GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[SabresFan526]

A win is a win, and I'm happy about that, but this team still doesn't look all that great. I'm glad we've found a shutdown line that plays when the game is on the line and against the team's top line in Hecht-Gaustad-Grier. That's exactly how they should be used. Nice to see the resilience in this team to come back and get the big goal by the General, and Thomas Vanek has been welcomed into the season with his first of the year off a great pass by the General.

 

I only saw the third period, but the team still looks very sloppy. Tyler Myers is the real deal. There is no way he can go down. If you have to send someone down without waiver, let it be Kennedy, although I don't think his play warrants demotion quite yet as compared to the healthy scratches on the team. Either way, still happy with the rookies so far.

 

I'm still not happy with the way this team is playing right now. It's a very slow, grind it out type of win, and I expect more against a tired Phoenix team in the second game of back-to-backs on the road. I'll take the win, but I'm not satisfied with the performance. Miller looked good, though, and that's what this team will need to win games this year, it looks like.

[SwampD]

Not fer nothin', but for me, that was the first satisfying win of this young Fall'09 season. The one Bills win,.. eh. But I think Phoenix is a good team and that was a great win.

[K-9]

Perhaps this was posted about already and I apologize if so. But do we have ANYBODY that can win faceoffs at all? What was our percentage tonight? I'd bet below 40% or so it seemed. That's a TON of possession time to give the opponent and it will be our achilles heal all year if they can't learn to win draws more than half the time.

 

Myers - real deal. 'nuff said. he AIN'T going away.

 

Tallinder or Sekera get the boot based on play so far. I'm leaning Tallinder only because Sekera is too young to expose.

 

GO SABRES!!!

[Stoner]

The prescience on this board pre-Vanek goal is creepy. In a good way.

 

I'll give Miller credit for a fine game. A couple of those saves off tips warmed the cockles of this old man, which is good because it's chilly out there and at my age my cockles are down around my ankles.

 

What a Buffalo sports moment when MacArthur scored and the celebration lasted 3.2 seconds with the future of the blue line down in a heap.

 

I'll harp on this all year. Vanek needs more than 15 minutes and change of ice time.

 

So, are the boards lively by design, or just because they're new?

[JujuFish]

Why do both the Sabres and Bills hate scoring points?

At least the Sabres aren't giving up points either. :thumbsup:

Glad they got the win, and have the highest points percentage in the division now.

[SDS]

Not fer nothin', but for me, that was the first satisfying win of this young Fall'09 season. The one Bills win,.. eh. But I think Phoenix is a good team and that was a great win.

 

Thank you. I thought is was an entertaining game and I think we played well. Phx didn't tire until the 3rd period. They skated with us the whole time, yet we had the better pressure throughout the game. Sure, the goals still aren't there, but it's not like we are getting pummeled in our own end.

 

The lack of PP effectiveness kinda sucks. That has been the same story for years.

 

However, hats off to Miller, Mac, and Vanek for stepping up and getting a win.

[Figster]

Thank you. I thought is was an entertaining game and I think we played well. Phx didn't tire until the 3rd period. They skated with us the whole time, yet we had the better pressure throughout the game. Sure, the goals still aren't there, but it's not like we are getting pummeled in our own end.

 

The lack of PP effectiveness kinda sucks. That has been the same story for years.

 

However, hats off to Miller, Mac, and Vanek for stepping up and getting a win.

 

 

Yup, Miller played great tonight, nice to get a win.

[billsrcursed]

Thank you. I thought is was an entertaining game and I think we played well. Phx didn't tire until the 3rd period. They skated with us the whole time, yet we had the better pressure throughout the game. Sure, the goals still aren't there, but it's not like we are getting pummeled in our own end.

 

The lack of PP effectiveness kinda sucks. That has been the same story for years.

 

However, hats off to Miller, Mac, and Vanek for stepping up and getting a win.

 

I actually thought they created a lot of chances on the PP tonight. Don't have the shot stats in front of me for the PP, but it looked a lot better than last Thursday. Goals come and go, but as long as they're getting shots and opportunities, I'm happy.

 

Where's that guy that said Kaleta should be on the bench???

[wonderbread]

Good posting tonight people. After reading thru I felt the same highs and lows throughout the game. I was disappointed with Vanek's ice time only like 15 16 mins. This guy needs to play more to get his game in line. Stafford is gripping the stick so hard he has splinters. Funny to see him in someones face to night with antagonistic smile after a scrum. Myers needs to stay. Hank appears to be mentoring him which has me nervous. By the way Mike Grier watching me spank it does too!

