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Pegulaville26

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  1. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres return to TD Garden tonight for the first time since Milan Lucic steam rolled Ryan Miller. Since that game the Sabres are 2-0-1 against Boston in 3 meetings in Buffalo. They have stood up to Boston in all three meetings and have out played them during most of those games. Another story line tonight for Buffalo is that 8th place is on the line with a little help on the out of town scoreboard.
    First off the goaltending matchup will feature Tim Thomas against most likely Jhonas Enroth. However Enroth starting has not been confirmed. Sabres fans were hoping for Marty Turco to get his first start for Boston no such luck.
    Boston is looking for back to back wins for the first time since Jan. 10-12. The Sabres rolled out a similar streak this season.
    Last night the Sabres burried the Hurricanes by getting a 3-2 OT win. After a poor first period, Buffalo owned the final 40 minutes. Cam Ward stood on his head to give the Carolina a point, but he couldn't pull it out in the end. Pominville blew a shot by him on the PP in OT for the winner. The Sabres first line showed up big last night with Vanek and Pominville both registering a goal and an assist. Buffalo needs them two to get going again to get into the top 8.
    Starting to become a tad nervous that Alexander Sulzer is making more of an impact than Cody Hodgson. CoHo has looked a little lost the last two games trying to do a bit to much. He needs to get back to playing a simple game like he did when he first joined the club. Sulzer played well last night in place of a sick Andrej Sekera. Sekera will probably miss tonights game as well.
    Games of intrest tonight:
    TB @ Washington (NO 3 PT GAME!!)
    Florida @ Philadelphia
    Winnipeg @ Vancouver
    Sabres fans need to root for the Bolts, Flyers, and Nucks.
    Projected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Ennis-Hodgson-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Boyes-Ellis-Tropp
    Myers-Leopold
    Sulzer-Ehrhoff
    Weber-Regehr
    Enroth
    (Miller)
    Prediction: Hang on for dear life boy's. They need to win 3 of 4, here is your one loss 4-2 Boston.
  2. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres host the team that stole our cup in 05-06. Will never let that go. Anyways tonight's 4 point match up could be the final nail in the coffin for the Hurricanes or a big step back into the race. Buffalo go help last night with loses by Tampa, Toronto, and Washington. Two of the three teams losing important players to injuries in the process (Garon and Lupul). Now the Sabres have to take advantage of it and make up ground.
    Tonight could be a tale of two tired teams. Carolina comes off a OT win in Washington last night and Buffalo is playing its first game back at home after a long road trip. Tired hockey is always enjoyable, another topic for another day. Ward will play for Carolina after a 40+ save performance last night in DC and Miller will go for Buffalo after sayin how exhausted he was Sunday.
    In the pregame skate today Buffalo rolled the same lines that played in the Winnipeg game. However after the practice when asked if the lines will be the same during the game Ruff said "He's still chewin on it". Ruff being his usual tricky self, because you know if Cody Hodgson is centering Vanek and Pominville tonight Carolina will be so unprepared for it they will just lay down for Buffalo. Speaking of Hodgson, I think it's time to start being a part of the score sheet. I have liked the way he's played however I need him to start scoring now. He will have friends and family in the FN Center tonight for his Sabres home debut, maybe the extra jump he needs.
    On the Hurricanes end they just keep coming. Eric Staal has rebounded from a terrible first half of the season. He is back to being a point machine. Justin Faulk is has been a force on the blue line in his own zone and the offensive zone. He netted the game winner last night in DC. Cam Ward continues to roll as one of the most underrated goaltenders in the NHL. He is 4-1-1 against Buffalo in his career 2-0 this season.
    Another who wants it more game. This is going to be the theme of the final month of the season. Hopefully the Sabres fans can get into the game early and make it a playoff atmosphere.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hodgson-Pominville
    Ennis-Roy-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Boyes-Ellis-Tropp
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Leopold-Regher
    Weber-Sekera
    Miller
    (Enroth) Potential Turco v Enroth duel in Boston tommorrow
    Prediction: Two tired times, boring defensive hockey, good goaltenders, whoever wins the 3rd period wins the game. 3-1 Buffalo.
  3. Pegulaville26
    With a month left in the season and the race for 8th place in the East heating up. I am going to give a break down of the teams that I think will be part of the race. I'll work my way down the current standings starting with 3rd place Florida and then 7th place Ottawa to 12th place Toronto. All teams below Toronto are out of the race in my opinion.
    Florida Panthers (Currently 3rd) 74 pts 17 games left
    Away Schedule (9): Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Carolina, Montreal, Minnesota, Columbus, Detroit, Washington
    Home Schedule (8): Carolina, Toronto, Boston, Buffalo, Edmonton, NYI, Winnipeg, Carolina
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 46%
    Injuries: Kris Versteeg
    Florida has the easiest schedule remaining. However for some reason I just cannot get on the wagon with the Panthers. I think they fall off and teams with more experience and goaltending will pass them. I am the least confident with this prediction, but I see Florida falling way off.
    Prediction: 10th
    Ottawa Senators (Currently 7th) 77 pts 15 games left.
    Away Schedule (7): Tampa Bay, Montreal, Montreal, Winnipeg, Philadelphia, NYI, NJ
    Home Schedule (8): NYR, Buffalo, Montreal, Toronto, NJ, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Boston
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 49%
    Injuries: Craig Anderson
    Ottawa has surprised many people this season. They were expected to float near the bottom in the east with another re-build year. Alfredsson was supposed to be a hot topic come trade deadline time. One of the reasons that Ottawa has been successful is due to young Erik Karlsson emerging as a Norris Trophy Candidate leading all defenseman in points by a long way. Also the rebound seasons of Spezza and Michalek. The Sens are counting on newly acquired highly regarded Ben Bishop to carry the team until Anderson returns.
    Prediction: 7th
    Winnipeg Jets (Currently 8th) 72 pts 15 games left.
    Away Schedule (9): Vancouver, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Washington, Nashville, Carolina, TB, Florida, NYI
    Home Schedule (6): Dallas, Washington, Carolina, Ottawa, NYR, TB
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 51%
    Injuries: Zach Bogosian
    With the type of atmosphere I saw last night I expect the Jets to win at least 5 of the 6 remaining home games, giving them 82 points. However looking at their road schedule I can see about 6 points coming out of those games. Getting them to 88 points. Not enough. Team on the rise, just not this year.
    Prediction: 9th
    Washington Capitals (Currently 9th) 69 pts 17 games left.
    Away Schedule (9): Boston, NYI, Winnipeg, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, TB, NYR
    Home Schedule (8): Carolina, TB, Toronto, Winnipeg, Minnesota, Buffalo, Montreal, Florida
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 52.5%
    Injuries: Nicklas Backstrom
    The Caps are an absolute disappointment this year. They made big offseason moves and people were finally saying this could be the year for the Caps. Not so much. Ovechkin and Semin have disappeard most of the season and Vokoun has been terrible. Road schedule is to hard to compete in the race. Washington will probably go through two coaches this season on their way to missing out on the playoffs. Big changes coming in DC.
    Prediction: 12th
    Buffalo Sabres (Currently 10th) 68 pts 16 games left.
    Away Schedule (9): Boston, Ottawa, Florida, TB, NYR, Washington, Toronto, Philadelphia, Boston
    Home Schedule (7): Carolina, Montreal, Colorado, Montreal, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Toronto
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 49%
    Injuries: None
    Buffalo made up a lot of ground on a tough west coast trip. They have a very difficult road schedule, however a easy home schedule. I think the Sabres need to win 13 more games to get into the playoffs giving them 94 points. Six at home, seven on the road. Buffalo also has the most experience in playing this type of hockey. I think they squeek in behind Ryan Miller's hot play.
    Prediction: 8th
    Tampa Bay Lightning (Currently 11th) 68 pts 17 games left.
    Away Schedule (7): Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, NJ, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg
    Home Schedule (10): Ottawa, Carolina, Boston, Toronto, St. Louis, Buffalo, Edmonton, NYI, Winnipeg, Washington
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 48%
    Injuries: None
    Tampa has continued to play well after selling off a few pieces of their team at the deadline. They play most of their games at the St. Pete Times Forum and have one of the easiest schedules of the teams remaining. Playoff hopes will ride on the back of Mathieu Garon. Stamkos will blow by the 50 mark in goals again.
    Prediction: 3rd (SE Division winner)
    Toronto Maple Leafs (Currently 12th) 67 pts 17 games left.
    Away Schedule (9): Pittsburgh, Washington, Florida, TB, Ottawa, Boston, NJ, Buffalo, Montreal
    Home Schedule (8): Boston, Philadelphia, NYI, NYR, Carolina, Philadelphia, Buffalo, TB
    Average Winning Percentage of Schedule: 50%
    Injuries: None
    Toronto was in an absolute free fall until they fired Ron Wilson and hired new coach Randy Carlyle. Goaltending has killed the Leafs all season and I have no confidence in that changing. The defense has been awful at times. The Leafs offense will need to put up 4-5 a game to have a chance most nights. Another year without playoff hockey in TO.
    Prediction: 11th
    So how do you feel the standings will shake out? How much will the dreaded 3 point game into play in the race? Should be a fun final month.
  4. Pegulaville26
    In my blog last night I said the game would come down to who wanted it more. Well the Jets wanted it more without a doubt. Buffalo looked slow and was sloppy throughout the game. They could maintain no puck possession, poor passing, and numerous turnovers, 16 to be exact. 16! The Jets won every single battle within the game last night. They came with odd man rush after odd man rush.
