SB Nation - Nathan Gerbe

Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:31:27 -0000

1 day ago: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Andrej Sekera, of Slovakia, left, congratulates Sabres left winger Thomas Vanek, of Austria, center, after his goal as Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Jason Blake skates past during the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Buffalo won 5-2. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Winning isn't achieved by the deserving side sometimes and the Buffalo Sabres found momentum at the hands of both goaltenders Friday. Ryan Miller made the ~~big~~ routine saves and Vesa Toskala fumbled a Toni Lydman shot that would have went wide of the net leading to a second period onslaught. Toronto was intense, quick and the better squad but succumbed to Buffalo much like they in turn do to the Ottawa Senators. With the Senators and Bruins both losing, the Sabres have extra breathing space in the Northeast Division.

Food poisoning or not, the Sabres need to have a sophisticated plan for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury isn't going to gift wrap a goal and he can steal a result too. And where Niklas Hagman and Jamal Mayers missed prime scoring chances, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin won't. These two teams split the season series in 2009 with both winning once on the road.

Ten thoughts on the game below.

First and foremost, Paul Gaustad made his much appreciated return to the line-up yesterday racking up 19:36 in ice time, a plus-one rating and went 12-for-15 in the face-off circle. It was really evident how much he was missed in the last department during his absence. Gaustad's presence is assuring because you always know what you'll get from him and that's a lot if I may say so.
Crosby is having some year with 22 goals and 20 assists in 34 games. On pace for 52 goals, he's added another dimension to his game by firing the puck 128 times on target or 13 less than Alexander Ovechkin albeit he competed in seven more matches. Regardless, Crosby is staggeringly threatening with this new approach.
Miller was brilliant in fending off Toronto so Patrick Lalime will start for Buffalo. In his last game, he stopped 39 Chicago Blackhawk shots for his first victory of the season and has to be looking forward to a second large task in the span of eight days.
Sergei Gonchar has 19 points in 23 games but the Penguins have another exciting offensive defenseman. Alex Goligoski has an impressive 17 points in 25 games along with a plus-12 rating bringing excellent offensive instincts and knowledge. When Gonchar retires, look for this kid to quarterback the Pittsburgh powerplay for years. Sorry Kris Letang.
Buffalo's closest forward to consistent production has been Derek Roy who has ten points in the last 11 games. He had a goal against the Maple Leafs as did Thomas Vanek and the Sabres could use their top levels if they're to one-up the Penguins.
Pittsburgh welcomed Chris Kunitz back last weekend after a one-month layoff and he has two points in three games since. Playing with Crosby and Bill Guerin, the winger is a gritty individual who can hit hard and provide some offense.
Suffering a concussion from a dirty Jarkko Ruutu check, Patrick Kaleta is out again. Nathan Gerbe remains questionable with groin issues. Pittsburgh has a clean bill of health throughout the roster.
Jordan Staal has 14 points in 16 games, Malkin has 17 in 14 and Guerin has 12 in 16. Pittsburgh thrives on the powerplay usually and the Sabres must keep their feet moving to avoid any lazy infractions.
The line of Gaustad, Adam Mair and Matt Ellis was flying yesterday with their fore-checking, cycling and work along the boards. Ellis scored his second marker of the year and for a guy that works as hard as he does, it was well earned.
Pittsburgh and Buffalo are close in a few categories like points, wins, special teams, shots on goal per game and face-off percentage. A back and forth affair is expected between two quick squads that can counter-attack in a heartbeat.

Buffalo hasn't shown worry to facing the more gifted NHL clubs because after all, they are in that position themselves currently. Lalime will look to prove that he can take the reigns in Miller's days off and that would make the season more comfortable for all. Easier said than done when Pittsburgh has no injuries at all.

Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:27:09 -0000

More photos » by Fred Chartrand - AP

3 days ago: Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) looks back as teammate Henrik Tallinder, (10) of Sweden, clears the puck from the net during third-period NHL hockey game action against the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. The Senators won 2-0. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Fred Chartrand)

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It was uncharacteristically depressing Wednesday as the Buffalo Sabres were almost exhausted by the Ottawa Senators leading to defeat. The announcement of several players competing through food poisoning made the lack of fighting spirit comprehensible. With Toronto up next, the Sabres are setting their sights on a return to the win column against the Maple Leafs.

Having already claimed two wins from the blue and white, Buffalo's luck against this Canadian squad contradicts what they receive with Ottawa. Pension Plan Puppets has interesting statistics at the start of their article to share. Ryan Miller, like he's done flawlessly, was the story in the first two matches as Toronto outshot them 73-59 combined. Mentioning how disappointed he became with the team's work two days ago, the Sabres will be determined to make up for it.

Five thoughts on both combatants below.

Vesa Toskala was too deep in his net often on Wednesday and the Phoenix Coyotes jumped out to a 5-1 lead that Toronto couldn't recover from. The Finnish goaltender is 3-3 lifetime with Buffalo and hasn't won on the road yet this season. A 4.77 goals against average and .848 save percentage explain why that's the case.
Tremendous news on the injury front because Paul Gaustad is all healed up and eager to get back into action. Face-offs, energy, a presence in front of the net, Goose's return makes the group much stronger. Patrick Kaleta could be out with a sore neck, Nathan Gerbe is questionable and Chris Butler will not participate.
Toronto's powerplay is clicking at just above 20 per cent and Gaustad will help Buffalo's that is now 1 for 16 in three games. While the Sabres are seventh in penalty killing, their opponents are at the bottom behind 29 teams.
Four points out of a playoff spot, Phil Kessel, Matt Stajan and Alexei Ponikarovsky have found chemistry as a unit providing the bulk of Toronto's offense in the last week or so. Each member has points in three consecutive contests.
Jason Pominville whose 94 shots lead the team, has seven goals and is witnessing his total drop for the third straight season possibly after posting 34 in 2007. I've lost count of the amount of times he's fanned on a shot, broken his stick or missed the net.
At 7-0-2 when scoring first, the Maple Leafs are a good bet to come out the superior side with that advantage but the problem is they've only been in that position nine times. They're 5-15-5 if they fall behind first and Buffalo is 15-2-2 when striking first. The first goal could be the deciding factor.
Defenseman Tomas Kaberle's 31 points surpass all of Buffalo's forwards in production. Wow.
I did some number crunching like I did for the Ottawa preview. The Sabres are 23-8-1 against Toronto since the lock-out, outscoring them 115-78.
Thomas Vanek has 16 goals and 29 points in 30 tries with Toronto. With one goal in December, he must start finding the net more.
Toronto is one of four Eastern Conference clubs to have hit triple digits in goal-scoring and are part of a seven-team group to have surrendered 100 goals or more.

Rest assured that the Maple Leafs will have strong support in HSBC Arena as they often do. A win for Toronto keeps them in the thick of the postseason scrum. A win for Buffalo extends their Northeast Division conquest. The Maple Leafs have scored massive upset victories already and this would add to that compilation.

Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens

Rafal Ladysz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:11:50 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

16 days ago: Buffalo Sabres right winger Patrick Kaleta, left, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Paul Mara trade blows late in the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. Buffalo won 6-2. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Scoring by committee and extraordinary goaltending create lengthy postseason runs. In essence, the Buffalo Sabres are playing playoff hockey currently or at least preparing for it. Beginning and ending with Ryan Miller, they have been backstopped by his 18 wins, four shutouts, a .939 save percentage and 1.83 goals against average. I'm honestly running out of positive things to say about the 29-year-old.

In the last three games, Steve Montador, Clarke MacArthur and Patrick Kaleta have each registered a game-winning goal. Darcy Regier wanted to build this squad from within giving them time to bond and grow together. We're beginning to see why. They have 11 different players with at least one game-deciding tally and Kaleta was the latest showing perhaps the finest display of his career in New York. When someone is down in terms of their level, a teammate has stepped up to the table.

