Game Discussion Thread

[X. Benedict]

I doubt he'd get the time everyone seems to think he has earned.

 

If anything, the coaches need to determine when it's time to put out a clutch player, and that's when they should release the Gerbe.

 

Can the Sabres coaches make that call, I think, is the question. They keep trying the same players in the same slots and it ain't working right now. For example, why keep Boyes as a center? He doesn't do well there. Why have Connolly on the PP? He doesn't perform well there, either.

 

Gerbe was taking shifts at center, i think.

 

I'll have to watch the tapes to be sure.

[...]

Gerbe was taking shifts at center, i think.

 

I'll have to watch the tapes to be sure.

 

 

If they've had him on center during the past two games, then, hell yes, they should try him centering the top line. What do they have to lose? Yes, yes, they have the series they can lose, but that's the point - they need a spark somewhere.

[SabresMojo]

First is this a Miller slam because I am still looking for those soft goals from him... Still waiting...I hate to say this and its an overreaction but I would be perfectly ok with seeing every top 6 player with the exception of ennis gone. Staff, Pommers, Vanek, TC, and that other guy Boyes, door, gone, goodbye. I am sorry I am just angry I am going to bed and will post non reactionary crazy talk tomorrow... NIGHT!

 

I wouldnt say ALL of them...but keep at least Vanek.

Best out of who you listed...

 

This will take time...I hope we get over this hump soon...we need it.

[LGR4GM]

Gerbe was taking shifts at center, i think.I'll have to watch the tapes to be sure.

 

 

If they've had him on center during the past two games, then, hell yes, they should try him centering the top line. What do they have to lose? Yes, yes, they have the series they can lose, but that's the point - they need a spark somewhere.

...if this is true we gotta add another person to the list of people who I just proved wrong...

 

In a none spiteful comment now, Put Gerbe between Vanek and boyes or stafford and see what happens. Better yet put him with ennis and drew. FOCKER OUT!

[SabresMojo]

Ryan Miller's post game comments do make me wonder.

Doesnt seem like he is confident...says taht we played well.

But I mean c'mon...it's NOT our best yet.

 

geez

[inkman]

The PP SUCKING in the 3rd period for the 2nd game in a row is not opinion, it is FACT.

Guess it depends how nice your girl is...

[Braedon]

A year of acceptable play doesn't make him bad either. Your own logic is the rebut to your argument.

 

Agreed. If you think about how tumultuous the D has been this year, any goalie would be exposed. I'm ok with his play this year.

[Robviously]

Guess it depends how nice your girl is...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[carpandean]

Gerbe was taking shifts at center, i think.

 

I'll have to watch the tapes to be sure.

Play-by-play shows one shift with Gerbe, Boyes, and Grier. Other than that, he was mostly on Goose's or Connolly's wing, with one shift with McCormick and Niedermayer. He also took some faceoffs when Goose or Connolly got tossed.

[Kristian]

Thomas Vanek is a -4 through 3 games. Shared last place, with Brian Campbell, among others.

 

I realise the man isn't Mike Peca, but seriously?

 

That's just brutal, and with a TOI average of 16:06.

[PlayoffReadyMatt]

As dumb as this may sound, the key is getting the 1st goal. 3-0 is the team that scores first in this series. Tough to beat a team that is slightly better than you coming from behind all game. If we can come out wednesday and get a 1-0 or 2-0 lead early, we can turn this whole series around.

[Kristian]

Paging Tim Connolly, Paging Tim Connolly, the playoffs have started, that is all...

 

Oh, he knows.

 

Did you expect him to care?

[mrm33064]

Oh, he knows.

 

Did you expect him to care?

 

TC frustrates the heck out of me. However, I do think his PK play and willingness to shot block has shown something in terms of caring.

 

But even with the injury stuff aside, the guy has an amazing ability to consistently underachieve, to disappear in big situations. Add to that the fact that he's constantly reminded of his mediocrity by fans and media, and I think one thing feeds on the other.

