SB Nation - Drew Stafford

At Home He Feels Like A Tourist: Blackhawks At Sabres Preview/Game Thread/Ice Cream Social

Matthew Dirt — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:39:22 -0000

Game Time: 6:30 Central
TV/Radio: CSN, WGN 720
Opposition Blogs: Die By The Blade
Don't Forget: Your SPG Picks

For some reason that isn't all that clear - the Blackhawks have had some trouble finding the back of the net when skating 5-on-5. I guess it's good news then that the goalie with a 1.82 GAA and .938 SV% will primarily be concerned with opening and closing the door to the bench tonight. As per Kuc's report from earlier today - Ryan Miller is getting the night off in favor of Patrick Lalime who will face his former teammates. This squad has very little in common from the 07-08 season though when Daydream Nation were rookies and Andrei Zyuzin and Sergie Samsonov actually suited up for a combined 55 games (and 9 points).

Lalime hasn't had a great time since leaving Chicago - he's only played in 27 games and in his 3 games this year has a .836 SV% on a Sabres team that has been surprisingly strong. They're only one point behind Boston for the lead spot in the Northeast despite having played two fewer games. Miller obviously has a lot to do with that since the Sabres are 20th overall in Goals/Game. Like the Hawks, they have no players with a double-digit total in goals (Kane, VERSTEEG! or Buff could change that though if they get one in tonight).

There's three other stories going into this game though, two of them are getting plenty of press so far so I won't bother them much other than to mention that yes, this is Patrick Kane's first game in Buffalo since he and his cousin let out their wrath on a cabbie over a few missing dimes. Will Buffalo turn on their favorite son over this incident? Maybe now that he's signed to Chicago for 5 more years thereby ending their dreams of him playing for his hometown squad they won't treat him quite so fondly.

As Blackhawk Up points out too - this is also Brian Campbell's first game back in The Queen City (I just learned that's Buffalo's nickname). I'm not sure what the feeling is in Buffalo, but if it's anything like the ridiculousness in San Jose - Campbell is going to be hearing a lot off boos again tonight. In an odd way, I do hope Buffalo ends up booing Kane and Campbell. Those two hold onto the puck for so long that any moron booing will pass out by the second when they forget to inhale.

Finally - there's the small matter of Drew Stafford. Last year, Stafford delivered a big hit to Duncan Keith which kept him off the ice for two weeks (and could possibly explain his less than stellar post season). The hit on Keith was legal but questionable. I don't think it was overly dirty but in the game against Pitt we saw Keith take exception to another hard hit and take some revenge. It'd be shocking to see Keith go out of his way to run Stafford but I wouldn't put it past someone like Eager who got out of the penalty box and immediately went after Stafford after the hit.

With Miller out this is a very winnable game for the Blackhawks. If the Hawks play anything like they did against the Rangers it shouldn't be too hard as Lalime is a far cry from Lundqvist in everything except for an alphabetical roll call but we here at SCH have an uncanny ability to call someone out only to have them play the game of their career.

Lets Go Hawks

As Many As Five Canadiens Hopefuls Vying For Spots On World Junior Teams

Robert L — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:11:28 -0000

Translated from an article by Mattias Brunet in Monday's La Presse

Much was made of the fact last week when Louis Leblanc, the Canadiens first choice in the 2009 Entry Draft was invited to the Canadian World Junior camp for the upcoming tournament.

On a more discreet note, barely a rumble was caused be the announcement that the Canadiens' second choice in 2008, Danny Kristo, received the same from the American junior squad.

While Leblanc is far from guaranteed a spot on the team, it is said that his chances are good. In regards to Kristo, who played for the American juniors in last season's tournament, there is little doubt. He will definitely be on the team and according to Habs head scout Trevor Timmins, "there are chances he could be named captain."

Coach of the American team, Dean Blais noted at the term of the team's development camp in June that Kristo would be given serious consideration for the role.

Last season, Kristo caused a bit of a surprise, makinh the clun while still playing high school hockey. He was the only such player on the team to do so.

His progress as a player this year has been nothing short of stunning. Playing for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, who play in the top NCAA division, and despite his rookie status, he leads the team in scoring with 14 points in 16 games.