Montreal surely has this match circled on their schedule after the Sabres demolished them 6-2 kicking off December on a high note. Less than ten minutes in, Buffalo put three quickly by Jaroslav Halak en route to a completely one-sided affair.

Five thoughts on each team below.

Carey Price will be dressed barring any last minute setbacks. He has two wins in five starts but can be the x-factor matching the Oct.1 Montreal victory where the Canadiens were outshot 35-17. His last performance in Atlanta was sparkling as he made a few breathtaking saves in a losing cause. They were outshot 34-19 by the Thrashers. More on that in a minute. Update: Halak is the starter looking to redeem himself.
Mike Grier's anticipated return to the line-up is occurring today. While this is good news, Grier has experienced a loss in the family and may not be as focused as he usually would be which is understandable. Lindy Ruff said he hopes to bring him ten to 12 minutes in ice time.
I spoke about the Canadiens getting outplayed by the Thrashers and it's a trait they haven't been able to avoid. Of the 33 games Montreal has completed, their opponent has registered more shots in 19 of them and they have only done so 12 times. In the last three matches, they have been outshot 121-66. ~~Price~~ Halak is going to have his work cut out for him tonight.
Catching fire, Derek Roy is becoming a point per game performer registering three goals and five assists in eight contests. His career statistics versus the Canadiens are re-assuring and Roy looks to keep it that way.
The hot stick in Montreal belongs to Andrei Kostitsyn who has four goals and five points in a four-game stretch. A talented stick-handler, the Belarussian packs a wicked shot and the Sabres would we wise to take away any space from a forward who has been flying since the middle of November.
Kaleta and Paul Mara have a bit of history dating back well over a year ago. It started with a check that injured the defenseman while he was representing the New York Rangers and the two have had it in for each other since. Mara is questionable for tonight but if he plays, expect quick fireworks.
Chris Butler and Nathan Gerbe are day-to-day both nursing lower body injuries. Marc-Andre Bergeron experienced a face laceration in Atlanta after being hit in the face by the puck. If he sits, that would be a massive loss for Montreal as he's provided necessary scoring from the back line.
Buffalo is allowing 2.17 goals against per game trailing New Jersey and Chicago barely. However, the Sabres are ahead of just Carolina and Tampa Bay in goals for in the Eastern Conference and could stand to use a little extra support.
Andrei Markov is meeting with doctors today to evaluate his status and could return at some point this week. Originally, he was expected to be out until February due to severed tendons in his right leg but has quickly recovered with intense work. One of the game's best defensemen, Markov will help the Canadiens in every way imaginable.
Tim Connolly has been quiet since a four-point evening in Philadelphia. The hip pain he's living with could have everything to do with it after last year's surgery. Connolly seems to be fine for the most part but you have to wonder if the busy schedule will take it's toll on him.

Having heavily outworked the Canadiens in two meetings, Buffalo is the favorite. Montreal does have two things going for them: a goaltender who can and probably will have to sneak out two points and a passionate fan base that will make themselves be heard. They'll need both from the opening face-off.

Game Preview: Chicago Blackhawks @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:03:54 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

10 days ago: Washington Captials left winger Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, bottom left, misses an open net as Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is caught out of position during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Sabres defenseman Steve Montador, right, watches the play. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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You've got to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky. The Buffalo Sabres were a little of both Wednesday becoming the first team in 11 months to shutout the Washington Capitals. While they did an excellent job of keeping Alexander Ovechkin and company outside of the perimeter, Buffalo was fortunate on a few chances that Washington sent wide of an empty net. And Ryan Miller was there to snag the great opportunities that did head on goal.

All in all, it was the type of win that solidifies a squad as a contender with shot blocking, active sticks and back-checking doing the job. Chicago brings their own brand of firepower into HSBC Arena as the schedule hasn't gotten easier. Substitute Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green with Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith.

