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GDT: Senators at Sabres 11/11/11 7:30PM


spndnchz

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I don't agree. It's a coaches job to do whatever he thinks will give his team the best chance of winning. It's not his job to do whatever it takes to hurt somebody's feelings so they don't go pout and sulk in the corner. These guys are supposed to be professionals..... if he "loses" Miller because he's not playing enough well then Miller isn't a professional. These guys get paid big $$$ to do what's best for the team. It's an 82 game season, Enroth will not go undefeated so Miller will get his chance. That chance isn't right now though.

 

 

It's not good for the Sabres in the long run to have one of your goalies depressed and off his game.

 

Look at this, this is sad:

 

 

 

Even the TSN commentators were noting how sad Miller looks.

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I'm asking the same thing.Personally, if I'm Lindy, I'm far more concerned about Miller getting shell shocked against Boston, especially when they start going to the "Bombs Away" campaign with Chara from the point.Miller, being as fragile as he apparantly is right now mentally may totally lose it if he has to get the hook against Boston.I'd wait to start him against some weaker opponents to get his confidence back up slowly with minimal risk.

This made me chuckle.

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I decided to watch game in 3D man hockey in 3D is awesome

Was it broadcast in 3D?

 

I haven't seen another replay but what it looked like live was after STAFFORD took the shot, the puck went to the right of the net, where LEINO shot it on net causing it to bounce up and over the Goalie.

Correct.

 

So if the Sabres only existence is to win the Stanley Cup then they should go with the hot hand and play Enroth. Miller got his spot doing the same thing to Biron if I recall correctly.

Biron wasn't anywhere near as entrenched (or as good) as Miller.

 

So, do I throw caution to the wind and start my Miller vs Enroth; part duex thread up? Or is it too early yet?

No new threads. There are already too many on this. Just bump one of the other dozen.

 

And the Penn State joke was way out of line.

 

Enroth sure looks good though, innit?

 

very nice, complete win for the sabres tonight. much better discipline and roy's line is now making a big difference.

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That shot margin is going to fool some people, but it's not going to fool me. That was a convincing win.

• So, while we were all talking about goalies, the team quietly reels off four in a row and is now 10-5. Ten wins, five losses. That’s not a record to be complaining about.

• The defence, as a unit, looked a heck of a lot better than the previous game. Very few giveaways, bad reads and odd-man rushes. I thought Leopold had a particularly nice game.

• That number 23 was the player I though we were getting this summer.

• Don’t look now, but we suddenly have a second line. Roy continues to make things happen and Stafford looked good as well.

• Enroth continues to look very steady and assured.

• I love the fact that Ottawa looks weak and we can hand them a lopsided beatdown. It’s overdue. (Unfortunately, Cowan, Karlsson and Rundblad seem to give give them a future.)

• Betcha Ryan Miller wishes his next game is as easy to play goal in as that one.

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It's not good for the Sabres in the long run to have one of your goalies depressed and off his game.

 

Look at this, this is sad:

 

 

 

Even the TSN commentators were noting how sad Miller looks.

 

While I agree with you to a point, you don't want your starters to be disgruntled at the situation. But, this is pro sports not tee ball. If a short term benching is going to wreck his psyche that bad (if you even want to call it a benching) then I'm not sure I want him in net for pressure situations. He just needs to suck it up and wait for his turn; for all we know it could, and probably will be tomorrow night. It's not like Lindy is going to play him 20-25 games this season, he will get plenty of starts. Maybe take some of that sadness and turn it into a desire to win the fan base back by working on his attitude. That attitude can't bode well in the locker room.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to trash Miller. I think he is an above average goaltender who for the most part is very consistent and can put up big numbers when his defense takes care of him. He's done a lot for this team and the city of BFLO. I just think at this level of professional sports coaches shouldn't have to be worried about hurting somebody's feelings.

