we are here for three hours of talk about. Buffalo sports the sabres bills' draft get some final four action to talk about today -- -- thank you for joining me as always went throughout the phone number first and foremost because I think there's a lot to get to today I want you to chime in. On some very -- talk about regarding the sabres their push toward the playoffs last night's game tonight's game. The week ahead. Very it's I mean this is this is stressful stressful time of year this is playoff hockey right now. At what the schedule says regular season this is playoff hockey right now think every game. Is a game seven were -- atop what last night had -- that field -- -- -- where you know you just knew that the team was up against a superior opponent. And these chances they had late in the game your hold your breath they couldn't capitalize we'll talk about that. We'll talk about going for what it means for tonight in the rest of the week -- and obviously. For the playoff push as the sabres officially officially sick. In ninth place in the NHL that they are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot as far as points are concerned right now with the Washington Capitals. 8030550. Is the local number that's 8030550. If you're listening. Here in Western New York you wanna China and make street is that number not your anywhere outside the Western New York area we always invite you. Wherever you are to be listening on our iPhone or android app or online at WGR 550 dot com. It also calling -- whole free at 888. 515. To 550 mentality producing as always today. And and no matter either on the Rochester and a Americans throughout this season as well I -- -- -- -- with him today in this morning and Natalie the sabres with the Americans because I think some people wondering. How all that works out. Mac person well good morning and what is the deal the -- are they gonna make the playoffs how does that work and where they say it right now. Super tight sale its content just like the NHL race like right now the -- -- oddly enough believe it or not are in the Western Conference. And they lost last night they get a point they lose in overtime actually with only five seconds left in the game who's in the Eastern Conference Germany and enough. I know it's it's weird how it works but I wish I had an explanation for you why there in -- western comforts but they are so. There -- there balance close they get there in ninth place right now. Last night if they had gotten to points they -- moved up to seventh it's pretty much like that the whole rest of the way for them I think they have. Maybe the seven games last six games something like that so it's really close it's tight it's going to be interest. What do they need Matt what do they need to make a run at what are they missing now whether they whether it's because they had guys move on to buffalo. Like markets Leno or they had somebody traded or whatever and what do they need right now to make a run for the -- where they messing. While this certainly missing markets Leno there's no question about that you've seen how good he is in the NHL Amanda what he was doing to HL opponents cell. He's -- the pretty big gap in in the -- lineup but. You know they just signed two players. Out of college to kind of fill the holes a little bit but losing markets was was big the team still has an up. Enough depth and has got really good goaltending down the stretch from David like GO. Who's actually from buffalo by the way. And I think that they can make it they can do it but they have a problem they get leads they did this last night they did this in Albany a couple of days ago. They get leads and they can hang onto him last night they were up three to two going into the third period three minutes then they give up a goal. So it's been that way a lot of the season where they've they have the talent but. You know it's a young team and they make mistakes sometimes late in games big pressure situations that type of -- sell but they can still absolutely make the playoffs. Thanks for the follow on Twitter here on the social media aspect of the world we live -- today we do appreciate it if you're not what the heck is wrong with -- got to get on the super information superhighway. I am acts Al sports is at Matthew WG -- -- of course you can text testified that the packet to the text. Already flying in and this is kind of piggybacking on what I wanna get too early today and talk about the first text comes in. From the 71690 -- exchange it says sabres are toast. Same -- sabres showed true true colors last night -- Let's talk about last night's game. Because. This is a team that obviously they are not as good as the Pittsburgh Penguins Buffalo Sabres. I was not in fury over losing last night out when it wasn't one of those. I -- they lost I can't believe -- -- now you know they had won five games in -- -- Playing good hockey they're not gonna win every game they are one of the hottest teams in the league over the last 20/20 five games. They're going to lose games what bothered me last night what bothered me last night was two things. Number what. Was wired in this position obviously I keep going back to that I go I look back at the games against Winnipeg this year. I look back at that twelve game road losing streak this year. I look back a lot of different things and say there's no reason that we should even be in this position right now this team that's frustrating it's frustrating to now. But here yeah it is what it is there in this position they're trying to make this run they made a good run at it and there's still time left in the still games left to ultimately wind up. With the prize which