GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[GoSabresGo]

Rivet should be good to go for the next game based on this in the nhl rulebook:

 

In regular League games, any player who incurs a total of three (3) game misconduct penalties in the "General Category" and exclusive of other designated categories, shall be suspended for the next League game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. For each suspension of a player, his Club shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(NOTE) The "General Category" shall include the following infractions:

Charging - Rule 47(b)©

Clipping - Rule 49(b)

Elbowing - Rule 53(b)

Fighting off the playing surface - Rule 56©

Head-butting - Rule 60(b)

Inciting an opponent into incurring a penalty - Rule 41(g)

Intervening in an altercation - Rule 56(d)

Kneeing - Rule 71

Not properly tied down during altercation - Rule 56(a)

Obscene Language or Gestures - Rule 73(a)

Persists in continuing an altercation - Rule 56(f)

Removing jersey prior to altercation - Rule 56(a)

Resisting a Linesman in the discharge of his duties - Rule 41(f)

Secondary Altercation - Rule 56(a)(f)

Third major penalty in a game - Rule 27(b)

Throwing stick outside the playing area - Rule 88©

[Bmwolf21]

Sabres ranked 13th last season on the PP. Not great, but it isn't like they were brutal.

Actually 14th, not 13th.

 

And the problem is that the PP has been in steady decline (in terms of efficiency) since 05-06:

 

05-06 - 25.0%, 3rd in league

06-07 - 21.2%, 17th in league

07-08 - 19.4%, 14th in league.

 

I just think that with the weapons this team has, there's no reason why they shouldn't be clicking around 21-22% of the time and at the very least putting sustained pressure and looking a lot sharper than we've seen over the last two years.

[Hawerchuk]

Game thoughts...

 

-Glad to see Lalime get in a game early in the season AND have a very good showing.

He played a great game - very solid

 

 

-Comrie sticking a towel on his stick in the penalty box in "surrender fashion" should have drawn a game misconduct(obviously the refs didn't see him). What a punk!

First time I've EVER seen this from any player in my 30 yrs watching hockey. Couldn't believe it. What a idiot!

 

 

-Vanek looks a little quicker this year.

Definitely, and great to see. That hustle from Paille was amazing for the assist.

[carpandean]

Lol, no wonder the Islanders couldn't play us, they didn't even know who was on the ice:

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service...e=2&gnum=33

 

Sabres Captain Craig Rivet made it 2-0, scoring off of a rebound at 2:22 of the second period.

It was Mair.

 

On the ensuing faceoff, following the Sabres' fourth goal, mayhem broke out at center ice. Three sets of players ended up pairing off as Brendan Witt took on Nathan Paetsch, Nate Thompson fought Adam Mair and Sean Bergenheim went toe-to-toe with Rivet. The biggest concern was Witt's head, which was cut after he was taken to the ice by Paetsch. Witt, who skated to the locker room on his own power, did not suffer a concussion, but did receive stitches.

Paetsch played? And he had a fight? It was Kaleta.

Notice that in the lineup at the bottom of the page, Paetsch isn't listed as playing.

[Bmwolf21]

Lol, no wonder the Islanders couldn't play us, they didn't even know who was on the ice:

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service...e=2&gnum=33

It was Mair.

Paetsch played? And he had a fight? It was Kaleta.

Notice that in the lineup at the bottom of the page, Paetsch isn't listed as playing.

Paetsch is so badass he can whip Witt's behind from the press box.

 

Chuck Norris wears Nathan Paetsch pajamas.

[deluca67]

Damn Lindy just said it looks like hecht will "be out for a little bit of time" ... down THREE centers already ... takes some of the shine off ...

It may be a blessing in disguise. One of the young kids get an early chance and who knows, maybe someone can force themselves into the lineup.

[nfreeman]

It may be a blessing in disguise. One of the young kids get an early chance and who knows, maybe someone can force themselves into the lineup.

 

I'll be interested to see whether they call someone up. I think Ellis will probably dress vs. the Rangers.

[spndnchz]

Damn Lindy just said it looks like hecht will "be out for a little bit of time" ... down THREE centers already ... takes some of the shine off ...

Did he say what the injury was? I saw Hecht take off his glove on the ice and look at his hand. He wasn't back after that. I think he broke it.

[wjag]

Did he say what the injury was? I saw Hecht take off his glove on the ice and look at his hand. He wasn't back after that. I think he broke it.

If it's a broken hand, we won't see him until the holidays are well underway..

[tom webster]

Actually 14th, not 13th.

 

And the problem is that the PP has been in steady decline (in terms of efficiency) since 05-06:

 

05-06 - 25.0%, 3rd in league

06-07 - 21.2%, 17th in league

07-08 - 19.4%, 14th in league.

 

I just think that with the weapons this team has, there's no reason why they shouldn't be clicking around 21-22% of the time and at the very least putting sustained pressure and looking a lot sharper than we've seen over the last two years.

