GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[SabresFan526]

A few thoughts from me.

 

Myers is an absolute stud. He's the best defenseman on the team right now, and he's going to be the best defenseman ever in the history of the Buffalo Sabres franchise. I'd sign him right now to a 15 year, $105 million contract. I don't ever want to see Myers wearing another uniform ever for the rest of his career. He's that good.

 

Miller with a great night tonight. Both goals given up because of poor defensive zone play, and tremendous offensive zone pressure from a team that was absolutely desperate for a win against any team, but especially against Buffalo. Even with that barrage, Miller made some huge saves and did not allow Toronto to get the tying goal.

 

My post season awards right now. Hart - Miller, Vezina - Miller, Jennings - Miller, Calder - Myers. Miller and Myers are the stories of the season for this year's Sabres.

 

Connolly is getting hot right now, and I'm really glad to see it. He's been very key to this winning streak, and he needs to keep this up.

 

Even though it was Toronto and the worst PK in the NHL, it was really nice to see Buffalo get all 3 goals on the PP. We can't take much from tonight's game because of how bad Toronto is on the PK, but this is a positive trend with Buffalo as they have scored a PP goal in 4 of the last 6 games on this win streak. If Buffalo can improve the play on the PP in addition to the stellar PK, I firmly believe that special teams and goaltending can really take a team far come playoff time, and that's a real recipe for success if Buffalo can continue the recent PP success.

[nfreeman]

Sorry, you don't get to say that. You declared us out of the playoffs because we only got one point in game 1 of the season... in case you forgot.

very nice.

 

Miller gets to play in the playoffs too, right? That's what they pay him for ... he's a member of the team.

Sorry, but this stuff drives me crazy ... when Ovechkin has a 3 goals and an assist and the Caps win 5-4, do people say "geez, the Caps have to help OV, they only win because of him." No, they say how no one wants to play them in the playoffs because he can win games himself. So can Miller. Why should they apologize?

They sat on a 3-goal lead against a desperate team and almost paid for it, but I didn't even think it was in Miller's top 5 as far as games stolen this season.

+1

 

Just Cause:

 

1. Who's hotter Myers or Connolly?

2. Miller's going to have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after that shelling..

3. When was the last time this team had 3 PP goals in one game?

4. No + players on the ice tonight. Butler and Rivet continue adding - to their totals. Butler -1, Rivet -2

5. Myers 24 minutes TOI.

6. Vanek and Kennedy 12:30 TOI

7. Now someone argue with me that the Sabres don't play Alamo mode with a lead after 2.

8. 18-0-0 with a lead after 2.

9. One point behind NJ for the lead; #1 slot in the East.

10. 16-5-4 at home. Thank god they fixed their play at home this year.

Great comments.

 

- I like Lydman, but he was a trainwreck tonight.

If this keeps up, he's going to get benched for Sekera after the next loss.

 

You can tell Miller knows he is one of the best goalies in the world. Miller can back his talk. It's Miller time baby! Seriously, I'm grabbing a Miller lite right now! Go Sabres!!!! :beer:

woohooooo!!

 

My game notes:

 

1. Myers’ play on the 4-min PP in the 1st period – not just his goal, but the feed to Kennedy for the previous goal, then the up-ice rush and the forecheck to set up his own goal – was epic. That was the best extended burst of play by any Sabre skater this season. And then the cruise to the net and stickback for the 2nd PPG? Holy mackarel. I’m ready to say it: I expect him to become the best Sabre defenseman of all time and maybe a perennial Norris candidate. I also think he’s already better than Bouwmeester and the best player on the Sabres other than Miller (which means he's the best skater on the #4 team in the NHL right now).

 

2. TC-Pommer-Hecht looked pretty good. TC trying to stay on the ice with blood spilling from his face, then coming back and setting up 2 PPGs – quite a warrior, eh, DeLuca? Like Braveheart? Not to mention the backcheck on Kessel in the crease to prevent the GTG with a minute left? Maybe “Connolly #19” for your next ink?

