David Oleksy
Feb 12, 2008 May 24, 2012 1820 8725
My name is David Oleksy but all my friends call me D.O. I am a blogger here at Die by the Blade in addition to all my other projects. I have been an avid Sabres fan my entire life in addition to a Bills and Yankees fan.
website: Die By the Blade
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Marc-Andre Bourdon vs Matt Ellis Dec 7, 2011 (via hockeyfightsdotcom)
No hearing on this hit by Myers gets 3 games. I completely understand your thinking Shanny...wait, no I don't. Please explain.
3 months ago
David Oleksy
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Buffalo Sabres v. Boston Bruins - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Mar 8, 2012 10:48 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
This is not going to be a full recap. I'll just say that the better team won on Thursday night in Boston. The Sabres were beaten in almost every aspect of the game and Boston deserved the two points. It is still unfortunate the Sabres couldn't hang on and get at least a point.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Carolina Hurricanes - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Mar 8, 2012 5:50 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
Buffalo Sabres v. New York Islanders - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 22, 2012 6:00 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The Sabres remain in the hunt because of their 2-1 win over the New York Islanders. They played one of their best games of the season until the final 10 minutes when the Islanders turned up the heat a bit and had the Sabres scrambling in their own zone. In the end they were able to hang on for an important two points. If you would like to read a full recap click here.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Philadelphia Flyers - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 17, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
What a fantastic 20 minutes by the Buffalo Sabres. A 2-0 lead and they dominated play. Unfortunately there was still 40 minutes to play and the Flyers finally showed up. The end result was an embarrassing 7-2 loss. There is one bright side...the game was not on national TV. Hopefully they play better on Sunday afternoon.
If any of us had any reservations, I think we can all agree that it is time to blow it up. It is painfully obvious this group will never win anything and it is time to change the chemistry. I don't want this to turn into a trade thread because my views are very different than most of you, but we can all agree that something needs to change. I hope this change starts at the top and works its way through the ranks.
I could probably talk more about the game but why relive it? It was painful enough the first time. I will include the stats for those that have the stomach for it.
Game Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. New Jersey Devils - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 15, 2012 6:00 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
On Tuesday night, I came to the realization that the Sabres just aren't good enough to make the playoffs this season. I don't know if it is a lack of talent, if it is lack of desire or if they aren't mentally strong enough; I just know they aren't good enough. They seemed to play a decent hockey game, save the penalty discrepancy, and they still came out on the short end.
The New Jersey Devils played an almost flawless game on Tuesday night and the exposed the Sabres deficiencies. The Sabres struggled to find space and seemed frustrated by the Devils smothering forecheck. The Devils were relentless in their pressure, limiting the Sabres offensive pressure and forcing them to make bad passes. It seemed that every pass was either an attempt to clear the zone or was a couple strides behind the attacking forward.
Unlike most games against New Jersey that are just plain boring, this game was extremely frustrating to watch as a Sabres fan. The team was clearly outmatched by New Jersey and the officiating just magnified the frustration. The Devils were 2-for-7 on the power play and the Sabres were only 0-for-2 with the man advantage. The frustration in the penalty discrepancy was not only evident from the fans behavior but also seemed to frustrate the Sabres. After a tripping call to Christian Ehrhoff he was seen mouthing the words "call it both ways to the referee".
When all is said and done, the Sabres didn't play as poorly as the 4-1 score indicates they did. They had to battle hard to generate scoring chances and they did actually have more chances at even strength. The game boiled down to one team taking more penalties than the other. New Jersey forced Buffalo to make mistakes and they made them pay for it.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the game
Buffalo Sabres v. Tampa Bay Lightning - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 12, 2012 9:19 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The Sabres continue to struggle against teams that are close to them in the standings. It is frustrating to watch this team manhandle the Boston Bruins and drop a 2-1 decision just three days later. The stats are listed below...if you dare.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Dallas Stars - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 11, 2012 9:01 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The Buffalo Sabres played a great game and they were rewarded with a 3-2 shootout win against the Dallas Stars. It was one of those games when you felt like they were going to come out on the short end despite playing a really good hockey game.
Buffalo trailed 2-0 in the third period against a team that doesn't give up the lead very often. Thomas Vanek deflected a beautiful pass from Jason Pominville to get Buffalo on the board on a rare power play opportunity. Dallas looked like they were going to run out the clock, but Derek Roy punched in a rebound after a nice faceoff win by Paul Gaustad with under a minute left in regulation.