 

If they'd lost i'd be pissed. They are playing pretty good D limiting shots. The east could end up being wide open. Montreal is already down Markov and Boston doesn't look invincible.

[BuffalOhio]

 

 

And can someone take out that guy who keeps pounding on the glass behind the net....that noise is so annoying.

 

I hate that guy, and also the jackass that stands up and waves while he's on his cellphone. Sit the fukk down, retard. Nobody cares. Why don't you just WATCH the game?

 

 

OK who gets the game winner??????

 

 

Vanek is my call

 

Nice!

 

 

Hopefully this is one of those classic moments where the PP sucks all day but cashes in on the late chance.

 

Nice again!

 

Grier-Gaustad-Hecht

 

Our multi-username troll was saying they wouldn't be used in that role at all.

 

I see the value in Grier now. He was sorely missed while he was gone. Good leadership, and great with the game on the line in getting the puck out or pressuring it.

 

Great win over a surprisingly good team.

[eball]

Happy about the win, but I still don't think it was a very good game. We should have been a lot better against a tired Phoenix team.

Yeah, a 39-24 shots advantage in favor of Buffalo really shows Phoenix had the better of the play.

 

Why can't you give credit to a Phoenix goalie who played his ass off, keeping the Coyotes in the game? I'll tell you why -- you're a typical "the sky is falling" Buffalo sports fan, that's why.

 

The Sabres have played two VERY good games, and Miller looks fantastic. How about a little optimism?

[nfreeman]

Not fer nothin', but for me, that was the first satisfying win of this young Fall'09 season. The one Bills win,.. eh. But I think Phoenix is a good team and that was a great win.

100% agree.

 

The prescience on this board pre-Vanek goal is creepy. In a good way.

 

I'll give Miller credit for a fine game. A couple of those saves off tips warmed the cockles of this old man, which is good because it's chilly out there and at my age my cockles are down around my ankles.

 

What a Buffalo sports moment when MacArthur scored and the celebration lasted 3.2 seconds with the future of the blue line down in a heap.

 

I'll harp on this all year. Vanek needs more than 15 minutes and change of ice time.

 

So, are the boards lively by design, or just because they're new?

Nice post.

 

Thank you. I thought is was an entertaining game and I think we played well. Phx didn't tire until the 3rd period. They skated with us the whole time, yet we had the better pressure throughout the game. Sure, the goals still aren't there, but it's not like we are getting pummeled in our own end.

 

The lack of PP effectiveness kinda sucks. That has been the same story for years.

 

However, hats off to Miller, Mac, and Vanek for stepping up and getting a win.

And another one.

 

My 2 cents:

 

1. Myers is the real deal. He could be the best defenseman on the team by the end of this year. That was an all-star play he made to snag the puck and dish it to MacArthur.

 

2. His partner -- Tallinder -- had a very good game, IMHO, and was better overall in this game than Myers.

 

3. Stafford also had a good game and got moved up to play with Roy & Vanek in the 3rd. Connolly was with Pommer and Mac. For a while in the 3rd Kennedy was with Grier and Hecht and Gaustad with Ellis and Kaleta (Gaustad had the most ice time out of those 6, so I think he was being partially double-shifted; he also had PP time). I'm fine with those lines.

 

4. Mac with the goal and the assist. Both were plays Paille could not have made.

 

5. Miller is off to a very sharp start to the season.

 

3 out of 4 points to start the season, and a winnable road game in 45 hours.

[darksabre]

Yeah, a 39-24 shots advantage in favor of Buffalo really shows Phoenix had the better of the play.

 

Why can't you give credit to a Phoenix goalie who played his ass off, keeping the Coyotes in the game? I'll tell you why -- you're a typical "the sky is falling" Buffalo sports fan, that's why.

 

The Sabres have played two VERY good games, and Miller looks fantastic. How about a little optimism?

 

Who the heck are you?

 

Sorry, but I watch a ton of hockey, not just the Sabres, and I know when a team isn't playing as well as they should be. Yes, they won the game, but this team needs more work to be a playoff hockey team. If I were running around here screaming my head off that this team is terrible and doesn't have a chance, then you can walk in here and label me as a "typical" Buffalo sports fan. But I am not, and I will not, do that. So you can take your garbage opinion and get the hell out.

