Monster Game Night

Robyn Regehr says it's an understatement to say tonight's Sabres-Capitals game is a big one.

The stats back it up as the Sabres have a tad under 40% chance of making the playoffs right now. The odds good up north of 60% if they win tonight and drop below 20% if they lose.

That is a huge swing either way and it spells out the fact that neither the Sabres nor the Capitals will get eliminated from playoff competition if they lose tonight. But, it will make their job a lot harder, especially if the game doesn't go to OT and the loser comes out of tonight's game with nothing.

The fact that the Winnipeg Jets couldn't complete the comeback last night as they hosted the Ottawa Senators makes tonight's game even more important as the Senators lead the Sabres and Capitals by 4 points. Given that the Jets have been much better at home, I was a bit surprised to see that result when I watched the highlights this morning. But, it's not like the Sabres have gotten a ton of help on the out of town scoreboard the past few days.

So, tonight they have to help themselves.

Other stuff:

- Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo's Puck Daddy blog has an interesting look at Ryan Miller's role in the Sabres climb back into playoff contention.

- Travis Turnbull has been returned to Buffalo and it looks like Patrick Kaleta will replace him on the 4th line with McCormick and Boyes.

- I find it interesting that NBC has dropped the April 7th Sabres vs Bruins game. That could be a game that the Sabres need to win to make the playoffs.