GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[wjag]

A question about last night's game: I was watching it without sound (in a restaurant), and so I have no idea why the game became so chippy, so quickly. There doesn't seem to be an explanation in the News, either. What happened?

I attribute it to two teams in desperate need of two points.. Life of a bottom feeder..

[deluca67]

Some might argue you play him in Calgary because you are likely going to lose anyway and make sure you have Miller to make sure you win the games you should win. Not sure I agree with it, but some would argue it.

 

Still, even based on your theory to play him in winnable games, Anaheim is not such a bad choice on this trip.

 

As we all know all too well, it is not 2006-07 anymore ... the Ducks are not one of the better teams. they do have some scary offensive talent, but the numbers say they are average. They went 6-7-1 in January ... They have played two more games than the Sabres yet have two fewer points. They are only two points ahead of Edmonton despite playing four more games. Phoenix is only 2 points behind them with a game in hand and was 16-7-2 at home before last night. The Ducks are also just 13-11-3 at home, and have lost 3 in a row at home, including one to Tampa. Defensive injuries notwithstanding, it is a winnable game for the Sabres no matter who the goalie is, if they play well in front of him. I have no problem getting Miller a little more rest with 4 division games and San Jose on the horizon the next two weeks.

They coming out of the All-Star break where Miller had days off. Playing four games in seven nights after the five day break shouldn't wear him down. He plays against the Ducks then against the Habs on three days rest. The Ducks are a better team than the Leafs. Play Miller against the Ducks and try to get the two points.

 

The only argument that makes sense is that the Sabres are two banged up and Miller will not make a difference in Anaheim.

[BetweenThePipes00]

They coming out of the All-Star break where Miller had days off. Playing four games in seven nights after the five day break shouldn't wear him down. He plays against the Ducks then against the Habs on three days rest. The Ducks are a better team than the Leafs. Play Miller against the Ducks and try to get the two points.

 

The only argument that makes sense is that the Sabres are two banged up and Miller will not make a difference in Anaheim.

 

Ah I think we are splitting hairs. I could agrue that they are already .500 on the trip, even a point vs. ANA would be a bonus, and it would be just as beneficial to hit the ground running at home with Miller. They need to be better at home and they don't need all those Leafs fans getting into the game early on a softie from Lalime. The Leafs always play well in Buffalo.

 

I hear ya, I do, I just don't see much difference in the two scenarios. Maybe Miller doesn't want the days off before a truly important game against Montreal. Who knows? Either way, Lalime needs to be better and we a few games no matter where or when ... unless Miller keeps winning 8 of every 10 like he did in January, they will need some points from Lalime.

[deluca67]

Ah I think we are splitting hairs. I could agrue that they are already .500 on the trip, even a point vs. ANA would be a bonus, and it would be just as beneficial to hit the ground running at home with Miller. They need to be better at home and they don't need all those Leafs fans getting into the game early on a softie from Lalime. The Leafs always play well in Buffalo.

 

I hear ya, I do, I just don't see much difference in the two scenarios. Maybe Miller doesn't want the days off before a truly important game against Montreal. Who knows? Either way, Lalime needs to be better and we a few games no matter where or when ... unless Miller keeps winning 8 of every 10 like he did in January, they will need some points from Lalime.

I guess at this point I don't see any points as "bonus". Every two points may be the points that keep the Sabres in a playoff spot or knocks them out. I see the Ducks game as the most important game of the season. Going into the Leafs game with 59 points is light years better than going in with 57 points. They are four points behind the Flyers with one more game played. I would feel a lot better with two teams between the Sabres and ninth place than I do with only one.

[wonderbread]

I guess at this point I don't see any points as "bonus". Every two points may be the points that keep the Sabres in a playoff spot or knocks them out. I see the Ducks game as the most important game of the season. Going into the Leafs game with 59 points is light years better than going in with 57 points. They are four points behind the Flyers with one more game played. I would feel a lot better with two teams between the Sabres and ninth place than I do with only one.

 

 

I agree. They way the standing are now in may we will be bitching. 2 pts is 2 pts. Get them and get back home.

[LabattBlue]

Very good win in spite of an already decimated blueline groiup taking yet another hit(Spacek).

[deluca67]

Very good win in spite of an already decimated blueline groiup taking yet another hit(Spacek).

If adversity truly builds character then the Sabres should be the most dangerous team in the NHL come playoff time. I took some zhit when I said that Teppo's may be a blessing. Maybe getting the injuries out of the way now is a sign they will be healthy and rested come playoff time.

 

What is with the hockey gods? We can either have a healthy Connolly or a healthy defense? Not both? How many virgins need to go into the volcano to reverse this?

