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Pegulaville26

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  1. Pegulaville26
    After another terrible road showing in Chicago and another blow out thist time 6-2, all I keep hearing is, whats wrong with the Sabres? I have 3 answers for you: poor hockey IQ, soft, and no passion.
    Last night I couldn't help but first scream at Ville Leino (I know he can't hear me) for his drop pass to nobody and then laugh continously throughout the rest of the game at what was occuring. Want to see what the Sabres pay Leino 4.5 million dollars for? Take a gander...http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console
    You can't see the drop pass that well, but basically he takes two strides over the blue line and drops it between his legs to Duncan Keith who sends Hossa in alone to make it 3-2, game over. A good example of no hockey IQ. I've been playing hockey since i was 4, and im 23, I'm no professional, but I do know you never never drop pass the puck at the blue line. Lets move onto Weber and Leopold, they were an awful -4 in Detroit, so most would think they would try to rebound in the next game right? Wrong, they come back with a -3, along with Derek Roy and Drew Stafford. Weber doesn't know how to tie up people in front resulting in the 1st and 2nd Hawks goal by Shaw and Toews. Then Weber makes you wonder if he has any hockey sense by literally catching a puck off the glass with his hand and tossing it behind his back into the mesh for a two minute penalty. That really happened no exaggeration. I felt bad for Jhonas Enroth until he looked terrible on the 5th and 6th, but didn't matter anymore anyways.
    Outside of Patrick Kaleta, Thomas Vanek, Nathan Gerbe, Robyn Regher, Paul Gaustad and Tyler Myers this may be the sofest team I have ever seen. Derek Roy refuses to go into the corner to take a check to make a play, Stafford forget he is 6'2 and will not go into the corner either. Brad Boyes would rather cruise above the face dots avoiding all possible contact. Leino tries to get into the corner, but is usually late to the play or falls down. I guess I can throw Jochen Hecht and Matt Ellis into the not so soft category too, at least they try.
    Remember back in November when Milan Lucic put Ryan Miller four rows into the stands at TD Garden and the Sabres didn't respond. Then after that they said never again we are going to stick up for each other. Well last night Jamal Mayers crushed Paul Gaustad (a well liked player in the room and team leader) into the boards from behind. In response probably to the hit Gaustad laid on Bolland the shift before that. Gaustad was injured, left the game and didn't return and will likely not play tonight. Now let me find the clip where the Sabres went after Mayers in a blow out to make a statement. Hold on...wait a second....wait...almost got it....oh yes that's right, they didn't do anything!!! The entire game you could see Mayers after every whistle looking over his shoulder waiting for someone to challenge him. He must of forgot the team he was playing.
    It gets better, the now very much anticipated Lindy Ruff post game presser. A definate classic last night. First let me put some background into it, Ruff told Pierre McGuire during an in-game interview he didn't mind the Leino play and that Stafford left his lane. I thought to myself no he must have mixed up his words, nope. In the postgame presser he again threw the blame at Stafford who sat most of the 3rd period for not being good at hockey. Stafford apparently left his lane without telling Leino, however Ruff did say it was a terrible play. Nice to see Leino is clicking with his new team 40 games in. When pressed by a reporter why Leino didn't miss a single shift and wasn't benched to make a point, Ruff came back with excuses and then stormed off like a little kid and yelled back at Mike Harrington Buffalo News reporter "You coach, Mike". Good idea coach! He would probably do better than you right now. I like how the Sabres always attack the media, excellent way to do business.
    The absolute kicker of the night was seeing Pierre McGuire and Eddie O just break down and rip apart the Sabres, over and over and over again. They showed replays of breakdown after breakdown after breakdown. Couple quotes I can recall from Pierre "they have the thousand yard stare right now" from EO "they need to bring in the symbols player from the band, they need to make a move just for the sake of doing something". Mike Millbury and Keith Jones continued to kill the Sabres in the post game show too. I loved every second of it, this team needs to be exposed to what they really are. How much longer will Pegula let his franchise be the laughing stock of the league. Anyone who sees the Sabres on the schedule right now thinks easy win.
    Oh yeah Sabres play in Winnipeg tonight. Good luck 4-1 Jets. 11 road L's in a row.
  2. Pegulaville26
    The Feburary 27th Trade Deadline is a little over a month away, but trades will start in the next few weeks. This is the first blog of a team by team preview broken down by division. Today I will start with the division I know the best the Northeast.