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While I agree with you to a point, you don't want your starters to be disgruntled at the situation. But, this is pro sports not tee ball. If a short term benching is going to wreck his psyche that bad (if you even want to call it a benching) then I'm not sure I want him in net for pressure situations. He just needs to suck it up and wait for his turn; for all we know it could, and probably will be tomorrow night. It's not like Lindy is going to play him 20-25 games this season, he will get plenty of starts. Maybe take some of that sadness and turn it into a desire to win the fan base back by working on his attitude. That attitude can't bode well in the locker room.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to trash Miller. I think he is an above average goaltender who for the most part is very consistent and can put up big numbers when his defense takes care of him. He's done a lot for this team and the city of BFLO. I just think at this level of professional sports coaches shouldn't have to be worried about hurting somebody's feelings.

 

I hope you understand that we're having a conversation here, and that, while I disagree with your point of view, I am not trying to be confrontational.

 

That said, I think you're missing the boat. :o Regardless of the money players make, they are still people, and not robots. There are psychological and emotional components to the "Game" - which is to say: being a professional athlete. Coaches need to account for that with their players, period. Not all of the time for the entire team, but just like any GOOD manager will make sure their crew/team/posse are all "doing alright."

 

Perhaps you have heard in hockey commentary at some point that "success" is a mental game? If not, maybe a quick Goggle search will reveal that to you. That mental game is not only a matter of strategy and creativity, but also managing emotions and handling elements of ones' personal psychology. Not one person alive is always on their "A game" - not one person alive can say they have NOT went through "dark times" or "walked through the valley."

 

One person feeling this way, depending on the person, of course, can (eventually) affect the mental stability of the entire team. You have surely seen the Sabres "in a funk", right? And have heard Lindy say "they (or he) have (or has) to work through it"? This is part of the overall equation.

 

Lindy has to manage this, not just say "to hell with him, when he can win me games, he's back in." That would be crazy, especially considering the investment the Sabres have made in Miller up to now, and projected into the future.

 

I'm an Enroth fan, but it's not only cruel to leave Miller to his own to "figure it out," it's a very unwise strategy for a hockey-playing team, and it's a bad business decision.

 

Whether it's manly or not, whether it pleases Lindy or not, the team has to help Miller out.

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I hope you understand that we're having a conversation here, and that, while I disagree with your point of view, I am not trying to be confrontational. That said, I think you're missing the boat. :o Regardless of the money players make, they are still people, and not robots. There are psychological and emotional components to the "Game" - which is to say: being a professional athlete. Coaches need to account for that with their players, period. Not all of the time for the entire team, but just like any GOOD manager will make sure their crew/team/posse are all "doing alright."Perhaps you have heard in hockey commentary at some point that "success" is a mental game? If not, maybe a quick Goggle search will reveal that to you. That mental game is not only a matter of strategy and creativity, but also managing emotions and handling elements of ones' personal psychology. Not one person alive is always on their "A game" - not one person alive can say they have NOT went through "dark times" or "walked through the valley."One person feeling this way, depending on the person, of course, can (eventually) affect the mental stability of the entire team. You have surely seen the Sabres "in a funk", right? And have heard Lindy say "they (or he) have (or has) to work through it"? This is part of the overall equation.Lindy has to manage this, not just say "to hell with him, when he can win me games, he's back in." That would be crazy, especially considering the investment the Sabres have made in Miller up to now, and projected into the future.I'm an Enroth fan, but it's not only cruel to leave Miller to his own to "figure it out," it's a very unwise strategy for a hockey-playing team, and it's a bad business decision.Whether it's manly or not, whether it pleases Lindy or not, the team has to help Miller out.

 

Very good post, i totally agree.

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I hope you understand that we're having a conversation here, and that, while I disagree with your point of view, I am not trying to be confrontational.

 

Oh absolutely! I hope my post didn't come across like that. It certainly wasn't meant to, I respect your opinion whether you agree with me or not. This is an internet forum, if it gets to the point where I'm talking to somebody and it gets confrontational.... I just leave. I've got better things to waste a confrontation on, lol. ;)

That said, I think you're missing the boat. :o Regardless of the money players make, they are still people, and not robots. There are psychological and emotional components to the "Game" - which is to say: being a professional athlete. Coaches need to account for that with their players, period. Not all of the time for the entire team, but just like any GOOD manager will make sure their crew/team/posse are all "doing alright."