Kristo might not be a large specimen at 5' 11'' and 180 pounds, but he is hyper fast, energetic and a constant threat around opposing goals.

"I watched him play in this weekend's Subway Classic, and he was named tournament MVP," states Timmins. "He plays the point on the first unit of the power play at North Dakota. He's a excellent skater with a strong shot who plays with a lot of energy and heart, but it is his defensive game that has most impressed. His play without the puck is at a level I did not foresee at this stage of his career."

The Canadiens' prospect, who was selected late in the second round, was also named the WCHA division rookie of the week for the past seven days. If, as predicted, he does make the U.S. squad, he'll become the ninth player from North Dakota University to play in the World Juniors following players such as Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Drew Stafford, James Patrick and Brian Lee.

Among other Canadiens prospect hopefuls vying for a place in the tournament will be Russian Maxim Trunev, a fifth round pick in 2008. Despite his yound age, Trunev plays a regular role with Cherepovets of the KHL, having scored two goals and an assist in 23 games.

"Trunev has a good shot at making it, but during the last team tournament in November, he bowed out due to an injury," recalled Timmins.

Another Russian talent belonging to the team is Alexander Avtsin, a fourth round pick in 2009. Avtsin is alsoplaying in the KHL, but has not been invited. Timmins finds the scenario a bit strange.

The Finnish team could see two Canadiens' prospects make the grade. Joonas Nattinen, a 6' 3'' center drafted by Montreal in the third round this past June played in last year's tournament, counting three points in six games. He's said to be a slam dunk for this season's edition, and is currently playing in the Finnish Elite League.

"He's having a strong season, although he suffered a concussions this past week," says Timmins.

Petteri Simila, a 6' 6'' goalie drafted with the very last pick in 2009 may join Nattinen.

"Scouts for the Finnish nationals were in Niagara Falls recently, taking a look at him," notes the Canadiens' head scout. "We'll see what their decision is."

At last season's WJC, the Canadiens were represented by four players, P.K. Subban for Canada), Kristo et Ryan McDonagh with the U.S. team and Nichlas Torp with Sweden. The right to Torp, a sixth round pick of the Canadiens in 2007, still belong to the organization. He's currently playing in the Swedish Elite League.

Hobbled Flyers drop another to Sabres 4-2

Travis Hughes — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:27:05 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

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[TSN Recap] - [Boxscore] - [Buffalo Reaction]

Final - 11.27.2009	1	2	3	Total
Buffalo Sabres	1	1	2	4
Philadelphia Flyers	2	0	0	2

Complete Coverage >

It's become tradition to have a home game on Black Friday each season. But looking for relief from the crowds at the mall, fans have frequently found disappointment inside the halls of Wachovia Center, as the Flyers have lost on the day after Thanksgiving each year since 2006. Nothing changed today as the injury-riddled Flyers fell to the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. It's the second time in just under two weeks that the Sabres have come into Philadelphia and wrestled a win away from the home team.

After taking an early lead on a Drew Stafford first period goal, the orange and black fought back late in the period. Mike Richards tied the score at one late on a beautiful pass by James van Riemsdyk, and then with about 30 seconds left, a point shot from Braydon Coburn deflected off a Buffalo player and past goaltender Ryan Miller. The momentum was completely changed in the Flyers favor.

So, naturally, as the second period opened, Buffalo captain Craig Rivet decided to try to change that. He took on Dan Carcillo in a pretty evenly matched bout, but the Flyer tough guy was pretty heated afterward. It takes a lot to keep Carcillo down, so it was no surprise that the next time he and Rivet were united on the ice, a fight broke out. Carcillo beat him down this time, but a late strike by Rivet after the linesman had already jumped in ticked him off even more. He went off on the official for allowing it, a move that quickly earned him a 10 minute misconduct. He was asked to head to the dressing room for the remainder of the second period after jawing at Rivet from the penalty box.

Paul Gaustad tied the game in the second period, and it was the Tim Connolly show in the third as he added two goals to give the Sabres the victory.

Some more thoughts on this one...