 

The Sabres have played two pretty good games, and Miller has looked good making key saves when needed. There have been a few high points such as Myers' play and the effort from our 3rd and 4th lines. But there have also been some more issues, which dogged this team last year too, which are converting on the power play and our 1st and 2nd lines giving the effort they need to. You cannot possibly tell me you think this team looked playoff worthy tonight. Yes, Vanek scored the game winner with a couple of minutes left, but where was his presence all game? He was busy being pushed around by the Yotes D. And what about Pommers and Roy? Neither of them look great either. So until these key players start being the factors they are supposed to be, I wont say this team played a "VERY good" game.

 

How about being a little more objective?

[deluca67]

I was working and couldn't watch the game. I did hear that Doan took a shot at Myers head. Was that addressed?

[...]

If they'd lost i'd be pissed. They are playing pretty good D limiting shots. The east could end up being wide open. Montreal is already down Markov and Boston doesn't look invincible.

 

Boston got spanked hard. I was flipping to that game during commercials. I also saw the Washington game where they looked like the Sabres two seasons ago. Plus, their website sucks.

 

Maybe they're off to a slow start, or maybe the East is indeed turning a corner. Pittsburgh looks tough again. Philly does, too.

 

 

Mac with the goal and the assist. Both were plays Paille could not have made.

 

 

I'm happy to concede the point. I hope he remains consistent as he looked really good out there. Perhaps put him on a line with Vanek, because right now the Vanek line doesn't work.

[LabattBlue]

Game thoughts...

 

- Solid and very rare(over the last 2 years) 60 minute effort.

 

- Kaleta left his feet. It appeared to be a cheap shot no matter what RJ and Harry said.

 

- The Phoenix coach should have told his team to focus on hockey and not on Kaleta. They were out of control.

 

- Miller with a solid effort.

 

- Stafford impressed me for the 2nd game in a row and deserved the promotion to the 1st line.

 

- Butler with a nice game except for the brain cramp on the PP that led to a 3 on 1.

 

- Anyone else wondering why Sekera saw no time on the PP??

 

- Vanek saved himself from getting skewered for the 2nd game in a row by scoring the GWG. Other than that...nothing.

 

- MacArthur with a nice goal and the primary assist on Vanek's goal.

 

- I thought Tallinder was actually halfway decent, especially in the first period.

 

- The PP needs some work. The Sabres despite having numerous scoring chances are not going to win many games scoring 2 goals.

[...]

Yes, Vanek scored the game winner with a couple of minutes left, but where was his presence all game? He was busy being pushed around by the Yotes D. And what about Pommers and Roy? Neither of them look great either. So until these key players start being the factors they are supposed to be, I wont say this team played a "VERY good" game.

 

 

Vanek said in the post game that he "talked to the guys (ahead of time) about the play". In context I take that to mean he came up with the play and told the other dudes how to execute it.

 

So, my idea is, instead of punishing the guy for failing - how about LR give him a different opportunity and have Vanek come up with MORE plays for the team. Maybe that would be the kind of involvement Vanek needs to break out - something cerebral.

 

On his goal, did you notice how he did it? He stepped out from behind the defender in front of him just in time to make the shot. Really amazing timing. The D man WAS covering him, but since there was a play, Vanek timed his move just right.

 

Pittsburgh has several set plays they use, and when they can get them going they're great plays.

[eball]

Who the heck are you?

 

Sorry, but I watch a ton of hockey, not just the Sabres, and I know when a team isn't playing as well as they should be. Yes, they won the game, but this team needs more work to be a playoff hockey team. If I were running around here screaming my head off that this team is terrible and doesn't have a chance, then you can walk in here and label me as a "typical" Buffalo sports fan. But I am not, and I will not, do that. So you can take your garbage opinion and get the hell out.

 

The Sabres have played two pretty good games, and Miller has looked good making key saves when needed. There have been a few high points such as Myers' play and the effort from our 3rd and 4th lines. But there have also been some more issues, which dogged this team last year too, which are converting on the power play and our 1st and 2nd lines giving the effort they need to. You cannot possibly tell me you think this team looked playoff worthy tonight. Yes, Vanek scored the game winner with a couple of minutes left, but where was his presence all game? He was busy being pushed around by the Yotes D. And what about Pommers and Roy? Neither of them look great either. So until these key players start being the factors they are supposed to be, I wont say this team played a "VERY good" game.

