The Flyers clinched a playoff spot weeks ago.
After Thursday night's game, its entirely possible theyll lock up the fifth seed, depending on the result as well as games elsewhere.
While theres a slimmer chance they could finish sixth, the players feel they will be headed to Pittsburgh to start the playoffs next week.
The Penguins need a Flyers loss just a point against the Rangers Thursday to nail down the fourth seed. Or if the Flyers lose to the Sabres in regulation and the Pens win.
Truth is, the Sabres, who can only finish eighth or ninth, figure to be the far more desperate team at Wells Fargo Center.
This is do or die for Lindy Ruffs club.
You watch the races and this is an absolute must win for Buffalo, Scott Hartnell said. Even though were in the playoffs, wed like to spoil their hopes of making the playoffs.
NHL
Its going to be a playoff game. Theyre going to come hard at us. Well have to be focused and ready to go from the get-go. That has been our biggest downfall the whole year.
You play games and it comes down to this is their Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final to get in. Theyre gonna be hitting, theyre gonna be skating, theyre gonna be fighting.
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said again Thursday that hes still not pleased with the overall starts of recent games for his club, even though this has pretty much been an on-going issue the entire season.
Given how jacked the Sabres will be, the Flyers might be forced to get themselves into the game from the drop of the puck.
Theres no question, there are times where we can be better than that, Laviolette said. The last couple games, stand out for me.
I dont know if Buffalo be facing a so-called Game 7 or playing the Rangers is any different, but we need to do a better job of making sure were ready at the start of the game.
Wayne Simmonds said he expects a fierce fight from the Sabres.
When you play against desperate teams, you know theyre gonna pour it all in, he said.
I think we gotta figure out our first 20 minutes and come ready to play. The rest of our game has been good. Its just the first 20 for us.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net