    1. Boston Bruins 29-13-1 59 pts (2nd in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 18.2% (12th) PK: 86.4% (6th) GF: 156 GA: 88 (+68)
    Leaders: Goals-Tyler Seguin (17) Assists- Patrice Bergeron (25) Points-Tyler Seguin (40) GAA:Rask 1.61
    Injuries: Rich Peverly (DTD), Marc Savard (LTIR)
    Cap Space- 2.45 million
    UFA's: Chris Kelly, Gregory Campbell, Joe Corvo, Dan Paille, Shawn Thorton, Danny Boychuk
    RFA's: Tuukka Rask, Beniot Pouliot, Zach Hamill
    Needs: 3-6 Defenseman, two way forward
    Strengths:Goaltending, Forward
    The Bruins start off cold with people talking of a cup hangover. They were dead last in the east with a 3-7 record. Then the calender turned to November and the Bruins turned it on. They did not lose a game in regulation the entire month and only lost a handful mid way through December. The Bruins shot to the top of the Eastern Conference Standings. They rolled over opponents in their path looking like definate repeats. The Bruins have come back to earth a little since Christmas, but are still a top 5 NHL team. Tim Thomas has struggled of late, drawing some concerns, while Rask continues to be solid. Nathan Horton has returned to his Florida form until he broke out last night in Tampa. That is a story line that is worth watching in the second half. Boston is a definate buyer going into the deadline and will probably look for defense help. That could be in the form of a defenseman or a solid two way forward. Here are some players that I think Boston will target and be trade bait:
    Targets:Tim Gleason, Tuomo Ruutu, Andy Sutton, Toni Lydman, Ryan Suter, Sammy Pahlsson, Kristian Huselius, Jochen Hecht, Bryan Allen
    Trade Bait: Jordan Caron, Joe Colborne, Joe Corvo, Tuukka Rask, Beniot Pouliot
    2. Ottawa Senators 26-16-6 58 pts (5th in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 18.3% (14th) PK: 81.4 (23rd) GF: 149 GA: 150 (-1)
    Leaders: Goals-Milan Michalek (23) Assists-Erik Karlsson (38) Points-Jason Spezza (48) GAA-Craig Anderson (2.91)
    Injuries: Peter Regin (IR), Jesse Winchester (IR)
    Cap Space: 12.7 million
    UFA's: Jesse Winchester, Zenon Konopka , Filip Kuba, Matt Carkner, Alex Auld
    RFA's: Brian Lee, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, Erik Karlsson, Kaspras Daugavins
    Needs: Forward, 3-6 Defenseman, Depth, Size
    Strengths: Goaltending, Youth, Defense
    Ottawa is the surprise team of the season that has managed to stick around so far this season. They were projected to be in the 12-14 range in the Eastern Conference. Jason Spezza has had another strong year, Erik Karlsson has turned into perhaps the best young D prospect in the league, and Milan Michalek is putting up numbers like he did in SJ. Instead of the Senators being drowned in the to trade or not to trade Daniel Alfredsson debate, they will be looking to add at the deadline. They already made one of the big moves of the season picking up Kyle Turris from the Coyotes.
    Targets: Tim Gleason, Ryan Malone, Derek Roy, Bobby Ryan, Toni Lydman, Francois Beauchemin, Jaroslav Spacek, Bryan Allen
    Trade Bait: Brian Lee, Nick Foligno, Nikita Filatov, Peter Regin
    3. Toronto Maple Leafs 22-18-5 49 pts (9th in Eastern Conference) Buyers
    PP: 20.6% (4th) PK: 74.4% (30th) GF:139 GA:140 (-1)
    Leaders: Goals- Phil Kessel (24) Assists: Joffrey Lupul (28) Points: Phil Kessel (49) GAA: Jonas Gustavsson (2.92)
    Injuries: John-Michael Liles (IR), Colby Armstrong (IR)
    Cap Space: 625K
    UFA's: Mikael Grabovski, Joey Crabb, John-Michael Liles, Darryl Boyce, Jonas Gustavsson
    RFA's: Nikolai Kulemin, Jay Rosehill, Cody Franson, Keith Aulie
    Needs: Goaltending, Forward, Depth, Size
    Strengths: Defense, Youth
    Toronto has been an up and down team this season. Goaltending is again an issue in Toronto, with Reimer and Gustavsson struggling. Leafs are in the battle for a playoff spot this year and I think Burke will do his best at the deadline to get them in. Kessel and Lupul have carried the Leafs so far with excellent seasons. They will need some help to get the Leafs into the top 8.
    Targets: Antero Nittymaki, Elvis Lindback, Eric Staal, Rick Nash, James Van Reimsdyk, Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, Jonas Hiller, Jeff Carter
    Trade Bait: Nazem Kadri, Cody Franson, Keith Aulie, James Reimer, Jonas Gustavsson, Nikolai Kulemin, Clarke MacArthur, Mikael Grabovski
    4. Buffalo Sabres 19-21-5 43 pts (11th in Eastern Conference) Sellers
    PP: 18% (14th) PK: 83.5% (11th) GF:122 GA:134 (-12)
    Leaders: Goals-Thomas Vanek (19) Assists-Jason Pominville (29) Points-Jason Pominville (44) GAA: Jhonas Enroth (2.42)
    Injuries: Robyn Regher (IR), Brayden McNabb (DTD), Tyler Ennis (IR), Christian Ehrhoff (IR)
    Cap Space: 0
    UFA's: Paul Gaustad, Jochen Hecht, Brad Boyes
    RFA's: Marc-Andre Gragnani, Tyler Ennis, Patrick Kaleta, TJ Brennan
    Needs: #1 Center, Size, Scoring
    Strengths: Defense, Goaltending, Youth
    The Sabres had a lot of expectations this year and have fell flat on their face. Injuries have killed this team 19 of the 23 opening roster players have missed at least 1 game to injury. Ryan Miller has struggled along with Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, and Brad Boyes. Leino has not lived up to his big contract and the Sabres might be looking to dish it off at seasons end. The Ruff and Regier era could be coming to end and for the first time in a few years the Sabres are looking at being sellers at the deadline.
