GDT: Calgary Flames @ Buffalo Sabres 1:00 PM MSG, ESPN+, WGR550

[LTS]

Well this was a fun read.

The Flames started out with a passive forecheck and the Sabres took advantage of it. Calgary upped the forecheck and did what other teams have done to them this season the game changed, dramatically.  The Sabres are still not good at breaking out of their zone when facing a high pressure forecheck. They need to fix this. I'm glad they got the early goals because it was what they had to cling to for the rest of the game.

Against a higher power team I think they lose this game, but Calgary isn't a fast paced, light it up, team. They managed a win and that's good, but they need to not play another game like this one.

I also liked the talk about perfectionism. The Sabres can be happy they won this game, but no way in hell should they be satisfied with how they played. Any analytical mind would look at the game and see where improvement can be made. Players continually evaluate their game and try to improve, this is perfectionism. It's okay to accept the outcome while not being satisfied with the execution.

Perfect is difficult to achieve, even for a single game, but it does not mean it's not the objective.

 

[gomper]

8 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

A couple off ice things…

- When are the Sabres going to dump the Teen Idol anthem competition, and make nice with Doug Allen?

- Was in the car when Calgary scored their first goal.  Dunleavy…”we might have something going…and in the meantime, Calgary scores”.  This guy f’ing sucks and I don’t have to listen to any other broadcast to know he is among the worse.  One thing I dread about the Sabres playing better…having to listen to him more often.   Doesn’t matter how much of a good soldier he was waiting for RJ to retire, he needs to be replaced in the off-season…along with Duff & Ray.   

Amen to this. Had a few errands to run during the 2nd. As usual with Dunleavy, I had no idea what was going on. Ray and his rambling just added to the confusion. It sounded like two guys talking at home who happened to be watching the game.

Idk what it is about Duff. He was really good when he started and now it seems like he's playing a character. His creepy smile is unsettling too.

[PerreaultForever]

2 hours ago, LTS said:

Well this was a fun read.

The Flames started out with a passive forecheck and the Sabres took advantage of it. Calgary upped the forecheck and did what other teams have done to them this season the game changed, dramatically.  The Sabres are still not good at breaking out of their zone when facing a high pressure forecheck. They need to fix this. I'm glad they got the early goals because it was what they had to cling to for the rest of the game.

Against a higher power team I think they lose this game, but Calgary isn't a fast paced, light it up, team. They managed a win and that's good, but they need to not play another game like this one.

I also liked the talk about perfectionism. The Sabres can be happy they won this game, but no way in hell should they be satisfied with how they played. Any analytical mind would look at the game and see where improvement can be made. Players continually evaluate their game and try to improve, this is perfectionism. It's okay to accept the outcome while not being satisfied with the execution.

Perfect is difficult to achieve, even for a single game, but it does not mean it's not the objective.

 

I am with this 100%. I am hoping that's what Ruff will say as well. No coddling or acceptance of this as adequate. Demand more. 

[North Buffalo]

4 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

I am with this 100%. I am hoping that's what Ruff will say as well. No coddling or acceptance of this as adequate. Demand more. 

Yeh Bag skate em... seriously looks like energy level and they started to get cute again not dumping the puck in... Calgary always had effort getting guys back... thought Sabres let up a bit... not totally but enough to allow Flames to tie score.... good news Sabres werent out physicalled imo... but Sabres werent able to find another gear to out skate them after the first.

[LGR4GM]

Not gonna lie, feel like everyone is micro analyzing a random game in November. 

They lost their legs late in the 2nd. Happens to all teams at times. They found a way to win. 

On to the next. 

[Cascade Youth]

6 hours ago, LTS said:

Well this was a fun read.

The Flames started out with a passive forecheck and the Sabres took advantage of it. Calgary upped the forecheck and did what other teams have done to them this season the game changed, dramatically.  The Sabres are still not good at breaking out of their zone when facing a high pressure forecheck. They need to fix this. I'm glad they got the early goals because it was what they had to cling to for the rest of the game.

Against a higher power team I think they lose this game, but Calgary isn't a fast paced, light it up, team. They managed a win and that's good, but they need to not play another game like this one.

I also liked the talk about perfectionism. The Sabres can be happy they won this game, but no way in hell should they be satisfied with how they played. Any analytical mind would look at the game and see where improvement can be made. Players continually evaluate their game and try to improve, this is perfectionism. It's okay to accept the outcome while not being satisfied with the execution.