    The headline to this game was the struggle of the Sabres top line. They are the reason that the Sabres did not get 2 points last night. Vanek, Pominville, and Roy were all a -2 last night. Those two goals coming in the 3rd period off of you guessed it, turnovers. Pominville didn't get a shot/pass through and would result Blake Wheeler walking in alone on Miller. Then Roy would throw it behind Pominville on a rush and Thorburn would come down and abuse Robyn Regehr and Ryan Miller to ice the game. By the way I love Regehr's desire to play, but if you can't move and Chris Thorburn blows around you, you shouldn't be on the ice. The Sabres first line managed 0 scoring chances, while the Jets first line dominated.
    The Hodgson line had perhaps it's worse game since Hodgson joined his new club. Last night was the first time that I noticed that Hodgson looked lost. Luckily the Leino line and the Boyes line came to play. Corey Tropp put in the only Sabres goal with 30 seconds left in the second giving Buffalo life, or so I thought.
    Pavelec had a fairly easy night, I don't remember one time I thought "oh nice save", 23 saves.
    Ryan Miller played well again last night making over 30 saves. He only made one mistake on the Thorburn goal, but at that point the game was already however. However the not so good news was in his post game interview Miller said he was "exhausted". Jhonas Enroth will likely get the cage Wednesday against Carolina and then Miller will get right back at it Thursday in Boston.
    Tyler Myers was the one bright spot last night. He was a physical force and was flying all night long. Any Jet player that dared go into the corner with Myers last night paid the price. Unlike the rest of his team Myers gets better the bigger the game is. Myers has been back to form the last couple of weeks. If the Sabres want to make the playoffs they need him to stay on his game.
    All in all going 3-1-1 on a road trip that featured stops in Madison Square Garden, Anaheim, SJ, Vancouver, and Winnipeg is nothing to scoff at. The road trip got Buffalo back into the race and they need to forget about this game and go right back on the kill against Carolina at home. This loss does not kill their chances for the playoffs, like most overreacting Sabres fans are saying this morning. The Sabres were the best thing since sliced bread all last week in Buffalo and now they are terrible! Makes you want to put your head through the wall.
    All fans in Buffalo should take note of the noise level in the MTS Centre last night. The fans in Winnipeg enjoy their team no matter what and are behind them. Where did that go in Buffalo? I'm sick of going to the FN Center and having it be so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Being able to hear Lindy Ruff yell for line changes from the 300 level is pretty bad. Embarassing, Buffalo is supposed to be a hot hockey market. Enjoy your team people and cheer them on. Maybe some day teams will fear coming into our building.
  5. Pegulaville26
    Tonight is the first time since Game 7 of last year, I am this amped up for a game. The Jets and Sabres will battle in the MTS Centre for 8th place in the Eastern Conference tonight. Last night the Flyers stonewalled the Caps in a 1-0 win that made tonight's match up even more exciting. Thank you Philly! The MTS Centre is one of the hardest places in hockey for a road team to pick up a W. It is loud and the Jets always come to play at home. It will be key for the Sabres to get out in front like they did in Anaheim, SJ, and Vancouver last week.
    Really quick before I jump more into tonights game I have to give the Sabres full marks for getting a win in Vancouver Saturday. I like many Sabres fans expected the Canucks to roll Buffalo. However the Sabres came out as the team ready to play in the first 5 minutes. They chased Luongo on 3 quick goals, two of which by the suddenly hot Ville Leino. Leino has fit perfectly into the roll that Paul Gaustad vacated as a shut down center between Nathan Gerbe and Patrick Kaleta. Also the fact that he is providing secondary scoring is excellent. Zach Kassian looked like the Kassian that Sabres fans expected when he was drafted providing 2 points Saturday night. Cody Hodgson has made his impact as well getting Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford playing has two of the hottest players on the team. Only a matter of time before Hodgson gets on the score sheet.
    Back to tonight's game, Winnipeg will end a 8 game home stand tonight. Last time out the Jets put up a touchdown on Florida in a 7-0 beating. The have taken 2 of 3 from Buffalo this year one of which came during the road trip from hell. The other two games were very close.
    Ryan Miller will again be between the pipes tonight for Buffalo. I was expecting Enroth to go Saturday, but Ruff decided to ride the hot hand. I think the only time Enroth will get in is if Miller has a rough night.
    Robyn Regehr is a game time decision tonight, he skated on his own yesterday. However the fact that Marcus Foligno was called up on an emergency basis gives me the impression that Alexander Sulzer will again play tonight. The Jets will be without one of their top defenseman in Zack Bogosian. Jets coach Claude Noel expects Bogosian to miss about a week.
    On the negative side of things for Buffalo, the first line of Roy, Vanek, and Pominville has gone ice cold. Vanek and Pominville have stopped scoring. Roy is being well Roy. I would say to pull Roy off this line, but there's no where else to put him. Can't destroy the other two lines that are rolling. Hopefully Vanek and Pommer can get going again in spite of Roy.
    I may be getting a bit ahead of myself, but with a win tonight the Sabres will only be 6 behind Ottawa with a matchup against the Senators this weekend looming.
    Off topic a tad, but are teams going to be fighting to win/lose for the 6th seed. A first round match up against the Jets, Panthers, or Caps would be good for most teams.
    Projected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Ennis-Hodgson-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Boyes-Ellis-Tropp
    Myers-Leopold
    Ehrhoff-Sulzer
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Projection: This is going to come down to who wants it more. Good game and good battle. Sabres need this more than the Jets, 2-1 Buffalo.
  6. Pegulaville26
    Last night the Sabres skated to a 2-0 win over the surging Ducks. The first 30 to 40 minutes of this game belonged to the Sabres. However in the 3rd period it was the Ryan Miller show. Miller stoned Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan, and others on numerous occassions. Turning away 20 shots in the 3rd and 43 in total on his way to his 4th shutout this season. You can see some of the saves on NHL.com here...http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?intcmpid=nhl-hp-vidchn-highlts.
    Sabres goals were scored by Roy and Boyes. Roy has suddenly turned red hot now with 9 points in 8 games. Ville Leino surprisingly went back to the center position to take the spot of Gaustad between Gerbe and Kaleta. Leino was good in his own zone and fit in well with Gerbe and Kaleta. If he plays that game and adds secondary scoring his contract won't be that bad.
    Cody Hodgson had a good showing in his Sabres debut. He was a +1 with 4 shots and playing 15 minutes. Hodgson looked dangerous a few times just missing on putting the puck in the back of the net twice. I loved seeing Hodgson in front of the net multiple times battling for pucks. Not afraid of the dirty zone. I think this was the debut that Sabres fans hoped for. He looked to mesh well with Ennis and Stafford. Could be a very dangerous and interesting line to watch for the rest of the season. CoHo also got his first close up look at Ryan Miller. Hodgson summed it up by saying "he's unreal".
    The Sabres defense cannot be given their credit for the run they are making. The defense is healthy for the first time pretty much all season. In Feburary Miller sported a 1.91 GAA with a .967 save % and 3 shutouts, two against the top two teams in the East. The defense is a huge factor in this. Miller can now concentrate on the shot and not worry about people in his crease or somone pounding a rebound home back door. Also I have said a few times as Tyler Myers go so go the Sabres. Buffalo has picked up points in their last six games. In those six games Myers is a +8 and even better in those six games not one team has scored when Myers is on the ice during 5 on 5 play.
    Tonight the Sabres head to Northern California for a date with the Sharks. This game is big with Vancouver coming up Saturday and Winnipeg Monday. Buffalo needs to get at least 2 of the next 3. I can see Miller playing tonight to push for the W and Enroth going Saturday. I can see Saturday's game as a "give it your best shot" game. With a win tonight and a Jets loss Buffalo will leap over Tampa and Toronto, they will only sit 3 behind Washington. Big game in SJ.
    Projected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Ennis-Hodgson-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Ellis-Boyes-Tropp
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Regehr-Leopold
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Miller is rolling and the Sabres are gaining steam. I think they go out hard for two points in this game. 3-2/OT Buffalo.
  7. Pegulaville26
    It feels like opening night again, with the anticipation of seeing the debut of Cody Hodgson tonight. The ironic twist is that the Anaheim Ducks are the opponets tonights like on opening night in Helsinki. Hockey Heaven is buzzing about tonights game and the rest of the season for that matter. Tonight's game features two of hottest teams in the NHL fighting for a furious come back to make the playoffs. The Sabres are 8-3-3 in their last 14 and the Ducks are 9-3-2 in their last 14.
    The last time these two teams met on opening day in Finland, Buffalo cruised to a 4-1 W. Also another story line to this matchup is that the last time Bruce Boudreau coached the Washington Capitals was at the First Niagara Center. The Sabres down 9 regulars would smoke the Caps 5-1 being the final straw for Boudreau in DC. He should have his boys up for tonight's game seeking some revenge.
    The Sabres are facing a whole different animal tonight than what they faced on October 7th. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan have all returned to form. Also Teemu Selanne is a machine and is showing no signs of aging. Also a different Jonas Hiller will be between the pipes tonight. He has reboundedwell from his slow start. Coach Boudreau has his team clicking on all cylinders and is showing he was not the problem in DC.
    Something else that will be curious to watch is the performance of Ryan Miller tonight. He expressed his displeasure yesterday of Gaustad being traded. Goose was one of Miller's best friends on the team and they grew up together. I can understand his disappointment, but some of his comments were eyebrow raising. See some comments here in an article by WGR 550 Sports Radio http://wgr550.com/Sabres-Miller-angry-about-Gaustad-trade/12404220.