    Targets: Sam Gagner, Bobby Ryan, Draft Picks, Prospects
    Trade Bait: Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy, Brad Boyes, Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad, MA Gragnani, Mike Weber
    5. Montreal Canadiens 17-20-8 42 pts (12th in Eastern Conference) Sellers
    PP: 12.8% (30th) PK: 89.1% (2nd) GF:116 GA:123 (-7)
    Leaders: Goals-Erik Cole (17) Assists-David Desharnais (24) Points-Erik Cole (33) GAA-Carey Price (2.44)
    Injuries: Brian Gionta (IR) Travis Moen, Andrei Markov (LTIR), Tomas Plekanec, Ryan White, Andreas Engqvist
    Cap Space: 1.8 million
    UFA's: Travis Moen, Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, Mathieu Darche, Chris Campoli
    RFA's: Carey Price, Lars Eller, Ryan White, Mike Blunden, Petteri Nokelainen, Alexei Emelin, Raphael Diaz, PK Subban
    Needs: Dump Gomez Contract, Scoring, Forward, Size, Top 6 Forward
    Strengths: Goaltending, Defense, Youth, One less year of the Gomez contract
    Montreal has been another team that has let down their fan base. In Montreal they expect a winning team every year. They will be looking for a new coach in the offseason that hopefully speaks French and probably a new GM. I don't see Pierre Gauthier lasting through this season. The Habs are in desperate need of scoring and size to help out Carey Price. They have been active this season trading for Tomas Kaberle and trading away Mike Cammalleri for Rene Bourque. Bourque will provide the Habs with some size and hopefully scoring.
    Targets: Bobby Ryan, Jeff Carter, Zach Parise, prospects, draft picks
    Trade Bait: Scott Gomez, PK Subban, Andrei Kostitsyn, Hal Gill, Scott Gomez, Chris Campoli, Scott Gomez
    Atlantic Division coming next sometime next week.
  3. Pegulaville26
    I love when I get the chance to watch the Red Wings play, so I am looking forward to tonights game. The Wings are a well oiled machine and give their opponents a lesson in puck control every night. Also Pavel Datsyuk is one of my favorite players in the league to watch. He plays a complete game in all areas of the ice. He has nasty hands and excellent vision, he doesn't get all the same run that Ovechkin, Stamkos, and Malkin get, but he is just as good if not better.
    Tonight starts the week which will end or turn around the Sabres season. With the Sabres making stops in Detroit tonight, Chicago Wednesday, Winnipeg Thursday, and St. Louis Saturday, those 4 teams carry a home record of 66-18-9. The Red Wings come into tonight winners of 14 straight at home looking to set a new franchise record of 15 at the Sabres expense. In the other corner the Sabres come in losers of 8 straight on the road second longest skid in the team history, something has to give tonight. With the Sabres scoring struggles Jimmy Howard may not be the man they want to see to solve their problems. Howard is 26-10-1 with a 2.04 GAA and a .924 save % 4 shutouts, he is right in the middle of the Vezina race this year.
    Injuries are again the story in Buffalo, Regher joined the list after Saturdays loss in Long Island. He is going to be out "some time". The Sabres blue line is getting thin with McNabb and Regher to miss all the games this week. Ehrhoff has a chance to play Wednesday in Chicago. Andrej Sekera will return tonight from his shoulder injury. Sekera had a break out game last year against Detroit after he was shown the press box for a few games. He had 2 goals in that game including this nice backhander...
    TJ Brennan has been recalled to replace Regher and Joe Finley will be the healthy scratch tonight. Still confused why Finley played instead of Brennan Saturday, but I don't even bother stressing over the personnel decisions anymore. Vanek will play after taking a puck to the face on Saturday, he continues to be a leader on this team and carry them on his back.
    Ryan Miller will be in the net tonight playing in his hometown against his little brother Drew Miller. Ryan has struggled in his career against Detroit. He knows how important it is to turn the season around now and he is putting the teams success on his back. Let's if Ryan can answer his own call out.
    Expected lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pominville
    Gerbe-Roy-Stafford
    Adam-Leino-Boyes
    Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Myers-Weber
    Sekera-Leopold
    Brennan-Gragnani
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: I tried to be not so negative in this blog, because I hate negativity, but my feelings on this team haven't changed. Wings will give the Sabres a lesson in how to play the game tonight, 4-1 Wings.
  4. Pegulaville26
    The new year has started off well for the Buffalo Sabres. Last night they pulled out a 4-3 win over the Oilers with a 3 point game from Drew Stafford and a multi point game from Derek Roy. Lindy Ruff overhandled his team again by making dramatic line changes that started in a poor start for the Sabres. Ruff quickly put the lines back to normal and the Sabres started to control play and earned the W.
    The best news in months came down today. Big #57 Tyler Myers is ready to go and will play tomorrow in Carolina. Myers is the most important player on this team, he eats big minutes, provdies offense from the point, and plays the PK and PP. The real evaluation of the Sabres can now begin. If they continue to struggle with 57 in the lineup then they really do have serious problems. I however am under the belief that Myers will start right the ship especially in the D-zone. This may also help the play of Ryan "three or more" Miller. He has looked good and awful at times since returning from his head injury. Myers returning will result in TJ Brennan heading back to Rochester, he has played well in his time in Buffalo, he will be part of a young upstart D next season (Myers, Brennan, and McNabb).