 

If there's any player that had a shot at turning things around with a change of scenery, it's got to be him. I suspect Pegula heard from Darcy that nobody was willing to part with more than, say, a few bags of M&Ms for TC, and figured he could get at least that - or possibly more - in the offseason.

[Kristian]

TC frustrates the heck out of me. However, I do think his PK play and willingness to shot block has shown something in terms of caring.

 

But even with the injury stuff aside, the guy has an amazing ability to consistently underachieve, to disappear in big situations. Add to that the fact that he's constantly reminded of his mediocrity by fans and media, and I think one thing feeds on the other.

 

If there's any player that had a shot at turning things around with a change of scenery, it's got to be him. I suspect Pegula heard from Darcy that nobody was willing to part with more than, say, a few bags of M&Ms for TC, and figured he could get at least that - or possibly more - in the offseason.

 

You're right about his PK abilities, the problem with him though is that he's supposed to be our #1 or #2 center. He's being paid as such, and more importantly and probably the most frustrating part, Ruff keeps playing him as such. Much the same as Pominville.

 

The way things are now, we have tied up 9.8 mill. in two PK specialists :blink:

 

I kept banging my head against he wall seeing #19 and #29 out there repeatedly in the 3rd and waste away that 5 on 3 as well.

[CallawaySabres]

Things I noticed being at the game:

 

1)Don't blame the crowd for not being crazy when there is nothing to get crazy about. This team needs to have the LEAD or be TIED for at least a few minutes if they want the crowd to get fired up. Playing from behind is not too easy to cheer on...

 

2) Vanek was invisible - no goals, fine, but he was nowhere to be seen except on the ice when goals were scored against.

 

3)This team definitely does not have enough talent to make up for such a huge mistake like a giveaway behind the net

 

4)Buffalo does not have the better team so unless Miller plays like game one (along with the D) this series will be over in 5

 

5)Philly's goaltending is atrocious and thank goodness because that is the only way Buffalo will get their wins...

 

6) Must win on Wed and I think they will get it. Wed crowd will be much better for the simple fact that it will not be a Monday and they WILL get the first goal

[Weave]

After an evening to ponder.......

 

As much as I made noise last night about wanting to see Gerbe on a top line I am now questioning that. One of the reasons he has looked so good is because he had Gaustad and Kaleta/Stafford working the boards, allowing Gerbe to wheel around and get open. They make space for him. He's a buzzsaw out there but I'm not sure how effective he'd be without large bodied plumbers on his line.

 

Noone should be championing Vanek for captain any more. The guy who is showing true on-ice leadership again in the playoffs is Gaustad. His effort has been all out, he's risen to every challenge, and he's just plain doing whatever he has to to try and keep this team in games. That, my friends, is what a captain is about.

 

Vanek is working hard. He's taking abuse in front of the net. But Philly has rendered him useless. And it's not for a lack of effort. Philly's D has effectively locked out our forwards. Vanek is managing to get inside but his wingers are unable to get the puck in to where he is.

 

Ennis, Connolly, Pomminstein are all being exposed as perimeter players. All Philly is doing is staying in their shooting and passing lanes and these guys are all but eliminated. Simple and efficient. The only way it changes is by these guys going into dirty areas to draw the defence out of their lanes.

 

Boyes recieved alot of unfair criticism last night IMO. He worked his ass off I thought. Didn't get anything to show for it, but his effort was far from lackluster. But... he's another guy playing on the perimeter right now.

 

Grier has been a beast along the boards but, other than that, are we noticing him? He's handed out some devastating hits but so far none of them are leading to scoring chances. Right now we need scoring chances.

 

Montador is trying to do too much. He needs to get back to playing within his abilities. I give him credit for trying to up his game but the reality is, he leaves himself open to being out of position when he tries to extend himself. I want to see him go back to playing basic hockey.

