GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[carpandean]

Horrible start. Got it together and played a strong second. Pressured in the third until that penalty. Sad thing is that our PK was looking pretty good until Fleischmann skated over Gaustad's outstretched foot ... which he had put out there long before Fleichmann had even changed directions and had actually started to bring it back in toward him. Seriously, that was weak, especially with everything else that had been let go. Was game over at that point, but it definitely felt like they had a good chance right up until then.

[Calvin]

Rivet is our worst defenseman at this point. Slow, out of position, no longer willing to fight or hit, not any threat on offense...he's shot.

Once Butler's back Rivet needs to be benched. Alas, Ruff has saddled him with the 'C', and he'll never bench the captain. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot while you've got your foot in your mouth.

[SabresRepublic]

Rivet is our worst defenseman at this point. Slow, out of position, no longer willing to fight or hit, not any threat on offense...he's shot.

 

This is the time when LR & DR should tweak him out of the lineup - at least as much as possible - depending on other defense options!

[Stoner]

Two WTF waves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

 

Merry Christmas Sabre fans!

 

That penalty by Rivet was just brutal. They were going to win that game.

 

Am I crazy or in the third when Ovechkin tumbled toward the Sabres bench and got up did Rivet totally check out OV's ass?

[BuffalOhio]

As soon as it went to 5 on 3, I told my wife, "Game over right here". I hate it when I'm right. I thought they played a great game up until that point.

 

I think Roy deflected both first period goals into his own net. He had his stick there on the first one, and in HD it really looked like he deflected it just a bit. I think that's why Miller threw his arms up. If you're gonna block it, then block it; if not, then get the hell outta Miller's way!

[SabresRepublic]

Once Butler's back Rivet needs to be benched. Alas, Ruff has saddled him with the 'C', and he'll never bench the captain. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot while you've got your foot in your mouth.

 

That is the one LR decision that in my mind, at least, did NOT make any sense. Methinks LR & DR realize this and will trade him to a defense depleted team by the trading deadline - stay tuned!

[Eleven]

My defining moment, from the early third: Gaustad won a faceoff against Ovechkin, and Ovechkin instantly cross-checked Gaustad to the ice on his ass. Of course, no call, but that, while a problem, is not MY problem, which is this: Gaustad never hit back, never did a damned thing except slowly get up and get back into the play.

 

The game was 3-2 at that point. It sent a message, the wrong message, when Gaustad took that hit and did nothing about it.

 

These are division leaders who need to send messages to one another, and well, message sent. And received without objection, apparently.

[FogBat]

I don't want to hear from my mother in law about this one... :thumbdown:

[SabresRepublic]

As soon as it went to 5 on 3, I told my wife, "Game over right here". I hate it when I'm right. I thought they played a great game up until that point.

 

I think Roy deflected both first period goals into his own net. He had his stick there on the first one, and in HD it really looked like he deflected it just a bit. I think that's why Miller threw his arms up. If you're gonna block it, then block it; if not, then get the hell outta Miller's way!

 

Good observation - I couldn't tell - and Miller's reaction was telling, I just didn't know what he was trying to say! :worthy:

 

They played a good game until Rivet decided to take things over! :pirate:

[Stoner]

I have a man crush on Montador. I love watching this guy play when he gets on a roll.

[SabresRepublic]

My defining moment, from the early third: Gaustad won a faceoff against Ovechkin, and Ovechkin instantly cross-checked Gaustad to the ice on his ass. Of course, no call, but that, while a problem, is not MY problem, which is this: Gaustad never hit back, never did a damned thing except slowly get up and get back into the play.

 

The game was 3-2 at that point. It sent a message, the wrong message, when Gaustad took that hit and did nothing about it.

 

These are division leaders who need to send messages to one another, and well, message sent. And received without objection, apparently.

 

I disagree with you in that Gaustad definitely should NOT retaliate in an obvious manner because they probably would have called it!

 

However, this is one of the reasons why the NHL management needs a performance evaluation of their on ice officials for every game, period and call (or non-call!)

 

Sabres success will be predicated on skill if and only if when we play against the opposition wherever that might be - there will NOT be undue influence nor perception of it

and the NHL will be held accountable. Right now, to the top brass - it's their own little Idaho! Power corrupts - absolute power corrupts absolutely! :nana:

[Eleven]

I disagree with you in that Gaustad definitely should NOT retaliate in an obvious manner because they probably would have called it!

 

However, this is one of the reasons why the NHL management needs a performance evaluation of their on ice officials for every game, period and call (or non-call!)

 

Sabres success will be predicated on skill if and only if when we play against the opposition wherever that might be - there will NOT be undue influence nor perception of it

and the NHL will be held accountable. Right now, to the top brass - it's their own little Idaho! Power corrupts - absolute power corrupts absolutely! :nana:

 

Who cares if they call it? You're missing the point.

[SabresRepublic]

Who cares if they call it? You're missing the point.

 

Actually, like against Ottawa next game we do NOT need to retaliate.