Perfect is difficult to achieve, even for a single game, but it does not mean it's not the objective.

 

I wouldn’t call it perfectionism I’d call it establishing The Standard and holding themselves accountable to it.  Been long overdue.

[JustOneParade]

8 hours ago, Big Guava said:

This is the type of crap that people throw about that is so tiresome.

How many times do teams bring their "A" game? Not that often over a long season. Maybe 20-25%? If you think otherwise you are lying to yourself.

At the end of the year, nobody asks how, only how many. Points, Wins, whatever.

 Trying to do mental gymnastics to equate how a performance in a single game somehow relates to XYZ is a fool's errand that will have you going down a lot of rabbit holes if you let it.

Could they play better? Sure. Like we didn't just watch them demolish teams the last 2 games. Thinking every night is going to be like that is just ridiculous.

Let's enjoy watching this team figure out how to start winning consistently before we slam them for not getting enough style points while doing it.

 

 

Just what about my post do you think was crap? Do you think the Sabres played well over the last two periods? That’s what the conversation was about. Nothing more.

And yes, no team brings their A-game every night or every period even. That’s the NHL. Never suggested otherwise. But it’s not off limits to point out when the Sabres revert to the poor play that’s plagued this franchise for more than a decade.

I am delighted they won. And I think the team is figuring it out and getting better.

[JustOneParade]

10 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Not gonna lie, feel like everyone is micro analyzing a random game in November. 

They lost their legs late in the 2nd. Happens to all teams at times. They found a way to win. 

On to the next. 

But @LGR4GM, isn’t analyzing a particular game what game day threads are all about? Overdone? Certainly can be.

Agree totally with the rest. I think the Sabres will take care of business Monday night.

[Idemo Buffalo]

8 hours ago, jad1 said:

This is hysterical. It's a joke, right?  

Tell me you know nothing about sports without telling me you know nothing about sports.

 

 

I guess I know nothing about sports AND the people at ESPN hockey who rank the players know nothing about sports too. I said guys like Allen and Dahlin are not perfect and everybody knows both are elite players in their sports. Dahlin was the #1 pick in the NHL draft and is the captain of the Buffalo Sabres at age 24. So yeah, he is an elite player.

[LGR4GM]

25 minutes ago, JustOneParade said:

But @LGR4GM, isn’t analyzing a particular game what game day threads are all about? Overdone? Certainly can be.

Agree totally with the rest. I think the Sabres will take care of business Monday night.

You're right

[Pimlach]

10 hours ago, SABRES 0311 said:

Power had a not so good third period. Three bad turnovers.

I like how seeing a Sabre screening the goalie is the norm now. Hope Zucker’s junk is ok after taking a slap shot.

Byram is to blame for the too many men penalty in OT. Casually skating to the bench in a situation where puck control is vital is not good.

I still don’t really see why Ruff played Byram for 32 minutes but he did, and Byram was the guy coasting to the bench during 3 on 3.  That could have been the game.  

It appears that Byram took minutes away from Gilbert (10), Clifton (14) and Power (19).    Ruff says Byram “recharges” fast    Looks like Lindy has a new boy right now.   

Gilbert's had 3 minor penalties, his first 2 penalties were marginal calls that the refs otherwise let go all game. In fact the second penalty was so tic-tac, and Lafferty thought it was on him, which I think it was too, but the ref messed up #8 and #81 and put Gilbert in the box after Lafferty was sitting in there.  The 3rd penalty was 100% interference on Calgary that turned into roughing on each player, and that should have blown the play dead before a shot was even taken.  Calgary was very lucky to get that goal.  

Next game should have Muel back.  Judging by minutes played I think you see Gilbert sitting for sure.   Bryson was excellent again, I think he sticks for awhile longer   

Clifton could be sitting for Joker as well   Clifton typically plays a good amount of PK minutes   The last time Ruff sat Clifton they gave up 2 soft PPGs with our guys failing to clear the puck (Muel and Byram), which cost us the last Detroit game.  
 

Long season, they will all have some rough moments.  
 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 03:19 PM by Pimlach

[Slack_in_MA]

1 hour ago, Cascade Youth said:

I wouldn’t call it perfectionism I’d call it establishing The Standard and holding themselves accountable to it.  Been long overdue.

