Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The NHL Standings say that the Buffalo Sabres have 47 points, tied with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets at the bottom of the league. At 52 games played, the Sabres have played more than the Flames, Leafs and Jets and because of it sit behind those three in the standings. They've played two more than the Jackets who are in 30th place and have played the same number of games as the Oilers but because Buffalo has three more regulation/overtime wins than Edmonton they presently hold down 28th-place in the league standing.
For some in Sabreland it's an abomination that a team like Buffalo, who went to the bottom of the league two-years running, should be in this predicament. And in typical fan-fashion, begin to throw blame around.
Some of it is thrown head coach Dan Bylsma's way, especially in light of his shootout choices in the home loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday. Some of the blame is directed at GM Tim Murray who finished the tear-down his predecessor started. It could be said that this is almost wholly Murray's squad as there are only a few holdovers from the previous regime.
Then there's blame directed at individual players and in a real head-scratcher, some throw a heap of blame towards Terry Pegula and Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
And, of course, there are those who believe there's a "stealth tank" going on as our own 22sabresQ mentioned. That Murray's looking for one more top-end pick before the team really gives it a go.
Showing posts with label 2015-16 Regular Season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015-16 Regular Season. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
The Sabres scoring woes continue in 3-0 loss to Detroit at home.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
When Buffalo goaltender Robin Lehner got angry after allowing the first goal of the game by Detroit's Dylan Larkin, one had to wonder if his frustration was directed exclusively at himself or more broadly at how the team in front of him was playing.
The Sabres and the Red Wings had been going at it for over 50 minutes with neither team able to break through. The ice had been decidedly tilted towards Buffalo's end for the lion's share of the game and Lehner had to stand tall just to keep Buffalo in it. It was as frustrating Sabres fans as it was for Lehner as the lead-in to Larkin's eventual game-winner in the 3-0 shutout by Detroit. In an all to familiar scenario a Buffalo player was sent to the penalty box for a double-minor, the Sabres killed it off but they would get scored upon not long after.
Marcus Foligno clipped Larkin with a high stick in the Buffalo crease, drew blood and the Sabres were facing the prospect of shutting down a pretty potent Red Wings powerplay for four minutes. What Foligno was doing in that instance is questionable as the force of his upward stick movement could've lofted a hay bale 20 feet in the air. But off he went to the box.
When Buffalo goaltender Robin Lehner got angry after allowing the first goal of the game by Detroit's Dylan Larkin, one had to wonder if his frustration was directed exclusively at himself or more broadly at how the team in front of him was playing.
The Sabres and the Red Wings had been going at it for over 50 minutes with neither team able to break through. The ice had been decidedly tilted towards Buffalo's end for the lion's share of the game and Lehner had to stand tall just to keep Buffalo in it. It was as frustrating Sabres fans as it was for Lehner as the lead-in to Larkin's eventual game-winner in the 3-0 shutout by Detroit. In an all to familiar scenario a Buffalo player was sent to the penalty box for a double-minor, the Sabres killed it off but they would get scored upon not long after.
Marcus Foligno clipped Larkin with a high stick in the Buffalo crease, drew blood and the Sabres were facing the prospect of shutting down a pretty potent Red Wings powerplay for four minutes. What Foligno was doing in that instance is questionable as the force of his upward stick movement could've lofted a hay bale 20 feet in the air. But off he went to the box.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Half-way point: 29th place, 6-game losing streak, mid-term grades
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
After 41 games the Buffalo Sabres are 15-22-4 thanks in large part to their longest losing streak of the season. Last night's loss at Chicago to the Blackhawks pushed the streak to six and it won't get too much easier as they'll be on the second leg of a three-game road trip. They play at Winnipeg tomorrow and at Minnesota on Tuesday. Both, it would seem, are more winnable than the Chicago game for this young squad, yet getting a victory remains a tall task.
At the half-way point of the season, with the players and coaching staff familiar with themselves, each other and the systems in place, here's a quick synopsis and grade for each individual player. But we'll start with the coaching staff.