    To the big story line tonight Cody Hodgson will make his Sabres debut tonight. He traveled to Buffalo from Phoenix yesterday to get his physical and visa in order. Then flew back to the west coast to join his new mates in Anaheim. He may be a bit jet lagged, but I expect he will have some jump in his step tonight in his debut. Now I'm not going to pretend to know a ton about Hodgson, I don't take in many Canucks games, but I have heard great things about him that have Sabres fans buzzing. Ruff said he wanted to slate CoHo into a top 6 role and minutes. He is expected to slot in between Stafford and 2009 world juniors teammate Tyler Ennis.
    Kassian made his debut last night with the Canucks and played 12 minutes playing wing with the Sedins. Kassian had to be shocked he went from playing 3rd line winger in Buffalo to playing with the Sedins in Vancouver. He was credited with 5 hits and a shot. Yotes tough guy Paul Bissonnette tweeted after last night's game that Kassian turned down his invite to throw around some fists. Interesting, but I think if it were game 10 in a Canucks jersey he accepts the challenge. Time will tell.
    Projected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Ennis-Hodgson-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Ellis-Boyes-Tropp
    Myers-Ehrhoff
    Regher-Leopold
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth) Be curious to see if Enroth gets the call in SJ tomorrow
    Prediction: Hard fought game for sure. Buffalo always plays the Ducks well, 3-2 Buffalo.
  8. Pegulaville26
    The deadline was a snooze fest yesterday until the 3pm deadline hit. First the Gaustad trade broke and the return of a 1st round pick. I tipped my cap to Sabres GM Darcy Regier on robbing a team of a 1st rd pick for Goose. I was ready to turn off the TV until all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks broke loose. It came across that Zack Kassian was traded to Vancouver. Two thoughts came into my head immediatley. First was..Whaaaaat?!?! Second was wait for Kassian it has to be a huge player coming back. Sure enough it was, Cody Hodgson became the new toy that all Sabres fans hoped for.
    Let me start with the Gaustad trade. Nashville will love Paul Gaustad, he will be a great PK and depth player for them. However when draft day rolls around and Gaustad is on his way to being a UFA, Nashville brass might wish they had that 1st rd pick back. It was reported earlier in the day that Regier wanted a 1st and everyone was laughing at him. Well I guess he got the last laugh. I have been hard on Regier all season so I have to give credit when credit is due. Regier said in his post deadline presser 3 teams offered a 1st rd pick. One team withdrew it yesterday morning and the other team just lost out. I believe the team that withdrew was SJ who later went on to snag Winnik and Galiardi from Colorado.
    Now to the blockbuster of the day. I'll start with Kassian, he fits exactly what the Canucks need. I think he is going to be a good player for them. Kassian was a bit of a disappointment in his early start in Buffalo. He put up points and goals in Rochester and Buffalo, however the physical game he was supposed to bring never showed up. He got in 2 fights in his pro career, the one in the AHL he didn't really have a choice. All the people covering the team in Rochester said teams/players were all over Kassian and he just skated up and down his wing ignoring it. Now with that said, maybe a new team and coach will get that out of him. However if the Canucks cannot get the physical play out of him, Buffalo will look like robbers in this deal.
    Hodgson on the other hand is exactly what the Sabres needed. A young skilled center. Hodgson will probably slot right between top wingers Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. It will be very interesting to see if Hodgson has chemistry with the Sabres top scorers. As a 3rd liner in Vancouver Hodgson put up 16 goals and 33 points (already 3rd in scoring on Sabres roster). Sabres fans will enjoy the game that Hodgson will bring. Both teams I think will be happy with this deal in the end
    Sulzer and Gragnani are a wash.
    The thing to watch with all is how stacked the Sabres are for the 2012 draft. They now hold 2 first round picks and 2 second round picks. Also they will Derek Roy and perhaps Drew Stafford to offer teams. Darcy Regier could be stacking a package to trade up in the draft and one of the two big centers in Grigorenko and Galchenyuk.
    Quickly the other big news of the Scott Howson threw Rick Nash under the bus without a doubt by stating Nash asked to be traded. How Jackets management is allowing this guy to make decisions on their future is beyond me. Any flexibilty Nash would give Columbus is now gone. He will give a list of 3 to 4 teams and say go make it happen. The return will be lower because GMs know that the Jackets have to move Nash. What a joke and poor job. Quebec City soon to come??
  9. Pegulaville26
    Twas the night before the trade deadline and all through hockey heaven not a creature was sturring not even a mouse. Ok enough of that. It looks like right now to be the silence before the storm. We've seen a few teams make some move, but not many competitors. I think this is good news and could make a very exciting run to the deadline.
    On the Sabres front all is quiet. Gaustad has a minor injury, making his availability less likely. I think with he recent play and desire to stay in Buffalo Gaustad will not be on the move. Derek Roy has played better as of late and I think he too is a long shot to moved. Boyes is hurt and not great at hockey so with a 4 million cap hit he will not be moved. No chance Regher goes. Dustin Brown is no longer for sale now and I think his hat trick last night made that a definate. However with the Sabres if they make a move it is for somebody you don't see the Sabres connected to. Since the lockout however Buffalo has had small luck with acquiring helpful players at the deadline. Since 06-07 the Sabres have picked up Dainus Zuburus, Steve Bernier, Ty Conklin, Mikahel Telqvist, Dominic Moore, Raffi Torres, and Brad Boyes. Zuburus being the most productive.
    of the group. Buffalo made things hard on Regier taking 3 of 4 against the Bruins and Rangers. They only sit 6 points out with 2 games in hand.
    Lets take a look elsewhere with some teams I think will be interesting to watch tomorrow.
    Anaheim Ducks: Remember when Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Bobby Ryan were up for trade? Remember when Jonas Hiller was done? Long gone are those days. The Ducks are making a strong push for the playoffs. I think if any team comes from the back to make it back in the top 8 it is the Ducks. Should be interesting if they move Blake, Lydman, and/or Koivu. Could they make a move to help the push?
    Florida Panthers: At the moment the Panthers hold control of the Southeast by a few points. They are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in years. They are getting fans to come to the games now they need to make the playoffs to keep them hooked.
    Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs are in an absolute free fall. I think they are on track to finish in the 11-13 spot in the east. This will be an important day for Brian Burke's future in Toronto. He needs to be careful to not make a panic move that will set the Leafs back again. Should he sell off Grabovski and others? Overpay for Nash?
    Philadelphia Flyers: Up and down the Flyers season has gone. Bryzgalov has been a 51 million dollar bust in the goalie hell known has Philly. Do they pick up another goalie? Do they make a 3rd move for another forward? Or are they done?
    Players Rumored to be on the move that won't move:
    Paul Gaustad
    Rick Nash
    Dustin Brown
    Mikhail Grabovski
    Evgeni Nabokov
    Players that will have a new home:
    Andrei Kostitsyn
    Dustin Penner
    Bulin Wall
    Bryan Allen
    Ryan Malone
    Didn't see that coming player to be moved:
    Jay Bouwmeester
    Anyways should be fun lets get it going!
  10. Pegulaville26
    Sabres Needs: scoring, physical players, and leadership
    Dustin Brown: scoring, physical, and leadership
    Perfect match!
    The city once known as Los Angeles acquired Jeff Carter yesterday for Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick this year or next. Thus becoming Philadelphia West with the reunion of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. All LA night club owners just made some extra loot. All kidding aside Bob McKenzie is reporting that LA has put Dustin Brown on the trade block. Brown the current captain has 15 goals this season for the disappointing Kings. Teams are lineing up to make an offer to LA for Brown. I however believe this will be a two horse race. Those two horses being Buffalo and Toronto.
    The price is rumored to be a top 6 forward and a defenseman. The good news is Buffalo is full of defensive prospects. They also have a couple forwards for sale in the persons of Derek Roy and Drew Stafford. However the Kings may not want Roy or Stafford and instead covet Pominville or Ennis. If that be the case then all bets are off for me. If the Kings want one or two of Buffalo's young defenders then Roy or Stafford must go with them.
    Now Toronto can offer almost the same package Buffalo can. So therefore if they really want Brown the Sabres will need to overpay most likely. The question is how much do you overpay. The best package I would offer LA would be the following: Stafford, Sekera, Brennan, and a 3rd pick. The Sabres are in no position to offer up a first especially if it is a high pick. I would be willing to part with a forward prospect as well perhaps Marcus Foligno or Corey Tropp instead of Brennan.
    Let me say this though, what's the catch? Why would a struggling team look to trade their captain mid season. Also a player who brings it every night, hits, and can score. Perhaps they are looking for a shake up, but this move could come back to haunt the Kings for years.
    A little off topic, but someone needs to tell Brad Marchand that Tom Brady, Emerson Etem and Joffry Lupul already beat him to the Buffalo isn't the best city in the world crack. Getting a bit old now. Should be a good game with Boston in town tonight.
    Should the Sabres go after Brown? How much would you give up?
  11. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres and Flyers share the ice for the 3rd time tonight, however the first at the Wells Fargo Center. These two teams do not really like eachother after last seasons 7 game series. Philly has won the first two meetings in two different ways. The first they chased Ryan Miller early and held onto a 3-2 win. The second they pulled a 2010 playoffs come back. The Flyers trailed 3-0 and came back to win 4-3 in OT thanks to a great pass by MA Gragnani to Claude Giroux sending him in alone on Miller.
    Ville Leino returns to Philly tonight, should be interesting the reception he receives. Remember when Leino saved the Flyers in round 1?

