Yes, I’m wasting my time writing this but I’ve wasted a lot more time watching this team. What’s another few minutes? With 7 games left on the regular season schedule, the Sabres technically remain in reach of a playoff spot. (YAY!) Here are the basics (utilizing maximum points each team can conceivably earn) heading into the weekend of April 12-14.

BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES:

FRIDAY:

• Devils over Senators in regulation

SATURDAY:

• Sabres over Flyers in regulation
• Canadiens over Leafs in regulation
• Rangers/Islanders- can go either way but NO OVERTIME
• Capitals over Lightning in regulation

SUNDAY:

• Sabres over Lightning in regulation

GOAL:

Replace one of the teams currently in top 8.

STANDINGS:

REMAINING SCHEDULE:

4/13   #11 Philadelphia
4/14    #12 Tampa Bay
4/17    at #2 Boston
4/19    #8 NY Rangers
4/20    at #1 Pittsburgh
4/22    #9 Winnipeg
4/26   #7 NY Islanders

TARGETS:

• Sabres can’t catch Pittsburgh, Boston, or Montreal. They also can’t take a playoff spot from the Southeast Division winner (currently Washington but possibly Tampa Bay.) This leaves Toronto, Ottawa, NY Islanders, and NY Rangers as “replaceable” teams.
• Rangers (max out at 60 points to Sabres 52) face Sabres on 4/19.
• Islanders (max out at 60) face Sabres in regular season finale on 4/26.
• Senators (max out at 62)
• Leafs (max out at 65)

OTHER OBSTACLES:

• Jets (max out at 56) face Sabres on 4/22. Could pass Capitals and bring them into the equation.
• Devils (max out at 56)
• Lightning (max out at 54 but hold tiebreaker over Sabres.)
• Flyers (max out at 55 points) face Sabres on 4/13.

THINGS WE LIKE:

• Wins by Sabres- preferably in regulation.
• Losses by Rangers, Islanders, Senators, and Leafs and (to a lesser extent) Jets, Devils, Lightning, Flyers, and Capitals.
• Playoff hockey.

THINGS WE HATE:

• Overtime. Regulation decisions limit total point pool to 2. OT bumps it to 3. No good.
• Having to do this every year.
• Missing the playoffs.

UM, LET’S GO BUFFALO!?