is eight or better place. The second thing that really struck out to me and what I wanna get to today ask you your opinion on is. They're just they're not a team that can compete with a team like Pittsburgh Penguins at this point. There are teams in this league in this conference I think that they could give it New York Rangers. They could probably be -- and a seven game series although I think that's a swing series. They match up much better with the Rangers. They're not going to be Boston because Boston just physically going to Wear them out. -- -- -- if -- were -- any players let the late -- Boston a seven game series a team like Pittsburgh though shows the disparity. Shows disparity that is a good hockey team I thought the sabres know they did not play great last night. But they had their chances to win. They played well enough to win last night yet they couldn't bury chances and they couldn't score goals when it mattered and they worked. After all that after all of that they still lost and I think it. If you play a team like Pittsburgh in the first round and this is we're looking at may be the -- outer fighting series that's way I looked at last night after seeing that. There's only so long I mean. After what happened last night getting at the empty netter late -- by three it was a 43 hockey game. And I mean how long a seven game series it would -- even go that far which I don't think it would could you really hold down you know Crosby and Malkin. And the rest of the -- I mean that's a good team so well I ask you right now I -- -- -- call me about is this. What does this team need to get there what's still lacking let's assume let's just assume protect the big assumption. That they do get into the playoffs. That they get the eighth spot. May be what you think they need is to beat the Rangers one thing or what they need to beat the penguins is another or the Bruins another. I want to know what is this team still lacking you look at the overall team you watch last night's game you'll actually run over the last 125 games and you say look. This team still needs blank to make a run in this playoffs. They need blank to get to the second -- Because they don't get this whatever it is. They're toast in the first round four by six games. I don't think goaltending can be the thing you point to at this point I mean Ryan Miller has been unbelievable last night now not his best game that is worse. Led a pretty bad goal Sidney Crosby to second broadly the one of the side of the net. I had a couple of kids maybe could argue he couldn't stop another one or two of those but I -- think either goaltender obviously on the other end. Neither ultimately a great game last night but wasn't as were skiing either -- split facing a high. Firepower team. What they need. What do they need to get a little bit farther now I think conventional wisdom throughout this year wise you'd need that number once said you need that number once had a look. This position and -- the least of their problems lately. There has done a terrific job filling it. And Cody -- to playing good hockey. He's buried chances are they like that he's going good hockey okay. Marcus Toledo is really helped everyone else stepped up their game no matter what position they play by the net line Stafford and it's legal -- terrific obviously we see the numbers that they've put up. Pizza they're getting there getting some secondary scoring I know what struck me last night how funny was it. -- Tyler Ennis has the puck outside the left faceoff circle. Wheels statins scores a goal he should not score and I. I turn -- west in the press by the turned Paul Hamilton said that is the kind of goal. That this team just did not get earlier in the editing get those breaks about the the bounce off the glass that I thought that the -- last night. Those are the kinds about it we used to see out the ought. The Thomas manic corralled. May two -- and put the puck in the net. Build the kind of thing that did not happen this team early in the year. They're getting some of those bounces but -- what those bounces last night they still lose to a team like Pittsburgh Penguins. Now you could say to me Battelle -- not to play Pittsburgh for sure that's but that's not the player trying to make. I'm saying if they played a team like that -- played Pittsburgh the disparity right now. Became what I saw last night and this team I think is just too far too much of a gap. But I think -- how they need to get there is the question. That we would have differing opinions out so -- get jurors on that today 8030550. I'll get my thoughts on. In just a second I'll take a couple phone calls and certainly this thing Apple Newton gets -- some thoughts on this going right now let's start off with Mary in Hamburg -- first up on sports talk Saturday thanks for joining me. I I -- I want to say it it would be at the lack the game that night after would be a good game -- -- content but. The thing I know it let act kind of popped out yeah I did not hit it hit the pop. Picked her cap -- -- -- network -- -- -- it popped and I think it many a whole different in the game. So I. I think speedier talking about speed getting the puck or is it -- or yours don't want to marry. I don't know if you -- they didn't we have been seen ire. Yet they act and not you look at Reagan and what they didn't have picked eager. Yeah and moved -- I think -- shall in all it was like all -- ordered the F. Thanks a lot Murray had to say a lot. Last night was the kind of game where they should have taken the play. To a team that was really. More physically tired exhausted I would think in Pittsburgh to -- what their third game in four nights. They are on