By Tim Schmitt
BUFFALO — Energy. The Sabres don’t have any. Others teams take the opening faceoff with Red Bull dribbling down their chin.
But while Buffalo keeps losing because of a power shutdown, you can’t say Jay McKee is lacking heart.
Cartilage maybe.
McKee took a puck in the face during Friday’s 3-1 loss to Ottawa, then hopped back out for a regular shift in the third period.
While the Taylor Pyatts of the world continue to ease into corners, McKee sent a message through his actions — play time’s over, kiddies. Time to throw on some gauze and get back in the mix.
Will the Sabres respond? Who knows. They’ve said in each of their losses that they’re hungry to get back on the ice, then fallen behind consistently.
But McKee, who the Sabres almost let loose in the off-season, continued to show his worth at a time when others are starting to duck reporters in the post-game locker room.
This isn’t going to get any easier. But it’s so close, McKee’s on the scent of home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
Poor analogy.
Sports editor Tim Schmitt covers the Buffalo Sabres for Greater Niagara Newspapers. Contact him at tschmitt@gnnewspaper.com.