Ian Laperriere is an absolute warrior. He took a Jason Pominville shot to the face in the second period and left the game to reportedly receive around 50 stitches in his upper lip. I've been hit with a puck in the lip and I needed eight stitches, and let me tell you -- that hurt. To return to the game after 50 stitches and a cut that looked like it completely severed his upper lip in two is unfathomable. But Lappy did it, taking three shifts in the third period with a cage on his helmet.
Jared Ross was slammed into the boards by Patrick Kaleta in the first period. He had already passed the puck away when Kaleta leaped and drilled his head into the boards. He didn't return, but neither did Kaleta. He was handed a boarding major and a game misconduct, and you can fully expect the NHL to come down on him for this one. The good news: Ross will travel with the team to Atlanta.
With Ross and Laperriere out and the Flyers bench slim at the forward position, Carcillo's 10 minute misconduct didn't help things. He was right in his argument to the official that led to the penalty, though, so it's hard to be too mad with him. I have a feeling Carcillo won't have a short memory about this one.
The power play laid an egg today, going 0 for 5 in 9:14 with the man advantage. Not allowed.
Mike Richards was an animal in the final few minutes. He had about six shots on goal with Ray Emery pulled from the Flyers net as the orange and black tried to tie the game. It was a futile effort, however, since Ryan Miller had an answer for everything the Flyers threw his way in the third.
Despite the loss, Philadelphia's fourth in five games, the same problems that plagued the Flyers during their West Coast road trip did not lead to the loss today. Instead, today was a lot more similar to the Flyers last loss to the Sabres in that they didn't get much luck and that they just couldn't finish their chances. Miller didn't help the equation, either.

After the jump, questions with answers and the comment of the day.

Questions With Answers

How much ice time does Riley Cote get today? Despite the Flyers short bench, Cote didn't see much ice, only played 5:38.
The Flyers are better than the Sabres at even-strength play, on the penalty kill, and the power play. Can they show that's true today? I thought the teams matched up pretty evenly at even strength, but the Flyers couldn't get anything going on the PP.
Do the Flyers show up today, or are they stuck between lazy off day and travel day? They certainly showed up. It just wasn't enough today. It happens.
Does Ray Emery rebound from a bad road trip with a strong game today? He allowed four goals on 25 shots, but he didn't have a terrible game. Then again, he needed to outduel Ryan Miller to win this one, and that didn't happen.

Comment Of The Day

My Goodness, HE IS MY F’ING HERO!

>> flyrsfrk05, on Lappy's return

Sabres Limp to Quarter Pole

David Oleksy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:15:46 -0000

More photos » by FRED CHARTRAND - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly, left, Jason Pominville, (29), and Paul Gaustad celebrate Thomas Vanek's goal against the Ottawa Senators during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Fred Chartrand)

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The Month of November is not quite over yet but the Buffalo Sabres have finally reached the quarter point of the season. Most of the teams in the league reached the quarter pole last week but the Sabres were one of the last teams to do it on Saturday night. The results have been favorable for the Sabres through 20 games but the current three game losing streak is an obvious concern for the team.

We talked a couple of weeks ago about breaking the season into 10 game segments and the second segment was not a good one for the Sabres. They went 4-5-1 and it could have been worse if not for a tree game winning streak in the middle. The team suffered through some key injuries to Mike Grier and Drew Stafford but injuries are part of the game and good teams overcome their injuries. With that being said, you decrease your odds of winning when you lose a top six forward and replace him in the lineup with a defenseman.

Scoring has been the biggest concern for the Sabres in recent weeks. The team started the season by scoring just enough goals to win but now they are allowing more goals and the offensive deficiencies have become noticeable. Nobody on the team is averaging a point per game and Thomas Vanek has only seven goals to lead the team. At some point they will need their offensive players to step up if they want to be a playoff team.

	5-on-5	5-on-4	5-on-3	4-on-4	4-on-3	3-on-3	3-on-4	3-on-5	4-on-5	EN	PS	Total
For	30	16	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	52
Against	28	3	0	4	0	0	0	1	12	2	0	50

Despite the recent struggles, the team has put themselves in a good position to be a playoff team. We talked about the key being 12 points in every 10 game segment. They failed that goal with only nine points in the last 10 game segment but the 17 points coming out of the gate was more than enough.