 

3. Speaking of Kessel and DeLuca -- I'm pretty sure DeLuca was ready to blow up the team to get Kessel, and repeatedly excoriated Darcy for not doing so. Well, Kessel has 1 goal in his last 11 games and 1 assist in his last 13. The lesson, as always, is that the way to build a winner is not through splashy moves.

 

4. I guess Myers will stay on the PP unit for a bit now.

 

5. Very good HD production by the Toronto station. Excellent replays. Lousy intermission show though. Good hockey info – e.g. listing each sabres’ defenseman who ever scored a hat trick (Housley with 2, then virta, van Boxmeer, Korab and Schony). Good flashback highlights to 2007 of Myers and Schenn as teammates in Kelowna.

 

6. Bit of a dive by the Leaf who caught Miller’s punch to the face.

 

7. I liked Mac-Mair-Ellis as the 4th line tonight, but I think Mac-Ellis-Kaleta will be better.

 

8. Nice game from Tim Kennedy, although he didn't get as much ice time as I would've thought. Gaustad led all forwards in ice time with 18 minutes.

 

9. Poor pass by Lydman prevented the Sabres from clearing the zone, then he doesn’t tie up Stajan in front and Stajan scores. 2 mistakes, and avoiding either of them would have prevented the Leafs’ goal. He made another bad pass with about 10 minutes left that resulted in heavy pressure by the Leafs.

 

10. Rivet-bashers: he played 21 minutes tonight.

 

11. I'll take the W and the 2 points, and especially the 9-point lead in the division. Colarado's coming in tomorrow night after losing on the road to Carolina 2-1, and possibly losing their captain (Foote) to injury in the process.

[nfreeman]

A few thoughts from me.

 

Myers is an absolute stud. He's the best defenseman on the team right now, and he's going to be the best defenseman ever in the history of the Buffalo Sabres franchise. I'd sign him right now to a 15 year, $105 million contract. I don't ever want to see Myers wearing another uniform ever for the rest of his career. He's that good.

 

Miller with a great night tonight. Both goals given up because of poor defensive zone play, and tremendous offensive zone pressure from a team that was absolutely desperate for a win against any team, but especially against Buffalo. Even with that barrage, Miller made some huge saves and did not allow Toronto to get the tying goal.

 

My post season awards right now. Hart - Miller, Vezina - Miller, Jennings - Miller, Calder - Myers. Miller and Myers are the stories of the season for this year's Sabres.

 

Connolly is getting hot right now, and I'm really glad to see it. He's been very key to this winning streak, and he needs to keep this up.

 

Even though it was Toronto and the worst PK in the NHL, it was really nice to see Buffalo get all 3 goals on the PP. We can't take much from tonight's game because of how bad Toronto is on the PK, but this is a positive trend with Buffalo as they have scored a PP goal in 4 of the last 6 games on this win streak. If Buffalo can improve the play on the PP in addition to the stellar PK, I firmly believe that special teams and goaltending can really take a team far come playoff time, and that's a real recipe for success if Buffalo can continue the recent PP success.

good post.

[SabresFan526]

Miller's postgame comments were priceless :lol:

I just saw the interview on sabres.nhl.tv. Boy, Miller was pissed after the game tonight. He genuinely hates the Leafs. This year, every Leafs game we kept on hearing about Miller and the Olympics and Burke and Wilson running the show, etc. Once Miller officially got named to the team, Miller just comes out and flat out says he hates the Leafs. I love it! I'm guessing he felt that Stajan is a diver and whiner after he threw that punch.

 

Once, just once, I want to see Miller just absolutely explode and take someone out completely. When that happens, people will stop crowding his crease. I want to see Miller have a Biron or Hasek moment where he just goes berserk and just starts destroying someone who crowds his crease. By and large, Miller stays relatively calm in the crease, but I just want him to just totally go after someone. I'd take the penalty just to see that happen.