the road the sabres head -- they had a couple of days off. That would achieve a game I think that indeed what that and I think this underscores my point here even with all those intangible political advantages. The -- so we're able to beat that -- I think that's that's the point here there are teams in the Eastern Conference I'll -- I think the play the Rangers they can beat the Rangers I don't they would. I think a few bounces here there special teams could probably be a difference and -- In your face and Lundqvist that's a big time goal to go against. You played Boston. The -- bosses are now you look at all come up -- not playing well now we just don't match up the Boston in a seven game series they may in a one game. -- You play one time here what time there that can happen but a seven game series that team this team to get beat up I think too much they wouldn't horses left to continue and play out that series in -- And I think that's where I ago. -- saying no I think they cashed in trade with battery though that I think down the road that will be a good trade disorganization. But I still think there is that element that they're going to be missing in a seven game series it's one thing I talk about the the element of toughness the element of grinding. Getting to those loose pucks like Mary just talked about getting into the corner digging them -- You see some of that bigger work hard this work in -- back and not that at all they've been working very hard. For the last couple of months to get to where they are and it's great the way they've been working. But you go to seven games series more familiarity. -- teams know each other. And you got to win for any debt that is where that comes into play it's not the one game in late march in need to win. One game -- anybody -- -- the two seed beat fifteenth seed in the NCAA tournament they're not gonna do that if they play at seven game series. Rick your next in the media are. And eight what that is missing and and -- -- I would think you did last post -- excellently across and apparently which solution -- -- penalty he he looked at three. And at least stood at sort of box and also you nothing to -- -- continues to warrant -- -- -- need a solid team leader accounting. So important I think these bubbles don't step in but we don't have a Chris moody. That sent to the split in -- -- A -- and a jury as far as a leadership standpoint is what you -- saying. Yes that's what they're missing solid solid are a little consolation that the employees -- parts -- -- WW IC plays how he should stop noticed but they need -- solid -- so employees and a -- to -- -- don't get it done. I think there's an epic records and really do T. So it -- talks -- there any talent category at you don't think he got a great -- from what is it. He's now the -- sort of and -- Movies so a little bit more so because no one. In that really local local anymore. And plays statement. The department of back and but being in -- step by updating your payments. It does not strictly guys that -- it appropriate. I think strictly economic disagree with wrecked out it's something we've brought up here on this program many times we talk about last week here. I think pointing the finger at. Who's yelling at who in the locker room and saying that -- Jason -- bills not the right captain where they don't have a guy that's gonna grab somebody by the throat and say oh my god you gotta go out there that I think that that is not seeing the forest for the trees here. Jason -- bell is a is a leadership by example -- he take it doesn't take a shift off he leads the team in scoring. He was voted the all star game he scored a big goal the other night against. Of that skin in what way dosed -- kind of -- leaders score in those situations I think that. Point the finger at the cap in the situation the leader and we know goes out there are we there might know Matt you're -- -- the -- we don't know -- yellen who were whatever I was just gonna -- does anyone know rather than anybody because remember Ryan Miller. After they allowed only goal a couple of seconds left. He went nuts on the bench right. I remember back to -- member when went 717 came around in the sabres lost -- or injury. I distinctly remember right Miller coming out in the media what people said. What he -- about leadership your -- you lost the captains in Ryan Miller made the comment he said well you don't have to be a forward -- defenseman. To be a leader captain I can do that we're back here I guess about might even be -- I think. I was great at the time that a god willing to do that he was still you know much younger goalie and he is now. It was five years ago and he said I can do that I can be that guy I can step up. And then at the end of that year rarely any else anybody else remembers this whole thing when he settled this. That was great the time. But it it -- year he kind of said luck. I tried to take on that role but I gotta worry about goaltending that's got to come from somebody else. And I can be a leader by example but I can't be that I'd be like that locker I too many of the things in my plate I have to worry about stopping the other team. So there was a void in leadership with this team for awhile. BJ's improbable as any part of the problem -- being the captain or anything like that again as I said before look. Okay bring Michael packet back in his prime that's the guy you want but there's nobody -- this team like that. I understand why we we focus on that. Fascinating. It is to me. That it feels like there -- about 100 people who sit by the phone just waiting like for the sabres to lose a game. So they can bring up. That point that they've had but they