Buffalo looked like they were going to win in overtime but Kari Lehtonen made a miraculous save with one second left. After the near miss in overtime there was a feeling it wasn't meant to be for the Sabres but they eventually came through in the shootout to finish off a big win.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Boston Bruins - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 9, 2012 9:30 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The Buffalo Sabres deserve a lot of credit for the way they have played since the all-star break. It would have been really easy to pack it in and get ready for next year. This team has not done that, in fact, they are playing their best hockey of the season. The 1-0 shootout loss to the Rangers was a hard fought game and last night was the icing on the cake. The second period was the most impressive part of the entire game.
The Stats
Corsi/Fenwick Numbers (These are ugly and usually are in a blowout)
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Montreal Canadiens - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Feb 1, 2012 12:15 PM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
It feels good to do a post on scoring chances again. It feels even better, to do it after a Buffalo Sabres victory. Winning has not been easy for the Sabres this season but I believe they are on a two game winning streak at the present moment. Unfortunately the high powered New York Rangers come to town this evening.
I thought this was a good game for the Sabres. It is even more impressive when you realize they played most of the game without their best player. Thomas Vanek was hit with an impressive open ice check that sent him to the trainers room and he did not return.
I was especially impressed with a couple of the Sabres players that have been struggling this season (Ville Leino, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford). Maybe the all-star break allowed these players an opportunity to refill the tank and they will pick up their putrid offensive numbers in the second half of the season.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Winnipeg Jets - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 20, 2012 10:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
Another game...Another loss. I have nothing more to say.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
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Buffalo Sabres v. Chicago Blackhawks - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 19, 2012 10:01 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
Tonight was the first time all season that it looked like the team quit. I don't know if this means they no longer want to play for Lindy Ruff or if it was a result of the score. Either way, it was ugly.
Just two nights after a 5-0 loss at Detroit, the Sabres suffered a similar fate in a 6-2 thumping by the Chicago Blackhawks. Buffalo actually had a 1-0 lead on a goal by Jason Pominville but Chicago took advantage of a couple of power play opportunities and took the lead for good.
It will be interesting to see if the team can find a way to bounce back on Thursday at Winnipeg. It has the makings of a blowout and therefore will probably be a close game.
Let's take one last look at last night before we get ready for the game this evening.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Detroit Red Wings - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 18, 2012 11:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
I am embarrassed to say that I forgot to do this post after the 5-0 loss to the Red Wings. I was so aggravated after the game that...I put it off until tomorrow. Tomorrow came and I completely forgot about it. I think I went into Sabres shutdown mode. Anyway, the game tonight against Chicago, reminded me to do the post.
The numbers aren't as bad as you would think in a 5-0 loss. The truth is, the Sabres didn't play a terrible hockey game. They made some terrible mistakes and they paid for it. At the other end, they had some chances and couldn't find the net. Sometimes these things happen.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. New York Islanders - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 15, 2012 10:48 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The Sabres continue to be the only team without a winning streak since early November. It looked like they had a chance to break the streak on Saturday night despite some sloppy play, especially in their own zone. Jhonas Enroth was outstanding and Derek Roy finally found the back of the net. Unfortunately the mistakes eventually caught up with Buffalo and Micheal Grabner gave the Islanders a late lead.
Buffalo had one last chance to tie the score but Thomas Vanek hit the goal post on a penalty shot with just over one minute left in the game. Grabner added an empty net goal and the Sabres head to Detroit on a one game losing streak.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Toronto Maple Leafs - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 14, 2012 9:01 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
We finally have a Buffalo Sabres victory to talk about. The first two Sabres goals may have been ugly but they were able to capitalize and finally take home two points.
There will be no time to celebrate the Sabres victory because they head on the road to take on the New York Islanders on Saturday night.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Carolina Hurricanes - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 7, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
I am quickly running out of things to say about this team. This game was especially frustrating to me because I thought the Sabres played a decent hockey game. I can't help but wonder if things would have been different if Vanek would have taken the shot on one of his 2-on-1 breaks. Chad Larose proved how effective a shot can be on a 2-on-1. It turned out to be the difference in the game.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Edmonton Oilers - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Jan 4, 2012 10:45 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
In an effort to try to forget the Sabres are currently in 11th place, I decided to focus on being 1-0 in 2012. This wasn't the best game the Sabres have played all season but it was good enough to get the victory. After a slow start the Sabres turned up the heat and controlled play most of the way. Still the outcome was in doubt throughout and came down to the final seconds.
The Stats appear similar to the game. The Sabres had a slight edge in just about every category.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - After the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. New Jersey Devils - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 29, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
There is something dramatically wrong with the Buffalo Sabres. They always seem to struggle against the Devils and they continue to have injuries to some key players, but two even strength scoring chances is disgraceful.