Yep, aim for perfection and you’re likely to achieve excellence.

[Demoted]

Canadians have a -23 Goal Diff... Lets go 4 in a ROW!

[JohnC]

10 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

No, I can't agree that it was a good win. It was a win. Part of what you say about Calgary is correct, but they are not some top flight team like Florida. They are a rebuild team playing a back to basics grind. This is what I meant when I said they need to learn that not everybody will let you play the way you want to and you have to adjust to that. We did not adjust well. There were numerous breakdowns in the third. We were just fortunate that UPL was on his A game. 

A win is a freaking win! We won because our goalie was superb. How many times have we said that about the opposition's goalie after a loss when we outplayed the opposition? And there will be games where your players have heavy legs and seem like they are skating in mush, and surprisingly win a game on a fluke play when you get a fortuitous deflection off of someone's skate. 

The outcome in hockey games can be the result of flukish plays more so than in other sports. That's what makes it exciting and also exasperating. In general, were the Sabres outplayed yesterday? I would say yes, with the exception of the first 10 minutes where we dominated play. We came away with a win, where usually we don't. I take that as a good sign that this team has enough moxie to prevail when things aren't going fully our way. If you want to lament about it, that's fine. I look at this game as a fortunate win and be happy about it. 

[LGR4GM]

Good news, Sabres are converting their chances. 

Bad news, they need to create more chances. 

 

 

[Demoted]

36 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Good news, Sabres are converting their chances. 

Bad news, they need to create more chances. 

 

 

Now has this number been going up though? I would like to see one from a week ago to see how bad it was. As long as things are trending up... 23-17 is 1% difference, they could easily jump in the next game.

Edited Sunday at 02:56 PM by Demoted

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Pimlach said:

I still don’t really see why Ruff played Byram for 32 minutes but he did, and Byram was the guy coasting to the bench during 3 on 3.  That could have been the game.  

It appears that Byram took minutes away from Gilbert (10), Clifton (14) and Power (19).    Ruff says Byram “recharges” fast    Looks like Lindy has a new boy right now.   

Gilbert's had 3 minor penalties, his first 2 penalties were marginal calls that the refs otherwise let go all game. In fact the second penalty was so tic-tac, and Lafferty thought it was on him, which I think it was too, but the ref messed up #8 and #81 and put Gilbert in the box after Lafferty was sitting in there.  The 3rd penalty was 100% interference on Calgary that turned into roughing on each player, and that should have blown the play dead before a shot was even taken.  Calgary was very lucky to get that goal.  

Next game should have Muel back.  Judging by minutes played I think you see Gilbert sitting aforesaid sure.   Bryson was excellent again, I think he sticks for awhile longer   

Clifton could be sitting for Joker as well   Clifton typically plays a good amount of PK minutes   The last time Ruff sat Clifton they gave up 2 soft PPGs with our guys failing to clear the puck (Muel and Byram), which cost us the last Detroit game.  
 

Long season, they will all have some rough moments.  
 

 

 

My view of Gilbert is that he is a pedestrian and fringe player. But, in this game, for some odd reason the refs were determined to single him out. We have all heard the term "the teacher's pet" but in this case he was the "teacher's target".  The calls against him were both unfair and baffling. 

As like you, I didn't really understand why Byram got such an absurd number of minutes. I'm not saying that he shouldn't have gotten a heavy workload, but it seemed way too large. I would have added a couple more minutes to Power and Clifton. 

Edited Sunday at 03:25 PM by JohnC

[Porous Five Hole]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Good news, Sabres are converting their chances. 

Bad news, they need to create more chances. 

 

 

Wow Ottawa is high and the Wings are woof

[Pimlach]

7 minutes ago, JohnC said:

My view of Gilbert is that he is a pedestrian and fringe player. But, in this game, for some odd reason the refs were determined to single him out. We have all heard the term "the teacher's pet" but in this case he was the "teacher's target".  The calls against him were both unfair and baffling. 

As like you, I didn't really understand why Byram got such an absurd number of minutes. I'm not saying that he shouldn't have gotten a heavy workload, but it seemed way too large. I would have added a couple more minutes to Power and Clifton. 

No doubt Gilbert is 8 out of 8 when you look at overall skill level.    It sure looked like the 2nd penalty was on Laffferty (81) for putting a stick blade on someone around the arms/hands.  Lafferty went to the box, then they switched him with Gilbert.   Unfortunately, we cannot count on Dunleavy and Ray to keep up with the game and clarify the call either. 
 