I am NOT missing your point! You are missing mine!

 

:w00t:

[SabresFan526]

2 very simple reasons for tonight's loss.

 

1. The Sabres played one of the best teams in the league against the best player in the NHL. You have to be at your very best to win every night but especially so against the top teams in the league. The Sabres did not come to play in the first period and let the Caps get a fast start which they thrive on.

 

2. The two penalties in the third ended the game. Rivet took a bad penalty, but I question the call a little bit as it looked like he legitimately lifted the stick. I have more of a problem with Rivet's penalty than I do Gaustad's. Gaustad tripped him twice one with his skate and then again with his stick. But Rivet legitimately looked like he lifted the stick which should not be called a penalty at all. Either way at the end of the day you can't take penalties against a PP with that kind of firepower and which is that good as the Caps, ranked 4th in the NHL.

 

I liked the effort in the second and they played well in the third till the two penalties which cost them the game. I think even after Rivet's penalty there was still a shot but once Gaustad made it 5-on-3 you knew the game was over. Too bad because I thought the Sabres had a legitimate shot of winning the game going into the third. Oh well. You can't win em all I guess.

[billsrcursed]

Two WTF waves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

 

Merry Christmas Sabre fans!

 

That penalty by Rivet was just brutal. They were going to win that game.

 

Am I crazy or in the third when Ovechkin tumbled toward the Sabres bench and got up did Rivet totally check out OV's ass?

 

Yes he was. Way back when, I would have disagreed with you and gone as far as to say he was "sizing him up". But the way Rivet has played this year, I am with you in the idea that Rivet was checking Ovie's Junk in the Trunk...

[SwampD]

My defining moment, from the early third: Gaustad won a faceoff against Ovechkin, and Ovechkin instantly cross-checked Gaustad to the ice on his ass. Of course, no call, but that, while a problem, is not MY problem, which is this: Gaustad never hit back, never did a damned thing except slowly get up and get back into the play.

 

The game was 3-2 at that point. It sent a message, the wrong message, when Gaustad took that hit and did nothing about it.

 

These are division leaders who need to send messages to one another, and well, message sent. And received without objection, apparently.

There was no call because they were evening up (not that they do that) the no call on Goose for goalie interference on Timmy's goal. That was a nice stick to the head that I can't believe wasn't called. And I don't think he needed to retaliate, he needed to do what OV did in the first place.

 

I have a man crush on Montador. I love watching this guy play when he gets on a roll.

I, too, crush the man.

 

2 very simple reasons for tonight's loss.

 

1. The Sabres played one of the best teams in the league against the best player in the NHL. You have to be at your very best to win every night but especially so against the top teams in the league. The Sabres did not come to play in the first period and let the Caps get a fast start which they thrive on.

 

2. The two penalties in the third ended the game. Rivet took a bad penalty, but I question the call a little bit as it looked like he legitimately lifted the stick. I have more of a problem with Rivet's penalty than I do Gaustad's. Gaustad tripped him twice one with his skate and then again with his stick. But Rivet legitimately looked like he lifted the stick which should not be called a penalty at all. Either way at the end of the day you can't take penalties against a PP with that kind of firepower and which is that good as the Caps, ranked 4th in the NHL.

 

I liked the effort in the second and they played well in the third till the two penalties which cost them the game. I think even after Rivet's penalty there was still a shot but once Gaustad made it 5-on-3 you knew the game was over. Too bad because I thought the Sabres had a legitimate shot of winning the game going into the third. Oh well. You can't win em all I guess.

I didn't think the effort in the first was all that bad, just some bad breaks.

 

Rivet's penalty,... was a penalty. There's no question about it, other than what the hell was he thinking. He didn't need to do it and it cost us the game, and judging by his reaction at the end of the game he knows it.

 

Oh, well. You're right. You can't win em all. At least it was one of the more entertaining losses this year.

[bottlecap]

I just can't ever imagine a top flight superstar ever coming to Buffalo after Hasek. No OV, No Crosby, no Malkin, (funny how two of those guys are on one team...)

none of those guys. No one even close. All we get is the 13th Pick every year. :( I wouldn't mind a blue collar team if we had a leader like Shane Doan.

[wjag]

Just Cause:

 

1. Turnovers led to at least two Washington goals last night.

2. That OV blast on the PP was a laser. He had a look and delivered that puck to the net without hesitation.

3. Four shots on goal in the first period last night lost the game for the Sabres. At the intermission they said that Buffalo started something like 25 shots at the net. Something like 11 missed the net and 10 were blocked. Washington had a similar number and got 15 on net. Looking for a difference, look no further than that.

4. Two years ago I was of the opinion that Buffalo should kindly refuse the PP because the couldn't get the puck into the zone. Fast forward to this year and I think they should again refuse the PP. They can get the puck in now, but lack any imagination on shot making. They throw the puck from one cycling blueliner to the other. Rememeber when Danny used to pass the puck from behind the goal? When was the last time we saw anyone play from behind the net?