Coaching Staff, C-
Last night after the Blackhawks game I sent a text out to a friend that read, "It would seem as if teams know how to defend against Buffalo." Head coach Dan Bylsma has not been able to use his teams strengths, nor has he found way to get the puck on the stick of his best players in prime areas recently. That has lead to only eight goals-for during this six-game losing streak and only a 2.24 goals/game average on the season.
Former head coach Ted Nolan had his team in the same position last season with far less talent in a far less structured system. Not that the Sabres should go back to that, but contrary to the relentless barbs thrown at GM Tim Murray, the players assembled have talent, but it's being bottled up.
In the here and now, this team has regressed and the coaching staff hasn't figured out how to reverse it.
After 41 games the Buffalo Sabres are 15-22-4 thanks in large part to their longest losing streak of the season. Last night's loss at Chicago to the Blackhawks pushed the streak to six and it won't get too much easier as they'll be on the second leg of a three-game road trip. They play at Winnipeg tomorrow and at Minnesota on Tuesday. Both, it would seem, are more winnable than the Chicago game for this young squad, yet getting a victory remains a tall task.
At the half-way point of the season, with the players and coaching staff familiar with themselves, each other and the systems in place, here's a quick synopsis and grade for each individual player. But we'll start with the coaching staff.
Coaching Staff, C-
Last night after the Blackhawks game I sent a text out to a friend that read, "It would seem as if teams know how to defend against Buffalo." Head coach Dan Bylsma has not been able to use his teams strengths, nor has he found way to get the puck on the stick of his best players in prime areas recently. That has lead to only eight goals-for during this six-game losing streak and only a 2.24 goals/game average on the season.
Former head coach Ted Nolan had his team in the same position last season with far less talent in a far less structured system. Not that the Sabres should go back to that, but contrary to the relentless barbs thrown at GM Tim Murray, the players assembled have talent, but it's being bottled up.
In the here and now, this team has regressed and the coaching staff hasn't figured out how to reverse it.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
We know Rasmus Ristolainen's a bad man. Quick hits below the blueline
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Yesterday we looked at the forwards and where they stood, today it's time for the defense and goalies.
Much to the surprise of many, the defense has been playing much better than expected and it's helped the goaltenders out as well. When there have been breakdowns on defense the goaltenders have come up with some pretty good stops.
One thing to keep in mind when looking at those behind the blueline, there are a bevy of forwards lead by Ryan O'Reilly, Zemgus Girgensons and even a hard back-checking Jack Eichel who've gotten on their horses to help out in the defensive zone. Sure, there have been breakdowns coupled with miscommunication leading to goals, but the Sabres' surprising 2.53 team goals-against average (14th in the league) is far superior to anything we've seen over the course of the last three seasons.
Some quick hits on the defensemen and goalies at the Christmas break:
Rasmus Ristolainen--"has become an absolute beast." Those aren't my words (at least not my exact words, I called him "a bad man") rather they came from Ryan Kennedy of the hockey news. Ristolainen is all of 21 yrs. old and he's leading the Sabres blueline in all categories while leading the team in total ice-time. He's also on a pace to score almost 60 points, something that hasn't been done since recent Hall of Fame inductee Phil Housley (81 points) did so back in the 1989-90 season.
Jake McCabe--One of McCabe's most impressive traits is his recuperative powers. He'll have a rough period only to come back immediately with an outstanding one and he'll do that with shifts as well. It's probably the most important thing a young defenseman can do--forget about his mistakes. McCabe continues to impress with his skating, smarts and hitting. He's good with the stick on defense, has a scoring touch as well, finds the open ice and has a good grasp of when to pinch. And he's 22 yrs. old with only 40 NHL games played thus far in his young career.
Josh Gorges--has been playing an underrated, shutdown game for the Sabres while being on the top-pairing with Ristolainen. Gorges had some injury problems last season which affected his game and ultimately affected how he was perceived by those in Sabreland. Although he doesn't look out of place next to a stud like Ristolainen, a second-pairing spot where he can be a shutdown force may be in the cards for him sometime in the near future. Should Buffalo find that top-pairing, left-handed d-man (and who knows, it may end up possibly being McCabe) then having Gorges on the second-pairing with top-PK duties would be a great thing for the defense.