    Also on the injury front Tyler Ennis and Ville Leino are ready to get back into action Saturday or Tuesday at the latest. This will result in Zack Kassian being sent back to Rochester (if not before that) and Matt Ellis heading back to the press box. Still the Sabres will have a decision to make, who else sits? McCormick might be the person who watches from the press box as well, he sat last night for Kassian with Sabres looking to dress a more offensive lineup. Boyes has not played great since returning, but he provides skill and almost a given in the shootout. Here's how I expect the lines to look in the next few games:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pominville
    Stafford-Roy-Gerbe
    Leino-Adam-Ennis
    Kaleta-Gaustad-Boyes
    Myers-Regher
    Leopold-McNabb
    Gragnani-Weber
    Miller
    Enroth
    Before I end this I want to touch on the play of Nathan Gerbe. The 5'5 Boston College product has been the life and soul of this Sabres team all season. He is the smallest guy on the ice, but plays like the biggest. He has no fear and had lightning fast speed. He leads his team on and off the ice which is exceptional for such a young player. I hope to see at least a large "A" on his small jersey next season. He scored a nasty backhand breakaway goal last night to close out the Oil a true goal scorers goal. The Flyers remember how nasty Gerbe can be, check out this playoff clinching goal in the home finale last year:
    Sabres next 5 games are very important (@CAR vsWPG @TOR vsTOR @NYI) at least 8 out of 10 would be nice here.
  5. Pegulaville26
    Look back into the past and all of Buffalo was full of joy with new owner Terry Pegula in charge. Fans in this city were as amped up as I've seen in regards to the Sabres. Fast forward one year and my oh my how things have changed. Pegula and his management are under huge fire in Buffalo. Fans in this city are calling the new ownership team liars, greedy, and uninformed. These are terrible accusations and a terrible way for fans to look at their teams ownership group. How could you argue with the evidence the fans have?
    Over the past week I have heard Sabres Owner, President, and GM all be interviewed and throw the same garbage at fans. They attacked the media in Buffalo for being too hard on the team (second time in 11 months) with constant negativity. They hide behind the injuries, which yes has been a factor. However all the forwards except Ennis have returned and only Vanek and Pominville can score. They continue to throw support behind a core of players that have lead the Sabres to 0 playoff series wins in 5 years. They continue to throw support behind a coach and GM that have got this team nothing in 14 years! Grow up boys, criticism is part of the job. Fighting with fans and media is only going to make it worse. As the season goes on Pegula will start to see ticket sales drop and the FN Center start to have a lot of open seats. Season ticket renewal will not be 99% this off season. This management team seems to be full of excuses and complaining and their hockey club acts the same way. I have never heard a coach whine and complain the way Ruff does. If it's not the Lucic hit, it's not getting penalty calls, it's about Kaleta being a target by the officials. Every game all he does is give excuses and complain, getting old fast.
    Darcy Regier was given an off season with "no restrictions" and he failed miserably! He has crippled the franchise for years with the Leino and Ehrhoff contract. The team is now stuck in cap jail and relief is not coming anytime soon. He over values his players and is almost impossible to make a trade with (see Brian Burke's comments). I don't want him rebuilding this team. He has already left enough of a bad mark on this team. The sooner he is out the better.
    Ruff continues to kill young offensive players, mismanage his goaltending, and be awful at bringing together new players. He has failed to put Leino in a spot to succeed. He has killed the growth of Luke Adam, he was a first line center and off to an excellent start to the season. Ruff then made a knee jerk reaction pulled him off the first line. Since then Adam has 2 goals in two months and he had only 6 minutes of ice time last night. Way to grow a young prospect with great potential. I don't want Ruff anywhere near the growth of Kassian or Foligno.
    Fans hoping for a change however will not get it. Pegula and management are content with Regier and Ruff, they will not make the hard decisions, they will not force any change with this team. They will hide behind the injuries in the off season and give Ruff and Regier another year. They continue to maintain they are on track of their "3 year plan". I have to highly disagree, any person with hockey knowledge knows this team is at least 5 years minimum from competing big time.
    I guess you have to go through hockey hell in order to reach hockey heaven.
    Check out the Pegula interview on WGR Sports Radio 550 here: http://wgr550.com/pages/11994135.php?contentType=4&contentId=9768167
  6. Pegulaville26
    On Feburary 18th of 2011 Terry Pegula took over as Sabres owner and gave a energize first speech even shedding tears at the sight of his hero Gilbert Perrault. All of Buffalo was full of joy calling for Feburary 18th to be known as Pegula Day for the rest of time. He promised Stanley Cups, he promised a changed atmospher, and he promised money no longer is an issue with this team. Pegula and Sabres President Ted Black spoke of a 3 year plan, in which they would be a "Championship Team, Attitude, and Atmosphere". The new owner helped give the Sabres some energy and the team made a crazy second half run to get into the playoffs. He got a 99% season ticket renewal rate, put money into the arena, bought Sabres University (Rochester Amerks), and even personally handed out season tickets to fans.