2009-2010
Games	Record	Points Earned	+/- points	Total Points
1-10	8-1-1	17	5	17
11-20	4-5-1	9	-3	26
21-30				26
31-40				26
41-50				26
51-60				26
61-70				26
71-80				26
81-82				26

The best thing the Sabres can do at this point is move on. They need to forget about the first 20 games and start looking ahead to the next 10 games. They find themselves trailing the Senators for the division lead, due in large part to their loss on Saturday night.

Northeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Ottawa	21	12	6	3	27
Buffalo	20	12	6	2	26
Boston	23	11	8	4	26
Montreal	24	12	11	1	25
Toronto	22	4	11	7	15

(updated 11.25.2009 at 8:23 AM EST)

The Sabres have a couple games in hand with the other teams in the division and will have to use them to their advantage to get back the division lead. The Upcoming schedule is not easy for the Sabres in their next 10 games. They played the month of November with a unique Wednesday-Friday-Saturday schedule but the schedule intensifies now that we head into December. There are many weeks when the Sabres will be playing four games a week and even 4-in-6 many times.

Sabres Schedule

Next 5 Games

@ Washington	Wed 11/25	7:00 PM EST
@ Philadelphia	Fri 11/27	1:00 PM EST
Carolina	Sat 11/28	7:00 PM EST
@ Toronto	Mon 11/30	7:00 PM EST
Montreal	Thu 12/03	7:00 PM EST

NY Rangers	Sat 12/5	7:00 PM EST
New Jersey	Mon 12/7	7:00 PM EST
Washington	Wed 12/9	7:00 PM EST
Chicago	Fri 12/11	7:30 PM EST
@ NY Rangers	Sat 12/12	7:00 PM EST

What Do We Know About These Buffalo Sabres?

Rafal Ladysz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:35:32 -0000

More photos » by FRED CHARTRAND - AP

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Out-shooting an opponent 17-5 in the first period and coming away with a mere 1-0 lead from of it isn't the best of signs. Overall, Buffalo held a 41-26 advantage in shots Saturday when it was all said and done but Ottawa pulled out a 5-3 win in a match-up that's become theirs to win and the Sabres' to lose. The thought of Patrick Lalime getting the start was unsettling however, I refuse to put the blame on him.

Had they buried more of their chances and given him a larger lead, a point if not two could have been grabbed. The powerplay was again discomforting going 1-for-8 and late man-advantages went wandering when Buffalo pulled back within two goals and had a few chances to force overtime. Ottawa's win was nothing but blind luck.

A 12-6-2 record through 20 games is excellent yet there remains a sense of worriment in the long haul. A hot October (8-2-1) is being accompanied by a mediocre November (4-4-1). Sound familiar? It should because this script was enacted in 2009 in an identical form.

But this isn't the same Sabres squad as last year. Ryan Miller's presence and skill haven't been seen in this city since the days of Dominik Hasek. Everyday he's given the nod improves the likelihood of a victory. Mike Grier, Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta and Steve Montador provide toughness and grit while Tim Kennedy is a non-stop bundle of energy.

The offense is available through Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Tim Connolly and maturing forwards Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur. Defensively, they are still a work in progress but it's hard not to be convinced with Tyler Myers' play. Do we really want our most dependable defender being a rookie on the other hand?

While they've clicked admirably when facing the likes of New Jersey or Detroit, it's the weaker New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers and Ottawa Senators that cost them points. That's why the NHL is the finest league in the world with the fierce competition and unpredictability of outcomes.

Consider this: in the six regulation losses on their record, they actually outshot their opponents 209-93 combined obviously indicating there is no lack of effort. The level wasn't the same in each match but the Sabres are doing the logical things like getting shots on net, pouring on the offense and responding to bad periods.

Slumps are unavoidable no matter how talented a team is and Buffalo is finding that out right now. Consistency, stronger starts and increased scoring are what they need a better handle on. It's too early to get excited with their record or throw in the towel because of the latest results.

We still have 62 games and mistakes are the source of learning experiences.

Sabres Embarrassed at Home by Panthers

David Oleksy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:24:23 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller makes a pad save on the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Hopefully the Sabres have short memories because they will want to erase this 6-2 loss to the Panthersfrom their mind immediately. After a promising start to the game the Sabres had the ground crumble from under their feet and everything that could go wrong...went wrong. It was one of those nights when right from the beginning, you just knew it would not turn out in the Sabres favor.