Cody Franson--when he tries to step into one from the point oft-times it sails ten feet wide and has players ducking for cover all over the zone. He's got the intensity of Thomas Vanek and can skate just about as fast, neither of which are good things. Although he has some pretty good skills and I understand why he was signed, he doesn't seem to fit the mold of what GM Tim Murray wants out of his players. All said, he serves his purpose as a very affordable 3rd-pairing d-man with some powerplay acumen.
Mark Pysyk--should simply be known as the quite one, as in he quietly goes about his business playing shutdown defense while moving the puck smoothly out of his zone under the most intense pressure. Reminds me of the most underrated Buffalo Sabre of all time--Bill Hajt. The Sabres would do real well moving forward with a shutdown d-man of that caliber.
Carlo Colaiacovo--Has exceeded modest expectations in his reserve/bottom-pairing role. Although he ain't Niklas Lidstrom, Colaiacovo is veteran of over 450 regular season NHL games knows his way around the ice. And he knows his role too.
Mike Weber--much maligned and often a whipping boy, Weber's rarely given full credit for his role as a bottom-pairing/reserve d-man with bite. He makes his mistakes and fumbles around on occasion, like many do, but he's been able to hold his own on the back-end and has played to his level. One thing you gotta like is that he's unafraid to do the dirty work.
Zach Bogosian--although he's recovered from an injury that had him miss the first month and a half of the regular season, he's still getting up to game-speed. Dude can really skate and rattle the boards with one of his checks. Although he's a bit overzealous in the hitting department, while also getting caught out of position because of it, he's pretty sound in his own end. Plus he's got an attitude too.
In the net:
Chad Johnson--simply put, has been outstanding. Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma loves Johnson's calm demeanor in net. "Johnny" has gained the confidence of coaches and players and seems to be getting better and stronger in net. Coughing up juicy rebounds has been a major roadblock to No. 1 goalie status for him but as of late he's been getting a handle on those. Not sure when the last time his confidence-level was this high, if ever. When Robin Lehner comes back from injury, it will be interesting to see how each react to the other as Johnson's making a case to remain the starter.
Linus Ullmark--while Lehner and Johnson may be battling it out for the starters-role near-term, Ullmark should be in that mix a few years down the road. For a 22 yr. old rookie goaltender playing his first pro season in North America, he's acquitted himself quite well. Early in the season Bylsma was impressed with Ullmark's calm demeanor under pressure. Still looks like a rook on many occasions, especially when he's lunging, but all-in-all, a fine NHL debut thus far for the 6'4" 212 lb. Ulmark
Yesterday we looked at the forwards and where they stood, today it's time for the defense and goalies.
Much to the surprise of many, the defense has been playing much better than expected and it's helped the goaltenders out as well. When there have been breakdowns on defense the goaltenders have come up with some pretty good stops.
One thing to keep in mind when looking at those behind the blueline, there are a bevy of forwards lead by Ryan O'Reilly, Zemgus Girgensons and even a hard back-checking Jack Eichel who've gotten on their horses to help out in the defensive zone. Sure, there have been breakdowns coupled with miscommunication leading to goals, but the Sabres' surprising 2.53 team goals-against average (14th in the league) is far superior to anything we've seen over the course of the last three seasons.
Some quick hits on the defensemen and goalies at the Christmas break:
Rasmus Ristolainen--"has become an absolute beast." Those aren't my words (at least not my exact words, I called him "a bad man") rather they came from Ryan Kennedy of the hockey news. Ristolainen is all of 21 yrs. old and he's leading the Sabres blueline in all categories while leading the team in total ice-time. He's also on a pace to score almost 60 points, something that hasn't been done since recent Hall of Fame inductee Phil Housley (81 points) did so back in the 1989-90 season.
