Given the way the Buffalo Sabres have played for most the season, telling you beforehand the team would earn three of four possible points against the best two teams in the Eastern Conference was a scenario you’d gladly take.  That’s precisely what happened over the weekend as Buffalo defeated Boston in a dramatic shootout Friday night and lost to the New York Rangers in overtime in equal fashion.

Left for dead not long ago, Buffalo is 8-3-3 in their last 14 games and sit six points behind Winnipeg for the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference.

The problem is time.  The Sabres are down to 20 games remaining on the schedule with little to no room left for error.

Drew Stafford, who’s been the target of trade rumors scored both goals in New York last night and goaltender Ryan Miller was fantastic in both contests.

Buffalo now embarks on a four-game road trip starting Wednesday night in Anaheim.

Of course the big news is the NHL trade deadline tomorrow at 3pm and the Sabres being involved heavily in rumors as both buyers and sellers.  I’m sure there will be plenty of drama and even more opinion in the hours leading to the deadline tomorrow.

Stay tuned.