Train Wreck #3: November 30, Sabres at New Jersey Devils
In order to fully understand why I put this game on the list, let’s hop in the time machine, shall we! The time was April 2013. (I didn’t say we were going back very far!) The Buffalo Sabres were hosting the New Jersey Devils, in a game the Sabres would go on to win in a shootout, by the way. At one point of the game, the Sabres were skating an extremely young and inexperienced line, and the Devils took advantage, pinning the Sabres in their own zone for over two minutes using that annoying style of forecheck that teams like the Devils are known to employ. Fans booed. Wives wept. Children cried. And I may have soiled myself, I was so nervous.
Apr 7, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing
Dainius Zubrus(8) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman
Tyler Myers(57) during the game at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Devils 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Of course you see where I am headed with this. November 30 marks the first time that the new-look Sabres meet the Devils, and this being a road game, it won’t be an easy task, especially when you picture two or even three shifts of young talent trying to clear the puck out of their zone against a physical, aggressive forecheck. Even if the Sabres win, this game could contain excruciating stretches similar to last year’s “longest two minutes on ice”” moment.