Jake McCabe--One of McCabe's most impressive traits is his recuperative powers. He'll have a rough period only to come back immediately with an outstanding one and he'll do that with shifts as well. It's probably the most important thing a young defenseman can do--forget about his mistakes. McCabe continues to impress with his skating, smarts and hitting. He's good with the stick on defense, has a scoring touch as well, finds the open ice and has a good grasp of when to pinch. And he's 22 yrs. old with only 40 NHL games played thus far in his young career.
Josh Gorges--has been playing an underrated, shutdown game for the Sabres while being on the top-pairing with Ristolainen. Gorges had some injury problems last season which affected his game and ultimately affected how he was perceived by those in Sabreland. Although he doesn't look out of place next to a stud like Ristolainen, a second-pairing spot where he can be a shutdown force may be in the cards for him sometime in the near future. Should Buffalo find that top-pairing, left-handed d-man (and who knows, it may end up possibly being McCabe) then having Gorges on the second-pairing with top-PK duties would be a great thing for the defense.
Cody Franson--when he tries to step into one from the point oft-times it sails ten feet wide and has players ducking for cover all over the zone. He's got the intensity of Thomas Vanek and can skate just about as fast, neither of which are good things. Although he has some pretty good skills and I understand why he was signed, he doesn't seem to fit the mold of what GM Tim Murray wants out of his players. All said, he serves his purpose as a very affordable 3rd-pairing d-man with some powerplay acumen.
Mark Pysyk--should simply be known as the quite one, as in he quietly goes about his business playing shutdown defense while moving the puck smoothly out of his zone under the most intense pressure. Reminds me of the most underrated Buffalo Sabre of all time--Bill Hajt. The Sabres would do real well moving forward with a shutdown d-man of that caliber.
Carlo Colaiacovo--Has exceeded modest expectations in his reserve/bottom-pairing role. Although he ain't Niklas Lidstrom, Colaiacovo is veteran of over 450 regular season NHL games knows his way around the ice. And he knows his role too.
Mike Weber--much maligned and often a whipping boy, Weber's rarely given full credit for his role as a bottom-pairing/reserve d-man with bite. He makes his mistakes and fumbles around on occasion, like many do, but he's been able to hold his own on the back-end and has played to his level. One thing you gotta like is that he's unafraid to do the dirty work.
Zach Bogosian--although he's recovered from an injury that had him miss the first month and a half of the regular season, he's still getting up to game-speed. Dude can really skate and rattle the boards with one of his checks. Although he's a bit overzealous in the hitting department, while also getting caught out of position because of it, he's pretty sound in his own end. Plus he's got an attitude too.
In the net:
Chad Johnson--simply put, has been outstanding. Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma loves Johnson's calm demeanor in net. "Johnny" has gained the confidence of coaches and players and seems to be getting better and stronger in net. Coughing up juicy rebounds has been a major roadblock to No. 1 goalie status for him but as of late he's been getting a handle on those. Not sure when the last time his confidence-level was this high, if ever. When Robin Lehner comes back from injury, it will be interesting to see how each react to the other as Johnson's making a case to remain the starter.
Linus Ullmark--while Lehner and Johnson may be battling it out for the starters-role near-term, Ullmark should be in that mix a few years down the road. For a 22 yr. old rookie goaltender playing his first pro season in North America, he's acquitted himself quite well. Early in the season Bylsma was impressed with Ullmark's calm demeanor under pressure. Still looks like a rook on many occasions, especially when he's lunging, but all-in-all, a fine NHL debut thus far for the 6'4" 212 lb. Ulmark
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Quick hits on Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and the rest of the forwards
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The Buffalo Sabres are off until Saturday when they face the Boston Bruins in Beantown. After 2 1/2 months of growing pains the Sabres are at 14-16-4 good for 25th in the league. As a team they've been learning and adapting to a whole new system under head coach Dan Bylsma, while also skating with a bevy of new faces, and as one would expect they're having their ups and downs.
The offense as a whole hasn't been tearing it up but progress is being made while individually, there's been some exceptional play and some not so exceptional play. Some quick hits on how the forwards are doing so far on an individual basis:
Ryan O'Reilly--has been a force and has been instrumental in helping linemate Sam Reinhart adapt and succeed. Top player on the Sabres, bar-none, one of the top two-way players in the league as well. Continues to impress on the ice and hates to lose which will serve this young team well moving forward.