 

How about being a little more objective?

Little touchy, are we? I watch "a ton of hockey" as well, and have followed the Sabres for 25+ years. The bottom line is that without some fantastic goaltending by Montreal and Phoenix, Buffalo wins both of these games easily. That, to me, is "very" good effort. Did I say they were ready to win the Stanley Cup? I'll take this as a promising start to the season -- please forgive some measured optimism.

 

The "typical" Buffalo fan looks for the downside in every win, and the worst-case-scenario in every loss. It's a fact.

[darksabre]

Vanek said in the post game that he "talked to the guys (ahead of time) about the play". In context I take that to mean he came up with the play and told the other dudes how to execute it.

 

So, my idea is, instead of punishing the guy for failing - how about LR give him a different opportunity and have Vanek come up with MORE plays for the team. Maybe that would be the kind of involvement Vanek needs to break out - something cerebral.

 

On his goal, did you notice how he did it? He stepped out from behind the defender in front of him just in time to make the shot. Really amazing timing. The D man WAS covering him, but since there was a play, Vanek timed his move just right.

 

Pittsburgh has several set plays they use, and when they can get them going they're great plays.

 

This is definitely and interesting thought. Maybe that is what Vanek needs; more input into the game play. Obviously the guy is a good hockey player, but he struggles and maybe drawing up plays that work in Tommy's head can help him score more goals or at least create more chances.

 

Interesting thought.

[nfreeman]

I was working and couldn't watch the game. I did hear that Doan took a shot at Myers head. Was that addressed?

Not exactly a shot to the head, but something that might have been addressed. It wasn't, but it was well into the 3rd period of a 1-1 game -- and it was about 10% of what Kaleta did to Prucha.

 

Game thoughts...

 

- Solid and very rare(over the last 2 years) 60 minute effort.

 

- Kaleta left his feet. It appeared to be a cheap shot no matter what RJ and Harry said.

 

- The Phoenix coach should have told his team to focus on hockey and not on Kaleta. They were out of control.

 

- Miller with a solid effort.

 

- Stafford impressed me for the 2nd game in a row and deserved the promotion to the 1st line.

 

- Butler with a nice game except for the brain cramp on the PP that led to a 3 on 1.

 

- Anyone else wondering why Sekera saw no time on the PP??

 

- Vanek saved himself from getting skewered for the 2nd game in a row by scoring the GWG. Other than that...nothing.

 

- MacArthur with a nice goal and the primary assist on Vanek's goal.

 

- I thought Tallinder was actually halfway decent, especially in the first period.

 

- The PP needs some work. The Sabres despite having numerous scoring chances are not going to win many games scoring 2 goals.

excellent post. I will say that I thought Kaleta's hit was within the rules (I thought it was a lot like Soupy's hit on Umberger in the playoffs). I'd like to change that rule though.

 

Also, while Kaleta did get under their skin, I thought Phoenix looked like a pretty smart, well-coached team.

 

Also, Doan is a heck of a player. If he were a few years younger (he's 33), I'd trade Pommer or Roy for him in a second.

[LabattBlue]

This is definitely and interesting thought. Maybe that is what Vanek needs; more input into the game play. Obviously the guy is a good hockey player, but he struggles and maybe drawing up plays that work in Tommy's head can help him score more goals or at least create more chances.

 

Interesting thought.

I still think Vanek would be more effective down low on the wing on the PP down low on the wing. No matter how bad the PP is, this is one thing they refuse to try.

[SwampD]

Game thoughts...

 

- Solid and very rare(over the last 2 years) 60 minute effort.

 

- Kaleta left his feet. It appeared to be a cheap shot no matter what RJ and Harry said.

 

- The Phoenix coach should have told his team to focus on hockey and not on Kaleta. They were out of control.

 

- Miller with a solid effort.

 

- Stafford impressed me for the 2nd game in a row and deserved the promotion to the 1st line.

 

- Butler with a nice game except for the brain cramp on the PP that led to a 3 on 1.

 

- Anyone else wondering why Sekera saw no time on the PP??

 

- Vanek saved himself from getting skewered for the 2nd game in a row by scoring the GWG. Other than that...nothing.

 

- MacArthur with a nice goal and the primary assist on Vanek's goal.