couldn't bring up because they kept winning Viagra on that I really want this to be Michael point because the only like -- -- -- They lost just like it finally I finally say this its worst pitchers I think there's so many other things you the folks to take they need this they need that. And talk about who the leader is yelling at people is not one of them I just don't get that kind of absurd especially after the last month and a half point out to denigrate Iran doesn't it amaze you though that you know the last couple weeks we've been. It's winning winning winning and people don't have much to say satellite. Well you know the winning it looks like the league playoffs they lose and ban the form they light up. They need this means that they just lost the best team in hockey by a goal they ethically right right you really that upset now -- -- -- I think is either gonna lose a game what's a lot someone needed to scream and someone's face because they want. By a goal to a team that Denny marketing city the cut your plane this morning during sports I don't know who set coming into the break but about hey we can't dwell on the the separatists -- move forward -- this little pocket play here. And I think that's the cut that they really I think it's out here. Can't be think about the past and thinking about the negative in frustration because it's going and bring it down -- me. For going into -- I can't think in both opportunities there we -- and I mean they're a runner over absolutely -- we can from this on. The next next little while here than you know. -- Caremark treat them. Ironically it's your Stafford who achieves the Barry won late and missed it out but I -- completely separate complaint lately. I mean so yeah those are the things that when you're on a roll you don't freak out about. Our Mac -- got sport more your phone calls on the way phone lines light up right now what the sabres -- would they still need to not only get into the playoffs but make a rot -- You'll get past the first I think that's. That's the idea at this point because I think once you get past the first round -- -- -- happened we see that happen in so many sports throughout the years you never know one team gets upset by another team sports are all about matchups inevitably get matched up with. What are you Seattle last night's game or what you see throughout the year up to this what do you say you know what they're still missing. This whatever is giving you call 803055888552. By Padilla himself departure this is sports talk Saturday and be GR. I didn't have much of a problem with the -- calls against the sabres last night. I did have an issue with the fact that they just seem to let Pittsburgh get away with a lot more. I thought this the call to get the sabres were generally okay that was a penalty that was a penalty like I -- No problem with that particular call. But then also -- -- he's and then it just seemed like there was quite a few plays inside the offensive zone for the sabres -- as they were going in for an opportunity where sowell was held. -- hours on the could have been called it just wasn't in. -- it was a every ball by any means just seem like there were a few more of those that just were called last night so. You know tonight big game obviously this team together try to make police will be right here WGR regain -- six Branko deal. Puck drops just after 7 o'clock speaking of Brian you'll be on with me in the next segment. Where to talk about the sabres going forward for the game tonight Ross gonna talk a little Bryant. Final -- -- thoughts on the games this afternoon as four two games sports teams left. To take -- the get the national championship game on Monday night obviously. In college basketball also bright that is not -- -- under the GR sergeants August thoughts in the masters is that that this week's that's going to be it is a little while from now on X segment. We'll have Branko -- the -- of the sabres radio network here with us -- stick -- -- that in the meantime. One thing that I thought about last night watch in this game was. The fact that you'll Crosby it just seems maybe it's just me maybe I'm thinking maybe the points don't bear it -- ultimately shorten the goals in the stats don't actually bear this out. But it seemed like Saber -- pretty good job generally against. -- When -- play it but Crosby seems to kill. And I don't they're just too cute ever kinds of players that I guess it's because a guy like Malkin is -- -- with Crosby went Crosby's healthy. In Malcolm is just a beast that guy is a beast. That this Sunday game they played a buffalo couple months ago and sabres won. Happening down the Zamboni entrance with rob -- have a name dropper so I want to let you know that but I was out there with an -- -- -- robbery -- kind of talking out to watch -- Malkin. That guy is obesity that guy. Is everything you watt NHL player to be these days he's big he's strong 63 close to 200 give or take a few pounds during the Christmas break I'm sure. He can score. And he is strong on the -- he makes great passes but maybe that's why but that's what seems like to me. But speaking of old that it and the capitals Matt -- some news coming our way up all Hamilton. Tweeting some bad news for sabres -- Yet Nicholas backs from his back in the lineup for the Washington Capitals he's missed more than forty games this year but. He's really got it he's really good there's some people that I -- involved with the Washington organization who saved it. Extra ms. better than no match and they like him more than a match and the numbers don't exactly play out that way but he's a point per game player throughout his whole career in this year use 42 