The Blackhawks defeated Buffalo last year by a 4-1 scoreline but the Sabres have won three of the past four get-togethers. Chicago is 5-0-1 against Eastern Conference oppositions thus far and Buffalo is 5-0 facing the West. This should be an interesting match-up, not to mention very exciting.

Five thoughts on each team below.

Patrick Lalime and Cristobal Huet are your starting netminders. It was assumed Miller would be in for this one giving the back-up tomorrow's showdown in New York. I can see why Lalime is eager to get his first win of the year against his former team but the Sabres will have to play similar to their shutdown format against Washington. Motivation for the goaltender means nothing if he's hung out to dry.
Chicago has really taken it to another level since the return of Toews and introduction of Hossa. They are 11-2-1 with their captain back in the line-up and the Slovakian has seven points in as many games. By the way, Toews also has 13 points in 14 matches.
Paul Gaustad has begun skating with the team showing progression but there's no timetable for his return. Regardless, this is a great sign as the Sabres have struggled in the face-off circle without Goose. Mike Grier is expected back possibly Saturday after visiting his mother. In practice yesterday, Tim Connolly felt hip pain and wasn't able to withstand the whole session. Lindy Ruff suspects it's nothing serious and that the center should play. Who knows with Connolly though?
Overpaid defenseman Brian Campbell is back for the first time in a different jersey. Last year's contest between these franchises was in Chicago so it'll be his only visit since abandoning Buffalo. Expect tons of boo-birds for Campbell and I'm sure Blackhawks fans aren't happy either with the dollars-to-points ratio.
A goal and an assist were earned by Nathan Gerbe in his first call-up from the AHL. It was only a matter of time before someone got the go-ahead from Portland. As he was instructed to, Gerbe crashed the net despite his lack of size and threw the puck on it from down low for his first career NHL goal. We'll see what he has up his sleeve this time.
Cristobal Huet owns a 14-6-2 record with a .907 save percentage and 2.18 GAA. Known as somewhat of an enigma, Buffalo would be wise to get pucks at him from various angles and positions. Put the puck on net and good things will happen. The Sabres can't waste time attempting pretty plays and cute ideas.
In response to a third period benching Monday, Derek Roy sprung a pair of assists and tenacious two-way efforts against Washington. Leading the team in points, the 26-year-old needs to bring that intensity and skill routinely.
Buffalo native Patrick Kane has his sights on a career campaign with 28 points already in 29 games. He's played the Sabres twice registering one goal. Kane said he expects to get booed in reference to the cab driver incident from the summer.
Ranked third and sixth in penalty killing, it'll be intriguing to see if either can break through with the man-advantage. Thomas Vanek has four powerplay goals while Toews is up to five. Today would be a good time for Vanek to end his scoring slump. Please?
Yet to win with Miller on the bench, Buffalo is in for a fight with these Blackhawks who can beat a goaltender in bunches. I hope Lalime is ready because it could be a long evening if he's even a little rusty and the Sabres play the first frame laid back.

Normally, you'd hope to get a lighter match after taking on the Washington Capitals. However, this is a huge opening for the Buffalo Sabres. What better way to prove themselves as a threat than beating both Washington and Chicago in succession?

On The Farm: Pirates Having Issues on the Road

Zachary Zielonka — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:52 -0000

Every week Die by the Blade will take a look at how things are going on the farm with the Portland Pirates. We will discuss their games from the previous week and take a look at the team leaders. We will post a three stars of the week and ask for your comments on the team.

The Pirates are still looking for their first road after dropping two road games this past weekend. Losses to Manchester and Providence are showing how much trouble this team is having keeping games close on the road. The only bright spot of the weekend is their win over the Wolf Pack.