    All of that I'm thankful for, however he forgot to fix one thing, THE TEAM! The most important part of the whole thing Pegula overlooked. Sure he went out and made big offseason additions in Ehrhoff, Regher, and Leino. All that got the Sabres into though were contracts that will cripple this team for years and cap jail. Leino's 6 year deal and Ehrhoff's 10 year deal at this point look like outright failures. Management made the splash to keep Sabres faithful hooked, but in turn probably set the franchise back a few years. I don't want to be the old Rangers or Leafs, who try to buy a Stanley Cup. That gets you nowhere. The Rangers and Leafs are finally starting to dig out of those mistakes after nearly a decade of poor product on the ice. What managment needed to do was make the smart moves, not the flashy, or sign the players everyone else wanted. Leino is a perfect example, he was a 2nd line winger in Philly with linemates of Daniel Briere and Scott Hartnell. The Sabres signed him to be a 1st or 2nd line CENTER. Trying to ram square pegs into round holes is not what the Sabres needed. The Sabres really wanted Brad Richards and it didn't work so why not wait it out and have the money to go after a Getzlaf or Parise at the deadline or next July 1. The Leino signing has also cost them the development of young center Luke Adam. He started off red hot with Vanek and Pominville, but now in the Lindy Ruff system is a 3rd or 4th line center/winger. Sure Leino is great in the playoffs, but the problem is you are not making the playoffs.
    Every Thursday morning for the past 2 months I have heard Ted Black just shove garbage down the throats of Sabres fans on WGR Sports Radio 550. He says the same things, patient this and injury that. Yada Yada Yada. He then made the argument today that the Sabres are in a better spot than they were a year ago. Sure the arena is nicer, but the team is no better off. They have a worse record and the same inconsistent players. A worse goalie and a coach and GM who have long over stayed their time. To me Ted Black was telling fans to be happy with what you have, well I would trade a good arena for a top 8 consistent hockey team. He can have back his fancy locker room and TV board outside, just give me a good team.
    The management of the Sabres still smells of the Golisano era. They are over patient and full of excuses. Injuries have hurt this team sure, but the best players on the ice most nights are Nathan Gerbe, Brayden McNabb, Tyler Myers, and Luke Adam. All under the age of 24, it's Roy, Stafford, Gaustad, and Miller who have let this team down. The management of this team still sits behind the poor core that has led this franchise and city to nothing. Missed playoffs and first round knockouts. Whining about late hits instead of taking care of it on the ice. Going into a ball when a team brings physical play to there doorstep. The most disappointing fact of it all is this core doesn't look to be changing any time soon. Stafford is in a new 4 year deal, Roy won't be traded, nobody will take Miller's contract, and one if not both of Gaustad or Hecht will be resigned in the offseason.
    The Sabres are headed down a dark path in my opinion and if you go to a Sabres home game you can feel it in the air. The fans are not into the game at all, there's no sound, no enthusiasm, no optimisim. Every game consits of the other team dominating in the Sabres zone and the Sabres get it out and change. Out and change. Out and change. If they manage to get it past the red line, it's dump it in, lose a race/battle, and here comes the other team again. No part of a Sabres hockey game is entertaining anymore.
    Terry Pegula has a real problem on his hands. He also might start to see some of the Sabres fans turn on his managment if no signs of change come in the near future.
  7. Pegulaville26

    End of the Road

    By Pegulaville26,

    The company I worked for picked a good weekend to send me to Atlantic City for work. I missed the 2 and a half games over the weekend. Loses to Carolina, Winnipeg, and Toronto. I walked off the plane last night and the first thing I saw on the TV at the bar outside my gate was a 2-0 Leafs lead last night. I said to my co-worker "It's like I never left". That score would hold up. The Sabres combined for 3 goals in their last 3 games. Vanek, Pominville, and Myers being the 3 goal scorers. A scary trend teams are starting to figure out with this team is stop 26 and 29 and your going to beat the Sabres. Vanek left last nights Leafs game early with the flu and the Sabres offense produced almost nothing, besides Gerbe ripping it off the post late in the 3rd. Vanek has 19 goals on the year and Pominville is at 14, the next closest is Luke Adam with 10 who hasn't scored since Europe I think. The Sabres as a team have 107 goals for meaning that Pominville and Vanek are responsible for 30% of the scoring this team does. The two have a combined for 83 points on the season and have combined for 242 shots on the season. Nobody else on this team fears anybody else and why should they? Stafford and Roy don't want to play hard consistent, Adam is in a rookie funk (Ruff thinks McCormick and Ellis will help get him out of it), Gerbe hits iron like it's nobody's business, Leino has been hurt and produced little when he plays, Hecht is Hecht, Ennis hasn't played all year, Gaustad is useless, Kaleta is even more useless now that he gets a penalty for hitting, Boyes is the new Ales Kotalik (only good in shootouts).
    Now to Ryan Miller who is doing his best to play himself right out of town in the offseason. He makes some good saves, but at least 2 goals a game go right through him. This also seems to come at the most critical times in the game, starting to become a trend (Game 7 vs Philly last year and Crosby goal in the Olympics to name a few). He just seems to not be able to handle the pressure when things are the hardest. Once the Sabres are way out of playoff contention he will put together a solid run. Hello A-Rod. He currently sports a 3.01 GAA and .902 save %, he also makes 5.25 million dollars.
    I said I wanted to wait until Myers is back to offically kill this team, well he has played 3 games and all have ended with an L. One point against Toronto, Winnipeg, and Carolina just simply unacceptable. Now have lost 9 of 10, I am almost getting into Bills mode with the Sabres. Bills mode means I hope they lose as many games as possible and get the best draft pick they can.