 

- I thought Tallinder was actually halfway decent, especially in the first period.

 

- The PP needs some work. The Sabres despite having numerous scoring chances are not going to win many games scoring 2 goals.

I disagree on a few.

 

I don't think Kaleta left his feet. It was REAL close but I really don't think he did.

 

Even though Vanek appeared invisible (as others have said as well) I saw many plays that were really hard working plays that went completely unnoticed. PA is right, he needs more ice time.

 

As good as Myers looked, he looked just as bad at times. Tallinder picked up his slack and had a decent game. They could end up being a really solid pairing.

 

Miller. The fact that PA had praise for Miller says it all.

 

Rivet just looks shaky to me. Montador is good. What a great pick up.

[jwcolour]

Game thoughts...

 

 

 

- Kaleta left his feet. It appeared to be a cheap shot no matter what RJ and Harry said.

 

 

- Miller with a solid effort.

 

- Stafford impressed me for the 2nd game in a row and deserved the promotion to the 1st line.

 

- Vanek saved himself from getting skewered for the 2nd game in a row by scoring the GWG. Other than that...nothing.

 

- MacArthur with a nice goal and the primary assist on Vanek's goal.

 

 

I watched the Kaleta hit over and over again... I watched the game with the Phoenix feed on center ice... Their guys seemed to conclude that it he might have been jarred into the air and his skates were on the ice going into Prucha. I found a nice video of it on youtube after and it kind of confirmed that. It looked like he was kind of rising as he braced for the hit but it wasn't really a jump and it seemed he only flew into the air as/after he connected.

 

Stafford looked good... Myers looked smooth again with the puck and with the effort before Mac's goal.

Macarthur actually looked like he played a lot harder than usual.. nice to see. Miller saved their a bunch of times as well.

[Eleven]

In the Montreal GDT from Saturday, I mentioned that VanstheMans may have seen a different game at the rink than I saw on TV (you see more at the rink, he was there and didn't think the team looked good, and on TV, I thought the Sabres looked great). Had the opposite experience tonight; a friend watching on TV kept texting me with messages about how sharp the Sabres looked, how the forechecking was excellent, etc., while I was seeing it live and thought the team looked horrible. I can totally see how Vans & I saw "different" games on Saturday.

 

They were skating hard, they took chances, they did all the things that we want the team to do, but something wasn't right. And it was--I hate to use this word--an intangible something that was missing. The effort was there, but it just wasn't working out. There was no coordination among team members; at some points, it was like watching five skaters, each of whom was playing hard, but playing a different game from the other four.

 

Kudos to Pominville's defensive play. He stuck out especially on the Coyote's first power play (before it became a 5-on-3) and probably prevented a goal by sticking to his man in front. All in all, he was great in the Sabres' end. Speaking of which, the D was great in general, in the Sabres' end. Montador fits on this team well (his hustle was terrific, and he didn't back down from anything), Rivet cared for the puck as if it were a newborn, Butler and Sekera had strong games, and even Hank, yes, Hank, was strong (except for a penalty call that was a complete BS call). Myers was over-used on the PP, but I guess Ruff has to look at him in as many situations as possible before ten games are up. He was a force out there defensively again, though, and I liked him on the PK. Defense was pinching again in the offensive zone, and doing it well. Good amount of pressure; the team kept the puck in the Phoenix zone really well.

 

Not so good: The D was great in the Sabres' end, and did a good job at the points, but was horrible in the neutral zone. The O took too many shots at LaBarbera, and not enough at the open goal behind him. Roy still needs to find the skate sharpener, so he can stop falling all over the place all the time. Kennedy missed two passes that were right to his tape on the same shift in the second, and the latter of those nearly led to a Phoenix goal. Vanek made some unnecessary passes before finding his game in the late third, and of course, some of those passes didn't exactly work out. Hecht dressed for the game. As someone said in the Montreal thread, please stop the one-man-point PP scheme. Not working. There's no need for two defensemen on the point on a power play in the first period in a 0-0 game, either. Too many times where Sabres ran into each other or nearly did so.

 

Glad for the win, but I want to see some better hockey.

[carpandean]

Vanek said in the post game that he "talked to the guys (ahead of time) about the play". In context I take that to mean he came up with the play and told the other dudes how to execute it.

They've run that tic-tac-toe play for years. Max-Goose-Staff did it last year against the 'Yotes (6:00 mark):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkr51HbbIHU