    Leino robbed Ennis from Sabres history...

    I throw up in my mouth everytime I remember we lost to Boucher, Leighton, and Bobrovsky.
    Unlike the first two meetings Jhonas Enroth will start tonight for Buffalo. Makes sense seeing tomorrow's game against Montreal is more of a must win than tonight's against Philly.
    I think Tuesday's loss to NJ was the final nail in the coffin. They missed two chances to make up ground on Toronto. They can only lose 5 games of the next 22 which includes a west coast trip to Vancouver and Anaheim. As well as 2 more stops in Boston and one more after tonight in Philly. Therefore the auditions for the tradeable pieces start tonight. I am hoping for a strong night from Jordan Leopold and Paul Gaustad so maybe the Flyers will be interested in one or both of them.
    Expected Lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Vanek-Ennis-Gerbe
    Stafford-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Kassian-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Regher-Leopold
    Weber-Sekera
    Enroth
    (Miller)
    Prediction:Flyers are hurt maybe they get lucky? Nope they will Bryz look like a star 4-1 Flyers
  12. Pegulaville26
    I was doing my usual morning cruise around the hockey internet making stops at tsn, nhl.com, and hockeybuzz to get my crazy Ek rumors for the day. I'm surprised it took Ek so long, but at long last the Miller for Kane rumor was in his rumor blog today. So since the Sabres give me nothing interesting to write about I'll kick this around.
    Now let me say this first off IF this happens I find it hard to believe it goes down at the deadline. I think Chicago will take a shot at Nabokov, Bulin, or another rental goalie and keep Kane for the playoffs. However in the offseason a different story.
    Lets start with Patty Kane. He has speed, skill, personality, and excitment. He has struggled this season in Chicago after a red hot start. He has 12 goals and 33 assists so far in 57 games, with a +8. On the Sabres roster he'd be in the top 3 for scoring with Vanek and Pominville. However by Kane standards this is an off year. Kane has played center, but is best used on the wing. I'm not trying a Ville Leino conversion here if I make this deal. If I'm trading for Kane he is playing his natural position of wing. A few cabbies in Buffalo might be upset, but all in all I think most Sabres fans would be happy with Kane.
    Now to Ryan Miller. He has had an up and down season this year. He started well then went south since his injury, but is on the way back up again. He sports a 16-17-3 record with a 2.75 GAA and a .909%. He also has 3 shutouts this season, one coming in a shootout loss to the Rangers (only in the NHL). He has put his heart and soul into the Sabres franchise trying to win. However they have never reached a Cup final and have not bad it out of the first round since 06-07. This league is harsh where production matters more than dedication. Also not on Miller's side is the growing idea that paying a goalie a boat load of money isn't the way to go. Tonight's opponent is a prime example of this theory. Sure Thomas won the cup last year, but before him post lockout Niemi, Fleury (eh), Osgood, Gigure, and Ward. I don't think any of those goalies you would consider top 3-5 in the NHL besides maybe Ward, but he won before he made a name for himself. Fleury maybe, but he has to many off nights, take a look at last weekend Jets game. All those post lock out winners had scoring by the bunches.
    Before Sabres fans start buying their blue and gold 88 jerseys a couple hurdles stand in the way here. One Miller has a NTC in which he has to give a list of teams he will accept a trade to. Chicago might not be on that list. Also the Sabres need a goaltender if Miller is gone. Do they hand it over to Enroth? I'm assuming Crawford would probably come over with Kane, but it might cost the Sabres another piece too (Sekera, Gragnani, Weber, or Brennan). Also who says Chicago wants to give away Kane. He is a former first overall pick with the talent level that doesn't grow on trees. Sure maybe they will want a shake up if they get bounced in the first round, but is a 6 million dollar goalie that shake up? Anyway you could pry can out of Chicago without giving Miller up and instead using Enroth and prospects (wishful thinking probably)?
    WWDD(what would Darcy do)??? What would you do?
  13. Pegulaville26

    State of the Game

    By Pegulaville26,

    After watching the Sabres vs Lightning game on Saturday I once again come back to the how the NHL has gone backwards thoughts. Coming out of the lockout the NHL claimed they would be different. Players were no longer allowed to clutch and grab. Slow players could no longer interfere with fast players. Scoring was up and the game was growing. Seven years later it seems we have gone back to pre lockout.
    How many times a game now can you sit there and say "that's interference" or "that's holding"? No matter what team or game I'm watching I say it more than 5 times. Remember when players dumped the puck in and the defender could not stand in front of them or hold them up. Definition of interference. The Philadelpia Flyers were forced to do a full rebuild because of how the NHL changed out of the lockout. They were to slow and couldn't clutch and grab anymore. Now I think that team could be successful again. Players like Hal Gill who are pylons are still in the league now because they can interfere again.
    Teams like the NJ Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning are responsible for the reason scoring is down. They bore up the game to the point where you want to rip your eyeballs out. How many people see NJ on the schedule and go "Oh nice NJ!". The Devils wonder why they can't put any fans in their new arena. What Guy Boucher is doing to the lightning is a crime. Star speed and skill players like St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lecavalier are handcuffed in that system. I know Stamkos has 37 goals, but imagine if he was able to attack the offensive zone. Remember this?....

