I think it's fair to say that I tend to be the most optimistic of the DGWU Crew. Where the Yachtsman tends to be viciously cynical and pessimistic, the Apologist tends to be the realist who will somehow rationalize the shit sandwich on his plate, and the Scizz - for the most part - keeps a pretty level head (except when his emotions well up into a disproportionate response of some nature), I tend to exist on planes of daisies and roses where my team, just by virture of being mine, is believed to be capable of superhuman feats. I'll be the first to admit that I can often go overboard with what I believe our Sabres can do, particularly on an individual level.
So, hat in hand, I think that maybe I could step back on my recent praise lavished on, say, Ryan Miller or Thomas Vanek.
Or.... maybe not.
After last night's contest, I don't think there's really a way - short of guaranteeing a Cup - that we all can be over-optimistic about this Sabres team. Ryan Miller is locked in, and seems to be playing at a superhuman level that we haven't seen since the Olympics. Thomas Vanek is, frankly, absurd - his two goals tonight were perfect examples of the myriad ways that he finds a way to be productive on the ice, and I don't know if we've EVER seen the guy play as well as he's playing right now.
Toss in the rest of the guys, none of whom appears to be playing bad hockey - very easy to say when the team just notched a thorough, 60 minute effort for the shutout - and there is every reason to believe that this team is unstoppable. Perhaps I'm tempting fate, but fuck it - that game last night, and the majority of the team's moments since the season started, are giving me no choice but to believe the very best about what will become of the Sabres 2011-12 season.
This team is very, very good.
They'll probably come down to earth sometime, but for now, I can't ignore the basics - Buffalonian tendency to fear the worst be damned. However, in case you're shocked at my tempting of fate (if you can even really call it that...though, Yachtsman will, surely), don't worry... I'll be making my sacrifice to the hockey gods this weekend. Gotta cover my bases.
For now, I'll be sitting in my state of awe just a little bit longer.