[darksabre]

I didn't see the game, but I know enough to say that Myers is still the man, and Miller is THE BEST. I don't care about Thomas Vanek's , we've got guys on this team that know how to prove their worth. If Ryan Miller could wear a C and two A's at the same time, I'd give them to him. This latest outburst is just proving what we know he's been saying in the locker room. He's the man and he knows it. Heck yeah!

[nucci]

Not true. I just spend too much time on Two Bills Drive. I didn't realize SabreSpace has a "happy thoughts only" policy.

 

PTR

How can you not be happy? They are winning! However some need to complain how they are winning. :doh:

[wjag]

 

1. Myers’ play on the 4-min PP in the 1st period – not just his goal, but the feed to Kennedy for the previous goal, then the up-ice rush and the forecheck to set up his own goal – was epic. That was the best extended burst of play by any Sabre skater this season. And then the cruise to the net and stickback for the 2nd PPG? Holy mackarel. I’m ready to say it: I expect him to become the best Sabre defenseman of all time and maybe a perennial Norris candidate. I also think he’s already better than Bouwmeester and the best player on the Sabres other than Miller (which means he's the best skater on the #4 team in the NHL right now).

 

4. I guess Myers will stay on the PP unit for a bit now.

 

6. Bit of a dive by the Leaf who caught Miller’s punch to the face.

 

 

1. I've been a bit slow on the Myers bandwagon. I've wondered if, as fans, we we're just in desperate need of a messiah. But my gosh I'm there now. This Texan can play hockey.

 

4. His positioning was uncanny tonight.

 

6. After listening to Miller's postgame comments, I'd like to see some video of him being crosschecked in the back of the head. If in fact it happened, it should be sent to the league office for disciplinary action.

[SwampD]

Game notes.

 

Save Of The Game - as good as Miller was, it has to be Connolly's save on Kessel in the dying seconds.

 

Vanek's no-look pass to Myers was incredible.

 

Pominville with another strong game.

 

The Leafs are terrible, but I think they played above themselves tonight because of our winning streak against them. They still lost.

 

I think PTR is right. Those late game flurries by the other team are going to be a problem in the playoffs. And I hate to say it but it is Lindy's problem to figure out (I refrained from saying it's Lindy's fault even though I think it is). It's the same thing we've been seeing for several seasons now. On the two late goals, our wingers were totally out of position and I've seen it for too long by too many different players for it not to be coaching. He puts them in no-man's land that is basically an NFL style Prevent Defense. It leaves the points completely uncovered, allowing them to keep the puck in and get a shot. I don't want to see another series end on a tipped shot from the point.

 

All that said, winning is fun. Much more fun than losing.

[wjag]

Game notes.

 

Save Of The Game - as good as Miller was, it has to be Connolly's save on Kessel in the dying seconds.

 

 

All that said, winning is fun. Much more fun than losing.

 

I'll give you that, but my save of the game was actually saves of the game. I don't remember the Leafs involved, but I think it was in the first. The puck came out from behind the net to the low slot (HN said 10 feet out) and Miller was coming back to center goal when he faced a high wrister. He blocked that and then scrambled to get a leg on the rebound as it was immediately shot back at him from his right.

[deluca67]

10. Rivet-bashers: he played 21 minutes tonight.

How many minutes did Montador play? Always interested in how your "Top Four" defenseman is doing. :w00t:

 

I see that Mike Weber is a +19 down in Portland. How soon till he cracks the Sabres lineup? Would be beneficial longterm to see him in the lineup over Lydman or Monty.

[PromoTheRobot]

Thanks for someone understanding my post. I'm not bitching about the Sabres. I'm pointing out a trouble spot. I'm sure Lindy sees the same thing and will address it.

 

PTR

[SwampD]

More notes.

 

When Butler has to make the defensive play he looks amazing. He always makes it.

As soon as we gain possession of the puck, though, he looks terrible, completely out of sync with the rest of our skaters. Something happened because he looked much better carrying the puck at the beginning of the season.

 

6. After listening to Miller's postgame comments, I'd like to see some video of him being crosschecked in the back of the head. If in fact it happened, it should be sent to the league office for disciplinary action.