    Is this how we are supposed to grow our game?
    Not many people tune in to watch two teams give up 20 shots and play to a 2-1 score on a nightly basis. I love hockey and the Sabres are in a strong playoff push, but I have no intention of watching the Devils play Buffalo tomorrow. My girlfriend and I turned down tickets to the game to instead go out somewhere else on Valentine's Day. Any other team we would be at the FN Center tomorrow. I'll catch the 2-1 highlights later.
    Scoring as an all time low this season around the league. Goalies are having all time high stats. It's bad when a 2.30 GAA is average or below average. Dominik Hasek is considered one of the best in the game and he sported a 2.50 GAA average in his day. That was outstanding. Goalie equipment size is back up again. For example James Reimer looks like Garth Snow.
    Also the NHL has informed officials to stop calling penalties. Penalties are also at an all time low. In the last 2 Sabres games 2 penalties were called. Zero in the Lightning vs Sabres game. Am I to believe not one player tripped, hooked, held, or interfered with someone. The NHL wants scoring up then they need to give out PP's.
    Do you think the NHL has gone backwards? What should the league do?
  14. Pegulaville26
    On Wednesday I declared the 6-0 win over the Bruins could be the game fans look back at to point to when the comeback started. However last nights game might be another one of those games. Kari Lehtonen stood on his head for 40 minutes and early in the 3rd Dallas increase their lead to 2-0. Buffalo appeared to be on the path to a frustrating L however, minutes Radek Dvorak took an awful penalty hauling down Vanek in the neutral zone. Vanek would capitalize on a nice tip on the PP. The score would stay 2-1 until the 19:20 mark of the 3rd. With the goalie pulled Derek Roy put away a rebound to tie the game at 2. Late in OT Lehtonen would again shine by stoning Vanek on a wide open net with seconds remaining.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10wkAf9stxo
    The game would go to a shootout where Nathan Gerbe would use a sick back hand to beat Lehtonen and give the Sabres 2 points. http://video.nhl.com...vidchn-shootout
    As the standings sit Buffalo is 8 points behind 8th place Toronto with a game in hand and 9 behind Ottawa with 3 games in hand. Buffalo wins the games in hand and head to head games left they catch both teams. (Currently watching the Oil vs Sens on the Iphone headed for a 3pt game. Hate them!)
    Tonight the Sabres host the Tampa Bay Lightning looking to keep it going. Buffalo has not lost at home since December 10th. The FN Center is becoming known as a hard place to win for road teams. Love it.
    Some big news today with Luke Adam being sent down to Rochester and Zack Kassian being called up. Kassian will played tonight for the injured Cody McCormick, who sustained an upper body injury last night. Adam who has 10 goals and 10 assists this season needs to play big minutes. He has not scored since early December and needs to get his confidence back. When Kassian returns to Rochester I'm sure you'll the Kassian-Adam-Foligno lined reunited that dominated Traverse City in the Prospects Tourney.
    Tampa has played well of late, but their style might play into Buffalo's hand tonight. The Sabres played last night and could feature some fatigue however Tampa is not a team known to press. Could help the Sabres stay in the game. The lightning bolts have won both prior meetings this season one in Buffalo and the other in St. Pete.
    The mystery surrounding tonight's game is who will be in goal for Buffalo. Miller or Enroth. With no pregame skate it will be unknown until game time. Ride the hot hand or give some rest? Buffalo doesn't play again until Valentine's Day against NJ at home.
    Projected lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Vanek-Ennis-Stafford
    Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Kassian-Boyes-Ellis
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Regher-Leopold
    Weber-Sekera
    Miller (Ride the hot hand is my guess)
    (Enroth)
    Projection: Tough game it will be a lower scoring battle. 2-1 Tampa in OT/SO
  15. Pegulaville26
    Tonight the Dallas Stars make a visit to the First Niagara Center. Of course with Dallas in town the famous "No Goal" from the 99 cup final must be mentioned. Brett Hull scored the game winning goal in game 6 while his foot was in the crease. Therefore should have been no goal. However the NHL did not (proven fact) review the goal. So in typical Buffalo sports heartbreaking fashion "No goal" falls in with "Wide Right" and "Music City Miracle".
    Anyways onto tonights big game. Dallas is coming off a 4-2 win last night in Columbus. Kari Lethonen played in goal, so therefore Richard Bachman will guard the cage for the Stars tonight. Sheldon Souray and Brendan Morrow will also not participate in tonight's game due to injuries. On the other side of things however the Sabres are again fully healthy with a opening night lineup. Thomas Vanek will return to the lineup, resulting in Luke Adam to be scratched. Adam should be in Rochester by Monday if their are no other injuries.
    Dallas has not won in Buffalo since the "no goal game". Their last regular season victory in Buffalo came back in 1997. Lindy Ruff's first home game as head coach. Long time ago.
    I'm excited to get to take a look at Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn in action tonight. Benn has my full respect for pulling the anti-Ovechkin in the all-star game. He got his appendix removed days before the game and still showed up and played. Eriksson has sick skill and speed, he's always been one of my most underrated player choices. His skill is hidden in Dallas. The Stars will come hard tonight for 2 points they sit 9th right now in the West and need the points.
    Buffalo needs this game just as bad. First off because the Lightning are already in Buffalo waiting for their matchup tomorrow night. Also they need to capitalize on this game in hand which they have 4 on Ottawa and 3 on the Jets.
    James Patrick will be the head coach again tonight and for the near future with Lindy Ruff being in contact with the bench from the press box.
    Ryan Miller in goal sporting a 4-0-1 record with 2 shutouts in his last 5. Only allowing 4 goals in that time.
    A little bit of an eyebrow raiser came out of Ruff's pregame comments. He stated that Leino will stay on a line with Pominville and Roy. 29 and 26 have been linemates all season. However I'm all for this idea with Leino coming to life on that line and Vanek struggling before he was hurt. Change is good, we will see how long it lasts tonight. If I were Ruff I'd put Vanek in with Ennis and Gerbe. We will see.
    Projected Lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Gerbe-Ennis-Vanek
    Boyes-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Stafford (I don't know where he fits?)-McCormick-Ellis
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Leopold-Regher
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Sabres are rolling and Dallas is 0-8-1 in the 2nd game of back to back games. 4-2 Buffalo.
  16. Pegulaville26
    The past couple days I have noticed a lot of things around the hockey world. A lot of small sometimes unnoticed stories are signs of things to come in my opinion. Before I begin let's all give a stick tap to Mr. Scott Gomez. It was 359 days between goals, Gomez hit twine last night against the Isles. I can finally watch a Sabres vs Habs game not saying to myself "just don't let Gomez score". Thank you Isles!
    Ok back to the signs. Over the past week or two a lot of small stories have come out in regards to the trade deadline. In my opinion I think we are in store for the slowest deadline we have seen in years. Sorry TSN. Sure we had the Flames and Habs swap about a month ago. However it has been all quiet. Usually I would say this is the lull before the storm, but I don't think so. Let me give you some back up to my theory. First a couple weeks ago a report come out that the Leafs are likely to stand pat at the deadline. This makes sense to me although it wouldn't be Burke's style. They want a big fish and who is out their to be had? Carter? Not worth what it would cost right now. Parise? Not happening at the deadline NJ needs to make the playoffs and make money. Nash? Would cost to much. Getzlaf? Not going anywhere. Ryan? Unlikely to move as well. Grabovski was rumored to be on the move, but he is red hot. Maybe a small move involving MacArthur, but he has played well as of late (classic streaky MacArthur).
    Also the last week has been interesting with reports coming out of Carolina. Anyone who believed the possibility of Staal or Ward moving needs a reality check. Gleason was signed to an extension and removed off the block. Rutherford has claimed he wants to keep Ruutu and sign him. Of course he would say that right? However I don't see what moving Ruutu now gets Carolina, a 2nd-3rd rd pick or B- to C level prospect. I guess maybe Bryan Allen could be had.
    The big boys like Philly, NYR, Pens, Wings, Sharks, and Hawks are all looking for depth. Players like Gill, Moen, Blake and Kubina fit this bill. If I'm a team like the Flyers I'll stick with my D instead of throwing a pylon like Gill in. No way Suter or Weber is moving now.
    Anaheim has backed off the idea of trading Getzlaf, Ryan, and Perry. Not shocking. Gagner is the hottest player in the NHL and will be an overpay now by any team so he likely to stay. Doan is unlikely to move, Whitney could be a possibility. Semin, come on. Penner, really? Hemsky is over valued by the Oil.
    In Buffalo I can't see Roy moving, same with Gaustad. Gaustad has been a force for the Sabres the last few weeks. They will look to resign him. Roy will be an offseason move I believe.
    Last in the goaltending field Garth Snow came out and said Nabokov is not on the market. Schneider and Bernier could be had in a big time move, but chances of that are slim. Nittymaki and Sanford could be had though.
    Do you agree with my thinking on the deadline?
    Pregame blog coming later.
  17. Pegulaville26

    Not in Our House

    By Pegulaville26,

    Boston the big bully of the Northeast was prepared to come into the First Niagara Ceneter and run the soft Sabres out of the building. Not in Pegula's house! Cody McCormick set the tone 2 minutes in challenging Shawn Thornton to a scrap. The Sabres brought the pressure early. Christian Ehrhoff scored on a goal that I think I could have stopped. Pominville would then score on a beautiful spin o rama pass by Ville Leino. I think Leino has found his linemate in Pominville. Ville has been a new player since the All Star break.
    Ennis would use his speed to abuse the Boston defense and chase Rask from the net. Buffalo would add three more on Thomas by Kaleta, Pommer, and Stafford. Patrick Kaleta was vintage Kaleta tonight. He challeneged Lucic to a fight and held his own. Again showing Boston they won't stand for being pushed around. Kaleta would then lay a good lick on Chara, causing Chara to chase down Kaleta and deliver a cheap shot for a penalty. Weber and Thornton would go at late in the 2nd. Then Kaleta would lay a hit on McQuaid and start another scrap. Gaustad let Lucic know during that get together that Lucic would not push his weight around.
    The big bad Bruins looked slow and unorganized tonight. Buffalo carried the play and the hitting. Boston had very little chances on Miller until it was 5-0 in the 3rd. Miller is 4-0-1 in his last 5 giving up only 4 goals in those 5 games.
    The Sabres may not make the playoffs, however I promise you if they can stay healthy and on this path, one they will make it interesting and two no team in the NHL will want to see them on their schedule.
    What's up with Tim Thomas and facebook?
  18. Pegulaville26

