GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[Corp000085]

7:30pm

 

 

Tim Connolly is back. This means that he'll play remarkably well for a very short amount of time before being injured again. However, the good news is that he never gets injured in his very first game back, so tonight will be a good one for the powerplay. A good victory will cap of a very long work week for me, so get things done tonight.

[LabattBlue]

Call me a dreamer, but I have a feeling that Connolly will play at least 30 of the final 40(which for him would be good) something games.

[ROC Sabres]

Call me a dreamer, but I have a feeling that Connolly will play at least 30 of the final 40(which for him would be good) something games.

 

Slightly off topic but on my NHL 09 season Connolly is 2nd behind my created player in hits. Don't know why they made him a wrecking ball in the game when he's nothing of the sort in real life.

 

Back on topic, hope to see some strong D tonight and light up Lundqvist. Rags have been sliding as of late and we need to jump on them. Or at least play at a level that is higher than theirs. Need them home wins boys!

[JohnRobertEichel]

Here's my best guess at what tonight's lines will be (bear in mind that this is what I think Ruff WILL do and not what I think Ruff SHOULD do):

 

Vanek-Roy-Stafford

MacArthur-Hecht-Pominville

Ellis-Gaustad-Kotalik

Paille-Connolly-Mair

 

Also, it's interesting to note that our Sabres (20-15-5) are now the 12th best team in the league, in terms of points-per-game, behind: Philly, NYR, New Jersey, Boston, Montreal, Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Calgary, Vancouver, and San Jose.

[BeeWhy5]

Would love to roll into Detroit on a 4 game winning streak! Couple of things. I loved Rivet's toughness in front of the net last game when they ran Miller a bit. That happens to him way too much with no reaction other than a slight grab by one of our other defencemen. But, the defence is playing very well overall and most of the forwards are getting into the act as well. Does Miller play tonight, and tomorrow? Do we dare start Lalime in Detroit? Regardless I'm seeing a 3-1 win for the good guys with an even better looking power play unit with Timmy C back in the fold! Go SABRES!!!

[Guest Sloth]

Miller should play tonight because of the winning streak and his level of play lately. Regardless of what happens tonight, I think Lalime should start against Detroit. Miller could use some rest after tonight's game/travel and Lalime needs a start. I can't even remember the last time he started a game, but they can't keep him off the ice too long.

[bob_sauve28]

Here's my best guess at what tonight's lines will be (bear in mind that this is what I think Ruff WILL do and not what I think Ruff SHOULD do):

 

Vanek-Roy-Stafford

MacArthur-Hecht-Pominville

Ellis-Gaustad-Kotalik

Paille-Connolly-Mair

 

Also, it's interesting to note that our Sabres (20-15-5) are now the 12th best team in the league, in terms of points-per-game, behind: Philly, NYR, New Jersey, Boston, Montreal, Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Calgary, Vancouver, and San Jose.

And Pitt, New Jersey and Carolina all lost last night, as did the Rangers the night before. :thumbsup:

 

We can really close the gap with New York tonight and have two games at hand on them. I hope the Sabres don't have a let down against New York from the emotional Ottawa game. I'm really excited about the game tonight. I love friday night games

 

Let's go Sabres!

 

And oh ya, TIMMY'S BACK!!! :D

[wjag]

Rangers are coming back to the pack. They are so-so since Dec with a record of 7-6-2. That includes their latest, a 6-3 smack down by the Habs at the Garden.

 

Could claw within 4 with a regulation W and 7th place.

[sabr_fn]

for me, i think it is time to juice'em up with the 5hour energy drink.

 

like a couple of you, i hope timmy can play for a while and i am happy to hear that ruff isn't throwing into the 1st or 2nd line.

[K-9]

I'm thinking Miller shows the rest of the conference why they fu*ked up by selecting Lundquivst instead of him for the AS game.

 

3-0 Sabres. Pominville with an empty netter.

 

GO SABRES!!!

[carpandean]

As with the past three games, I'm looking for them to come out and dictate play.

