GDT Sabres at NYI 4-4-15 7PM MSG, GR 550

[dudacek]

Girgorenko seems to be matched up against Tavares every shift.

 

EDIT: and his line dominated that last one.

Edited April 4, 2015 by dudacek

[...]

The Grigorenko line looks like the only line that can sustain pressure in the Islander's zone.

[rumblefish]

rocky 1st period, but all is not lost, started to get chances and legs under them at the end of the period, Sabres phoning this one in not happing and that is a good thing, fight on boys fight on

[dudacek]

Finished the period a lot better than they started.

The Grigorenko line looks like the only line that can sustain pressure in the Islander's zone.

 

Grigorenko has gotten so much better at getting to loose pucks and doing something with them.

He was absolutely useless in that area last year.

Foligno has been a beast at possession lately and Des is doing his share as well.

 

Adding Larsson, Fasching, Girgensons and Kane is making the Sabres a lot harder to play against in the attacking zone.

I'll say it again. We still suck, but I like Murray's vision for this team.

[Chris in Syracuse]

Can Makarov keep it together for 60?

[I am Defecting]

Can Makarov keep it together for 60?

I hope so.  

 

I am also hoping that Grigorenko do some International Harvesting and consummate his improved effort with a goal or two.

 

If it ain't red, leave it in the shed.

[Randall Flagg]

These islanders jerseys are awful.

[Tondas]

Sabres playing the better teams in the league pretty even, and at times, outplaying them.  Some of that has got to be Nolan and the coaching staff.  They've done an admirable job maintain positive momentum knowing they are likely unemployed after the season.

[dudacek]

Makarov looking good.

I'm not sold on him as our goalie of the future, but he's the best chance we've got currently playing pro.

[...]

How did Halak see that?

[I am Defecting]

Sabres playing the better teams in the league pretty even, and at times, outplaying them.  Some of that has got to be Nolan and the coaching staff.  They've done an admirable job maintain positive momentum knowing they are likely unemployed after the season.

Rolston was .25 winning percentage last year.  Nolan has exceeded expectations with .28, despite a decimated roster.  I think many on this team will find jobs.  Sabres just need one point to improve on last years point total.  They already have more wins than last year.  

[rumblefish]

Sabres are a "Gimme Shelter" away from tying this game up

[I am Defecting]

Yes.  Power Play!  Are you ready d4rksabrefan?!

[Tondas]

Rolston was .25 winning percentage last year.  Nolan has exceeded expectations with .28, despite a decimated roster.  I think many on this team will find jobs.  Sabres just need one point to improve on last years point total.  They already have more wins than last year.  

Good stats, Anna.  Admittedly, my "analysis" was more anecdotal.  They are just playing extremely hard with a roster that is much worse than they had earlier in the year (no Girg, Gorges, Weber, Enroth, etc.).

[I am Defecting]

You can be first line player on Power Play Unit of Team Victory with me any day, Tondas.  

 

Let's Go Buffalo!

[Nitro60]

They way this group is playing top teams in the last half of the season gives me hope for next year.  Add a couple players (including a goalie) and stay healthy, they will be better and much improved team.  They have dumped more talented players the past two seasons but the point total and wins are the same.  Tells you how many guys were content getting a pay check and not putting in the effort. Like the way they are playing the Islanders tonight.

[I am Defecting]

Let's do this, Tondas.  

Yikes.  Did we just ice it on the powerplay?!

[Andrew Amerk]

Exciting game

[I am Defecting]

Let's do some swashbuckling.  30 seconds left on the powerplay.  

[darksabre]

Yes. Power Play! Are you ready d4rksabrefan?!

I've been watching but I'm distracted eating the food of my people! Fresh pierogi, fresh kielbasa, placzek, and of course cold Zywiec, brewed in my great grandmother's hometown. I love this time of year. :beer:

[I am Defecting]

I've been watching but I'm distracted eating the food of my people! Fresh pierogi, fresh kielbasa, placzek, and of course cold Zywiec, brewed in my great grandmother's hometown. I love this time of year. :beer:

 

:doh: How come I didn't think of this?

 

[Robviously]

Sabres are making this way too interesting.

[Tondas]

I would like to see Ennis get 20 this year.  That would be a significant accomplishment on this team.  Sort of like dog years.  20 goals on the Sabres equals 45 on a good team.

[SabresFanInRochester]

Sabres playing the better teams in the league pretty even, and at times, outplaying them.  Some of that has got to be Nolan and the coaching staff.  They've done an admirable job maintain positive momentum knowing they are likely unemployed after the season.

If someone told you that your boss thinks you're worthless and do a lousy job, would it motivate you to prove otherwise. These guys are professional athletes with a ton of pride. The players are pissed that they are part of the worst team in the league and do not want that stigma. They are embarrassed that the fans are jeering them, not cheering them. Nolan is the messenger and if they don't have a pin-up of Kim Pegula in the locker room, I would be surprised. I think it's more player pride with a Win One for the Gipper speech from Nolan on a regular basis. I think he is a motivator and not a x's and o's coach, and what I would like to see going forward is an x's and o's coach. You cannot win long-term with motivational speeches. It gets old and out-maneuvered.

[darksabre]

Sabres are making this way too interesting.

This team, despite being bad, has come a long way with having good habits. They use their bodies to shield the puck better, they're a little more patient, they're going to the dirty areas. All the things we could never get the Jason Pominville Sabres to do.