    Trip to the Island

    By Pegulaville26,

    Buffalo make the final trip to Long Island this season. The Isles have won both meetings this season and have won 6 of the last 7 meetings overall. For some reason the Isles just have the Sabres number. Things will be a little different this time around. Tonight will be the first time the Islanders face the red hot Ryan Miller. Also this is will be the first time the Islanders meet a healthy (minus Vanek) Sabres squad.
    Buffalo comes in winning 2 of 3 and getting 5 of 6 points in their 3 games out of the break. Miller and the defense have been lock down, but the offense continues to struggle. Buffalo is on pace for its lowest goals for total in franchise history. A team that early in the season was supposed to be deep with scoring. Stafford has 1 goal in 13 games, Roy 1 in 15, Boyes 1 in 26, Leino 1 in 12, and Gerbe 1 in 19. Talk about a scoring drought. Derek Roy is currently taking residence in the Lindy Ruff dog house along with Luke Adam. Roy's days as a Sabre are all but numbered in my opinion. Ruff and Roy can no longer exist on the same team.
    Buffalo has played better as of late but have gained no ground in the standings. A sure sign that this task to get in a top 8 spot is near impossible. However the Sabres are not bad enough to end up in a lottery pick situation. So I rather them try to go up instead of try to go down.
    Paul Gaustad has come back with something to prove since the all star break. I have had a change of heart on Goose's status on this team. I was all for shipping him to Detroit or SJ. I think Detroit would have the most interest in Gaustad, especially seeing that Wings scout Kirk Maltby has been following the Sabres around the last week. I am more in favor now of Goose staying on this team as a leader and player with grit. For the right price of course.
    The Isles come into this game hot as well. Including a 2-1 OT win in Ottawa last night. John Tavares and Matt Moulson are two of the most notable hottest players.
    Expected Lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Gerbe-Ennis-Stafford
    Kaleta-Gaustad-Boyes
    McCormick-Adam-Ellis
    Myers-Ehrhoff
    Regehr-Sekera
    Weber-Leopold
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction- Sabres jump on Isles early after they played last night 4-1 Buffalo.
  19. Pegulaville26

    Home Sweet Home

    By Pegulaville26,

    Buffalo is back at home tonight at the First Niagara Center for the first time since January 13th a 3-2 win against the Leafs. The opponent tonight are the 1st place New York Rangers. They are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to NJ last night. The last time the Sabres lost in regulation at home was to these very New York Rangers on December 10th. Since then they have put a pretty good home streak together.
    Marty Biron played last night in NJ, therefore Henrik Lundqvist will be between the pipes tonight for the Rangers. Lundqvist is not the guy Buffalo or any team wants to be looking at defending the goal. King Henrik is the runaway favorite in my opinion for the Vezina this season.
    I love watching Ryan Callahan play. I would do anything to have a player like him on my team. He never gives up on any play, is physical, and can score. A great captain for the Rangers. However on the other side of the things Brad Richards comes into tonights game on a bit of a slump. He has 33 pts in 49 games and only 2 in his last 9.
    Thomas Vanek will not play tonight and another un-named forward may miss tonights game from an illness. In case that forward cannot go Zack Kassian has been recalled, it is possible to Kassian to play for Vanek instead of Adam, but I would highly highly doubt it.
    I expect Miller in goal again. Enroth won't be in net until next Friday or Saturday.
    Expected Lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Gerbe-Ennis-Stafford
    Boyes-Gaustad-Kaleta
    McCormick-Adam-Ellis
    (Reserve for Ill player-Zack Kassian)
    Myers-Ehrhoff
    Sekera-Regher
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Why not? 3-2 Buffalo.
  20. Pegulaville26

    Goose+Leino=2!

    By Pegulaville26,

    Two in a row! First two game winning streak since November 9th! Determination is the word that can best describe this game. Habs took the early 1-0 lead on a mistake by Matt Eliis that let Max Pacioretty walk in alone and bury his own rebound. From that point on it was all Sabres. Price stood on his head until something crazy happened. Ville Leino came to play. How ya doin Leino?....http://video.nhl.com...id=35&id=154067. As NHL.com called it Ville String. Nothing like the toe drag snipe top shelf. I've been waiting for it all year, I hope Ville brings more of that in the second half. He was strong on the boards and refused to give up on any play. Not to mention he was playing on the top line and got tons of minutes in place of the injured Vanek. Ruff better take note of that.
    The other player who brought his game and played like a team leader Paul Gaustad. Goose put out a 3 point night including the game winner. He was determined all night as well including blocking and bullet from point blank range as time expired at the end of the 2nd. Without a doubt was a goal saver. Goose out muscled big Hal Gill in front of the net to get the re direct goal to make it 2-1. By the way how is Hal Gill still in this league. If only he couldn't interfere or hold.
    Myers and Ehrhoff seemed to be out their the entire game and were they ever lock down! Good tandem for the next 7-10 years. Miller is starting to get into the groove with two solid vezina performances. Brad Boyes showed some grit, along with Stafford.
    Tyler Ennis was a huge return for the Sabres. He was dynamite at center, using his speed all over the ice and making 2 key back checks including picking Patches pocket late in the 3rd when he was alone in the slot.
    Erik Cole is a beast.
    Things got a little chippy at the end of the game. After Kaleta made it 3-1 with his empty netter he did his usual one knee fist pump thing. Montreal took exception to it (maybe they shouldn't have let Kaleta beat them down the ice to an open puck) and Pacioretty fed Gaustad a little "Nice job on Lucic" line. Goose then came back with a little "Where's Chara?" line to Patches. Maybe a little far, but I like it. Pacioretty wants to open his mouth it's game on, I know the guy got hurt, but so did Miller. After the game Darche (really Mathieu Darche?), Price, and Cole let their feelings about Gaustad be known. I found Price's one comment to be rather interesting, "We can't worry about what he says he doesn't do much out there". Oh really? Perhaps Price should watch game film where Gaustad just put up a 3 point night including the game winner. Not a good come back.
    On the bad side of things Thomas Vanek left the game with an upper body injury and will be re-evaluated today in Buffalo. He is expected to miss about a week. Also in a odd scratch Luke Adam was sent to the press box. I didn't really understand this move by Ruff, Adam has been struggling, he just went to the all star game and talked to some of the leagues best. Perhaps he gained some confidence, well Ruff ended that with a trip to the press box. I expect Adam to return tonight in the place of Vanek. If they are not going to play Adam send him to Rochester and let him develop. However he showed he could play on a top line in beginning of the season.
    This should be Lindy Ruff in the locker room before tonight's game....