It was a game we have grown all too familiar with over the past couple of seasons. The Sabres proved they were the more talented team in the opening moments of the game, unfortunately they were more interested in displaying that talent than they were in winning the game. They spent more time trying to make fancy passes and score the pretty goals than they did shooting the puck and getting the ugly goals.

Ironically enough the Sabres scored the games first goal on a hard working ugly goal by Drew Stafford in his return to the Sabres lineup. Stafford lowered his shoulder and drove to the net and had his shot stopped but it deflected off Keith Ballard and into the net. That was the end of the good bounces for the Sabres as the night went sour quickly.

As bad as the Sabres were tonight, and they were really bad, they had their share of bad luck as well. The first Panthers goal was scored off a faceoff that occurred because of what the linesman determined intentional offsides. It didn't appear to be the type of play that would constitute intentional offsides bu that was the type of night the Sabres had.

The second Panthers goal came on an uncharacteristically bad play by Ryan Miller. Miller made an outstanding save on Michael Frolik but Miller tried to play the puck in traffic and Stephen Weiss stopped it and chipped it into the goal. If Miller had allowed Frolik to score, everyone would have been upset with Sekera instead of Miller but he made the difficult save and gave away a goal.

The Sabres did pull within 3-2 in the final six minutes but a late penalty on Patrick Kaleta did them in and the Panthers poured it on in the final minutes. The game was closer than the 6-2 score indicated but maybe an embarrassing loss will motivate the Sabres for a big weekend.

More will be added in a bit.

Changing Lines - Adjustment or Panic?

The Buffalo Sabres have now lost five times this season. In all five losses they have not finished the game with the same lines they started with. It wasn't because their was an injury or because a player was ill. It is because Lindy Ruff wanted to give the team a spark.

In one sense I understand why a coach would want to make a move of that nature. I understand it but a don't agree with it. I feel like you start the game with what you feel are your best lines, I want those same lines trying to push to bring the game even again.

I don't think this is the reason the Sabres lost the hockey game because they just seemed to be too fancy tonight. I do however think this is a big reason why the Sabres have struggled to be a comeback team this season.

It Can't be Miller Time Every Night

There have been plenty of times when the Sabres would lose and Ryan Miller would play a good game, this wasn't one of those nights. This had to be the worst game of the year for Ryan Miller. Most of the Panthers goals were not his fault tonight but when you allow five goals, you have to share the blame.

The Panthers second goal came on a horrible play by Ryan Miller, immediately following an outstanding save. That goal may have been the difference in the game because it allowed the Panthers to play with the lead. I'm sure Miller would like to have that one back, although he wasn't willing to accept blame in his post game presser.

I don't want to be too hard on Miller because he was just one of 19 players that had a bad night, we'll spare Patrick Lalime because he gets enough criticism. Miller has won this team more games than he has lost them and there is way to determine if they cold have won if he was good tonight.

Power Play Continues to Struggle

The Sabes power play percentage is actually going to increase after going 1-for-4 tonight. That is not a fair assessment of how bad this power play was in this game. They had almost no presence in the offensive zone with the man advantage. They had trouble gaining the blue line and the Panthers seemed to be all over them when they dumped the puck into the zone.

The Sabres did eventually get a power play goal and it came from just throwing the puck on net. Vokoun made a couple of saves and the puck slid to the open post and Clarke MacArthur just fired it into the gaping net. It was as much luck us skill but it came by getting the puck on net.

Up Next

The Sabres will remain home to take on the Boston Brins on Friday night. The Sabres lost their only other meeting with the Bruins this season in the debut of Jhonas Enroth.

Calgary Flames @ Buffalo Sabres: Keys to the Game

Rafal Ladysz — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:22:49 -0000

by Don Heupel - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller shoots the puck away from the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Buffalo won 3-1.(AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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It's the second of consecutive matches for Buffalo hosting Alberta squads and as my colleague David Oleksy already pointed out, this will be a massive challenge in comparison to Edmonton. Calgary has taken two out of three in this series during the past four years but the home team has been successful each occasion.

As far as injuries go, both clubs are relatively healthy maintaining the majority of their players. But a big concern of mine is whether Mike Grier is able to suit up or not because he's one of our stronger guys, has played plenty of hockey against Western Conference teams and does plenty of duties which don't appear on the score sheet. Let's hope the groin doesn't bother him and he's good to go tonight.