Sam Reinhart--after a slow start, has really found his groove. Reinhart has been working with O'Reilly after practice and it shows as he's improved shot (8 goals, 12.3 shooting percentage) and has really developed chemistry with O'Reilly. Kids got the hockey sense and ample skill, is beginning to figure out how to overcome minor size-issues at the NHL-level. Leads the team in plus/minus with a plus-2.
Jack Eichel--an incredible talent with blazing speed and has the ability to develop into something real special. Teams continue to throw bodies in his path to stop him before he gets started and he's yet to find a way to counter that. Linemates who can open up a bit more ice for him would help as would him using his linemates more. Second on the team with nine goals.
Evander Kane--missed 10 games due to injury but has kicked it up with six goals and three assists in his last 13 games. Needs to keep his north/south aggressive game rolling. He an Eichel on the same line hasn't been a total disaster, but try connecting the same poles of two different magnets.
Jamie McGinn--has been a pleasant surprise. Missed all but 19 games last season with Colorado then was surprised when the Avalanche shipped him and O'Reilly to Buffalo. Has speed, tenacity as well as finish and looks real good out there. Huge benefit being on a line with O'Reilly and Reinhart, but has proven he can hold his own in a top-six winger role.
Zemgus Girgensons--disappointing on the offensive side (2g, 3a) but one would think that he's not been disappointing in the role Bylsma has given him. As the third-line center Girgensons has had the unenviable task of taking on the opposition's top lines. And he's a minus-1. Former coach Jim Montgomery told us, "whatever situation he is put in the coach is going to love him and his teammates are going to love him."
Tyler Ennis--was having some troubles before he went down with an injury. Kid can weave in and out of a defense, stickhandle in a phone booth and put the puck in the net. When he's on he can work some magic, when he's off, which has been most of the year, he's doin' a whole lotta choppin' with no chips flyin'.
Matt Moulson--would you believe he's tied for sixth on the team in points? Moulson has struggled mightily and now finds himself on the fourth line thanks to the emergence of Reinhart and McGinn on the top line. A scorer on the fourth line could mean a banishment to King Moonracer's press-box island for a game or two.
Brian Gionta--Started the year off real strong but has fallen back a bit. At 36 yrs. old shows bursts of speed that had him keeping up with the big dogs on the top lines. But that was earlier in the season. May have found a home on the third line with Girgensons. Has been the best, most consistent line three games running.
Johan Larsson--he may also have found his place. Like Gionta, Bylsma had him up in the top six but it didn't work out so now Larssons nipping at the ankles of the opposition on the third line. When he's on his game he's a pest, and when that line is on, their aggressive on the forecheck. And right now, they're on.
David Legwand--most wondered what the 35 yr. old had to offer a young team like Buffalo's, but he's proven to be a stabilizing force. Bylsma has been using his fourth line quite often and it's because he trusts them with Legwand on it. He's also anchoring the top penalty kill unit up-front with O'Reilly, a unit that's shown steady improvement as of late.
Marcus Foligno--another one who may have found his home. As a power forward Foligno plays a real strong game, as a scorer? Still needs work. May be settling into his role as a bottom-six player who can contribute offensively.
Nic Deslauriers--has a motor that's non-stop and a crazed look in his eye that says he's ready to get it on at any time. Deslauriers is in his second full season and is another one who knows his role and gives it everything he's got when on the ice.
The Buffalo Sabres are off until Saturday when they face the Boston Bruins in Beantown. After 2 1/2 months of growing pains the Sabres are at 14-16-4 good for 25th in the league. As a team they've been learning and adapting to a whole new system under head coach Dan Bylsma, while also skating with a bevy of new faces, and as one would expect they're having their ups and downs.