It wasn't a cross check but he did bump into him in the back of the head as he skated by. Nice response by Miller and it makes me chuckle thinking about someone saying he should have sat a game for throwing his helmet. I like a fired up Miller.

[wonderbread]

Thanks for someone understanding my post. I'm not bitching about the Sabres. I'm pointing out a trouble spot. I'm sure Lindy sees the same thing and will address it.

 

PTR

I understand your post. I guess it just came across as whiney right after a nice victory.

[wjag]

Thanks for someone understanding my post. I'm not bitching about the Sabres. I'm pointing out a trouble spot. I'm sure Lindy sees the same thing and will address it.

 

PTR

I'm sure he will. In 82 games, I'm sure you are fixing lots of things that effect play:

 

PK,

lines,

PP,

slow starts,

slumps,

turnovers,

pairings,

bad habits,

etc

[end the curse]

Those late game flurries by the other team are going to be a problem in the playoffs. And I hate to say it but it is Lindy's problem to figure out (I refrained from saying it's Lindy's fault even though I think it is).

 

Ahhh...Lindy bashing while the Sabres are on a six game win streak, just beat the Leaves for the 10th consecutive time, and are safely in 1st place just past the midway point of the season.

 

Last week the Chicken Little crowd was apoplectic over "Lindy's" Sabres having slow starts and lacking powerplay production. Now, those same people are up-in-arms over "Lindy's" 3rd period shell after the Sabres go 3-for-3 on the PP and jump out to a 3-0 lead for the 2nd straight game.

 

Love it...the message board world is truly amazing.

[carpandean]

I just re-watched the end of the game and here's a question: how did White not get a penalty with 2:08 left for going after Hecht? I understand letting him shove Jochen around a little bit for tapping his goaltender and Jochen did shoved back, but White actually dropped his gloves.

[nucci]

Ahhh...Lindy bashing while the Sabres are on a six game win streak, just beat the Leaves for the 10th consecutive time, and are safely in 1st place just past the midway point of the season.

 

Last week the Chicken Little crowd was apoplectic over "Lindy's" Sabres having slow starts and lacking powerplay production. Now, those same people are up-in-arms over "Lindy's" 3rd period shell after the Sabres go 3-for-3 on the PP and jump out to a 3-0 lead for the 2nd straight game.

 

Love it...the message board world is truly amazing.

I've said before that the Sabres could win a Cup and the Bills a SB and some would still find something to complain about.

[Figster]

This game can be summed up quickly. Myers and Miller, with a pinch of Connolly thrown in. Add a nice shot from Kennedy and a nice pass from Vanek, and you have a 3-2 victory. Other than that, not a game to be particularly proud about.

 

Still, 2 points is 2 points. Not every win is going to be textbook. We've won 6 in a row which is incredible, and we haven't had a zero point contest since December 23rd against Washington. In the big picture, everything is coming up roses.

 

Now let's lay the lumber on Colorado tomorrow!

 

Kennedy is skating well and this Myers fella is simply amazing. With Tyler Myers who is getting tons of ice time and Ryan Miller in net the Buffalo Sabres are a real tough opponent to score against. It causes other teams to take extra risks in an effort to score and the Sabres lines strike back like a rattlesnake when mistakes are being made.

 

This team is for real...

[nfreeman]

How many minutes did Montador play? Always interested in how your "Top Four" defenseman is doing. :w00t:

 

I see that Mike Weber is a +19 down in Portland. How soon till he cracks the Sabres lineup? Would be beneficial longterm to see him in the lineup over Lydman or Monty.

That's it, huh? Nothing about Kessel? OK. As for Montador, let's put it this way: how many times this season do you think he will be healthy-scratched? How many times will he be in the top 4 in minutes? Do you think the 2nd number will be 3x the first one? 5x? 10x? Or, as is almost certainly the case, infinite, because Monty won't be healthy-scratched at all?

 

As for Weber, I'd like to see him make it to the NHL level too. He hasn't shown anything in about 2 years though. Unless there is a major rash of injuries to the D, he probably won't get a shot this year. Next year, if Lydman and Tallinder both leave this summer, will probably be his last shot here.

