When are we going to allow ourselves to believe?

[JJFIVEOH]

Our PP has to get past the habit of shooting it into shin pads, which means they need to move around more to get the defense out of position. It's a very simple concept that we keep managing to screw up. They like to stand there and pass it back and forth, but that doesn't work. If the defense doesn't have to move, then what good is the power play?

 

Is it just me, or do they seem to score PP goals within the first 20-30 seconds before they even get a chance to set up? I guess that kinda backs up what you just said.

[wjag]

I really like the Philly PK and would like to see the Sabres give it a try. Philly attacks the puck and the player. Buffalo sits in a box and tries to block lanes. One is agressive, the other passive. It might not work with Buffalo players, but I'd sure like to see it given a try.

[LabattBlue]

I will start believing when I see this team playing consistently well after the Olympic break.

[bob_sauve28]

When we are in the playoffs, that's when I'll believe. Until then I'll just enjoy watching them win...I hope :beer:

 

After they are in, anything can happen. Just ask the Bruins :nana:

[jad1]

Well said. I've always described Ruff's power plays as "power play by numbers." Player A to B. B to C. C to A. A to B. So static. OK power play by letters.

 

The Sabres also always seem to stay far on the perimeter. Point to point passes traveling practically the width of the ice. Vanek in the heart of the slot last night is pretty rare.

 

The Sabres power play has changed over last few seasons. With Drury and Briere, they played a high-low slot, and used a center point set-up. They'd move the puck to the high slot, off to the side of the net and looked to move the puck across the slot.

 

Now the power play sets up around Vanek's and Gaustad's abilty to screen and tip the puck in the slot. There are practically 3 point men now, with a forward playing high, and they try to set up the one-timer shot from the point.

 

The problem with the current power play is that the point men don't get the puck deep when pressured and when they do, the puck pursuit is lacking, partly due to the high setup of 3 men at the point.

 

Anyway, the Sabres power play has evolved around the strength of the team. It use to be built around playmakers down low, now it's built around Vanek and Gaustad's ability in front of the net.