points in 38 games sell. He's good that's bad news. The. Capitals take on the Montreal Canadians tonight at the same time the sabres are playing the Toronto maple trees sabers at Toronto at seven Montreal at Washington. At 7 o'clock. We got Bob we got Chris let's go to Chris first Bob Europe next that we have open phone might give us call 8030550. Was going on Chris. They know I love the show I love it order -- all vote on the developer first. Thank you I appreciate that -- sports and we appreciate the follow. -- -- -- Want to talk a little bit about last what you got it at that still is under the other end that wait for something bad happen and I can't help but say the thought of additional. And at -- nothing -- like. I got it what we're gonna winners what a great run here we finally got healthy we Petit we were ready to go to war where we've by Adam Beckman and adult. We know what it air -- now known that that one of the reasons but. We'd create we did you -- -- -- -- will play a lot of -- I'll want to been. They get a good effort last night saw the other way. A couple called all the -- also what about Pittsburgh I would have a lot I don't want you all work that way understand. We're not you know this double what they eat organic. A little bit more side predicted you'd an elite finisher electronic lead in that but. They have an optical or what right now and -- literally pumped my opinion I love this game alone the winner going a -- what they're built for right now and I'd want Julia props brought. Well before I let you go wanna read attacks that came -- I want you to comment on this tax not me okay because this is exactly opposite of what you just added this is how fans differ sometimes this comes -- from 716. By seven here's a Chris that'll let you play radio host for a second I'm gonna read this to be okay here we go. -- -- -- They had to win in capital letters it says. It wasn't a loss November it was Pittsburgh thirty games in four night's third game in four nights with a backup goalie pins are incredibly disappointed you better realize that. Chris go ahead. -- -- -- -- And game in November is equally important again right now they're no different you get you don't get three point throughout two points here. He gave two point beg them if the net that -- net -- at parliament rather. -- I'll admit I didn't. If you bought this last month inept play no pot -- and that -- -- flawed and say. They didn't realize the Mac at the magnate as well people aren't as bad and Republican a Vietnam -- and -- -- tonight. And a parent -- can we get beat. We're we're out of street into Baltimore -- won the cup. You know at some I don't. Yes and -- -- milk here in sentiments say a great deal more not a good elite -- credit. But we're a lot better than some of these. Most people like Colin wanna contact and we are a lot better than these people let we've -- -- and they come on to say. We're horrible week that our captain horrible our coach is horrible I remember -- -- art and you know it will got to go -- are these horrible and they -- -- don't -- but -- but. It's nice for what happens now with Kerry and -- Some catatonic and capital plan and say let's work our planned it could be -- and no one team but they're right they don't -- of the. Well Chris you know Marv Levy once that if you listen the -- incidentally said with -- so thanks a lot on and I appreciate the -- -- He had no problem. Yeah. Hey that's that we get here play this -- -- that we do need your radio we do emotional totally illogical radio sometimes I'm sorry that's that we deal. Try not to but it's boils down to sometimes Bob thanks for all Bob go ahead but here on sports talk Saturday. And the problem. You know we are in the Paper. In Italy at -- there should get a -- is more kind of like. And that you know moral survival in addition to your life and other -- that are out but they play out that it's -- -- like up. It continually. Ignore current spirit let. It's frustrating it's frustrating it's and it's stocks being in that position every year. And I think in the US have like a one word explanation what we. What you think he respects but at the end and -- -- or might it that the the now important but in the end and Ali opened that debt and I'll I'll look out -- That's -- that thinks about it Obama appreciate it where's the consistency come from as a consistency come from. You know because I think consistency it's a good question I think that consistency is an interesting word here because. Is the consistency through effort I think that's been their pretty much most of this year you've probably go back and look at you you say -- the effort wasn't there. I mean I don't I that I hadn't really had much -- probably the average this year is that than the consistency problem has the consistency even scoring goals absolutely. Burying your chances absolutely you talked about earlier this year about Jewish efforts you know I shooting percentage and how there's no way can -- down but also point to there's no way Marcus we -- shooting percentage is they were that is just through the roof. Sure showed they're all gonna even out right. Right now it only gets out eventually right markets -- knows you know his scoring is gonna stay this way right score like seventy goals. I don't think he's a team that but I think consistency is I'm sorry that it's -- to me is. The lineup has also been very inconsistent let's think about that no matter for whatever reason. It has been nice to get the point that. I look at consistency since -- consistency since the trade deadline they've been extremely consistent and since the trade deadline since this roster was sets in -- casting was sent out