 

I understand it's a mental game, I have played several sports throughout my lifetime and I realize what athletes go through. I also understand that professional athletes also have to deal with the added burden of media and fan scrutiny. I'm not saying Lindy should tell Miller to man up and go sit in the corner until he's ready for him, but people are trying to blow this way out of proportion. Miller is not getting demoted, he's not getting sent to the minors (yes I know they can't do that) and he's not going to get benched for 15 straight games. I think Miller should sit against Boston because it is always smart to go with the hot goaltender. We haven't had that benefit in BFLO for quite some time. Miller has been benched for a game or two depending on how his "schedule" initially was. I don't think a couple more games is going to kill him. If MIller were benched for a month I can understand him getting disgruntled and at that point maybe Ruff would be "losing" him. But to put Miller in for a game just because he is sad is absurd. I think what irks me about this whole situation is the way people (and coaches) make this team revolve around Miller. He is not a superstar. With the exception of one year, his stats have been above average at best; with a couple seasons well below average. Stop treating him like the Golden Boy and start treating him like he is just another player on the team. He's used to being coddled and in the long run it's just going to hurt the team.

Perhaps you have heard in hockey commentary at some point that "success" is a mental game? If not, maybe a quick Goggle search will reveal that to you. That mental game is not only a matter of strategy and creativity, but also managing emotions and handling elements of ones' personal psychology. Not one person alive is always on their "A game" - not one person alive can say they have NOT went through "dark times" or "walked through the valley."

 

I understand not everybody can always be on their "A" game. As I stated previously I think Miller is one of the more consistent goaltenders in the league. I think his attitude needs more work than his performances. But, that's just an opinion from a spectator/fan, of course I'm not around him and the team to see what his attitude is really like and how it affects the team.

 

One person feeling this way, depending on the person, of course, can (eventually) affect the mental stability of the entire team. You have surely seen the Sabres "in a funk", right? And have heard Lindy say "they (or he) have (or has) to work through it"? This is part of the overall equation.

 

Of course one player's attitude can affect the stability of the team. But let me ask you something and I'm not trying to sound condescending. Don't you think Miller's attitude and his comments have affected the stability of the team over the last couple of years? The numerous times he has thrown the team under the bus when they don't perform up to his expectations? The numerous times he has pouted at his locker because he didn't get his way? Have you ever noticed that when the Sabres lose a game and Miller stands on his head, he points out that THEY need to work on some things. Yet when they lose and it was pretty much his fault, it's always WE need to work on some things. It's never "I" need to work on some things. You never hear the rest of the team say Miller needs to work on his game. You almost get the feeling like the team is playing to gain his acceptance, like they hope they didn't let Miller down instead of focusing on their game. Sorry if I rambled, but in a nutshell IMO Miller has already shown his feelings and it has affected the stability of the team. This situation over the last couple of weeks shouldn't be any different.

 

Lindy has to manage this, not just say "to hell with him, when he can win me games, he's back in." That would be crazy, especially considering the investment the Sabres have made in Miller up to now, and projected into the future.

 

I'm an Enroth fan, but it's not only cruel to leave Miller to his own to "figure it out," it's a very unwise strategy for a hockey-playing team, and it's a bad business decision.

 

Whether it's manly or not, whether it pleases Lindy or not, the team has to help Miller out.

 

I don't think Lindy should say "to hell with him". I think he should say "You'll get your chances but it's not going to be against the Bruins". If Miller doesn't like it, well that's something he's going to have to deal with. I don't see why he deserves special treatment. They've got a looooonnnnggggg season left ahead of them. When everybody (including Miller) realizes that he's not God's gift to hockey, this would all be much easier to deal with. I know we'll see plenty of Miller before seasons end, but in the meantime Ruff needs to make decisions that are in the teams best interest in the win column. :D

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So what do we do if Enroth just keeps winning?

 

Keep collecting points.

 

A very fine win.

 

We were totally superior and controlled the game.

 

I go to bed now. It is 04:10AM here.

 

Good night.

 

You sir, are a champion.

 

Miller would still bring in a better return.

 

Because...?

 

11 Sabres pointed in this game... All five goals scored in or near the crease... Boys were crashing the net tonight.

 

This sounds like a good lead for vogl's recap, I wonder if he'll pick up on it...

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It's not good for the Sabres in the long run to have one of your goalies depressed and off his game.