Similarly, the Flames are much like Buffalo driven by exquisite goaltending, a great all-around team work and may roll all four lines naturally. The big difference is defense where Calgary holds the obvious advantage. While their offense from the blue line is noted, their shutdown ability is quite impressive as well led by Robyn Regehr and Jay Bouwmeester.

Here are your keys to the game.

Buffalo

I said it Wednesday and I'll say it again: get first blood. Buffalo appears live and enthusiastic if they strike first whereas it's the opposite when they concede first. They'll have to come from behind to win games eventually but that's what lower ranked teams are for. Best not to try it with a squad like Calgary.
Stay out of the penalty box (easier said than done if the officiating at all resembles Wednesday's circus). Calgary's power play has taken a downward spiral to 12th in the league at 21.8 per cent but they can get it going again quickly.
Physical, physical and more physical. Finish your checks and make sure nobody gets too close to Ryan Miller because the Flames aren't going to hesitate to do the same. This will be a grueling affair in which Patrick Kaleta will show his value and hopefully draw some retaliations.
Secondary scoring must be available. Buffalo's 43 goals for are tenth in the East alone, however they maintain the finest goals against average thanks largely to Miller's terrific poise. Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur and especially Thomas Vanek have to wake up.
Play the full sixty minutes. It may seem like silly and obvious advice but the Flames have scored big goals late in the final frame previously to either take the lead or tie the game. Don't take the foot off the pedal for an instant.

Calgary

Feed off of Miikka Kiprusoff who has won three straight starts allowing two goals in the process. It'll be a great battle between two of our game's better net minders and Calgary as the visitor will require it.
Intimidate the Sabres; they aren't exactly the scrappiest bunch out there. Get inside their heads, force turn-overs and don't give them breathing space. Do that, and you'll send the message loud and clear that they'll have to fight for the win.
Screen Miller because everything he has seen up to this point in the year has been stopped for the most part. Philadelphia did it last week by sending shots through mazes and hoping for deflections. It was ugly but it worked.
Pressure the defense into making difficult decisions. Our puck-movement from the blue line continues to grow gaining confidence so try to create odd-man rushes at their expense.
Finally, make the powerplays count. That's what Edmonton failed to do and it contributed heavily to their downfall. Again though, Calgary is more dangerous and healthy than the Oilers were.

A Peak at the Streaks

Tim Connolly

#19 / Center / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 6-1

Weight: 191

Born: May 07, 1981

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Tim Connolly	4	11	15	0	2

Just like he's capable of, Connolly has been Buffalo's best forward and has five assists during a four-game point streak.

Jarome Iginla

#12 / Right Wing / Calgary Flames

Height: 6-1

Weight: 207

Born: Jul 01, 1977

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Jarome Iginla	9	6	15	2	20

Finding his scoring touch, the always lethal Iginla has produced five goals and six points in the last four contests.

Sabres Kill Oilers Victory Hopes, Escape with 3-1 Victory

David Oleksy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:19:29 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

about 1 month ago: Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, of Russia, right, looks at Oilers defenseman Jason Strudwick after Buffalo Sabres right winger Drew Stafford backhanded the puck into the net during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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This was a game the Sabres were supposed to win and they did. The score of this game will not give you an indication of what happened on the ice. This was a solid defensive win for the Sabres, even if the Oilers are playing without some key players. The Sabres played shorthanded for 14:47 and allowed only one power play goal on a 5-on-3. This was a gutsy win and something the team can build off of.

This was a boring first period of hockey, a trend I am quickly getting used to this season. It was the Sabres that controlled play and were rewarded with the only goal of the period. Thomas Vanek probably had the better chance to score but his wrist shot was stopped by Khabibulin. The rebound was in front of the crease and Drew Stafford made a nice strong play to get his stick on it and poke it behind Khabibulin for the only goal of the first period.

The second period needs to be broken up into two separate segments. There was the first eight minutes, when the Sabres were playing well and Steve Montador scored his first goal of the season to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, there was a second segment that was the last 12 minutes of the period. In the final 12 minutes, the Sabres took five minor penalties and four of them resulted in Oilers power plays. It took a 5-on-3 advantage for the Oilers to finally beat Miller and Patrick O'Sullivan did just that in the final minutes of the period.