    Friday should be a home game at the FN Center for the Leafs, Sabres fans are making Panthers games seem like a party. There's no life in the arena, you could hear a pin drop. All of the Sabres faithful just wait for the bad to come and most nights they are not disappointed. This team as currently constructed shows no enthusiasm or sense of joy. Watch this team after they score, it's like they just lost their dog. Nobody is happy on the bench no smiles and they just go through the motions. Go to a pre-game skate you will feel the doom and gloom this team lets surround them and it shows on the ice.
    For those Pegulaville faithful hoping to see a new coach behind the bench your day may be coming. I honestly would be shocked if both Regier and Ruff survive the month of January. After games against the Leafs and Islanders the Sabres end the month with a lovely road trip making stops in Chicago, Detroit, Winnepeg, St. Louis, NJ, and Montreal. Then they come home to start Feburary and host the Rangers, Bruins, Stars, Tampa, and NJ. Not to mention the West Coast trip to start the month of March which the Sabres are annually poor at. I think after another poor month of January where the Sabres will accumulate single digit points for the month, Terry Pegula will have enough and no choice other than to send Ruff and Regier packing.
    With no trade in sight with the patient Regier at the helm the Sabres seem to destined for more boring 2-1 loses.
  8. Pegulaville26

    Twice is Nice

    By Pegulaville26,

    Tonight the Sabres invade the RBC Center for a meeting with Eastern Conference basement dweller the Carolina Hurricanes. These matchups with the Canes always bring back memories to the 2006 Easter Conference Final. I still say to this day the Canes stole Buffalo's cup that year, if only Jay McKee took care of a cut on his leg he wouldn't have been the 5th D-man to go out of the lineup. I remember those annoying "cheerleaders" holding the sound meter things showing how loud it was in the arena every time Carolina scored (It usually is in 29 other NHL arena's when the home team scores). Rob Brind'Amour being his usual ugly self in the Game 7 postgame interview. Ugh. Life goes on in Buffalo sports.
    Anyways back to the current moment, the Sabres are looking for their first back to back W tonight since a four game win streak back in November ranging from the 4th-11th. Not putting back to back wins together in two months will put you out of the top 8. If things roll the Sabres way though if they can put a 4 out of 5 streak together here and get some help they will be in the top 8 again, before heading out on a tough road trip featuring stops in Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis. I see this game as almost another must win, first of all to get a win streak together. Second the Jets are sitting in Buffalo tonight watching this game from their Embassy Suites hotel room, if they hotel doesn't have Time Warner. They could always join the Pegulaville faithful down at the FN Center for the viewing party. The Jets should be in an awful mood after getting rolled by the Habs and Leafs in their last two games. Third with a home and home coming with the Leafs, I expect a split there. 4 out of 5 that's the goal.
    Tyler Myers will be back in the lineup tonight a huge boost for the Blue and Gold. It might take him a game or two get back to his old self, but still a rusty Myers is better than any current Sabres D-man right now. Also Ryan Miller will be back between the pipes. Ruff indicated last night he intended to get Miller on a roll and ride him into the playoffs, that scares me a little. What's the point of having Enroth if your not going to use him? This could be a storyline to watch as the season progresses. Leino should play tomorrow against the Jets, Ennis had a set back, I look for him to return in the 2nd Leafs game.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Stafford-Roy-Gerbe
    Kassian-Adam-Boyes
    Kaleta-Gaustad-Ellis
    Regher-Myers
    McNabb-Leopold
    Weber-Gragnani
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: I expect a huge boost from Myers return, Carolina could be walking into a buzzsaw tonight. Sabres 4-1.
    Good memory of last seasons playoff push in Carolina:

  9. Pegulaville26
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Trade Deadline time in the NHL. It's exciting, it's interesting, full of steals, full of laughers, and full of bad panic extensions. Every team is pretty much involved and almost every fan can hope for the new toy to watch the rest of the season. Luckily for NHL fans Christmas comes twice a year (Deadline and July 1st) and can even sometimes come early. Best sport in the world. With the news of the Ducks having a "Everything Must Go Sale" and Nash saying he wouldn't hesitate to waive his NTC, I figured I'd give a break down of how the Sabres should approach the deadline a few months out still (this is the first of many deadline blogs to come).
    Current Record: 39 GP 18-17-4 40pts 11th in the Eastern Conference (4 points out of a playoff spot)
    Status: Buyers
    I say this with a asterisk however, should the Sabres continue to fall in the next week or two I would move them to sellers. If things stay the way they are now when the deadline rolls around or the Sabres are in a playoff spot, I see Terry Pegula pushing hard to get help. He does not want his first season as owner to result in no playoff birth.
    Upcoming UFA's: Jochen Hecht, Brad Boyes, Paul Gaustad
    Upcoming RFA's: Tyler Ennis, Patrick Kaleta, TJ Brennan, Marc Andre Gragnani
    Untouchable (my opinion): Thomas Vanek, Tyler Myers, Brayden McNabb, Nathan Gerbe....Luke Adam, Zack Kassian (last two tell me the deal first).
    For Sale: Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, MA Gragnani, Andrej Sekera, Mike Weber, Jochen Hecht, Brad Boyes
    Dark Horses that could be moved: Jordan Leopold, Paul Gaustad, Tyler Ennis, Ryan Miller (Very Very Unlikely more possible in offseason would have to be ultimate blockbuster with goalie coming back).