5. How many crossbars were hit in that game by both teams?

6. OV lined up Meyers last night and hit him. They kind of bounced off of each other.

7. Washington and Pittsburgh.. Let's just hope they meet early in the playoffs so only one can advance.

8. Mair, Roy and Hechts on a line last night. That goes to show how bad things have become with scoring chances.

9. NHL.com headline says penalties cost Sabres in loss to Caps. The penalties only iced the game. They lost the game from the initial puck drop.

10. Well at least Ottawa got spanked in Pittsburgh..

 

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

[CallawaySabres]

I gotta tell ya, there is something about Rivet that really bugs me and last night just gave me another reason. Maybe I am totally off base with this one but I NEVER liked him as a Captain and I wish someone would step up to take that C. There are dumb penalties and he seems to take A LOT of them.

 

Last night could have been a lot worse. We could have lost 8-2 and lost our leading point getter in every category....good luck Ottawa without Alfie for a few weeks....That is a MAJOR hit for them as Alfie is their team right now

[Sabre Dance]

One thing struck me last night (and in fact I've observed it in other Sabres' games as well) - the Caps seemed to get scoring chances very easily, which in part is due to some poor coverage by the Sabres. The Sabres always seem to be working very hard trying to move the puck around to an open guy but the easy, open scoring chances don't seem to come. Case in point: Green's goal in the first. He was left pretty much uncovered, skated into the faceoff circle and fired a shot that hit Roy's stick and went in. Later in the game, one of the Sabres' D-men (maybe Rivet) was similarly uncovered at the point, had at least 20-25 feet open in front of him and after taking WAY too long to assess that he was open, passed the puck across the blue line to his partner. Why did he not move towards the net and take a shot?

I see examples of this way too often with the Sabres. They are way too concerned about tic-tac-toe plays or moving the puck to a teammate. This is not just a recent problem, but goes back some years. It has to be coaching. There are players out there (like Kennedy, Connolly and yes, Roy) who are very nifty with the puck, but who always seem to be trying too hard. Are they "over-coached"? Are they thinking too much?

Back when Hasek was in net, the team played pretty lousy defense for the most part - they leaned heavily on Hasek to keep them in the game. However, they were animals in their offensive zone. They cycled the puck like a whirlwind. They had a wicked fast break and this kept the other team's defense on their heels. Look at the Sabres' offensive "skills" right now. There isn't a team in the league that would fear their "attack".

They are better defensively (for the most part - they still get trapped in their own zone way too often), but if the D falters and Miller has a bad night (like last night), they don't have the offensive firepower to overcome an opponent.

 

So, now we have to play an Ottawa team that got spanked by the Pens last night. They'll likely be in a sour mood despite it being the day after Christmas. I hope the Sabres rebound, but I have fears. I better send off that last-minute email to Santa..........

[Stoner]

There was no call because they were evening up (not that they do that) the no call on Goose for goalie interference on Timmy's goal. That was a nice stick to the head that I can't believe wasn't called. And I don't think he needed to retaliate, he needed to do what OV did in the first place.

You have to say the league is very consistent about calling high sticking. If they see, they call it. There's zero tolerance, because intent has been taken out of it. Hi d4rk!

 

It wasn't called because no one saw it. It happens. I love your conspiratorial tone regarding penalties as much as the next guy, but come on.

[shrader]

I have a man crush on Montador. I love watching this guy play when he gets on a roll.

 

That Montador-Sekera combo is quickly growing on me. They're everywhere out there.

[SabresRepublic]

I gotta tell ya, there is something about Rivet that really bugs me and last night just gave me another reason. Maybe I am totally off base with this one but I NEVER liked him as a Captain and I wish someone would step up to take that C. There are dumb penalties and he seems to take A LOT of them.

 

Last night could have been a lot worse. We could have lost 8-2 and lost our leading point getter in every category....good luck Ottawa without Alfie for a few weeks....That is a MAJOR hit for them as Alfie is their team right now

 

Or, we could have lost 3 - 2 or 4 - 3, or we could have pulled it out like we did against Toronto - we were never given the chance thanks to either Rivet for a stupid penalty or maybe as Miller suggested that it was a legal stick check and NOT a hook!

 

Either way - methinks that Sabres management should get the video to the NHL and have that cleared up. And Gaustad's penalty should be reviewed as well because Gaustad wasn't facing the person he was skating away from - in my mind it was a dive - he made no attempt( the Caps skater) to avoid Gaustad's presence.

 

Also, does someone have these two plays on video were we can do our diligence as well?

 

What say you? B-)

[BuffalOhio]

Rivet's was a hook, and Gaustad's was a trip. No question in my referee mind. The slow-mo of Rivet's HOOK was that he lifted the stick, but also went all the way up to the hands and held the hook in place. He did it because he was cleanly beaten on the pinch. HOOK. Goose knew what he was doing, was beat, and had his leg out all the way. TRIP.

 

Sorry folks, but that's what I believe.

 

You just CAN NOT give the Capitals a 5-on-3. EVER.