The offense as a whole hasn't been tearing it up but progress is being made while individually, there's been some exceptional play and some not so exceptional play. Some quick hits on how the forwards are doing so far on an individual basis:
Ryan O'Reilly--has been a force and has been instrumental in helping linemate Sam Reinhart adapt and succeed. Top player on the Sabres, bar-none, one of the top two-way players in the league as well. Continues to impress on the ice and hates to lose which will serve this young team well moving forward.
Sam Reinhart--after a slow start, has really found his groove. Reinhart has been working with O'Reilly after practice and it shows as he's improved shot (8 goals, 12.3 shooting percentage) and has really developed chemistry with O'Reilly. Kids got the hockey sense and ample skill, is beginning to figure out how to overcome minor size-issues at the NHL-level. Leads the team in plus/minus with a plus-2.
Jack Eichel--an incredible talent with blazing speed and has the ability to develop into something real special. Teams continue to throw bodies in his path to stop him before he gets started and he's yet to find a way to counter that. Linemates who can open up a bit more ice for him would help as would him using his linemates more. Second on the team with nine goals.
Evander Kane--missed 10 games due to injury but has kicked it up with six goals and three assists in his last 13 games. Needs to keep his north/south aggressive game rolling. He an Eichel on the same line hasn't been a total disaster, but try connecting the same poles of two different magnets.
Jamie McGinn--has been a pleasant surprise. Missed all but 19 games last season with Colorado then was surprised when the Avalanche shipped him and O'Reilly to Buffalo. Has speed, tenacity as well as finish and looks real good out there. Huge benefit being on a line with O'Reilly and Reinhart, but has proven he can hold his own in a top-six winger role.
Zemgus Girgensons--disappointing on the offensive side (2g, 3a) but one would think that he's not been disappointing in the role Bylsma has given him. As the third-line center Girgensons has had the unenviable task of taking on the opposition's top lines. And he's a minus-1. Former coach Jim Montgomery told us, "whatever situation he is put in the coach is going to love him and his teammates are going to love him."
Tyler Ennis--was having some troubles before he went down with an injury. Kid can weave in and out of a defense, stickhandle in a phone booth and put the puck in the net. When he's on he can work some magic, when he's off, which has been most of the year, he's doin' a whole lotta choppin' with no chips flyin'.
Matt Moulson--would you believe he's tied for sixth on the team in points? Moulson has struggled mightily and now finds himself on the fourth line thanks to the emergence of Reinhart and McGinn on the top line. A scorer on the fourth line could mean a banishment to King Moonracer's press-box island for a game or two.
Brian Gionta--Started the year off real strong but has fallen back a bit. At 36 yrs. old shows bursts of speed that had him keeping up with the big dogs on the top lines. But that was earlier in the season. May have found a home on the third line with Girgensons. Has been the best, most consistent line three games running.
Johan Larsson--he may also have found his place. Like Gionta, Bylsma had him up in the top six but it didn't work out so now Larssons nipping at the ankles of the opposition on the third line. When he's on his game he's a pest, and when that line is on, their aggressive on the forecheck. And right now, they're on.
David Legwand--most wondered what the 35 yr. old had to offer a young team like Buffalo's, but he's proven to be a stabilizing force. Bylsma has been using his fourth line quite often and it's because he trusts them with Legwand on it. He's also anchoring the top penalty kill unit up-front with O'Reilly, a unit that's shown steady improvement as of late.
Marcus Foligno--another one who may have found his home. As a power forward Foligno plays a real strong game, as a scorer? Still needs work. May be settling into his role as a bottom-six player who can contribute offensively.
Nic Deslauriers--has a motor that's non-stop and a crazed look in his eye that says he's ready to get it on at any time. Deslauriers is in his second full season and is another one who knows his role and gives it everything he's got when on the ice.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Speed kills...Sabres...again
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
It's one thing to be able to skate like the wind. It's another to skate like a whirlwind. And it's extremely difficult defending either.
After losing a 4-2 decision to the Connor McDavid-less Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night, the Buffalo Sabres proceeded to drop a 5-2 decision to the Vancouver Canucks last night. The predominant factor in both losses--speed.
