LabattBlue Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I'm going to say .500. Anything less will be really disappointing.
nfreeman Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 As an optimist, I said above .500. Also, to be clear, regardless of how the NHL reports it, I think 8-7-2 is below .500, since the team is leaving the arena with a loss more times then they leave with a win. Even with the stricter interpretation, though, I expect us to be above .500 (although probably not by much).
rickshaw Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I would have to look at their schedule to make a guess. But on the first thought, I'd say around .500, hopefully above it. It will be interesting to see if this team will "finally" stick up for one another. I'd have to say the thing that disappoints me most about this team, is their lack of manning up so to speak. I can handle them losing, as long as the effort is there and as long as they man up. The other night when it was 4-1, someone should have bumped Lundqvist to let them know what happened was not acceptable. Not taking off his head, but getting in a good shot on him. The lack of response was disturbing. This team needs to man up. If this group can't, it's time to change the dynamics.
SabresFanInRochester Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I break it down this way: Home against Anaheim - loss, they'll get outplayed physically and generate no offense trying to stick to a defensive shell Away against Carolina - loss, they owned Buffalo last time and they're playing good hockey Away against NY Islanders - win, closest thing to a sure thing Home against Montreal - win, let's hope Montreal's still slumping Home against Phoenix - win, Phoenix is improving, but Buffalo should still have enough Away against Ottawa - win, the system will learn to shut down the Alfie line Away against Philadelphia - loss, an unfortunate loss Home against Florida - loss, another unfortunate loss Home against Atlanta - win, just win, baby Away against Ottawa - win, system comes through again That take us to March 19th. I have no idea what the time frame for the injury is, but it should be pretty close to .500 hockey over the next month.
That Aud Smell Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 i said below .500 -- the guy's been one of the principal reasons that we're where we are now in the standings. while i haven't been able to watch as much hockey as i'd like recently, a lot of the game action i have seen this calendar year has involved miller making difficult saves in key situations -- i don't think lalime will give us what we need to break even. i also find it funny that the spirited debate this board earlier in the season about whether miller's a franchise goalie has essentially given way to a debate about whether the team can make traction/tread water without him.
That Aud Smell Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I'm going to say .500. Anything less will be really disappointing. sorry, couldn't resist this response.
LabattBlue Posted February 23, 2009 Author Report Posted February 23, 2009 Also, to be clear, regardless of how the NHL reports it, I think 8-7-2 is below .500, since the team is leaving the arena with a loss more times then they leave with a win. I also consider this to be below .500.
Stoner Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 Sabres' backups have won five of 19 games the last two seasons. That said, I think this situation will see the Sabres coming together in front of Lalime, who will be good enough with more work to keep heads above water. A bit better than .500, let's say, but if Miller's out for most of the rest of the regular season, that probably won't be good enough to solidify a playoff spot. And, BM, you can wipe that smirk off your face.
R_Dudley Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I break it down this way: Home against Anaheim - loss, they'll get outplayed physically and generate no offense trying to stick to a defensive shell Away against Carolina - loss, they owned Buffalo last time and they're playing good hockey Away against NY Islanders - win, closest thing to a sure thing Home against Montreal - win, let's hope Montreal's still slumping Home against Phoenix - win, Phoenix is improving, but Buffalo should still have enough Away against Ottawa - win, the system will learn to shut down the Alfie line Away against Philadelphia - loss, an unfortunate loss Home against Florida - loss, another unfortunate loss Home against Atlanta - win, just win, baby Away against Ottawa - win, system comes through again That take us to March 19th. I have no idea what the time frame for the injury is, but it should be pretty close to .500 hockey over the next month. Thats' a 6-4 record and while I do not necessarily agree with those exact choices I voted above .500 and think that number sounds about right. Now I hope they surprise me and surpass that . i said below .500 -- the guy's been one of the principal reasons that we're where we are now in the standings. while i haven't been able to watch as much hockey as i'd like recently, a lot of the game action i have seen this calendar year has involved miller making difficult saves in key situations -- i don't think lalime will give us what we need to break even. i also find it funny that the spirited debate this board earlier in the season about whether miller's a franchise goalie has essentially given way to a debate about whether the team can make traction/tread water without him. What :rolleyes: you think us fans deserve the fickle finger of fate award ;)
Bmwolf21 Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 Sabres' backups have won five of 19 games the last two seasons. That said, I think this situation will see the Sabres coming together in front of Lalime, who will be good enough with more work to keep heads above water. A bit better than .500, let's say, but if Miller's out for most of the rest of the regular season, that probably won't be good enough to solidify a playoff spot. And, BM, you can wipe that smirk off your face. No smirk here.
Two or less Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 Sabres' backups have won five of 19 games the last two seasons. That said, I think this situation will see the Sabres coming together in front of Lalime, who will be good enough with more work to keep heads above water. A bit better than .500, let's say, but if Miller's out for most of the rest of the regular season, that probably won't be good enough to solidify a playoff spot. And, BM, you can wipe that smirk off your face. That means nothing here. I think it's a bit different for Lalime to know he's the #1 and knowing he now needs to carry the load, then play once every 3 or so weeks. I don't know how the process works on picking which nights Ryan Miller gets to rest but i imagine it's like a 2 or so days before the next start. Lalime knows he'll start on Tuesday. And the rest of the week. On top of that, no doubt Sabres will make sure the defense plays a much more sound defensive game in front of Lalime. I don't think they will take as many risks offensively and stay back a bit more often. In 2005, who expected Martin Biron to go 13-0-1 in in 14 starts when Ryan Miller got injured? The thing that helps Lalime most is IMO, we play the Ducks. We gave Miller a night off in Anahiem and Lalime, despite the loss, played well. He knows what to expect and it's on our ice. That's gotta ease him. I'm sure the first start is the toughest but he's been a starter in this league. I have full faith in Lalime.
