[browna]

I’ll be cringing at every half chance the Sabres have. No faith in the goaltending to make thet tough or sneaky tough saves since Smith went down, and certainly not in the last 5 or 6 games when both guys looked like the rookies they are. Not spectacular saves, but tough. The Flames d have in part played so well because they take the odd risk where they know it’s going to be up to Smith to make that tough save, and he has. Goals like the Letang goal last game, where the calculated risk of shutting Malkin from going up the middle is better then the pass going to the wing for a shot from the defenseman on the angle. A goal thet shouldn’t have gone in.

As has been mentioned, bringing Smith out to Buffalo may be for a morale booster more then him playing Friday, and hopefully a subtle kick in the butt for the two guys trying and failing to hold the fort down until he comes back.