Pirates Schedule

This Week Games

@ Norfolk	Fri 10/23	7:15 PM EDT
@ Norfolk	Sat 10/24	7:15 PM EDT
@ Hershey	Sun 10/25	5:00 PM EDT

Last Week Games

Hartford	Fri 10/16	W 3-6
@ Manchester	Sat 10/17	L 0-4
@ Providence	Sun 10/18	L 2-7

The Good

- Tyler Ennis had his first career hat trick against the Wolf Pack as he scored the first three goals of the game and added an assist as well.

- Cody McCormick ends road scoreless streak at 124:41 with goal against Providence.

- Portland scored first powerplay goal of the season after going scoreless on their first 26 attempts.

The Bad

- J.P Lamoureux started his first game of the season and allowed 4 goals on 27 shots against Manchester. He also filled in for Enroth against Providence and allowed 2 goals on 14 shots.

The Ugly

- Jhonas Enroth is continuing to struggle this season allowing 5 goals on 24 shots against Providence.

Portland Three Stars

1. Tyler Ennis- 4 goals, 1 assists

2. Jeff Cowan - 2 goals

3. Nathan Gerbe - 1 goal, 3 assists

Sabres Send Gerbe and Weber to Portland, Roster at 23

David Oleksy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:38:44 -0000

More photos » by Frank Gunn - AP

2 months ago: Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Kennedy (58) watches as his shot goes wide of the goal behind Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

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The Buffalo Sabres made a couple of roster moves to get the roster to 23 players. There was plenty of speculation of who might go and who would stay. As of now Tim Kennedy and Tyler Myers made the Buffalo Sabres roster. I would guess that Myers will be here for the long haul but he can play nine games before the Sabres have to make a decision. Kennedy will probably only be here until Adam Mair comes back from injury.

While Myers and Kennedy celebrate making the roster, Nathan Gerbe and Mike Weber suffered the disappointment of being the last cuts. Both players figure in the Sabres future plans and should not look at this as a demotion. Instead they should look at it as an opportunity to play.

The Sabres roster is set for Saturday, now it is time to speculate on possible line combinations. Drew Stafford has a mild concussion and might not be able to play, that will have a large effect on who plays and who doesn't. I am leaning towards Stafford not being ready because if he was, Kennedy would probably be in Portland.

Possible lines after the jump

It will be interesting to see what lines Lindy Ruff decides to go with. When Stafford was in the lineup it was easy to predict the lines but his injury makes it more interesting. Kennedy is currently listed as a Center but he was Wing before switching positions last season. He is a candidate to play either position. Here is my crack at predicting the Sabres lines.

Line 1 - Thomas Vanek - Tim Connolly - Jason Pominville

Line 2 - Clarke MacArthur - Tim Kennedy - Derek Roy

Line 3 - Jochen Hecht - Paul Gaustad - Mike Grier

Line 4 - Daniel Paille - Matt Ellis - Patrick Kaleta

I find it interesting that Daniel Paille is on the fourth line. I think he is better than a fourth line player. I do like that this fourth line will bring energy but is not necessarily a fighting line. It is the type of line that can contribute on occasion. Paille is perfect where he is because he is a two-way player and could fill in on any of the top three lines if called upon.

The Defense is also difficult to predict but only because of the injury to Toni Lydman. It doesn't look like Lydman will be ready for Saturday and that makes things a little easier.

Pair 1 - Craig Rivet - Chris Butler

Pair 2 - Steve Montador - Andrej Sekera

Pair 3 - Tyler Myers - Henrik Tallinder

It would be interesting to see Myers and Sekera play together but I'm not sure Lindy is ready to live dangerously yet. Nathan Paestch would be the only healthy scratch in this scenario with Stafford and Lydman out with injuries.

McCormick Sent Down, Stafford and Lydman Injured

David Oleksy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:10:11 -0000

Since the beginning of camp I have been against the promotion of Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy to Buffalo Sabres to begin the season. With the events that took place today, I think I was wrong. Cody McCormick was sent to Portland and Drew Stafford and Toni Lydman are bot injured. Stafford is suffering from a concussion and has not been ruled out for Saturday. Toni Lydman might have a more serious injury to deal with.