wjag Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 I voted .500 but my real answer is who the heck knows... Let's just see what happens against the Pond Fowl..
tom webster Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 As an optimist, I said above .500. Also, to be clear, regardless of how the NHL reports it, I think 8-7-2 is below .500, since the team is leaving the arena with a loss more times then they leave with a win. Even with the stricter interpretation, though, I expect us to be above .500 (although probably not by much). I agree with the above and I voted for over .500 because I think Miller will be out less then 2 weeks. If it is longer, I see Lalime's play tailing off in the third week.
jwcolour Posted February 23, 2009 Report Posted February 23, 2009 As an optimist, I said above .500. Also, to be clear, regardless of how the NHL reports it, I think 8-7-2 is below .500, since the team is leaving the arena with a loss more times then they leave with a win. Even with the stricter interpretation, though, I expect us to be above .500 (although probably not by much). I think its fair to count that as a loss... as a fan if you were at those games you'd be disappointed... though at the same time you still get a point.. Not a win yet not a total loss. and 8-7-2 is the same as 9-9-0. Weird system, but we already knew that. In any case we don't play a real easy schedule this time of year... only the Islanders are coming up that totally suck.. im hopeful for .500
Grinder42 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 That means nothing here. I think it's a bit different for Lalime to know he's the #1 and knowing he now needs to carry the load, then play once every 3 or so weeks. I don't know how the process works on picking which nights Ryan Miller gets to rest but i imagine it's like a 2 or so days before the next start. Lalime knows he'll start on Tuesday. And the rest of the week. On top of that, no doubt Sabres will make sure the defense plays a much more sound defensive game in front of Lalime. I don't think they will take as many risks offensively and stay back a bit more often. In 2005, who expected Martin Biron to go 13-0-1 in in 14 starts when Ryan Miller got injured? The thing that helps Lalime most is IMO, we play the Ducks. We gave Miller a night off in Anahiem and Lalime, despite the loss, played well. He knows what to expect and it's on our ice. That's gotta ease him. I'm sure the first start is the toughest but he's been a starter in this league. I have full faith in Lalime. Lalime is no Biron! Biron is a gamer......this guy is a bum! Patrick when you learn to control the rebounds you might be an NHL Goalie!
NowDoYouBelieve Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 Lalime is no Biron! Biron is a gamer......this guy is a bum! Patrick when you learn to control the rebounds you might be an NHL Goalie! You realize he's a veteran with a distinguished career and almost 200 wins right? Whatever problems he's having now come from increasing age not "learning how to be an NHL goalie".
deluca67 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 I break it down this way: Home against Anaheim - loss, they'll get outplayed physically and generate no offense trying to stick to a defensive shell Away against Carolina - loss, they owned Buffalo last time and they're playing good hockey Away against NY Islanders - win, closest thing to a sure thing Home against Montreal - win, let's hope Montreal's still slumping Home against Phoenix - win, Phoenix is improving, but Buffalo should still have enough Away against Ottawa - win, the system will learn to shut down the Alfie line Away against Philadelphia - loss, an unfortunate loss Home against Florida - loss, another unfortunate loss Home against Atlanta - win, just win, baby Away against Ottawa - win, system comes through again That take us to March 19th. I have no idea what the time frame for the injury is, but it should be pretty close to .500 hockey over the next month. I don't see how you can count the Sens games as wins.
Two or less Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 Lalime is no Biron! Biron is a gamer......this guy is a bum! Patrick when you learn to control the rebounds you might be an NHL Goalie! You're an idiot.
Eleven Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 1. I voted "above .500." Does that make me a "real" fan? 2. Some of you might want to note that the team without Miller does not necessarily equal the team with Lalime. (But I do think it will be Lalime most of the time.)
Supersabre Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 At this point in time Lalime can't do any worse or any better than any other back up goalie. I was being generally optimistic when I voted for an above 500 record. Time will tell. Go Sabres!!!!
SabresFanInRochester Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 I don't see how you can count the Sens games as wins. Ottawa is not a better team than Buffalo -- even void our starting goalie and top goal scorer. With Miller out, they will stick to the system and the team defense will shut down the Alfie-line. I always thought Ottawa had Buffalo's number and I think some of that has to do with Miller. Whether they know his tendencies or get into his head with physical contact, it might not be a bad thing to have a different goalie against Ottawa. Hey, that's just my opinion.
LabattBlue Posted February 24, 2009 Author Report Posted February 24, 2009 With Miller out, they will stick to the system and the team defense will shut down the Alfie-line. What is this "system" and "team defense" that you speak of? :doh:
deluca67 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 Ottawa is not a better team than Buffalo -- even void our starting goalie and top goal scorer. With Miller out, they will stick to the system and the team defense will shut down the Alfie-line. I always thought Ottawa had Buffalo's number and I think some of that has to do with Miller. Whether they know his tendencies or get into his head with physical contact, it might not be a bad thing to have a different goalie against Ottawa. Hey, that's just my opinion. The Sens just won back to back games against the Sabres. Even with Miller this team has shown the ability to lose games they should win. The Sabres are a .500 team that just lost their most important player. They would have had to struggle to gain .500 with Miller playing. They won't come close to .500 without him.
deluca67 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Posted February 24, 2009 What is this "system" and "team defense" that you speak of? :doh: The "team defense" is that thing sitting on the shelf next to the "team toughness". They are in great condition having rarely been used.
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