 

Look at this, this is sad:

 

 

 

Even the TSN commentators were noting how sad Miller looks.

You'd think he would look happier if he knew he was playing against Boston.

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Gamenotes:

 

- we have 2 good scoring lines now, and are getting support from the 3-4 lines. This is how the team must operate.

- My contact in the arena says miller was just as excited as everyone else after each goal. I wouldn't read to much into a picture. Sitting on a bench in goalie equipment isn't exactly the most comfortable thing, and the shot was probably taken during a media time out.

- Vanek must learn some discipline. Especially if he wants to continue on the PK.

- The pressure in the third was astounding. My favorite method of protecting a lead. Step on their throats (apologies to Malarchuk and Zednik)

 

Other Notes: The Aircraft Carrier Basketball game last night was awesome. How about a Winter Classic between the Sabres and Rangers from a carrier in NY Harbor?

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Morning after Musings:

 

1. Oh Mr Enroth, you are creating quite a dilemna in Buffalo. Please keep it up.

2. Any win against Ottawa feels good. A crushing win is just magical for the pysche.

3. There was a legitimate sighting of a second line last night.

4. Can we please clone Regehr? His influence on this defense will be clearly seen in the spring.

5. Could this be the game that gets Ville's game going?

6. Three assists by Stafford sure underscore what a good game he played last night.

7. The Sabres were very lucky that the lone goal against was scored just after the first penalty elapsed on the 5-on-3. That allowed Vanek out of the box. Another goal there might have changed the whole complexion of the game.

8. 14 Sabres got a SOG last night.

9. Nice to see Ellis get a goal. In fact nice to see goal support from 3 different lines and the D.

10. Buffalo took a bunch of penalties early, but cleaned up their game for the second and third and didn't go shorthanded after Vanek's second penalty.

 

just one more....

 

11. Gaustad schooled Spezza on the faceoffs winning 11 of 15. Roy however lost a ton of faceoffs to just about everyone.

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Other Notes: The Aircraft Carrier Basketball game last night was awesome. How about a Winter Classic between the Sabres and Rangers from a carrier in NY Harbor?

 

What an utterly fantastic idea. Proceeds could go to the museum that harbors the carrier..

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Ryan Miller has name recognition. There are teams that would want to add that brand to their hockey team.

 

What team that needs to add that brand to their name is also willing to spend more than $6M on their goalie?

 

I think the customer base for this proposal does not have the funds to buy what you're selling.

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It's not good for the Sabres in the long run to have one of your goalies depressed and off his game.

 

Look at this, this is sad:

 

 

 

Even the TSN commentators were noting how sad Miller looks.

He is a goalie. He is neither happy nore sad but communicating with representatives of the Zothar Nebula. He is a goalie.

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What an utterly fantastic idea. Proceeds could go to the museum that harbors the carrier..

 

 

They would have to bring in a Nimitz Class Carrier, the Essex Class (like the Intrepid) would be too narrow, but they could park it right next to the intrepid (I've seen the Nimitz Class lead ship, USS Nimitz, parked there, it makes the Intrepid look like a fishing boat) It would be in NY on New Years Day, so it could be a part of that whole spectacle.

 

Chz, make it happen.

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What team that needs to add that brand to their name is also willing to spend more than $6M on their goalie?

 

I think the customer base for this proposal does not have the funds to buy what you're selling.

There are nine teams with over $9 mil in cap space available. Miller also only has 2 more years after this on his current contract. Finding him a home and getting a decent return wouldn't be any problem at all. A team like Colorado that is $15 mil under the Cap is a possibility. Even a team like the Islanders. A team with Cap space and a slew of good young forwards that I would love to see in a Sabre uniform.

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There are nine teams with over $9 mil in cap space available. Miller also only has 2 more years after this on his current contract. Finding him a home and getting a decent return wouldn't be any problem at all. A team like Colorado that is $15 mil under the Cap is a possibility. Even a team like the Islanders. A team with Cap space and a slew of good young forwards that I would love to see in a Sabre uniform.

 

The teams with cap space left have said space for a reason, internal budgets are more restrictive.

 

If someone is interested, I'm more than willing (later in the season, and again this conversation started with the assumption that at that point both goalies are playing well), I just doubt the interest.

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