simple cost that was sent out since Leno came up you've gotten consistency in the goaltending you've gotten consistency in the scoring especially from the Stafford and this line. And you've gotten consistency in the way. You lose one game and all -- consistent. -- -- -- Since the trade deadline even to you could even go back to the end of January is really when -- -- turn things around the -- the trade deadline. If you draw that line in the sand you could say this has been the most consistent team in the NHL only been consistently rate. Again they lost by one goal basically to the best team legalize. Yeah I think if you're going to point to anything that you can pin on consistency to me at the line to me it's that it's the injuries the guys have been in and out. Mostly throughout the year. That's improved. Now they don't Christian air -- action this team could be a -- last night -- underscored that you know he's he's a pretty big part of what they're doing and what they need. And how many of our collective breaths. Were just. When we saw Tyler Myers just down on the ice like that last night and there's an -- and see what happen to be the -- that you need a way like Dolly was shot basically. But you could tell he got hit it seemed like up in the facial Larry came back -- that while later but we know the kinds of things because you're so used to it we've seen it happen so often. This team is head injuries it's really gone and hurt them while they're more than bit healthier lately they've been more consistent as far as the line up. And guess what happens they're winning games they lost last night. The big game but I'll not over Colorado the Texas they had to win well. That's really not sure they'd have to because they can still make the playoffs in back they're tied for eighth position right now. 86 point at Washington. Two point behind Ottawa. Ottawa has a game in hand I was played 77 Washington about global played 78. The sabres and the capitals wall sitting two points behind. The Ottawa Senators are not only take place a possible seventh place is still possible for games left let's run through real quick. For the Buffalo Sabres tonight at Chirac. Tuesday back home to Toronto now they finish up on the road too tough test. At Philly on Thursday at Boston on Saturday that -- For the Washington Capitals. Obviously tonight. They're taking on -- Montreal Canadians. Then they go down to Florida to take on the table bay lightning. Than their back calling it's what usually to the way around usually. At Tampa Florida like one swing but this time they're -- but. The Florida home then they get out to they go to New York take on the -- so the product all the way home voila they traveling -- that benefits the sabres. 803055888550. To 550 let's squeeze in one more before -- too -- -- on the other side the breakout Europe next and -- BG or what's up Karl. Shell. Helping -- intention at all -- quicker -- earlier this year they are willing. To call it. Probably what I wondered what -- it or. Not -- -- can't -- -- -- Angel tree. I can assure our local hot spots especially. -- auditors and -- people Beverley got lately. Look -- well. It was an -- coming up Karl it was eight. It was a bigger game if you wanna say I wanna test us. Against whoever you're that locker is -- we need a test against his team. If -- -- sit there say what is the test obviously that's bigger but in the standings the Washington was much bigger because it was a four point game. -- -- -- -- That's what I tracked. -- it bigger than the other -- every point point. Glass by what has been it's appeal court again because. Breaker that's the critical thing to act you know I should players -- it. He didn't need it for them as much ink out of the tiebreaker. What frustrated me -- shots that stop that they're electing. Our Stoudemire shortly. All across all get our right to post I could do whatever they want. I'm telling you I think part of the reason -- Crosby seems always. Have these gave it Malkin is just the guy that really makes it happen for them and that's why the they generally seem a little better against a guy like Ovechkin -- some the other firepower in the league they might face except for those that team and we're a lot text and today. About how. Well that -- -- at Crosby Malkin and whatever that's great I got installed all that and they got lucky they got Crosby lottery format the sabres got a got -- a lottery they didn't. I -- all that and that's frustrating in. You know he's he's got a -- number 87 come to town owner -- team and do his thing and especially after what happened in the Olympics and scored the goal against. Our goalie Ryan Miller you know in all the stuff -- You know kind of way I feel about a particular coach in the NCAA. File for today we're -- -- cozy on the other side of the break I really don't care. Who wins. Out of the fourteens but there's one. Team in what coach Ed is absolutely do not want to raise J. D. -- -- Monday night. And Branko just thoughts on that your phone calls also on the latest sports talk Saturday at WGR. No this is trying to make a move. You know I turnovers. They didn't know it too many of those and make up. Tyler Ennis. -- -- -- -- -- and a firecracker lately in ways that play out there not a big goal last night look eagle but that's what happens when you work and I think that guy really. Is -- guys getting a lot more respect in this league Tyler -- he's getting a lot more respect he's doing some things from the state senate position now where. I really think solve some of the issues with this team. Earlier in the year your people talk about getting -- -- once Saturday truly Avalon. Probably not but you know you got