It's the oldest quote in hockey...the hardest game to win is the clincher. The Canes were in this same position in their 1st series against Montreal. On the road, game 6, with a chance to clinch. The guys in the room today said what they were supposed to say. "We hope to get this done here in 6 instead of going to a 7th game...you never know what will happen then."
Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff says all the pressure is on the Canes tonight. That's more of a statement of deflection than truth. Ruff' is trying to ease the real pressure on his young Sabres. I did notice something interesting while the Canes were practicing this morning. Buffalo defenseman Teppo Numminen was in the back sawing and taping one of his hockey sticks. He hasn't played in this series because of a hip flexor but he had the look of a guy who will try and play tonight. That's a sure sign of how desperate Buffalo is. They have NO room for error.
This morning the Canes were just as they have been throughout the series. Loose but focused...confident but not cocky. Oh to be so close to the Stanley Cup finals...it's the toughest step to take...the final one and the Canes need to continue to live by their playoff slogan..."Whatever it takes."
-- Jeff Gravley