I have been one of the people preaching patience but mine is starting wear thin. I don't know what the answer is but the team needs a shake up. I don't know if that means that some players need to be moved or if the coach needs to go, I only know they are in need of a shake up.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Toronto Maple Leafs - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 23, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
This was one of those games that if it was played 10 times, each team would win five times. Unfortunately for the Sabres, they came out on the short end for the third consecutive game. It is difficult to watch these games because the players on the ice are giving 100 percent they just aren't as good as the other team on most nights. It pains me to say that because most of these young players are very talented and they are going to get better from this experience in the NHL, but why does it have to be now.
The injury bug continues to plague the Sabres as tonight it was Thomas Vanek that left the lineup and did not return. Drew Stafford took his place on the top line and he made a nice play on the Derek Roy goal that tied the score at 2-2, still it is difficult to see the teams best player out of the lineup.
I think we spend Friday talking about the game and analyzing scoring chances, after that we enjoy the holiday. There is another hockey game on Monday for us to watch.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Ottawa Senators - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 21, 2011 9:58 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The injuries and the losses continue to pile up for the Sabres. Why aren't more people talking about the injuries? This is basically a team of 20 year old kids trying to compete in the NHL. They Sabres deserve some credit for keeping most of these games close, with the exception of Pittsburgh of course.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres Weekend - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 18, 2011 11:18 AM EST
in Crunching Numbers
on Die By The Blade
The tale of two games. The Sabres came out of a back-to-back situation with two points and possibly the more important two points. Most of us would agree that beating Toronto was more important than beating Pittsburgh. Still it is difficult to get excited about this team.
Unlike many of you, I am not ready to jump off a bridge yet. The Sabres are decimated by injuries and yet they are still in the playoff picture. We should be counting our blessings instead of criticizing everything the team does.
This weekend could have very easily been a pair of losses. The Sabres were outplayed in both games, but they received better goaltending on Friday night. Either that or the Leafs can't finish. It was two points nonetheless.
The Ugly stats will be combined below.
The Stats
Shift Charts - (Toronto) - (Pittsburgh)
Head-to-Head Ice Time - (Toronto) - (Pittsburgh)
Corsi/Fenwick Numbers - (Toronto) - (Pittsburgh)
Scoring Chances - Follow the jump...
Buffalo Sabres v. Ottawa Senators - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 14, 2011 9:55 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
I'm really getting sick of watching this team lose. That is all. The stats will follow.
The Stats
Shift Charts - This chart makes it easier for you to see who was on the ice at the same time. There is a short tutorial on the top of the chart if you are interested in looking at it.
Head-to-Head Ice Time - This chart will show you how many minutes each player was on the ice against the opponents players. It is a nice chart if you are wondering how many minutes the Sabres top line played against the opponents top defensemen.
Corsi/Fenwick Numbers - This is a quick way to determine a teams puck possession. Sabres goalie coach Jim Corsi developed the Corsi Number as a way to judge the players and their puck possession. The theory is that the team that has the most shots taken is probably in possession of the puck more often. There are many ways to look at this stat and maybe I will do a more thorough post at some point, but for each game the numbers show how each player played.
The stat is determined by total shots, this includes goals, shots on goal, shots missed and blocked shots. The Fenwick number is a variation of this stat and it is named after a Calgary Flames blogger. The Fenwick number removes blocked shots from the equation.
Scoring Chances - After the jump.
Buffalo Sabres v. New York Rangers - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 11, 2011 9:29 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
This is the type of game that can be extremely frustrating as a fan. You want to be pissed off at the Sabres for another home loss, but deep down inside you know they played a pretty good game. In fact, they were the better team for most of the contest.
Take away a couple of power play breakdowns, some suspect goalie play for the good guys and another remarkable performance from ex-Sabre Martin Biron and this is an entirely different outcome.
Unfortunately this isn't the first time I am writing this same post. The Sabres have consistently failed to bury their chances and make a couple of mistakes every game that seem to end up in the back of the net. Eventually this becomes a problem instead of just bad luck. I just don't know which it is right now.
If you are wondering just how much better the Sabres were last night, take a look at the stats below. The Corsi numbers are unreal and the scoring chances paint a similar picture.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Philadelphia Flyers - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 8, 2011 9:02 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
Another home game, another tough loss to swallow for the Sabres and their fans. The Sabres stormed out to an early 3-0 lead but the Flyers capitalized on a turnover and scored with one second left in the first period. That late goal turned the momentum of the game and the Sabres struggled to recover.
The second period has haunted the Sabres all season and tonight was the same old story. The Flyers scored three unanswered second period goals and took a 4-3 lead. The Flyers momentum seemed to come after Nathan Gerbe was taken into the boards by Marc-Andre Bourdon and Matt Ellis responded by challenging him. Ellis was assessed a minor and a 10 minute misconduct for instigating. The penalty not only meant the Sabres would not have a power play but they would be without Ellis for the remainder of the second period.