 

Forget that you are at home. Forget that they are ahead of you in the standings. Forget the scoreboard. Just play hard and play smart. Do that and the rest will take care of itself. That's not to say every game will be a win, but no game will be an embarrassment. Do it consistently and you'll win enough. Treat every game like a playoff game and you'll find that you are actually playing in those at the end of the season.

[SabresFan526]

Here's my best guess at what tonight's lines will be (bear in mind that this is what I think Ruff WILL do and not what I think Ruff SHOULD do):

 

Vanek-Roy-Stafford

MacArthur-Hecht-Pominville

Ellis-Gaustad-Kotalik

Paille-Connolly-Mair

 

Also, it's interesting to note that our Sabres (20-15-5) are now the 12th best team in the league, in terms of points-per-game, behind: Philly, NYR, New Jersey, Boston, Montreal, Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Calgary, Vancouver, and San Jose.

According to WGR, it looks like Ruff is going to keep all the lines the same and simply insert Connolly where Max and Peters were playing the last few games with Paille and MacArthur. I'm not sure if it will stay this way the whole game or if it will be like that tomorrow, but I'd anticipate this will be the way it works for the first 5-10 minutes of the first period based on what I read over at WGR's site. Timmy will be playing on special teams and looks like he will initially be serving fourth line duty.

 

My hunch, however, is that if things go well tonight, I would not be surprised to see Connolly between Hecht and Kotalik tomorrow night and Mair moving down to the fourth line with Paille and MacArthur tomorrow night. Kotalik likes playing with Connolly and Hecht has played well in the past with Connolly which is why this would make sense, but who knows what Ruff has up his sleeve.

 

On a separate note, I'm expecting Lalime to start tomorrow night in Detroit. He needs to get some game action and it's the second part of a back-to-back. If Lalime starts, he needs to play well and the team needs to play well in front of him, too, as that hasn't been the case the last few times he's played. Although, you'd think Miller would be in net during the Detroit game as it his "hometown" even though he's from Lansing. But, my money's on Lalime tomorrow night.

[R_Dudley]

As with the past three games, I'm looking for them to come out and dictate play.

 

Forget that you are at home. Forget that they are ahead of you in the standings. Forget the scoreboard. Just play hard and play smart. Do that and the rest will take care of itself. That's not to say every game will be a win, but no game will be an embarrassment. Do it consistently and you'll win enough. Treat every game like a playoff game and you'll find that you are actually playing in those at the end of the season.

 

Excellant, spot on and just add the the PA twist he suggested we use against the big bad bruins, play them with no respect, what have they accomplished, no backing up/off allowing easy entry into our zone, lets plays 2/3's of the game in their zone, get gritty, get dirty, get pucks and bodies on the net. :chris:

 

Oh and I don't care if any of you want to boo drury, you paid to be there, do whatever floats your boat. I just want the sabres to float mine with a nice strong win.... Go Bflo

[Guest Sloth]

As with the past three games, I'm looking for them to come out and dictate play.

Forget that you are at home. Forget that they are ahead of you in the standings. Forget the scoreboard. Just play hard and play smart. Do that and the rest will take care of itself. That's not to say every game will be a win, but no game will be an embarrassment. Do it consistently and you'll win enough. Treat every game like a playoff game and you'll find that you are actually playing in those at the end of the season.

 

Ellis's picture should be placed by this post. Man, the guy gives it his best on every shift he gets to play. I really think Ellis is helping the players to play hard, give it all you got hockey.

[nobody]

Yes, Lindy needs to get Lalime in the game at Detroit. But I sure won't be surprised when we see Miller again tomorrow.

[nfreeman]

Miller should play tonight because of the winning streak and his level of play lately. Regardless of what happens tonight, I think Lalime should start against Detroit. Miller could use some rest after tonight's game/travel and Lalime needs a start. I can't even remember the last time he started a game, but they can't keep him off the ice too long.

I agree 100%.

 

I'm thinking Miller shows the rest of the conference why they fu*ked up by selecting Lundquivst instead of him for the AS game.