some guys in the roster now they're starting to fill that void. They're playing pretty good hockey right there we welcome bright goes -- Host of the sabres radio networking here tonight 6 o'clock pregame of course -- take all of your calls calls on the post game last that are Bryant. I've been saying that the -- last night's game really did not. You'll bother me as much from the sense of all I got they lost a game because I think that you're gonna have those throughout this time period you know where you're making this round but. What does bother me is a they'd put themselves in the position of being. I really thought there was just such disparity between watching them in the paying within thinking about what would happen a seven game series they play. -- adding that the a matchup with Pittsburgh if that ended up being the case at around one in I think luckily it looks like that probably. Much lesser of it -- I thought a week ago with its neighbors -- the eighteen to get in. I in the Eastern Conference. You saw last night Pittsburgh is over the -- somebody ways of beating you know one of the ways we didn't -- last night and that's what Marc-Andre Fleury. Which is -- in some way that it got more disappointed about the outcome than probably. Didn't indicate that you're making it probably the correct one but rather what they're wanting going to be probably ten and -- and that these in this it is a good Pittsburgh team. But they can beat you in the playoffs with great goaltending worried -- a before -- won -- cup there. Beijing bureau was scoring -- Goldman budget they've put up 67 and eight all the time and now it. One of their best offensive players back and Sidney Crosby you know throw in with Malkin in the year that Neal is having -- -- -- -- And -- -- get -- back and healthy for the playoffs they've got quite our old air. They can be typical and they can -- with yet we know -- even be downright dirty at times so I think. They've got they can play in many different -- they can -- at all the ways. And you still in the Edward you've got a guy like Crosby. You know in the playoffs with a -- our popularity LB. He's going to be clutch form and that's why he's on that team or read and and he definitely had a huge hand -- that win last night. -- I've been asking the callers today to pinpoint what this team still needs if he were to make a run through the first round and get. In the second -- what is this team still lacking in besides playing a team like Pittsburgh without firepower. Just on the surface -- what does this team needs still that you see if they really wanna make a run into the second round. I think what they're going to need it and -- general incident -- that's still -- addition I think they need to have a power play debating how about. Last night they had an opportunity. With two and a half minutes to go to get it done. Bad guys out of the -- really that they want to do other than maybe Derek Roy you're suffering with migraine issues. And they addict chances and they were able to finish at Christian there rob we know it are you tired of them. Organizing being developed power play and hopefully that Dave Barry the post -- buffalo that he'll be there are. But I think they need to have a power play special teams blast site heard -- and what I would specialty and I'm gonna say. Disciplined play can't take penalties and dropped a bit -- there's no reason to take trips and hooks. What a -- -- so far away from actually having a scoring opportunity in the other end of the range and that's what they did last night it cost them with two Pittsburgh power play goals. And then on their power plays they were unsuccessful and had been a problem all year a very inconsistent power play. And I know that they've got guys now that are still grew up at W they'd open deck carried over the power play in the post season. We know it was not good last year in the Philadelphia -- and the year before that against Boston. They went -- nineteen on the power play. It's been a trend could have in the playoffs and I think that would be but worried for meat probably near the top of mileage that they if if they did get it. You have to go back to Ryan Miller tonight right Brian I mean you can't you can't risk anything hairdo is despite last night I thought -- he didn't play his best game it plays worse. I can't imagine they would go away from in the situation. -- agree -- it travel it is not bad they you know it took about right up to a lot of -- I don't think that -- to worry about them getting in about flight are being delayed or anything or not you know quality sleep till 3 o'clock in the morning felt. I think going back at Miller the right decision I don't policy throughout the rest -- -- beat -- there's a blowout game either the sabres. Are getting blown out other -- or of course that these you know the last game end up being meaning what that something like that but. Did you come right back -- them and I. Would expect they'll have a much better night he usually plays very well against Colorado it seems to be one of those teams that he just -- in the don't against. Last night he was desolate spot in the pocket cost them on one of the goals. Where he added his glove -- this kind of popped out and then at the Blake Gideon Crosby put at all. And Connie other note you can argue that Brad Johnson maybe it was worse but the sabres past the monopoly when he drops that so afterwards. And then when he had to make -- -- big saves lady gave the sabres had a couple chances. They should have buried are right let's talk a little college basketball Brian Bryant goes the post the sabres radio network but. He's also a they cal basketball fan like myself