The Buffalo Sabres play host tonight to the Atlanta Thrashers.  The Thrashers are well out of the playoff race, and having nothing more than pride to play for.  The Sabres generally have trouble against the Thrashers, but may get some help in the fact that Sabres killer Illya Kovalchuk will not be playing tonight.

The Sabres need to be on top of their game, if they want to continue to push towards the playoffs.  Looking at Atlanta in any  other light than a spoiler or contender will bring about a much avoidable loss.  The Sabres fell that way the last time they played the Islanders.  These two points are just as important as any other two points, and the Sabres need all the points they can get.

“We’ve got to take care of our own business, and thats on our shoulders.”

Thats from head coach Lindy Ruff, and its true.  The Sabres could focus more on the out of town scoreboard, and hope that other teams help them out along the way, but by taking destiny in their own hands they accomplish more and grow more.

Atlanta is a team that can score goals, the last meeting between these two teams, an Atlanta victory, netted 9 goals between the two teams.  Hopefully Ryan Miller, who is reportedly getting closer to returning is closer to returning than we all think.  A return to the crease by the Sabres annointed number one guy would be a huge lift for this team right now.

The question remains however, if your close to a playoff spot, and you think you can squeek in without him, do you rest him until the playoffs?

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Buffalo Sabres, Eastern Conference, Illya Kovalchuck, NHL, Patrick Lalime, playoffs, Ryan Miller