    Needs: #1 Center, #2 Center, Size
    Don't Need: Winger, #4,5,6 D-man, Goalie, Small
    Targets (my opinion): Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, Sam Gagner, Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu, Paul Stastny, Thomas Pleckanc, Radim Vrbata
    The Sabres have been active at the deadline every season for a long time. Seeing this being the first deadline in the Pegula era I expect no different. Realisticly if the Sabres want to battle for Getzlaf, Ryan, or Staal it may cost 1 or 2 of the untouchable players. Can't wait two months away!
  10. Pegulaville26
    With only 2 days left in 2011 I'm gonna share my 10 steals of the year.
    10. Phoenix signs Mike Smith to a 2 year 4 million dollar contract.
    Mike Smith has brought his career back to life in the desert. Before he recently went down with an injury smith was 15-10 with a 2.52 GAA and a .920 save %. This might be a prime example of the Dave Tippett system helping out goaltenders. Bryzgalov could be a benefactor of that same system. Nonetheless Smith has played well for the Yotes who continue to compete with uncertainty surrounding the teams future in Phoenix. Hopefully this year if they make the playoffs they won't draw the Wings in the first round.
    9. Tomas Vokoun Signs with the Washington Capitals for one year 1.5 million dollars.
    The Capitals had at the time one of the best moves of the offseason. They have been plagued by poor goaltending in the playoffs for years. The Caps thought they found their answer in Vokoun this offseason. Vokoun has played at an elite level his entire career and was signed at an absolute bargain. However so far in Washington he has struggled. It will be interesting to see if Vokoun and the Caps can turn it around in 2012. This should be a top 3 steal, but with the way both Vokoun and the Caps are playing I moved it to 9th.
    8. Dallas Signs Sheldon Souray to a one year 1.65 million dollar contract.
    After signing a 5 year 27 million dollar deal in Edmonton, Souray became a joke in Oil country. He was passed through waivers numerous times going unclaimed. Souray would finish out his contract playing for the Hershey Bears of the AHL. However this season the Stars decided to take a flier Souray this year and they have not been let down. Souray led all Stars defenseman with in points with 16 (4g 12a) in 34 games and is a +9. However earlier this week Souray suffered a sprained ankle and will miss a few weeks. This has a been a great story so far this season and I hope Souray comes back to continue his strong play.
    7. Flyers Trade Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jakub Voracek and a 1st round pick (Sean Couturier).
    This is debatable, but I think an absolute steal in my book. Carter was an excellent goal scorer in his time with Philly however was a problem in the locker room. After signing a huge 11 year contract the Flyers got out of the deal as quickly as they could in the offseason. Couturier has 11 points in 32 games this season for the Flyers in his rookie year. He is also a +10 and is playing huge minutes on the PK for Philly. Voracek has 23 points in 36 games for the Flyers this year and is also contributing in the scoring gap that was left by Carter. Carter on the other hand in Columbus has 16 points in 26 games for the Jackets and is a -7. Columbus sits in last place in the NHL and already there has been rumblings of Carter wanting out of Columbus. Nash and Carter have not yet had the consistent play that Columbus hoped for when acquiring Carter. Couturier is going to be a stud center for Philly in the coming years and Voracek is a good compliment player. Carter might not last more than a season or two in Columbus.
    6. Florida acquires Brian Campbell from Chicago for Rostislav Olesz.
    Campbell was a disappointment with the Hawks and his 7.14 million dollar cap hit was insane. He was at best the # 4 or 5 defenseman in Chicago. The Hawks did a good job dumping off his contract, however Campbell has been fantastic for the 1st place Panthers so far this season. Campbell and Jovanowski have brought some stability to the Panthers defense core. In 37 games for Florida Campbell has 30 points and is a +5, he is having an all-star season for the Panthers. Olesz has been a disappointment in Chicago so far. The goal of this trade for the Hawks was to dump money, but what they got in return has reduced to nothing. Olesz has played 6 games with the Hawks this season and has 0 points.
    5. Brian Elliott Signs a one year 600k dollar contract with the Blues. Blues hire Ken Hitchcock.
    Elliott like Smith has saved his career in St. Louis. He wore out his welcome in Ottawa and was a train wreck in Colorado. He has found a home in St. Louis, with new bench boss Ken Hitchcock in charge. The Blues are on a tear lately with their new coach. Elliott is 14-4 with a 1.63 GAA and a .940 save%. It's good for the NHL to see the Blues on the rise again, a once very huge hockey city.
    4. Dallas acquires Eric Nystrom from Minnesota for future considerations.
    Basically traded for a bag of pucks Nystrom has been a pleasent surprise for the Stars this season. He has 12 goals and 2 assits in 31 games including a few highlight reel goals. He has helped out in the scoring department an area the Stars sometimes struggle in. The Stars started off strong, but have fallen off as of late. Hopefully Dallas can get back going again to bring back a stale Dallas hockey market.
    3. Philly signs Jaromir Jagr to a 1 year 3.3 million dollar contract.
    I'll admit when I saw this on July 1 I laughed at the Flyers. How could they bring this guy in after they just rid their team of two locker room problems in Carter and Richards. Now this guy is going to be worse. Well insert foot into mouth here. Jagr has been nothing but fantastic for the Flyers. He is playing hard and producing. He reportdly had contract offers from Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Detroit. He choose the Flyers in hope of winning his 3rd Stanley Cup so he could go out on top. Jagr has 31 points in 32 games for Philly. Coming up on the age of 40 Jagr shows no signs of slowing down. Tip of the cap here to the Flyers on an excellent move.
