Sabres are playing mistake-free hockey

The Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils at home tonight 2-0. That makes three wins in a row as they try to cement their position in the Eastern Conference playoffs. But here's the impressive part about this three game streak: two of the games have been shutouts.

Yes Ryan Miller is playing well in net lately, but I attribute the recent defensive triumphs to the team's ability to play mistake free hockey.The defense has looked tight, there have been few turnovers and the passing has been smart. Give them credit for cleaning up their game and really playing smart.

I agree with a point Kevin Sylvester made during the MSG post-game show. This team was mad after that abysmal 4-3 loss to Nashville last Sunday when it gave up a two-goal lead late and blew the game in overtime. And they had every right to be mad, too many times this year they have let games slip away like that. I remember being shocked after a similar 7-6 loss to the New York Islanders about a month ago.

This is a good team. It has playmakers (Vanek, Stafford), young talent (Ennis, Myers, Gerbe), experienced veterans (Hecht, Grier), solid role players (Gaustad, Kaleta) and marqee goalie (Miller). As each game becomes more important than the last it will be coaching, leadership and other intangible factors that decide how far they can go.

Also: keep a close eye on the standings, if the Sabres keep this caliber of play up they could jump into seventh or even sixth place in a hurry.