The third period was gut check time for the Sabres. They needed to protect their one goal lead in order to end their two game losing streak. Buffalo had three power play opportunities to put the game away and they failed on all three. This game was won in the final minutes when Buffalo killed off a five minute major penalty to Clare MacArthur for boarding (I'll have more on that hit after the jump). The Sabres blocked shots, dove for loose pucks and cleared at every opportunity to kill off the penalty. After the great penalty kill, Jochen Hecht scored his second of the season into an empty net to give the Sabres the victory.

Penalty Killing Prevails

It's another two points for the Buffalo Sabres and this is a "W" for the penalty killers. The penalty killing unit has been okay all season and tonight they were outstanding. Ryan Miller made great saves, the defense blocked shots...they just did the little things well. They closed shooting lanes and basically held the Oilers to the oustide and limited their scoring chances.

MacArthur Gets Five and a Game

I felt the officiating was suspect all evening but it was nevr more evident than the play that sent Liam Reddox to the dressing room with an injury and Clarke MacArthur to the dressing room with a five minute major and a game misconduct. The replay clearly shows that both players are going for the puck and Reddox steps in front of MacArthur to gain position.

At some point we have to start putting some blame on the victim and not always on the player that delivered the hit. I remember watching hockey when players prepared themselves for getting hit into the boards, nowadays they put themselves in a vulnerable position and complain that a penalty should be called on the hitter.

It was definitely the wrong call but luckily it didn't affect the outcome of the game. It would have been a shame to see the game decided on a bad call, that was only made because the player did not get up.

Sabres Better 5-on-5

During the last couple of losses the Sabres were outplayed 5-on-5. Even strength play has been the staple of this team in th efirst 10 games and tonight was an indication they might be turning things around. Buffalo scored all their goals while the teams were at even strength although the final tally was with an empty net. This is the trend the Sabres will need to follow to be successful this season.

Harry Neale Quote of the Game

I didn't really notice a quote from Harry but there was a funny exchange between Rob Ray and Rick Jeannerett. It happened just after an Oilers defenseman cleared the puck off the scoreboard.

Ray - Yes it did. It it the right side of the clock.

RJ - I could have swore it hit the wrong side but okay.

Up Next

The Western Conference contiues to invade the HSBC Arena. The other Alberta team, the Calgary Flames will come to town for Friday night.

Poll

Should Clarke MacArthur been given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for his hit on Liam Reddox?

Yes...he hit him from behind

57 votes

No...he hit him from behind but it should have been two minutes

79 votes

No...should not have been a penalty

26 votes

162 votes | Poll has closed

Sabres Comeback Complete, Myers Nets Winner

David Oleksy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:18:18 -0000

More photos » by Steve Nesius - AP

2 months ago: Buffalo Sabres' Tyler Myers (57) scores the game-winning goal against Tampa Bay Lightning golaie Mike Smith during a shootout in their NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. The Sabres beat the Lightning 3-2. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

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The Sabes went into Tampa wanting to take two points. When all was said and done, they did just that. It might not have happened the way it was designed but Drew Stafford scored in the final minute and Tyler Myers scored the winner in a shootout.

The Sabres outshot the Lightning 32-26, including 11-6 in the third period when they were trying to come back from a one-goal deficit. Mike Grier scored his third goal of the season in the second period to tie the game 1-1 and Drew Staffford tied the game for a second time with 17 seconds remaining and Ryan Miller on the bench in avor of an extra attacker.

I'll have a much more in depth recap of the game tomorrow but this is your opportunity to sound off on the win Saturday night.

Final - 10.24.2009	1	2	3	OT	SO	Total
Buffalo Sabres	0	1	1	0	1	3
Tampa Bay Lightning	1	0	1	0	0	2

Complete Coverage >

Game 5 Recap: Someone Call Ted. Thrashers Bag Buffalo, 4-2.

aaron b — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:29:36 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

2 months ago: Atlanta Thrashers right winger Maxim Afinogenov, left, of Russia, celebrates after scoring a goal on the Buffalo Sabres during the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Atlanta won 4-2. Sabres' defenseman Henrik Tallinder, center, of Sweden, and Tyler Myers arrive late on the play. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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What a game in Buffalo. Max Afinogenov gets his revenge, Johan Hedberg proves moose are way better than bison, and Todd White, CPA joins the tally sheet. Here's a breakdown of what I saw as good and bad about tonight's game, conveniently divided into sections marked "Good" and "Bad." Clever, no? Fortunately, way more good than bad on this particular night.