    Pregame blog to come later.
  21. Pegulaville26
    Believe it or not the Sabres are fielding their opening night lineup for the first time since the October 15th contest (4th game of the year) against Pittsburgh. The only players that will be missing from the lineup will be Jochen Hecht and Brayden McNabb. Things should get interesting when McNabb is ready to go tomorrow. Gragnani and McCormick will be the healthy scratches tonight. Tonight the Sabres will visit the Bell Centre in an effort to begin the second half push and win back to back games for the first time since November 9th. The Habs come in with 47 points 2 ahead of the Sabres and come off a beat down of the Wings on home ice before the all star break.
    Ryan Miller will man the goal for the Sabres tonight looking to tie Dominik Hasek in all time wins by a Sabres goalie. Miller will need to build on his strong performance in Newark for Buffalo to have any shot at a run to the playoffs.
    Tyler Ennis will make is long awaited return to the lineup tonight, however it will not be at wing. Ennis is expected to be the pivot man on a line with Stafford and Gerbe. Ennis played center at Medicine Hat and Portland. We will see how long Ruff sticks with him in the middle. I'll take the under on the over/under 3 shifts. It also appears Luke Adam will make his return to the middle between Pominville and Vanek. This is Adam's chance to make his mark on his coach again or he will end up in Rochester very soon. The Adam's family line was one of the top lines in hockey to begin the season. I hope they regain their form.
    I think Buffalo needs this one tonight because tomorrow night in Buffalo King Henrik and the 1st place Rangers will be no easy task.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek Adam Pominville
    Gerbe Ennis Stafford
    Boyes Roy Leino
    Kaleta Gaustad Ellis
    Myers-Sekera
    Ehrhoff-Regher
    Leopld-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Predicition: Hard fought battle between two desperate teams. I think a healthy Buffalo and solid Ryan Miller squeezes out a 3-2 W.
  22. Pegulaville26
    1. New York Rangers 31-12-4 66 pts. (1st in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 14.1% (25th) PK: 87.5% (3rd) GF: 132 GA: 96 (+36)
    Leaders: Goals-Marian Gaborik (25) Assists- Derek Stepan (21) Points- Marian Gaborik (39) GAA- Henrik Lundqvist (1.87)
    Injuries: Jeff Woywitka (IR), Steve Eminger (IR), Mike Sauer (IR), Chad Kolarik (IR)
    Cap Space: 975K
    UFA's: Ruslan Fedotenko, Erik Christensen, Brandon Prust, John Mitchell, Steve Eminger, Jeff Woywitka, Marty Biron
    RFA's: Wojtek Wolski, Michael Del Zotto, Anton Stralman, Stu Bickel
    Strengths: Goalie, Defense, Grit
    Needs: Scoring, PP help
    The Rangers sit at top of the Eastern Confernce standings. They are one of the surprise teams this year. The Richards signing in the offseason has worked out well for the Blue Shirts. Also helps that Marian Gaborik is back to form after a down year last season. The Rangers will be looking for scoring and power play help at the deadline. I think if the Rangers can get a little more help for King Henrik they are going to be very dangerous in the playoffs.
    Targets: Jordan Leopold, Sakku Koivu, Jason Blake, Shane Doan, Vinny Prospal, Ales Hemsky, Ryan Malone, Joni Pitkanen, Ryan Suter
    Trade Bait: Wojtek Wolski, Erik Christensen, Carl Hagelin, Mike Sauer, Dan Girardi
    2. Philadelphia Flyers 29-14-5 63 pts (4th in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 20.4% (4th) PK: 82.3% (15th) GF: 162 GA: 142 (+20)
    Leaders: Goals- Scott Hartnell (25) Assists- Claude Giroux (37) Points- Claude Giroux (55) GAA- Sergei Bobrovsky (2.42)
    Injruies: Zac Rinaldo (IR), Danny Briere (DTD), James Van Riemsdyk (IR), Blair Betts (IR), Chris Pronger (LTIR), Ian Laperierre (LTIR)
    Cap Space: 0
    UFA's: Jaromir Jagr, Ian Laperierre, Blair Betts, Matt Carle
    RFA's: Jakub Voracek, Harry Zolnierczyk, Ben Holmstrom, Tom Sestito, Marc Andre Bourdon
    Strengths: Scoring, PP, Grit
    Needs: Defense, Goaltending
    The Flyers are in their usual spot near the top of the Eastern Conference Standings. After a overhaul in the offseason the Flyers have not missed a beat. The loss of Chris Pronger was a hard lost for the Flyers. Also new goalie Bryzgalov has struggled in his first year in Philly. Young rookies have played well for the Flyers helping them cover up goaltending and defensive struggles.
    Targets: Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Jordan Leopold, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Joni Pitkanen, Toni Lydman, Luca Sbisa
    Trade Bait: JVR, Jakub Voracek, Matt Carle, Draft Picks, Prospects
    3. Pittsburgh Penguins 28-17-4 60 pts (5th in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP:18.5% (12th) PK:87.4% (4th) GF: 152 GA: 127 (+25)
    Leaders: Goals- James Neal (27) Assists- Evgeni Malkin (32) Points- Evgeni Malkin (58) GAA- Marc Andre Fleury (2.25)
    Injuries: Sidney Crosby (IR), Jordan Staal (IR), Simon Despres (IR)
    Cap Space: $2,500
    UFA's: Steve Sullivan, Arron Asham, Steve MacIntyre, Richard Park, Brent Johnson
    RFA's: James Neal, Eric Tangradi, Joe Vitale, Matt Niskanen
    Strengths: Scoring, Goaltending
    Needs: Depth, Defense
    Pittsburgh like Philly sits in a usual spot among the NHL elite. They have delt with a large amount of injuries to key players Malkin, Crosby, Staal, Letang, and Orpik. The Pens continue to be a difficult team to play against and right now nobody is hotter than Malkin. Malkin is making his run at an MVP award this year. Fleury has had an up and down year, but he will be solid like usual in the playoffs.
    Targets: Tim Gleason, Tuomo Ruutu, Ryan Malone, Jason Blake, Mikhail Grabovski, Vinny Prospal, Kristian Huselius, Anton Vermette, Paul Gaustad
    Trade Bait: Matt Niskanen, Draft Picks, Prospects
    4. New Jersey Devils 26-19-3 55 pts (8th in the Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 14.7% (22nd) PK: 89.2% (1st) GF: 129 GA: 136 (-7)
    Leaders: Goals- Iyla Kovalchuk (19) Assists- Patrik Elias (28) Points- Patrik Elias (46) GAA: Johan Hedberg (2.45)
    Injuries: Travis Zajac (IR), Andy Greene (IR), Henrik Tallinder (DTD)
    Cap Space: 2.65 million
    UFA's: Zach Parise, Alexi Ponikarovsky, Ryan Carter, Petr Sykora, Cam Janssen, Brad Mills, Bryce Salvador, Kurtis Foster, Peter Harrold, Johan Hedberg, Marty Brodeur
    RFA's: Matthew Taormina, Mark Fayne
    Strengths: Defense
    Needs: Goaltending, Scoring
    NJ has continued with the momentum they put up last season. Patrik Elias is having an exellent season for the Devils. Kovi and Parise have also played well. Controversy surrounds NJ with decision coming on stars Zach Parise and future hall of famer Martin Brodeur. NJ will make a push for the playoffs this season to make more money which the franchise needs. Parise will not be delt at the deadline. After the season is a different story however. NJ already made a move so far acquiring Ponikarovsky from Carolina.
    Targets: Tuomo Ruutu, Tim Gleason, Joni Pitkanen, Jonathon Bernier, Elvis Lindback, Derek Roy
    Trade Bait: Zach Parise, Johan Hedberg, Kurtis Foster, Bryce Salvador
    5. New York Islanders 19-22-7 45 pts (13th in the Eastern Conference) Sellers
    PP: 19.5% (6th) PK: 84.9% (8th) GF: 115 GA 143 (-28)
    Leaders: Goals- Matt Moulson (22) Assists- PA Parenteau (33) Points- John Tavares (49) GAA- Evgeni Nabokov (2.38)
    Injuries: Mike Mottau (IR), Rick DiPietro (IR)
    Cap: 32 Million
    UFA: Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, PA Parenteau, Tim Wallace, Frans Nielsen, Mark Eaton, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina, Mike Mottau, Dylan Reese, Al Montoya, Evgeni Nabokov
    RFA's: Matt Martin
    Strengths: Youth, Scoring
    Needs: Goaltending, Defense
    The Islanders have again disappointed this year. They have young talent in Okposo, Moulson, and Tavares that were expected to make the Isles compete. DP has again missed a boat load of games to nobodys surprise. The Islanders again will be sellers as their status in Long Island is in jepordy.
    Targets: Draft picks, Prospects
    Trade Bait: Evgeni Nabokov, Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, PA Parenteau, Kyle Okposo, Al Montoya, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina
  23. Pegulaville26
    Couple things I want to hit on before I start the grading. First Tim "Teeth" Kennedy is now on his 3rd team since being cut by Buffalo. If he has not fired his agent after the offseason disaster with Buffalo he needs too. Kennedy had a spot carved out in the Sabres lineup and had a decent rookie season. Best of luck to Teeth.
    Last the hockeybuzz rumor involving Derek Roy and Paul Stastny. I'll play along even though it came from EK. I could see this deal working for both teams, the Sabres get a top line center and Colorado gets a good center at a lower cap hit. However I don't think just Derek Roy gets Stastny out of Colorado. Also the Sabres would have to make more moves, probably Boyes and Gaustad.
    Ok now onto the grades:
    Defense:
    Tyler Myers-B
    Myers missed a lot of time this year with a broken wrist. Before he was hurt he was possibly the Sabres worse defenseman. He then recieved a one game trip to the press box and came back a whole different player. He came back as the Myers of 2011 Playoffs against Philly. He has provided some offense since coming back from his injury and has brought stability to the blue line. I am curious to see how his season finishes. His season end could be tied to the Sabres final standings.
    Jordan Leopold-B-
    Leopold has 8 goals this season and has provided good production from the point. He has had an up and down season in his own end though. At times he looks solid and at times like in Chicago and Detroit he looks awful. Leopold could be a deadline mover this season with the Sabres in sell mode.
    Robyn Regher-A