 

Our dirt cheap, bargin bin defense is being exposed for what it is. On the balance, given the level of talent that Philly has at forward I think they are holding up OK, but really they are not a defense you should expect to go deep into the playoffs with. Next to center, a top flight defenseman is our biggeast offseason need.

[Stormin Norman]

Stafford tied the game tonight. Vanek tied game 2 twice. Not sure what they're doing on your list.

 

All kinds of players will score during the playoffs. I'm talking the clutch goals... the must-have goals. The your down by one and you need someone to step up and bury one. Or your tied late and someone rams one home. There are several on that list that I don't see making a difference when the team needs it most. Vanek is something like minus 4 for the series, is that stepping up?

[DR HOLLIDAY]

After an evening to ponder.......

 

As much as I made noise last night about wanting to see Gerbe on a top line I am now questioning that. One of the reasons he has looked so good is because he had Gaustad and Kaleta/Stafford working the boards, allowing Gerbe to wheel around and get open. They make space for him. He's a buzzsaw out there but I'm not sure how effective he'd be without large bodied plumbers on his line.

 

Noone should be championing Vanek for captain any more. The guy who is showing true on-ice leadership again in the playoffs is Gaustad. His effort has been all out, he's risen to every challenge, and he's just plain doing whatever he has to to try and keep this team in games. That, my friends, is what a captain is about.

 

Vanek is working hard. He's taking abuse in front of the net. But Philly has rendered him useless. And it's not for a lack of effort. Philly's D has effectively locked out our forwards. Vanek is managing to get inside but his wingers are unable to get the puck in to where he is.

 

Ennis, Connolly, Pomminstein are all being exposed as perimeter players. All Philly is doing is staying in their shooting and passing lanes and these guys are all but eliminated. Simple and efficient. The only way it changes is by these guys going into dirty areas to draw the defence out of their lanes.

 

Boyes recieved alot of unfair criticism last night IMO. He worked his ass off I thought. Didn't get anything to show for it, but his effort was far from lackluster. But... he's another guy playing on the perimeter right now.

 

Grier has been a beast along the boards but, other than that, are we noticing him? He's handed out some devastating hits but so far none of them are leading to scoring chances. Right now we need scoring chances.

 

Montador is trying to do too much. He needs to get back to playing within his abilities. I give him credit for trying to up his game but the reality is, he leaves himself open to being out of position when he tries to extend himself. I want to see him go back to playing basic hockey.

 

Our dirt cheap, bargin bin defense is being exposed for what it is. On the balance, given the level of talent that Philly has at forward I think they are holding up OK, but really they are not a defense you should expect to go deep into the playoffs with. Next to center, a top flight defenseman is our biggeast offseason need.

 

Good post man, I don't think our defense if bargain bin, I think it is extremely young and will only get better. The older guys on our defense won't be here for to long, but none of them are good at calming things down. I would take Tallinder over Monty any day. He was a solid mentor for Myers and we seem to be lacking someone like him now.

[Derrico]

After an evening to ponder.......

 

As much as I made noise last night about wanting to see Gerbe on a top line I am now questioning that. One of the reasons he has looked so good is because he had Gaustad and Kaleta/Stafford working the boards, allowing Gerbe to wheel around and get open. They make space for him. He's a buzzsaw out there but I'm not sure how effective he'd be without large bodied plumbers on his line.

 

Noone should be championing Vanek for captain any more. The guy who is showing true on-ice leadership again in the playoffs is Gaustad. His effort has been all out, he's risen to every challenge, and he's just plain doing whatever he has to to try and keep this team in games. That, my friends, is what a captain is about.

 

Vanek is working hard. He's taking abuse in front of the net. But Philly has rendered him useless. And it's not for a lack of effort. Philly's D has effectively locked out our forwards. Vanek is managing to get inside but his wingers are unable to get the puck in to where he is.

 

Ennis, Connolly, Pomminstein are all being exposed as perimeter players. All Philly is doing is staying in their shooting and passing lanes and these guys are all but eliminated. Simple and efficient. The only way it changes is by these guys going into dirty areas to draw the defence out of their lanes.