The injury to Stafford and the demotion of McCormick will open the door for Tim Kennedy and Nathan Gerbe to step into the lineup. If the injury to Lydman is serious, there is no doubt that Myers will remain on the roster and that might open the door for Mike Weber. There is still a chance the Sabres might try to move a player to make room for the four youngsters.

The Sabres have 26 players currently in camp and have to get to 23 by Wednesday at 2pm. If the injuries are serious enough, they can put Lydman, Stafford and Mair on the injured list and keep everyone. We will know by tomorrow what will happen and Saturday we get started. Go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments. What players will stay and what players will go.

Forwards	Forwards	Defense	Defense	Goalies
~~Cody McCormick~~	Derek Roy	~~Joe Dipenta~~	Steve Montador	~~Jhonas Enroth~~
~~Felix Schutz~~	Tim Connolly	Toni Lydman	Mike Weber	Ryan Miller
Daniel Paille	Drew Stafford	Henrik Tallinder	~~Marc-Andre Gragnani~~	~~J. P. Lamoureaux~~
Adam Mair	~~Zack Kassian~~	~~Mike Kostka~~	~~TJ Brennan~~	Patrick Lalime
~~Jeff Cowan~~	Jochen Hecht	Chris Butler	Nathan Paetsch
~~Paul Byron~~	Tim Kennedy	Andrej Sekera	Craig Rivet
Mike Grier	~~Tyler Ennis~~	~~Matt Generous~~	Tyler Myers
Thomas Vanek	~~Travis Turnbull~~	~~Nick Crawford~~	~~Dennis Persson~~
Paul Gaustad	~~Maxime Legault~~	~~Brayden McNabb~~	~~Drew Schiestel~~
Jason Pominville	~~Derek Whitmore~~
Patrick Kaleta	~~Luke Adam~~
Matt Ellis	~~Kyle Rank~~
Clarke MacArthur	~~Marcus Foligno~~
Nathan Gerbe	J~~acob Lagace~~
~~Philip Gogulla~~	~~Mark McCutcheon~~
~~Mark Mancari~~

Predictions sure to go wrong: 2009-10 Eastern Conference preview (part 1)

Hooks Orpik — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:59:52 -0000

With the season about to kick off later this week, here's my take on the Eastern Conference. Last week's predictions for the Western Conference can be found here and here.

15. New York Islanders

Outlook: The Islanders seem to make as much news off the ice with their quest for a new arena (or potential relocation) than the on-ice product. They've notably added Next-next-next One, John Tavares and a couple of goalies in Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson who are at least capable NHL'ers. Other than that, the cupboard remains bare - the Isles payroll is amongst the lowest in the league.

How they could make this prediction wrong: Tavares ends up being more "Crosby" than "Stamkos" in his first season. The young core of players like Josh Bailey, Kyle Okposo and Blake Comeau all need to blossom to avoid the basement, but it's hard to picture NYI making a realistic run to get to the playoffs this season.

Player to watch: Mark Streit [74 games played, 16 goals, 40 assists last season]
Young gun: Tavares [rookie]

After the jump, the other teams in store for a long winter, which includes a big named team who made it to the playoffs last season...

14. Tampa Bay Lightning

Outlook: The circus of the management and ownership woes and headscratches continues in Tampa. Before last season they brought in a ton of forwards and saw injuries ravage their defense corps. This season they brought in a host of more defensemen, more than they need, and are thin at forward. Tampa boasts some great skill up front, but they could be in real trouble scoring if any of their big guns goes down to injury.

How they could make this prediction wrong: Steven Stamkos (who scored at nearly 1 point per game in the last 30 games of last season) trained all summer with his former teammate and noted fitness freak Gary Roberts. If Stamkos can live up to his immense promise, new addition Victor Hedman can make a smooth jump to the NHL (tough for an 18 year old) and goalie Mike Smith can shake concussion headaches, Tampa could make a run.