 

I think the power play was awful as well but that number you have for 2005-06 is wrong. They were third in the league but the average was 21.2 %. Last year only Montreal was over 22.8%. If they averaged 21 or 22 percent, they would be near the top and I don't see the talent to do that. As I said earlier, no true point men, no playmakers to keep opposition honest with their pressure.

[R_Dudley]

Did he say what the injury was? I saw Hecht take off his glove on the ice and look at his hand. He wasn't back after that. I think he broke it.

 

Read this morning took a Streit point shot with hand/arm... Unfortunately more than likely broken.......

 

The one other game fact that jumps out at me now 2 games in a row; the faceoff win % is as bad as I ever remember it. It hasn't cost us yet but it will in tight game down the road if it stays that way. Even with Ellis available I hope they bring one of the kids up that has good FO % and/or centerman to see what they got, we probably need the depth now as well unless Connolly makes a miracle recovery.

[deluca67]

I'll be interested to see whether they call someone up. I think Ellis will probably dress vs. the Rangers.

Short term Ellis will probably be the answer. If it's long term I would prefer that some of the young kids get the look.

 

We have been rough on Connolly, hasn't Hecht been injured a bunch since joining the Sabres or does it just seem like it?

[nfreeman]

Rivet should be good to go for the next game based on this in the nhl rulebook:

 

In regular League games, any player who incurs a total of three (3) game misconduct penalties in the "General Category" and exclusive of other designated categories, shall be suspended for the next League game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. For each suspension of a player, his Club shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(NOTE) The "General Category" shall include the following infractions:

Charging - Rule 47(b)?

Clipping - Rule 49(b)

Elbowing - Rule 53(b)

Fighting off the playing surface - Rule 56?

Head-butting - Rule 60(b)

Inciting an opponent into incurring a penalty - Rule 41(g)

Intervening in an altercation - Rule 56(d)

Kneeing - Rule 71

Not properly tied down during altercation - Rule 56(a)

Obscene Language or Gestures - Rule 73(a)

Persists in continuing an altercation - Rule 56(f)

Removing jersey prior to altercation - Rule 56(a)

Resisting a Linesman in the discharge of his duties - Rule 41(f)

Secondary Altercation - Rule 56(a)(f)

Third major penalty in a game - Rule 27(b)

Throwing stick outside the playing area - Rule 88?

 

Does anyone know whether this is 3 per year -- or 3 over the course of a career? I think Rivet got 2 of these yesterday, so if it's 3 over the course of his career, he's probably suspended for the Rangers game, which would really stink, since we need him (and since I'm going to be there).

[Guest Sloth]

Short term Ellis will probably be the answer. If it's long term I would prefer that some of the young kids get the look.

 

We have been rough on Connolly, hasn't Hecht been injured a bunch since joining the Sabres or does it just seem like it?

 

It could be a good thing to bring up Gerbe, but it could also be a bad thing. I guess it depends on Gerbe himself, if he were to be called up. Does increased pressure increase his game, or does it go the other way around? I was hoping this wasn't going to be a possibility until December. The Rangers are red hot and the game is in their town. I can't think of a more pressure filled game this early in the season.

I really don't know what my opinion is. Part of me says play it safe and go w/ Ellis, but another part of me is thinking go for it on "4th and 1."

MacArthur's goal was sweet and he played a HUGE role in the setup for it. He should be bumped up to the second line.

Are their any OK free agent centers available?

[GoSabresGo]

This is what i found regarding past game misconducts:

 

NOTE 2) When a player has played in 41 consecutive regular League games without being assessed a stickrelated major and a game misconduct according to Rule 27(b) - Major Penalties or Rule 28(f) - Misconduct Penalties, he will have the previous game misconduct penalties removed from his current record. They will remain part of his historical record.

[Barnabov]

If anyone deserved to be body slammed & crack their melon open it was Witt. He always go after what he thinks is a soft player & while I haven't studied the replay, I'd imagine he made a beeline for Kaleta wanting to try & get in some cheap shots to pay back the clean checks his boys had been absorbing all night. I don't wish injury on anyone but glad Kaleta showed him who's tougher - Witt will never stand up & be accountable when challenged after doing something dirty to another team's skill guys.

 

All in all a superb game - just need to avoid the letdown in MSG. The Rangers are due for a dose of reality.

[deluca67]

It could be a good thing to bring up Gerbe, but it could also be a bad thing. I guess it depends on Gerbe himself, if he were to be called up. Does increased pressure increase his game, or does it go the other way around? I was hoping this wasn't going to be a possibility until December. The Rangers are red hot and the game is in their town. I can't think of a more pressure filled game this early in the season.

I really don't know what my opinion is. Part of me says play it safe and go w/ Ellis, but another part of me is thinking go for it on "4th and 1."