 

Boyes recieved alot of unfair criticism last night IMO. He worked his ass off I thought. Didn't get anything to show for it, but his effort was far from lackluster. But... he's another guy playing on the perimeter right now.

 

Grier has been a beast along the boards but, other than that, are we noticing him? He's handed out some devastating hits but so far none of them are leading to scoring chances. Right now we need scoring chances.

 

Montador is trying to do too much. He needs to get back to playing within his abilities. I give him credit for trying to up his game but the reality is, he leaves himself open to being out of position when he tries to extend himself. I want to see him go back to playing basic hockey.

 

Our dirt cheap, bargin bin defense is being exposed for what it is. On the balance, given the level of talent that Philly has at forward I think they are holding up OK, but really they are not a defense you should expect to go deep into the playoffs with. Next to center, a top flight defenseman is our biggeast offseason need.

 

Good post except I disagree with your assessment of Boyes. It's tough to see everything on tv so I'll say that right now. However, there were times when either we'd turn it over in the neutral zone or Philly would have a breakout and Boyes looked way too lazy getting back. There is playing on the perimeter and then there is Brad Boyes. Wouldn't kill you to atleast try battling in the corner for a puck.

[Weave]

Good post except I disagree with your assessment of Boyes. It's tough to see everything on tv so I'll say that right now. However, there were times when either we'd turn it over in the neutral zone or Philly would have a breakout and Boyes looked way too be lazy getting back. There is playing on the perimeter and then there is Brad Boyes. Wouldn't kill you to atleast try battling in the corner for a puck.

 

I didn't notice him being late on the backcheck, but then again I wasn't looking for it either. Obviously, if that is the case it would change my asessment of Boyes play last night. But I do think he was battling for the puck. I recall a good number of times were he was working hard behind the net for possession. And he skated hard in the O zone. He has been rather ineffective though and that is troubling.

[LGR4GM]

You're right about his PK abilities, the problem with him though is that he's supposed to be our #1 or #2 center. He's being paid as such, and more importantly and probably the most frustrating part, Ruff keeps playing him as such. Much the same as Pominville.

 

The way things are now, we have tied up 9.8 mill. in two PK specialists :blink:

 

I kept banging my head against he wall seeing #19 and #29 out there repeatedly in the 3rd and waste away that 5 on 3 as well.

Rick Jeanneret's call on the 5 on 3 "Connolly wins the faceoff back to Pomminstein, over to connolly, he doesn't shoot, back to Pomminstein, pominville holding onto the puck looking for the open man, now back to connolly, connolly along the half wall, back to pominville, he winds up and passes over to connolly, connolly wheels around and is pressure but he gets the puck back to pominville, He doesnt shoot..." AND it goes on and on and on... TAKE A FREAKING ONE TIMER!!!!

[LabattBlue]

After sleeping on it, the PP continues to be the part of the game that aggravates me the most. Several things...

 

1. No Gerbe. No Gerbe. No Gerbe.

 

2. Same old players on the PP. Just because they are the players with the most talent, doesn't mean jack. Throwing Pominville, Stafford, Connolly, Vanek & ??? on the 5 on 3 is a joke. No Myers, no Gragnani and no Gerbe...NO GOAL.

 

3. This is an old gripe of mine, but Vanek is being wasted by playing him in front of the net. He has good puck handling skills and a goal scorers touch, but Lindy is using him for tip drills and at the same time, getting him beat up physically.

 

4. Yeah the Sabres PP is going at a 20% clip, but when they are needed the most(3rd period of Games 2 & 3), they disappear.

 

"He ain't going nowhere"

[Patty16]

Rick Jeanneret's call on the 5 on 3 "Connolly wins the faceoff back to Pomminstein, over to connolly, he doesn't shoot, back to Pomminstein, pominville holding onto the puck looking for the open man, now back to connolly, connolly along the half wall, back to pominville, he winds up and passes over to connolly, connolly wheels around and is pressure but he gets the puck back to pominville, He doesnt shoot..." AND it goes on and on and on... TAKE A FREAKING ONE TIMER!!!!