Player to watch: Vincent Lecavalier [77 games, 29 goals, 38 assists last season]
Young gun: Stamkos [79 gp, 23g, 23a]

13. Ottawa Senators

Outlook: With Dany Heatley out of the picture the Sens can look forward, with more depth they hope. But I'm seeing problems for them, especially if the mercurial Alexei Kovalev doesn't pan out. Also new #1 goalie Pascal Leclaire hasn't been able to stay healthy and establish himself as a #1 NHL goalie, which is something of a concern entering the season.

How they could make this prediction wrong: Addition by subtraction with Heatley gone and the hope that Cory Clouston can "coach ‘em up". Clouston helped the Sens to a good finish once he took over, there's hope he could be a coach in the mold of Bruce Boudreau or Dan Byslma to go from the minors to a major league success story.

Player to watch: Daniel Alfredsson [79 games, 24 goals, 50 assists last season]
Young gun: Erik Karlsson [rookie]

12. Florida Panthers

Outlook: Florida moves on with the loss of a franchise player in Jay Bouwmeester. The Panthers were able to trade him for Jordan Leopold and also signed Dennis Seidenberg to help steady the blueline. The Panthers didn't add much in terms of free agency, they're banking on a young nucleus of players to continue improvement to put them back in the playoffs.

How they could make this prediction wrong: Those young players pan out; guys like Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, Rostislav Olesz and Michael Frolik have shown their talent but haven't parlayed it into a full season full of winning. The goaltending duo of Tomas Vokoun/Scott Clemmensen is probably quietly one of the best tandems in the East as well.

Player to watch: David Booth [72 games, 31 goals, 29 assists last season]
Young gun: Frolik [79gp, 21g, 24a]

11. Toronto Maple Leafs

Outlook: Brian Burke is starting to put his mark on this team with the notable additions usually giving the Maple Leafs' more size, grit and snarl. But by getting Phil Kessel from division rival Boston, he added some skill too. Toronto will be one of the most altered and overhauled team in the East; but results aren't always as immediate. Kessel, after all, starts the year on the IR and hitting and fights may inspire but they don't put the puck in the net (or keep it out of your own).

How they could make this prediction wrong: Goalie Vesa Toskala holds the fort down, or new intriguing pickup Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson does it for him.

Player to watch: Tomas Kaberle [57 games, 4 goals, 21 assists last season]
Young gun: Luke Schenn [70gp, 2g, 12a]

10. Buffalo Sabres

Outlook: Fairly quiet off season for the Sabres; which is good because they didn't lose any stars this summer unlike the past. This team is banking on guys like Tim Connolly and Ryan Miller staying healthy and picking up some slack to kick them over the top. Buffalo has some good skill (like Tomas Vanek and Derek Roy) but with a relatively no-name blueline - which could include 19 year old 6'8" Tyler Myers - the Sabres seem very much a bubble playoff team that could go either way with/without some luck.

How they could make this prediction wrong: A shot in the arm is found somewhere, perhaps by 5'6" Nathan Gerbe to help Buffalo be a little more explosive offensively. A great season by Miller could put them over the top, but if he struggles or gets hurt in this Olympic year, it likely dooms the Sabres back to the draft lottery.

Player to watch: Vanek [73 games, 40 goals, 24 assists last season]
Young gun: Gerbe [10gp, 0g, 1a]

9. New York Rangers

Outlook: Big changes in Manhattan with a lot of new faces. John Tortarella gets his first full season with the Rangers but with so much roster turnover, it's hard to imagine a settled product right out the gates. Defensemen Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival had rough seasons and are the goats of the town, can they bounce back from it and show the talent that got them big-time contracts in the first place?

How they could make this prediction wrong: Marian Gaborik, though immensely skilled, has been impossible to keep healthy, with a history of hip and groin problems. Throw in that Madison Square Garden has some of the league's choppiest and worst rated ice and there's a recipe of disaster to be found. If Gaborik stays healthy, he'll pot 40+ goals and the Rangers are in the post-season. However if he doesn't play 40 games, their offense is going to be in big trouble, with a repeat of last spring's difficulty to score goals.