With Gerbe unable to return because of the injury and Ellis resigned to watching the rest of the period, the Flyers took control of the game.
The Flyers played an almost flawless third period but Drew Stafford tied the score with only 1:35 remaining to help the Sabres salvage at least one point in what amounted to another epic collapse.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Nashville Predators - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2011 12:42 PM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
This game marked the return of Ryan Miller. It also marked the second time this season that Ryan Miller stole two points for the Sabres. A couple of opportune goals in the first period and a magnificent performance by Miller were the reason the Sabres came away with an important two points.
Miller was good all night but his save on Halischuk in the third period was one of the best saves I have ever seen. I'm sure there have been others but this ranks among the best. Miller didn't do it alone however, the Sabres forwards did a great job of collapsing and making sure the Preds didn't have many second chance opportunities.
Zack Kassian was another Sabres player that stood out in the game. Kassian did not get an assist on the Sabres first goal but his hard work allowed the Sabres an opportunity and Luke Adam buried his chance. The second goal was an unbelievable display of hard work and determination. Kassian was sprung on a breakaway but his ability to settle down a bouncing puck and score the goal was the most impressive part of the goal.
The Sabres get a couple of days off before they play against the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm guessing that Ryan Miller will be excited to redeem himself from his poor performance in the last meeting with the Flyers.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Detroit Red Wings - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Dec 3, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
It was another night to forget for the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. They spotted the Detroit Red Wings a three goal lead and they were never able to recover. The Sabres played a decent game in the final two periods but the Red Wings are too tough a team to come from behind.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. NY Islanders - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Nov 30, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
The scoring chances are back after taking a short vacation for the The Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately, I did not pick a good game for the return.
This game had a weird feeling right from the get go. There was this feeling that something was missing from the Sabres game, and it would be the Islanders that would get the bounces. That proved to be mostly true, but lets not sell the Islanders short. They played a very good hockey game and did not look like a last place team.
The injuries have become extremely evident in recent games. I love Zack Kassian but he is showing that he is rookie. He was out-muscled for a couple of pucks along the wall despite his obvious size advantage. I'm sure he will continue to work down in Rochester and will become a more complete player, but for now, he is a rookie.
As much as I like what Brayden McNabb has done, he is obviously a rookie as well. I didn't see him make too many mistakes but Lindy Ruff only put him on the ice for a total of 14:26 in ice time. That number wouldn't be bad for a rookie sixth defenseman but Jordan Leopold was injured in the game and played just over seven minutes. The injury to Leopold and the lack of trust in McNabb forced Christian Ehrhoff to play almost 33 minutes. It is difficult to be effective when you play over half the game.
This was obviously a game the Islanders deserved to win and a late goal by Brian Rolston assured them of their second road victory of the season. The loss was even more disappointing because people were hoping the Sabres had turned the corner and were rid of the demons that haunt them on home ice, after an impressive 5-1 victory over the struggling Washington Capitals. That is obviously not the case. They have a couple of days to try to figure it out before the Detroit Red Wings come to town on Friday night.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Sabres' Kaleta fined $2,500 for high sticking - NHL.com - News
Patrick Kaleta is in trouble with the NHL again. They announced that he was fined $2500 for his hight stick on Derek Morris Saturday night.
Buffalo Sabres v. Phoenix Coyotes - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Nov 20, 2011 12:01 PM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
Frustration. This game was extremely frustrating to watch. A combination of failed chances and good goaltending by Mike Smith led to the Sabres loss.
Lindy Ruff publicly scolded Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy and others for missing their chances. He made a strong point that they were responsible for the loss. Completely absolving Jhonas Enroth for a couple of bad goals, Christian Ehrhoff for a couple of blown assignments and the rest of the players that made mistakes.
I don't completely agree with Ruff on his assessment of blame but there was no question they missed their chances. The Sabres were the better team most of the way but Mike Smith was better than Jhonas Enroth and the Coyotes did a better job of capitalizing on their chances.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
Buffalo Sabres v. Carolina Hurricanes - By the Numbers
by David Oleksy on Nov 19, 2011 9:01 AM EST
in Game Recaps
on Die By The Blade
The Sabres continue to earn points on the road. This time it was Jhonas Enroth leading the way as he stopped all 34 Hurricanes shots. Jason Pominville turned out to be the offensive hero, with a power play goal in the first period.
The Sabres did not generate much in the way of offense all night but they kept most of the Carolina shots to outside allowing Enroth an opportunity to make the save. I'm not sure if the numbers will show it but I thought the line of Boyes-Leino-Stafford was the best offensive line for the Sabres.
Not much time to rest as the Sabres host the Coyotes on Saturday night at The First Niagara Center.
The Stats
Scoring Chances - after the jump
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