[wjag]

That was an entertaining game. I really like Doan's game... He is a really gritty forward with an instinct for the net. Kaleta the Pez Dispenser

 

As much as I like the Philly, Sens and Habs games, it was nice to see Calgary, Edmonton, Phoenix and the upcoming Ducks...

[Foligno's Nose]

The Sabres have 7 games against the Leafs, Thrashers and Islanders left on the schedule. You play Lalime in some all of those games.

 

Playing Lalime does not mean surrendering two points.

You're right, He does not need to play against the Ducks.

Lalime does need to get the reps in or he is useless.

He, or any other back-up, needs the opportunity to shake off the rust in real games.

It is too bad they could not ship him down for a conditioning stint with the Pirates.

Lindy has failed again to get the backup into the mix on a more regular basis. That is all (and my only real knock against the man).

 

The plan to play him against TOR, ATL and NYI is good. That makes perfect sense.

I'll be happy if this is the case. That will give him the previously estimated amount of games expected of him.

 

And in the last offseason they had a tremendous selection of goalies to choose from:

Boucher.

Kolzig (my choice)

Joseph.

Raycroft.

Conklin.

Auld.

and many more.

 

I don't feel Lalime was a bad choice.

Given the fact they committed to him for two years, I would think they would choose to play him more.

The two year contract should also not stop them from dumping him, if need be, along the way.

[cilevel]

Playing Lalime does not mean surrendering two points.

You're right, He does not need to play against the Ducks.

Lalime does need to get the reps in or he is useless.

He, or any other back-up, needs the opportunity to shake off the rust in real games.

It is too bad they could not ship him down for a conditioning stint with the Pirates.

Lindy has failed again to get the backup into the mix on a more regular basis. That is all (and my only real knock against the man).

 

The plan to play him against TOR, ATL and NYI is good. That makes perfect sense.

I'll be happy if this is the case. That will give him the previously estimated amount of games expected of him.

 

And in the last offseason they had a tremendous selection of goalies to choose from:

Boucher.

Kolzig (my choice)

Joseph.

Raycroft.

Conklin.

Auld.

and many more.

 

I don't feel Lalime was a bad choice.

Given the fact they committed to him for two years, I would think they would choose to play him more.

The two year contract should also not stop them from dumping him, if need be, along the way.

 

Couldn't agree more on Lalime. They have to play him to keep him fresh - his losses were not due to his poor play, rather, a dismal effort by the team in front of him. If the team has any confidence issues, they need to work through that by giving him some games. Either way they need to make sure he gets his time in.

[Foligno's Nose]

That was an entertaining game. I really like Doan's game... He is a really gritty forward with an instinct for the net. Kaleta the Pez Dispenser OUCH

 

As much as I like the Philly, Sens and Habs games, it was nice to see Calgary, Edmonton, Phoenix and the upcoming Ducks...

 

There is not much to dislike about Doan's game. (Make the deal, Darcy).

 

Kaleta may have to invest in the Rick Vaive neck brace.

Really suprised he partook in the fight yesterday.

Especially given his injuries.

Ironically, Gauthier left his feet yesterday against Montreal to destroy Josh Gorges into the boards.

 

 

Le Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge are adorned in their retro striped/ circus clown/ Quebec penal league uniforms today.

 

Sad as it may seem, they are better than the some of the 3rd jerseys in the league this year (See BOLTS, SENS).

 

 

The return to playing the west coast teams this year is also very much approved of here.

The Sabres have not traditionally fared well out on west-coast trips, but it is better seeing the full scope of NHL competition this year.

[nfreeman]

Lalime doesn't have to play against the Ducks. You play your best goaltender against the better teams and play the crap back-up against crap teams like the Leafs. Playing Lalime against a good team is surrendering the two points.

 

In theory Miller does need his rest. Unfortunately the Sabres are about as good at finding back-up goalies as the Bills are finding head coaches. For some reason the Sabres decided to sign Lalime for two years. Which really sucks since better goalies have hit the waiver wire this year and the Sabres missed the chance to upgrade significantly.

 

If the Sabres are going to make the playoffs Miller is going to have to play pretty much every game. The Sabres have 7 games against the Leafs, Thrashers and Islanders left on the schedule. You play Lalime in some of those games and hope he doesn't lose any for you.

 

Some might argue you play him in Calgary because you are likely going to lose anyway and make sure you have Miller to make sure you win the games you should win. Not sure I agree with it, but some would argue it.

 

Still, even based on your theory to play him in winnable games, Anaheim is not such a bad choice on this trip.