Player to watch: Henrik Lundqvist [38-25-7, .916 save 5, 2.43 GAA last season]
Young gun: Brandon Dubinsky [82gp, 13g, 28a]

Tomorrow we look at your playoff bound teams in the East.

Canadiens Take Down Sabres and Look Ahead at Leafs

Zachary Zielonka — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:00:25 -0000

More photos » by Paul Chiasson - AP

2 months ago: Buffalo Sabres' Clarke MacArthur, left, scores past Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

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The Canadiens came back from a two goal, first period deficit to beat the Sabres last night 3-2. Many of the new Canadiens got into the scoring action with Brian Gionta scoring the first goal off of a tip from former Sabres defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. The Sabres lost the lead early in the third period off a shot from Gregory Stewart.

Ryan Miller faced 21 shots while Carey Price stopped 29 of 31 shots in the game. The two Sabres goals came from Clarke MacArthur who scored early in the first period and Nathan Gerbe who scored on a short handed goal in the first. Patrick Kaleta was given a game misconduct after receiving a boarding penalty stemming from a hit on Tom Pyatt. Paul Gaustad was also given a game misconduct after receiving an instigator penalty in a fight in the second period.

The Sabres now head west to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Center tonight. This will be both teams final preseason game before they start the season this week. The Leafs will start on Thursday at home against the Canadiens while the Sabres wait until Saturday to host the Canadiens. Since Ryan Miller was in net last night, we should expect to see Patrick Lalime play the full game tonight.

Since the Sabres sent down seven players yesterday to Portland, it leaves them with 27 players left on the roster, 16 forwards, nine defensemen, and two goalies. Hence, tonight's game is going to be a make or break game for a handful of players on the roster. With roughly three forward spots left up for grabs and two defensive spots, the push to make the roster for some might end tonight. Expect to see major pushes from Tim Kennedy, Nathan Gerbe, and Tyler Myers during tonight's game.

Game time is 7pm and as always with this season's preseason games it will be radio only. After this game, it will be six days until opening season and we actually get to see games that count.

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: Buffalo Sabres

James Mirtle — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:19 -0000

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Who's in: Jeff Cowan, Mike Grier, Cody McCormick, Steve Montador
Who's out: Maxim Afinogenov, Dominic Moore, Teppo Numminen, Andrew Peters, Jaroslav Spacek, Mikael Tellqvist

Outlook: It was another fairly quiet off-season for the Sabres, who only added depth defenceman Steve Montador and checking winger Mike Grier via free agency and watched as Jaroslav Spacek, Maxim Afinogenov and Teppo Numminen all flew the coop for various reasons.

Long-time GM Darcy Regier will be hoping mostly for growth from within, and he should get some help from young reinforcements like giant defenceman Tyler Myers and pint-sized sniper Nathan Gerbe. Both will contend for full-time roles as rookies in a group that's already relatively young, especially a back end that will rely on Andrej Sekera and Chris Butler to pick up a lot of Spacek and Numminen's minutes.

What coach Lindy Ruff needs more than anything from this group is a return to form from his big guns and more scoring support from the likes of Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur and Jochen Hecht, all of whom should be able to threaten the 25-goal mark with enough playing time. If Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville can return to a close to point a game clip and Tim Connolly plays 60-plus games, Buffalo will easily be a playoff team (and a high-scoring one at that).

Working in the Sabres' favour is the fact that the Northeast Division remains in flux, with all three of the Eastern Conference Canadian clubs in various stages of rebuilding (or "retooling"). Challenging Boston is probably not going to be on the agenda, but Buffalo could surprise with some help from their unheralded young talent.

And, as always, a healthy Ryan Miller is key.

X-factor: Tyler Myers

For a more in-depth Sabres preview, visit Die By The Blade
For more NHL analysis, check out the McKeen's Hockey Yearbook

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