even watch in this tournament throughout. Final -- today hoodie like in a lot. Well I would love to say that I think Louisville can pull this off and not collide and they maybe they can. Still under John cal Perry Kentucky. Has not gotten the ultimate spot there really. Achieving that the that the they have every year on a consistent basis they find ways. All regular speed it along to maybe show the the most talented team in college basketball but do they really have a a lot of trophies to show -- probably not as many it I think that they would like. And again they clearly have the most talented team. I'm speaking college basketball and -- they -- Louisville tonight what the way that they can explode offensively shirt but. For whatever reason Rick Pitino get this Louisville into play defense. Played tight games they know how to win tight games. Plain and at big east tournament which -- -- grind. Their back in the final four again and they have some inside out game. Gang in the middle came but the big blocks in that game against Florida. And in some of the ideology into the German patent speed you relic that have a Smart. Leader at point guard they have that we him. And of course you know biting with a keynote you can you always -- a chance to win and we don't yet. A ton of experience and I think he had a little extra motivation even though he wouldn't admit to it that barely. Of the fact that. Louisville is clearly the underdog against Kentucky not only in terms of the matchup tonight. But I think just in terms of the overall state basketball in Kentucky Louisville is getting bigger but you know made it big. But it's still not Kentucky basketball and it will go a huge way in the recruiting war. But Spielberg the cal Perry -- goes to the -- early in the state. It's Louisville and some are not -- and I expected to be close. I wouldn't be shocked if Louisville part of pulled off an upset here we haven't really seen. Kentucky get slowed but I also don't think that they've played anybody as good defensively at Louisville. And our biggest slowdown much tonight because -- like -- that's gonna speed up the game actually let you know if get John cal Perry doesn't win this game he may not be able to even take a flight on this would be. Horrible for him if he loses this he did it to this particular team in this situation with this loaded roster but I gotta tell you Brian. As a college basketball observer as a fan of the sport and as somebody -- emotions. For me it's anybody but cal Perry it's anybody but Kentucky I'm not an Ohio State guy I'm not particularly fond of them. Them but I enjoy what that -- is done with his team you it was his disability revealing a drop but it's really a problem for him I think that he's really what he's done with that team is is pretty good in. I kind of you know I. I have a soft spot for him Kansas like bill -- teams but -- always deal with Louisville. But cal Perry just seems like he's everything wrong with what -- basketball is today and I don't want -- -- -- I am sorry that's the emotion in me talking. -- the warning -- sort of mentality of come to Kentucky. I'll make yet our will make a good run at a national title or not -- at great. Team chemistry or Arctic about building a program. Go off to the NBA and out get five -- all all in all American you know -- high school players and -- do it again next to the whole set a new name that you're gonna apple learned. That's what his program's all about since he's been merit I don't like it either it is a lot what is wrong with like college basketball is it as good as it has been in terms of the quality. That is why you're seeing mid majors. Have more to champion some of these games because you're not getting senior junior and senior led team I think that's -- North Carolina also had been down they have somebody wanted to look at there's three more guys. Maybe even afford. He ought to be NBA for the Tar -- well that's -- these. Huge time programs because they get the baker -- they leave so early they don't build that foundation. And not -- Louisville. Has changed their. Maybe pitino got double the sweet and I hope so I agree with -- the my idea rooting interest definitely what the cardinal tonight. I real quick ten seconds we like the masters this week your big golf guy get that. Golf John GR -- our next week correct next Saturday. Yep will be on the -- next Saturday morning that effort scallop shell masters weekend it's -- great billion. -- nickel and playing great that's this week he's in the top five at the Shell Houston Open. He's already won twice he blocked in the playoffs so he's playing well we know tiger won last week at bay hill and our -- you -- it. And Rory McIlroy. We know ahead got a nice job so -- and we want to get himself back after his collapse last Sunday so the Big Three the most popular player they're all playing well what the best moment. And I think McElroy got to figure out a way to get it done. He has too much. That he wants to get back from last year's collapse so out of those Big Three I think Rory get about -- next week. -- talked its demolition Florian of course they're making get a call and express their dismay of their pleasure tonight after the game and the post game job rankled -- thanks a lot. Well no problem -- -- he'll post the sabres radio network -- -- to reach of the glass and smack -- it's time for sports I'll be back with more. On this college basketball final four tonight my thoughts like cal Perry why I just believe that he is everything is wrong with college sports right now and now. More that and more -- -- calls from the sabres needed some bills start coming your way next hour here and heavy GR.