[SwampD]

Ahhh...Lindy bashing while the Sabres are on a six game win streak, just beat the Leaves for the 10th consecutive time, and are safely in 1st place just past the midway point of the season.

 

Last week the Chicken Little crowd was apoplectic over "Lindy's" Sabres having slow starts and lacking powerplay production. Now, those same people are up-in-arms over "Lindy's" 3rd period shell after the Sabres go 3-for-3 on the PP and jump out to a 3-0 lead for the 2nd straight game.

 

Love it...the message board world is truly amazing.

For the record, I would not have said anything had we lost. THAT would have been Lindy bashing and just too easy. But since we won and someone else mentioned it first I had to jump in.

 

I don't think the sky is falling but I am concerned and rightly so. We've been told forever that it's the players, just give Lindy some players and he can will. Well, guess what? It's the same players and we're winning. It's Lindy that has changed, until the end of game when HE reverts back to who he was. I would go deeper but I would just be told that I'm over-analyzing the game and should just enjoy the wins.

 

By the way, I am enjoying the wins.

[darksabre]

For the record, I would not have said anything had we lost. THAT would have been Lindy bashing and just too easy. But since we won and someone else mentioned it first I had to jump in.

 

I don't think the sky is falling but I am concerned and rightly so. We've been told forever that it's the players, just give Lindy some players and he can will. Well, guess what? It's the same players and we're winning. It's Lindy that has changed, until the end of game when HE reverts back to who he was. I would go deeper but I would just be told that I'm over-analyzing the game and should just enjoy the wins.

 

By the way, I am enjoying the wins.

 

I don't think Lindy changed. I think Lindy made a change. To a system that works better with the lack of talent we have up front. He gave them the chance to prove they could still do it the last few seasons and it didn't work out. Different system, better results (when the players decide they want to buy into it, game depending).

[inkman]

Not true. I just spend too much time on Two Bills Drive. I didn't realize SabreSpace has a "happy thoughts only" policy.

 

PTR

While dirty thoughts might not be encouraged, the mods have never told me to zip up my pants.

[deluca67]

That's it, huh? Nothing about Kessel? OK. As for Montador, let's put it this way: how many times this season do you think he will be healthy-scratched? How many times will he be in the top 4 in minutes? Do you think the 2nd number will be 3x the first one? 5x? 10x? Or, as is almost certainly the case, infinite, because Monty won't be healthy-scratched at all?

 

As for Weber, I'd like to see him make it to the NHL level too. He hasn't shown anything in about 2 years though. Unless there is a major rash of injuries to the D, he probably won't get a shot this year. Next year, if Lydman and Tallinder both leave this summer, will probably be his last shot here.

Kessel? He would have been a great addition to the Sabres. They could certainly use a player of his caliber on the power play. Even with his current troubles I would easily give up multiple 1st round picks and players for a 24 year of the level.

 

Monty probably won't be a healthy scratch. How often are the Sabres in a position to scratch a healthy blueliner? Take that into consideration along with Toni Lydman's game falling off the face of the earth and the Sabres have a shortage of competent bodies on the blueline. Myers, Tallinder and Butler are a decent top three. Rivet is fourth by default (nice job of pimping him for playing 21 minutes on a night the Sabres give up 50 shots :doh: ). Monty has done a decent job on the bottom pair. Lindy is using him well at 10-15 minutes a night. Ideally the Sabres will pick up a top four level guy to slot with Butler to give a solid 1-2 pairings. Drop Rivet down to the bottom pair and let Monty and Lydman fight for the 6th spot. A wild card can be Sekera. If he is ever healthy and can keep his head on straight it changes the makeup of the defense.

[deluca67]

While dirty thoughts might not be encouraged, the mods have never told me to zip up my pants.

I'm sure they just assumed you wouldn't be wearing any.

[wjag]

I'm sure they just assumed you wouldn't be wearing any.

:D :o