MacArthur's goal was sweet and he played a HUGE role in the setup for it. He should be bumped up to the second line.

Are their any OK free agent centers available?

One nice play against the Islanders doesn't make MacArthur a second line center. That said I doubt the Sabres answer at center can be found in free agency. If Hecht is out long term the Sabres will need to make a trade to try to bring in a half way decent center. It was a glaring need before the injury. I would hope that the injury to Hecht would only expedite a process that was already in motion.

[deluca67]

If anyone deserved to be body slammed & crack their melon open it was Witt. He always go after what he thinks is a soft player & while I haven't studied the replay, I'd imagine he made a beeline for Kaleta wanting to try & get in some cheap shots to pay back the clean checks his boys had been absorbing all night. I don't wish injury on anyone but glad Kaleta showed him who's tougher - Witt will never stand up & be accountable when challenged after doing something dirty to another team's skill guys.

 

All in all a superb game - just need to avoid the letdown in MSG. The Rangers are due for a dose of reality.

Didn't they hug and fall to the ground? It's great to see more players getting involved in the physical aspect of the game. Let's not make of it than it was. Rivet did a good job of protecting an injured teammate and everyone got involved. If a message was sent by the incident it's that the Sabres as a team are more willing to stand up for each other than they have been in recent years.

[Bmwolf21]

I think the power play was awful as well but that number you have for 2005-06 is wrong. They were third in the league but the average was 21.2 %. Last year only Montreal was over 22.8%. If they averaged 21 or 22 percent, they would be near the top and I don't see the talent to do that. As I said earlier, no true point men, no playmakers to keep opposition honest with their pressure.

My mistake - they were 25% at home that year. I looked at the wrong column.

 

I don't agree that they don't have the talent to be a 20% team, though. They have a 40-goal scorer, two 30-goal scorers, a handful of 20-goal guys, and guys on the back end - Spacek, Sekera - who can move the puck efficiently enough to get them in that range. I was one of the guys banging the drum over the summer for a PP specialist, a guy who could distribute the puck on the PP and get it to the scorers up front. Most times I was told that we don't need a guy who can only play the PP and would have to be a 5/6 guy otherwise.

 

That 05-06 team didn't have a true point man on the point either. They did have playmaking centers in Briere and Connolly, but neither of them led the team in PP scoring or assists.

 

I think the biggest change that has to happen, short of adding a PP specialist on the point, is a change in system and strategy. I don't know what the plan is for the Sabres, but whatever it is, it ain't working.

[Kristian]

Short term Ellis will probably be the answer. If it's long term I would prefer that some of the young kids get the look.

 

We have been rough on Connolly, hasn't Hecht been injured a bunch since joining the Sabres or does it just seem like it?

 

Hecht was injured a lot when he first came here yes. Seemed to be cursed to the point where he actually went out and changed his number.

 

I remember him being quite durable since the lockout though.

[Kristian]

One nice play against the Islanders doesn't make MacArthur a second line center. That said I doubt the Sabres answer at center can be found in free agency. If Hecht is out long term the Sabres will need to make a trade to try to bring in a half way decent center. It was a glaring need before the injury. I would hope that the injury to Hecht would only expedite a process that was already in motion.

 

The good news is that Max actually played well last night, so if anybody was looking to add him, they certainly haven't been scared away by his play so far.

[inkman]

The good news is that Max actually played well last night, so if anybody was looking to add him, they certainly haven't been scared away by his play so far.

 

Sure. Unfortunately the Sabres are so depleted at forward, they can't afford to move anyone. Again we come back to the whole relying on Connolly ordeal.

[Kristian]

Sure. Unfortunately the Sabres are so depleted at forward, they can't afford to move anyone. Again we come back to the whole relying on Connolly ordeal.

 

Which I think most of us agree was a huge mistake from the beginning, but there's not much we can do now, except hope Darcy learns something from this.

[spndnchz]

Didn't they hug and fall to the ground? It's great to see more players getting involved in the physical aspect of the game. Let's not make of it than it was. Rivet did a good job of protecting an injured teammate and everyone got involved. If a message was sent by the incident it's that the Sabres as a team are more willing to stand up for each other than they have been in recent years.

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Wild and wooly one.

 

Kaleta body slams him IMO.

[stenbaro]

If anyone deserved to be body slammed & crack their melon open it was Witt. He always go after what he thinks is a soft player & while I haven't studied the replay, I'd imagine he made a beeline for Kaleta wanting to try & get in some cheap shots to pay back the clean checks his boys had been absorbing all night. I don't wish injury on anyone but glad Kaleta showed him who's tougher - Witt will never stand up & be accountable when challenged after doing something dirty to another team's skill guys.

 

All in all a superb game - just need to avoid the letdown in MSG. The Rangers are due for a dose of reality.

Ask Mike Peca about Witt..I dont count Mike Peca as soft and Witt pounded him..Probably took him off his game forever with that beating..