 

As we all know all too well, it is not 2006-07 anymore ... the Ducks are not one of the better teams. they do have some scary offensive talent, but the numbers say they are average. They went 6-7-1 in January ... They have played two more games than the Sabres yet have two fewer points. They are only two points ahead of Edmonton despite playing four more games. Phoenix is only 2 points behind them with a game in hand and was 16-7-2 at home before last night. The Ducks are also just 13-11-3 at home, and have lost 3 in a row at home, including one to Tampa. Defensive injuries notwithstanding, it is a winnable game for the Sabres no matter who the goalie is, if they play well in front of him. I have no problem getting Miller a little more rest with 4 division games and San Jose on the horizon the next two weeks.

I wanted Patty to play in Calgary because I'm a firm believer in Miller not playing on back-to-back nights, regardless of whether it results in Lalime playing against a good team. Miller certainly didn't look sharp vs. Calgary.

 

As BTP points out, Anaheim isn't what it used to be. They've lost 7 of 11 and Nabby hasn't played well.

 

While I agree that every game is important, and I think DeLuca's theory about getting Lalime in against the crappier teams left on the schedule makes sense, my bottom line is that our chances for making the playoffs improve with every game Lalime plays. I just think Miller is that much more effective when he gets a night off regularly.

I forgot who it was, but I read a quote from a Sabres player saying that they wouldn't be surprised if Butler was captain in a couple years. Apparently he became a leader in the lockerroom the moment he was called up.

Nice!

 

Indeed. All three alternative broadcasts since the break have been entertaining and refreshing.

I agree on the PHX announcers -- I found them surprisingly good.

[wjag]

It's 3:49EST on 1 Feb. The Habs are playing the Bruins in their prison unis... Talk about an assault to the eyes. There are two Habs in the penalty box. They look like felons..

[Eleven]

It's 3:49EST on 1 Feb. The Habs are playing the Bruins in their prison unis... Talk about an assault to the eyes. There are two Habs in the penalty box. They look like felons..

 

Didn't realize there was a game on today--cool--thanks!

[SabresFan526]

As BTP points out, Anaheim isn't what it used to be. They've lost 7 of 11 and Nabby hasn't played well.

Nabby, he of the San Jose Sharks Nabby? What does that have to do with the Ducks? Or by Nabby are you referring to J.S. Giguere or Jonas Hiller? :unsure:

[Bmwolf21]

Nabby, he of the San Jose Sharks Nabby? What does that have to do with the Ducks? Or by Nabby are you referring to J.S. Giguere or Jonas Hiller? :unsure:

I assume he meant Giguere but just had a brain fart. Giguere hasn't been playing well this year, with a GAA over 3 (3.08) and a save percentage barely over .900 (.904). Not quite sure how he made the ASG.

 

Nabakov has been his usual solid self, OTOH.

[spndnchz]

It's 3:49EST on 1 Feb. The Habs are playing the Bruins in their prison unis... Talk about an assault to the eyes. There are two Habs in the penalty box. They look like felons..

I saw this yesterday flicking thru the channels. I thought I was watching "What were they thinking".

[spndnchz]

Playing Lalime does not mean surrendering two points.

You're right, He does not need to play against the Ducks.

Lalime does need to get the reps in or he is useless.

He, or any other back-up, needs the opportunity to shake off the rust in real games.

It is too bad they could not ship him down for a conditioning stint with the Pirates.

Lindy has failed again to get the backup into the mix on a more regular basis. That is all (and my only real knock against the man).

 

The plan to play him against TOR, ATL and NYI is good. That makes perfect sense.

I'll be happy if this is the case. That will give him the previously estimated amount of games expected of him.

 

And in the last offseason they had a tremendous selection of goalies to choose from:

Boucher.

Kolzig (my choice)

Joseph.

Raycroft.

Conklin.

Auld.

and many more.

 

I don't feel Lalime was a bad choice.

Given the fact they committed to him for two years, I would think they would choose to play him more.

The two year contract should also not stop them from dumping him, if need be, along the way.

Per TSN:

Tampa Bay Lightning backup goalie Olaf Kolzig was scheduled to have what was expected to be season-ending surgery Saturday on his left forearm.

 

Kolzig has a distal biceps tendon rupture, which normally has a three-to-four month recovery period.

[nfreeman]

I assume he meant Giguere but just had a brain fart. Giguere hasn't been playing well this year, with a GAA over 3 (3.08) and a save percentage barely over .900 (.904). Not quite sure how he made the ASG.

 

Nabakov has been his usual solid self, OTOH.

Thanks. Correct -- I meant Jiggy, not Nabby.

 

EDIT: Here is Mirtle on the Ducks and Jiggy.

[Wyborowa]

I think 75% of the fans were Sabre fans....