Byram is playing much better, but like all of them, when you play that many minutes you will make some mistakes.  Every defenseman in the league is out there for goals scored against their team.  
 

I like that Lindy is rotating the 8.  Keep them fresh and hungry. 
 

 

[LGR4GM]

26 minutes ago, Porous Five Hole said:

Wow Ottawa is high and the Wings are woof

The Redwings won't make the playoffs. 

[LTS]

3 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Not gonna lie, feel like everyone is micro analyzing a random game in November. 

They lost their legs late in the 2nd. Happens to all teams at times. They found a way to win. 

On to the next. 

I don't know if it's micro analyzing, where is the line between analyzing and micro-analyzing?  I'm not sure. I think it's fair to look at this game and say they got a win, but Calgary's adjustments were something the Sabres did not overcome. Those adjustments to the forecheck mirror what others teams have done to the Sabres and have resulted in Sabres losses.  I think it's fair to call that out, much like the Sabres did to the Rangers attempting to mirror what Washington had done to them.

If they don't figure out how to get out of a hard 2 man forecheck they will be in trouble when teams can execute it well.

36 minutes ago, JohnC said:

My view of Gilbert is that he is a pedestrian and fringe player. But, in this game, for some odd reason the refs were determined to single him out. We have all heard the term "the teacher's pet" but in this case he was the "teacher's target".  The calls against him were both unfair and baffling. 

As like you, I didn't really understand why Byram got such an absurd number of minutes. I'm not saying that he shouldn't have gotten a heavy workload, but it seemed way too large. I would have added a couple more minutes to Power and Clifton. 

If I am not mistaken one of those Gilbert penalties was Lafferty.  The officials earlier in the game weren't sure who on Calgary committed a penalty and had to get the right guy in the box.  They were really bad in the game overall.

[LabattBlue]

18 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

A couple off ice things…

- When are the Sabres going to dump the Teen Idol anthem competition, and make nice with Doug Allen?

- Was in the car when Calgary scored their first goal.  Dunleavy…”we might have something going…and in the meantime, Calgary scores”.  This guy f’ing sucks and I don’t have to listen to any other broadcast to know he is among the worse.  One thing I dread about the Sabres playing better…having to listen to him more often.   Doesn’t matter how much of a good soldier he was waiting for RJ to retire, he needs to be replaced in the off-season…along with Duff & Ray.   

My mistake.  Went back and watched it…the “we might have something going on” was Ray(as someone corrected me). 
 

That being said, I stand by the rest of my post, Dunleavy sucks and has to be one of the worst PbP guys in the NHL. 

[JohnC]

46 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

No doubt Gilbert is 8 out of 8 when you look at overall skill level.    It sure looked like the 2nd penalty was on Laffferty (81) for putting a stick blade on someone around the arms/hands.  Lafferty went to the box, then they switched him with Gilbert.   Unfortunately, we cannot count on Dunleavy and Ray to keep up with the game and clarify the call either. 
 

Byram is playing much better, but like all of them, when you play that many minutes you will make some mistakes.  Every defenseman in the league is out there for goals scored against their team.  
 

I like that Lindy is rotating the 8.  Keep them fresh and hungry. 
 

 

The one thing that Lindy is doing well is balancing out the minutes for all four lines. It helps that the lower lines are playing well and eating up some of the minutes that the second line would normally get. In the long run, spreading out the minutes will lesson the fatigue and battered factors for the roster as the season grinds on. The difference between this year and previous years is that the team is at a stage where there is depth that can fill in without a major drop in performance. 

[jad1]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

The Redwings won't make the playoffs. 

The Red Wings are a mess.

[French Collection]

42 minutes ago, JohnC said:

The one thing that Lindy is doing well is balancing out the minutes for all four lines. It helps that the lower lines are playing well and eating up some of the minutes that the second line would normally get. In the long run, spreading out the minutes will lesson the fatigue and battered factors for the roster as the season grinds on. The difference between this year and previous years is that the team is at a stage where there is depth that can fill in without a major drop in performance. 

Putting out a 3rd line that tilts the ice in your favour and a 4th line that is more than just cross your fingers adequate helps everyone.

As you say, they should have more gas in the tank later in games and later in the season.