    Regher has come as advertised out of Calgary. He is physical and has been solid this season in his own zone. He punishes people usually on a nightly basis for entering his zone. Regher has had a few injury problems this year. He also brings leadership and a teacher to the young Buffalo D core.
    Andrej Sekera-B
    Sekera is for some reason a goat in Buffalo. I think he is a very underrated player, he provides offense, good outlet passes, and is not a liability in his own end. He could possibly be a deadline mover as well if Buffalo goes for a big player. He has not put up the amount of points I would like to see, but he has done great playing large minutes in his own zone.
    Christian Ehrhoff-B
    Ehrhoff also falls into the theme of many players this season on this team, up and down. Ehrhoff started off well and then he struggled in his zone and then he started playing well again. He has missed time with a rib injury. He looked good in his first game back, he should also help the Sabres power play with his return. I personally am very high on Ehrhoff and I had him targeted for the Sabres in March of last season. He will be a solid blue liner for years to come.
    Mike Weber-D
    Weber has disappointed this season. He seems slow at times and always late to the play. He has trouble tieing up guys in front of the net which is confusing for his size. Weber could be a throw in for a trade at the deadline or seasons end.
    Marc Andre Gragnani-F
    Grags has been awful! In the playoffs last season he was very solid for the Sabres, but this year has been a tire fire. Sure he is a +11, but I don't know how, he constantly turns the puck over, and is pushed around in his own end. Gragnani could also be moved at the deadline or not tendered at seasons end with him being a RFA.
    Offense:
    Thomas Vanek-A
    Vanek started off the season red hot. In my opinion he should have been given the C, he is the true leader of this team on and off the ice. Vanek gets little credit for what he does, he takes a beating in front of the net where no other player will go. He has tailed off as of late, but that is typical Vanek. He will end the season with 30 goals and 60 points. He has been very good in his own end, which is something he has worked hard at in his career.
    Jason Pominville-A+
    Pommer is having a great come back season! He had a horrific injury in the playoffs last season and he has come back this season on fire. He leads the Sabres in points and goals. He is also on his way to his first All Star game. The captain has accepted his new role and ran with it. He is great on the PK and PP. His second half could be better than the first, he is an anually a great finisher.
    Jochen Hecht-B
    Hecht has delt with concussion issues all season. He again is on the shelf with a concussion, his third in a year. He very well could have played his last game in a Sabres jersey. However when he was in the lineup he fit in well between Pommer and Vanek. He provided some scoring and good play in his own end. I hope he gets better soon
    Drew Stafford-F
    Stafford got a big contract in the offseason and he has fell flat on his face. Last season was his best career year. Stafford has struggled a ton this year. He is on pace for less than 15 goals this season. I could see Stafford being moved, however I would like to see Stafford again with Roy in the middle. Last game in NJ Roy was not in the middle and Stafford had perhaps his best game.
    Derek Roy-F
    Roy has come back and been terrible for the Sabres. He is being run out of Buffalo and I would be shocked if he isn't moved by the deadline. He has produced little and been a liability. I'm sick of seeing him flop all over and coast to the bench.
    Ville Leino-F
    Leino has been a disaster for the Sabres. The new big contract has been awful. Leino is on pace for 9 goals and he makes 4.5 million dollars. Maybe what could have saved Sabres management was a strong playoff by Leino. However they are not going to make the playoffs. Leino has 5 more years left on his deal. I wouldn't trade him this offseason, also I don't think anybody takes his contract. I still want to see one more season from Leino before parting ways.
    Nathan Gerbe-B-
    Gerbe plays bigger than his size. He has great speed, hands, and grit. He is afraid of nobody and will go get his nose dirty to make a play. He has been one of the best Sabres forwards all season. The only reason I give the B- is because the production isn't their.
    Luke Adam-C
    Luke started off strong between Vanek and Pommer. He started with 10 goals in the first two months, however he has gone ice cold. Lindy Ruff has demoted Adam to a 3rd line winger/center. I don't see the point Lindy is making with Adam. He cannot develop playing so few minutes, so I give half the blame on his cold streak to Ruff.
    Patrick Kaleta-B-
    The NHL is on a witch hunt to take Kaleta out of league. He can barely hit anymore without getting a penalty even if the hit is clean. Also players can mug Kaleta without getting a penalty called. Kaleta has been great on the PK selling out and blocking shots. He again has struggled with injuries this season, something that has plagued Kaleta his whole career. You can never hate the effort Kaleta gives.
    Paul Gaustad-D
    Goose continues to win faceoffs and be a leader. However I need him to put some pucks in the net as well. Having 3 goals just isn't cutting it for me. Gaustad is on the shelf right now with an injury suffered on a dirty his by Jamal Mayers. Goose could be moved at the deadline with him set to become a UFA July 1.
    Brad Boyes-F
    I wanted so bad for Boyes to work out. He just won't go to the place you need to to score goals. Sure he is great in the shootout, but I don't need Ales Kotalik 2.0. He likely will be moved at the deadline and if not will be a UFA July 1.
    Goalies:
    Ryan Miller-C
    Miller has struggled this season, having his career worst statiscally. However I lay some of the blame on the poor Sabres defense and injuries. Also I blame the Lucic hit that he missed time with a concussion. I think he came back not 100% and it showed. He looks to be getting into the groove now with a healthy D corp. I'm hoping for a good second half from him. Miller wants to win like nobody else.
    Jhonas Enroth-C+
    Enroth started off excellent, but has fallen into slide as of late. He had the chance to take the job from Miller when he was hurt, but he failed. Enroth could part of a trade at the deadline or in the offseason. If the Sabres want to make a run they need him to be a part of the effort.
  24. Pegulaville26
    Where has that Ryan Miller been all season? He stole 2 points for the Sabres tonight in NJ. He even out dueled future hall of famer Marty Broudeur in the shootout. Kovi scored for NJ and Pominville and Gerbe were the shootout goal scorers for Buffalo. 12 Game road losing streak is over. With Ehrhoff and Regher back Miller looked more confident in his crease. I don't think that is a coincidence. Miller needed his team to pull that W out for him and I'm happy for him. I'm also happy for Patrick Kaleta who played out of his mind. He was all over the ice blocking shots, killing penalties, and being physical. Also Ville Leino and Drew Stafford played their best game in months (with Derek Roy not on their line).
    Thats where the good ends tonight. The Sabres were only able to muster up 14 shots. Derek Roy was awful again playing on the 4th line at the end of the game. Pominville and Vanek looked lost with Roy. Starting to become a theme with Roy in the middle. Brad Boyes needs to be sent out of town or to the press box, he gives the Sabres nothing. If Ruff isn't going to play Luke Adam send him to Rochester. I don't see the point of him playing 5 minutes in Buffalo where he could develop and play 20 in Rochester. Gotta feel for Jochen Hecht, he was a late scratch today with another concussion. He started to feel the symptoms after the morning skate. This is his 3rd in 12 months, Hecht could have very well played his last game in the blue and gold.
    Well the Sabres head into the all star break on a good note. Let's see if they can put a streak together after the break.
  25. Pegulaville26
    Tonight the Sabres will invade Newark trying to pick up a W on this awful road trip. I personally have turned my attention to watching prospects more instead of doing personal scouting of other teams potential trade bait. With the Sabres now being in 28th place in the NHL they are in line for a lottery pick. I have my eye on Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko. A top 3 pick could be just what the Sabres need. It also does not involve blowing up your team. However there's still 34 games left before we get to that point. So tonight the Sabres take their first steps towards the lottery.
    Some good news on the injury front came in today. Ehrhoff and Regher will return to the lineup resulting in big Joe Finley being sent to Rochester and Weber or Gragnani heading to the press box. I don't care which one of the Weber or Gragnani are pulled off the ice. As long as the one that isn't pulled right now is pulled when McNabb is ready to go after the break. Tyler Ennis will not play tonight, but will play in Montreal after the break. Gaustad is still out and will be back after the break as well. Thus resulting in a fully healthy team. Also resulting in probably zero more inspiration as long as #9, #21, and #22 are still wearing blue and gold.
    Ryan Miller will be in goal tonight. He took a shot to the collarbone today from Marc Andre Gragnani in the pre game skate. Ironic twist seeing that Gragnani never shoots in games, perhaps Miller wasn't expecting the shot as well.
    I don't even know what to say about this team that is interesting. Lets see how Ehrhoff is in his first game back I guess.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pominville
    Gerbe-Roy-Stafford
    Adam-Leino-Boyes
    McCormick-Ellis-Kaleta
    Myers-Sekera
    Ehrhoff-Regher
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Devils games are always sleepers. I expect no different here 2-1 NJ
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