Jump!

Good

Ilya Kovalchuk. He's Yer Huckleberry. Two goals in about three minutes. Seven goals in five games. He's on a mission folks, and will not be denied.
Mad Max Beyond HSBC Arena. So many things right with this goal:

First, it was gorgeous. Second, it came right on the heels of Drew Stafford bringing the Sabres within one. Third, it was the backstory that killed the Sabres' spirit just as much as it was the actual goal. And hearing boos in a road barn is always nice.
That Magical PK. Three for four to bring us to 85% on the year.
Rich Peverley Continues to Shock & Amaze. His faceoff percentage tonight? 87% That's all. Just 13 of 15 draws won. And an assist, just because he could. He's still dispensing, just from the faceoff circle.
Legs Were Moving. There's been hustle in back to back games!
Franchise Record. 4-1-0 is the Thrashers' best start ever.
Moose. He was on this evening.

Bad

Dumb Penalties Late in the Game. Zach Bogosian & Christoph Schubert both took some pretty undisciplined minors late in the game to jeopardize the lead, not to menion Bogo's earlier hooking calls.
Shot Ratio Continues to Defy All Logic. Seriously. Fourty-two shots against? Twenty in the third period alone? Wow. Just.... wow.
Stepping Off the Gas. The momentum noticeably shifted in the third, as indicated by my previous point. I understand not wanting to take risks and control the clock, but Kovalchuk's drifting in his own zone on Atlanta's final power play was a little dangerous. If we could just find a balance....

EvilMilkshake’s take:

I have to agree with Aaron’s dumb penalties comment. The PK did a decent job tonight, but those late dumb penalties (especially in the offensive zone!) just can’t happen. Granted, at the time they were up by 2 goals, but that cannot be a regular occurrence.

Shots on goal must come down. It’s one thing to be outshot 24-32 and come away with the win, but 42 SOG? No. It’s nice, the shooting areas the defense is giving away are from bad angles oftentimes, but allowing the other team to handle the puck that much in their zone can cost them.

Players that stood out:

Ilya Kovalchuk - This guy wanted to make up for not getting any SOG last night and hurting his chances with Ovechkin for most goals. He was so patient with his first shot, making sure his obstacles were in place before he threw the puck at the net so fast the goaltender only saw tracers.

Nik Antropov - Overall a solid game until the offensive zone penalty he took in the 3rd with less than 5 minutes to play. His pass to Kovalchuk on the opening penalty makes up for it though.

Max Afinogenov - He was playing his former team, and competing with a purpose. It was great to see the huge smile on his face, and one that was shared with his new teammates. He may not be welcome in Buffalo anymore, but his new team sure shows they appreciate his efforts.

Zach Bogosian - Back-to-back games of bad penalties, bad passes that became giveaways. He seemed to be off his game the past two nights. Let’s hope it does not continue.

Marty Reasoner - Hustle the entire night. After the great game he had last night, he seemed to continue right where he left off--showing no signs of playing tough minutes last night on the PK. Him and Chris Thorburn seem to be a good forward PK pairing.

Tim's Take:

I only saw the last half of the game, but wow. It's great to see the Thrashers continue to rack up the wins, but color me concerned: the shot differential hasn't hurt us yet, but how long can that continue? Is there another team in the NHL that has such a good shooting % for vs shooting % against? (The Thrashers are perhaps the polar opposite of the Nashville Predators, a team I saw get absolutely destroyed by the Edmonton Oilers despite outshooting them significantly. I had good seats, too! Got some on-the-glass-behind-the-penalty-boxes seats for $40. Crazy.)

Now that we've had 5 games, there's getting to be enough data to start analyzing some statistics. Look for some of that over the next few days. I'll see if I can quantize my concerns.

The good news: our second line finally got on the board. A goal for White and another for Afinogenov makes this Thrashers blogger a happy camper.