 

Pommers super slow windup negates him taking a one timer from the point. D just gets in front. I hate his play more every playoff game. He is the epitome of what troubles this team. He is a soft player who gets points during the season but needs midol when the playoffs start and disappears. He avoids contact and cant seem to skate with the increased tempo.

 

Thats being said, Gragnani, who didnt even play in the regular season is leading the team in scoring right now.

[dudacek]

After an evening to ponder.......

 

As much as I made noise last night about wanting to see Gerbe on a top line I am now questioning that. One of the reasons he has looked so good is because he had Gaustad and Kaleta/Stafford working the boards, allowing Gerbe to wheel around and get open. They make space for him. He's a buzzsaw out there but I'm not sure how effective he'd be without large bodied plumbers on his line.

 

Noone should be championing Vanek for captain any more. The guy who is showing true on-ice leadership again in the playoffs is Gaustad. His effort has been all out, he's risen to every challenge, and he's just plain doing whatever he has to to try and keep this team in games. That, my friends, is what a captain is about.

 

Vanek is working hard. He's taking abuse in front of the net. But Philly has rendered him useless. And it's not for a lack of effort. Philly's D has effectively locked out our forwards. Vanek is managing to get inside but his wingers are unable to get the puck in to where he is.

 

Ennis, Connolly, Pomminstein are all being exposed as perimeter players. All Philly is doing is staying in their shooting and passing lanes and these guys are all but eliminated. Simple and efficient. The only way it changes is by these guys going into dirty areas to draw the defence out of their lanes.

 

Boyes recieved alot of unfair criticism last night IMO. He worked his ass off I thought. Didn't get anything to show for it, but his effort was far from lackluster. But... he's another guy playing on the perimeter right now.

 

Grier has been a beast along the boards but, other than that, are we noticing him? He's handed out some devastating hits but so far none of them are leading to scoring chances. Right now we need scoring chances.

 

Montador is trying to do too much. He needs to get back to playing within his abilities. I give him credit for trying to up his game but the reality is, he leaves himself open to being out of position when he tries to extend himself. I want to see him go back to playing basic hockey.

 

Our dirt cheap, bargin bin defense is being exposed for what it is. On the balance, given the level of talent that Philly has at forward I think they are holding up OK, but really they are not a defense you should expect to go deep into the playoffs with. Next to center, a top flight defenseman is our biggeast offseason need.

 

A very astute series of points.

 

I would add that Pominville, Boyes and and Ennis can be effective perimeter players if they were working with a skilled, blood and guts centre like Jonathan Toews.

And that our young defence can get better, but it won't really emerge until Myers takes that step up to being the beast we all believe he can.

 

We're going to have to wait on the centre, but it would be nice if the Myers part emerges during the rest of this series

[Eleven]

Rick Jeanneret's call on the 5 on 3 "Connolly wins the faceoff back to Pomminstein, over to connolly, he doesn't shoot, back to Pomminstein, pominville holding onto the puck looking for the open man, now back to connolly, connolly along the half wall, back to pominville, he winds up and passes over to connolly, connolly wheels around and is pressure but he gets the puck back to pominville, He doesnt shoot..." AND it goes on and on and on... TAKE A FREAKING ONE TIMER!!!!

 

Schopp observed last Friday that league-wide, 5-on-3 goals seem to be less and less frequent because teams are screwing around with the puck too much rather than getting a man in front of the net and shooting away. I don't have stats--but I think he's right. A 5-on-3 used to be a virtually guaranteed score; now, not a near automatic at all. I've watched lots of teams kill those off recently (Buffalo, Filly, and Detroit within the last few days). There should be a big body right in front of the paint and four guys moving the puck around and shooting it--and not five guys around the perimeter. I wonder why lots of teams are making this mistake.