The Sabres event crew showed videos and photo montages from the Winter Classic; a full house was on hand primed for a big night for the Sabres.Unfortunately the end result was another Sabres loss, their fifth in a row, and the team is quickly dropping in the standings, with a tough tough three game road trip now staring them in the face.

The team played a lackluster and uninspiring first period, with Ottawa scoring on their first shot on goaltender Ryan Miller. Andrew Peters and Brian McGrattan dropped the gloves early and had at it, with Peters getting the worst of it. The Sabres managed to kill off a penalty in the first, but Ottawa made it 2-0 on their second man advantage early in the second period.

Ottawa made it 3-0 midway through the second period on a goal by Jason Spezza, and that was enough to chase Ryan Miller out of the net in favor of Jocelyn Thibault. Ales Kotalik answered with Buffalo’s first tally just seconds later, and the second period ended 3-1 in favor the Senators.

Auction to benefit the Sabres Foundation. Afinogenov’s jersey is at $500. Connolly’s is at $325. Miller’s mask (with knit hat) is at $10,000. Check it out here.

While Andrew had the actual game covered, and Kevin over at Bfloblog had the tailgate party under control, It was my job, along with Jay, Sherry and WNYM contributor John Splett to travel the parking lots looking for the most interesting tailgate parties and capture the scene the best we could.

Check out all of Sherry’s photos here 

Stick to your day job boys….

Cold cuts, pasta salad, desserts and beverages.

12:15 PM… I am at the stadium; the Sabres will take the ice at 1:30 for practice. I will be posting photos and updates throughout the day.