The Oilers did it by outracing Buffalo all over the ice. Whether it was getting to a loose puck or sending an extra man flying towards a player like Jack Eichel in the neutral zone to disrupt a rush, Edmonton got to where they needed to be quickly. The Canucks, featuring the wizardry of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, worked their magic at high speed. As they do to many teams when they're on their game, Vancouver swirled in and around the Sabres defense seemingly always just a half a step ahead.
How fitting that the Canucks would work that magic on West Coast Express Night at Rogers Arena last night.
It's one thing to be able to skate like the wind. It's another to skate like a whirlwind. And it's extremely difficult defending either.
After losing a 4-2 decision to the Connor McDavid-less Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night, the Buffalo Sabres proceeded to drop a 5-2 decision to the Vancouver Canucks last night. The predominant factor in both losses--speed.
The Oilers did it by outracing Buffalo all over the ice. Whether it was getting to a loose puck or sending an extra man flying towards a player like Jack Eichel in the neutral zone to disrupt a rush, Edmonton got to where they needed to be quickly. The Canucks, featuring the wizardry of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, worked their magic at high speed. As they do to many teams when they're on their game, Vancouver swirled in and around the Sabres defense seemingly always just a half a step ahead.
How fitting that the Canucks would work that magic on West Coast Express Night at Rogers Arena last night.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
The Buffalo Sabes at the quarter pole.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
At the quarter-pole of the 2015-16 season the Buffalo Sabres might be a little better than many expected them to be, especially when you consider the schedule-maker did them no favors. After 20 games the Sabres are 8-10-2 which places them 7th the Atlantic Division, 12th in the Eastern Conference, 22nd in the NHL.
Buffalo has already completed their four-game season series with the defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning and, predictably, came out on the short end with a 1-3 record. They’re also in the midst of rough patch against some Western Conference heavyweights. Buffalo just completed their season series with the conference-leading Dallas Stars (0-2,) play the No. 2 team in the conference, the St. Louis Blues, tonight to finish their season series (0-0-1,) has played the 3rd place San Jose Sharks (0-0-1) and have two dates with the fifth-seeded Nashville Predators this Wednesday and Saturday to finish that series. All in a two-week span to finish the month.
A cupcake schedule this was not, but then again, when you're coming off of two consecutive last place finishes, there's no such thing as an easy game.
Although this team is far better than what hit the ice the previous two or even three seasons, they need to bring it every game and have done so for the most part. They've been consistent in the effort department, which has been enough to gain the respect of the opposition, but the results have varied thus far. Which is to be expected.
How the Sabres got to a respectable record this early in the season has been the more interesting aspect of the season thus far as the team has relied upon a banged up defense and a goaltending tandem that features a back-up and a 22 yr. old rookie sharing duties.
At the quarter-pole of the 2015-16 season the Buffalo Sabres might be a little better than many expected them to be, especially when you consider the schedule-maker did them no favors. After 20 games the Sabres are 8-10-2 which places them 7th the Atlantic Division, 12th in the Eastern Conference, 22nd in the NHL.
Buffalo has already completed their four-game season series with the defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning and, predictably, came out on the short end with a 1-3 record. They’re also in the midst of rough patch against some Western Conference heavyweights. Buffalo just completed their season series with the conference-leading Dallas Stars (0-2,) play the No. 2 team in the conference, the St. Louis Blues, tonight to finish their season series (0-0-1,) has played the 3rd place San Jose Sharks (0-0-1) and have two dates with the fifth-seeded Nashville Predators this Wednesday and Saturday to finish that series. All in a two-week span to finish the month.
A cupcake schedule this was not, but then again, when you're coming off of two consecutive last place finishes, there's no such thing as an easy game.
Although this team is far better than what hit the ice the previous two or even three seasons, they need to bring it every game and have done so for the most part. They've been consistent in the effort department, which has been enough to gain the respect of the opposition, but the results have varied thus far. Which is to be expected.