Still beating this drum, eh? Miller's got a long way to go before you accumulate much support for this position. But I applaud your tenacity. I hope the Sabres show some of it tonight.

 

Yes, Lindy needs to get Lalime in the game at Detroit. But I sure won't be surprised when we see Miller again tomorrow.

Hard to argue with this.

 

I REALLY want to beat the Rangers. They are in my top-3 detested opponents, along with Ottawa and Philly.

 

Prediction: Sabres, 3-2.

[sabr_fn]

 

 

My hunch, however, is that if things go well tonight, I would not be surprised to see Connolly between Hecht and Kotalik tomorrow night and Mair moving down to the fourth line with Paille and MacArthur tomorrow night. Kotalik likes playing with Connolly and Hecht has played well in the past with Connolly which is why this would make sense, but who knows what Ruff has up his sleeve.

 

 

I like the idea of connolly btw mac and paille. i think that line has good potential and if it does work, the team plays well, i hope he would consider leaving connolly in a reduced role just to, hopefully, keep him from injury--fewer chances for injury and someone who can qb the pp.

[Two or less]

Slightly off topic but on my NHL 09 season Connolly is 2nd behind my created player in hits. Don't know why they made him a wrecking ball in the game when he's nothing of the sort in real life.

 

Back on topic, hope to see some strong D tonight and light up Lundqvist. Rags have been sliding as of late and we need to jump on them. Or at least play at a level that is higher than theirs. Need them home wins boys!

 

Kaleta is 3rd on my team in goals..... nuff' said.

[james duncan]

Yes, Lindy needs to get Lalime in the game at Detroit. But I sure won't be surprised when we see Miller again tomorrow.

 

My thought exactly. We kinda need the game tonite "more" as it is an Eastern Conf team ahead of us but I suspect Miller will want to play in Detroit too.

 

Looking forward to seeing Connolly out there. I'd have Kotalik on his wing--TC is effective setting up Kotalik. Pominville sure could use a legit playmaker at center.

 

NY has been an unimpressive bunch despite their record. My opinion anyway.

[stenbaro]

anyone going anywhere to watch the game tonight?

[gregkash]

Miller should play tonight because of the winning streak and his level of play lately. Regardless of what happens tonight, I think Lalime should start against Detroit. Miller could use some rest after tonight's game/travel and Lalime needs a start. I can't even remember the last time he started a game, but they can't keep him off the ice too long.

 

We just had three days off, I think you ride Miller tonight and tomorrow. Unless he gets lit up tonight. But there's no way you don't play him in Detroit, hometown.

[K-9]

I agree 100%.

Still beating this drum, eh? Miller's got a long way to go before you accumulate much support for this position. But I applaud your tenacity. I hope the Sabres show some of it tonight...

 

I've never beat a drum for Miller. Ever. I feel he's too inconsistent when it comes to stealing games. You have me confused with someone else. My comment is more geered toward hoping Miller uses the snub as motivation to outplay the goalie chosen ahead of him. That's all.

 

GO SABRES!!!

[carpandean]

I'm thinking Miller shows the rest of the conference why they fu*ked up by selecting Lundquivst instead of him for the AS game.

Valiquette is getting the start tonight per WGR550.

 

I guess that I should add "forget that they are playing their backup goalie" to my previous list.

[DR HOLLIDAY]

I'm thinking Miller shows the rest of the conference why they fu*ked up by selecting Lundquivst instead of him for the AS game.

 

3-0 Sabres. Pominville with an empty netter.

 

GO SABRES!!!

 

I like this prediction......... :beer:

[nfreeman]

I've never beat a drum for Miller. Ever. I feel he's too inconsistent when it comes to stealing games. You have me confused with someone else. My comment is more geered toward hoping Miller uses the snub as motivation to outplay the goalie chosen ahead of him. That's all.

Sorry -- I had you mixed up with the poster that started the "Lundy over Miller in the ASG -- what a load of BS" thread. I withdraw the (mild) accusation. And you're right about it being a good thing if Miller uses it as motivation.