How the Sabres got to a respectable record this early in the season has been the more interesting aspect of the season thus far as the team has relied upon a banged up defense and a goaltending tandem that features a back-up and a 22 yr. old rookie sharing duties.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Buffalo's probable lineup for tonights season opener plus notes
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The Buffalo Sabres open up a highly anticipated 2015-16 season against a team that's been a thorn in the side for the better part of the decade. The Ottawa Senators have had their way with Buffalo dating back to the 2007 playoffs when they bounced the Sabres in five games of the eastern conference finals. Buffalo fans are well aware of what's transpired since then and are eagerly awaiting tonight's contest to begin a new era.
The Buffalo Sabres open up a highly anticipated 2015-16 season against a team that's been a thorn in the side for the better part of the decade. The Ottawa Senators have had their way with Buffalo dating back to the 2007 playoffs when they bounced the Sabres in five games of the eastern conference finals. Buffalo fans are well aware of what's transpired since then and are eagerly awaiting tonight's contest to begin a new era.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Fans backing up belief in the Sabres future with season ticket sales.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Buffalo Sabres fans have backed up their strong beliefs in the future of the Blue and Gold by, once again, flocking to the gate. The Sabres announced today that season ticket sales for the 2015-16 season has been capped at 16,000.
"The fact that we had such a high rate of renewal from our season ticket holders is really a testament to the direction our organization is headed, " Sabres president Russ Brandon said via a press release. There's a tremendous amount of excitement surrounding our team and we cant' wait to get on the ice."
This year represents a definitive departure from the annual off-season ratcheting up of hope not only for the Buffalo Sabres, but for football's Buffalo Bills as well. The Bills, who like the Sabres are under the umbrella of Pegula Sports and entertainment, have sold a franchise record 60,000 season tickets.
What both teams have in common, other than a loyal, passionate fanbase, is that they've made significant strides upgrading the team behind the billionaire wealth of the Pegula family. Both teams have made moves normally reserved for big-market, big-money teams and in doing so they've restored the faith of the fans that there is a commintment to winning and that it starts at the top.
With 16,000 season tickets, only 3070 seats are now available for Buffalo's home dates and the Sabres are encouraging fans to "order mini packs." Those that held mini packs last season can renew them starting 12pm tomorrow (August 27th.) with mini packs available to the general public beginning 10am, September 3rd.
Individual game tickets will go on sale to all fans Saturday, September 19th at 10am.
The Sabres announced that 96% of season ticket holders have renewed their tickets. It's the 10th consecutive year that renewal rates have topped 90%.
And for those on the season ticket waiting list, there are over 2,000 names presently on the season ticket list.
Buffalo Sabres fans have backed up their strong beliefs in the future of the Blue and Gold by, once again, flocking to the gate. The Sabres announced today that season ticket sales for the 2015-16 season has been capped at 16,000.
"The fact that we had such a high rate of renewal from our season ticket holders is really a testament to the direction our organization is headed, " Sabres president Russ Brandon said via a press release. There's a tremendous amount of excitement surrounding our team and we cant' wait to get on the ice."
This year represents a definitive departure from the annual off-season ratcheting up of hope not only for the Buffalo Sabres, but for football's Buffalo Bills as well. The Bills, who like the Sabres are under the umbrella of Pegula Sports and entertainment, have sold a franchise record 60,000 season tickets.
What both teams have in common, other than a loyal, passionate fanbase, is that they've made significant strides upgrading the team behind the billionaire wealth of the Pegula family. Both teams have made moves normally reserved for big-market, big-money teams and in doing so they've restored the faith of the fans that there is a commintment to winning and that it starts at the top.
With 16,000 season tickets, only 3070 seats are now available for Buffalo's home dates and the Sabres are encouraging fans to "order mini packs." Those that held mini packs last season can renew them starting 12pm tomorrow (August 27th.) with mini packs available to the general public beginning 10am, September 3rd.
Individual game tickets will go on sale to all fans Saturday, September 19th at 10am.
The Sabres announced that 96% of season ticket holders have renewed their tickets. It's the 10th consecutive year that renewal rates have topped 90%.
And for those on the season ticket waiting list, there are over 2,000 names presently on the season ticket list.
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