    2. Toronto Acquire Joffrey Lupul, Jeff Gardiner and a conditional 4th for Francois Beauchemin from Anaheim.
    Brian Burke did it again. He has made some debateable trades and signings in his past (Kessel Trade, Komisarek, Finger). He however has two absolute robberies under his belt in Toronto. The first was the Flames trade for Phaneuf and Keith Aulie and this trade with the Ducks was the second. Gardiner has the potential to a solid 3rd or 4th D-man for the Leafs. Lupul has excelled in his time in Toronto. He instantly again found his scoring touch, since joining the Leafs he has 58 points in 65 games. He has meshed well with Phil Kessel and both are having outstanding seasons so far. Those two are a prime reason why the Leafs are still holding onto a playoff spot at the moment. We will see if they both can keep it up as the season goes on.
    1. Panthers sign Jose Theodore to a 2 years 3 million dollar contract.
    The Panthers made an absolute roster overhaul in the offseason. They brought in a lot of talent, but experts still thought with Theodore has the # 1 goalie the Panthers would still struggle. Well Theodore and the Panthers have been solid so far this season. They sit in 1st in the SE Division with 45 points a 7 point lead on 2nd place Washington. Theodore is 14-8-4 with a 2.46 GAA and a .918 save %. It will be curious to see if Jose "three or more" can rid his nickname this season and if they Panthers can stay on top of the Southeast.
  11. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres make my face hurt after watching them so I figured I'd change it up today. With 2011 coming to end this weekend I want to touch on the top 10 regrets and steals of 2011. I'll start with the regrets.
    10. Philly acquires Kris Versteeg for a 1st and a 3rd pick from Toronto.
    An interesting trade deadline last year also involved this trade involving Kris Versteeg. I thought Versteeg was a good pick up for the Flyers however the price was a bit much for Versteeg. He started to tail off in Toronto before he was traded. He never really seemed to fit in Philly, he had 7 goals, 4 assists and 11 points in 27 games in Philly. That's not terrible, but he was a non factor in the playoffs. The Flyers did make up some of the damage however after trading him to Florida in the offseason for a 2nd and 3rd round pick. However in Florida Versteeg has shined with 17 goals, 21 assists, and 38 points in 36 games so far this season.
    9. Kings Acquire Dustin Penner at the Trade Deadline.
    At last seasons trade deadline the Kings paid up to acquire Dustin Penner from the Edmonton Oilers. They traded young D prospect Colten Teubert, a 1st and a 3rd round draft pick. At the time I thought it was a lot to give up for Penner who was a disappointment in Oil country. In 45 games in LA Penner has 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 pts and is a -4. He has a cap hit of 4.5 million dollars and has been a whipping boy in LA with their poor start. Penner has also been injured this season, which has come as good news to Kings fans. The Kings will probably try to unload Penner at the deadline, but I don't see that likely with his cap hit and lack of production.
    8. Avalanche Trade Craig Anderson to Ottawa for Brian Elliott straight up.
    Another confusing trade at the deadline was this trade between Ottawa and Colorado. Anderson had played well for Colorado in his time their since signing as a UFA. Elliott struggled in his tenure with the Sens yet Colorado thought he was good enough for a one for one trade. Elliott was a tire fire the second he landed in Denver. He went 2-8 with a 3.83 GAA and a .891 save % in his time in Colorado. This year in St. Louis Elliott has rebounded very well, but that does not help Colorado. If the Avs wanted to trade Anderson I'm sure they could have received more. Anderson on the other hand started well in Ottawa last season. This year has been an up and down season for him after signing a contract extension at the end of last year. However the Sens have some stability between the pipes for the first time in a while for a good young team.
    7. Dallas Trades James Neal and Matt Niskanen to Pittsburgh for Alex Goligoski.
    Last year this looked like a great deal for Dallas. Neal was not producing and Goligowski was playing well in Dallas. However things have changed as of late, Neal is on fire this season he has 21 goals and 15 assists in 36 games. He is one of the reasons the Pens continue to win in Crosby's abscence. Goligoski has battled injuries this season in Dallas, he has played in only 24 games, he has 8 points and is a -1. Neal was a huge fan favorite in Dallas, this is perhaps a trade Dallas wishes they had a do over on when they are struggling to put butts in the seats. I'm not done with Dallas yet though.
    6. Dallas does not trade Brad Richards at the deadline and he walks for nothing.
    Dallas played with fire here and lost. All signs pointed to Richards not returning to the Stars after the 2010-11 season. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk stated that their goal was to resign Richards, but with the unstable ownership situation in Dallas, Richards had no interest in staying. When the offseason rolled around the the Stars entertained the idea of trading his rights, however Richards one didn't want to do the Stars any favors because of his no trade clause and he already had his mind set on going to the Rangers. However I have to wonder why the Stars didn't work something out with the Rangers, something is better than nothing.
    5. Nashville not getting a contract extension done with Shea Weber.
    The Predators dropped the ball this summer. They are a very money concious franchise in a small market, however Weber is a rare talent. They failed to get an extension worked out in the offseason and low balled Weber with a offer. He recieved a 1 year 7.5 million dollar contract in arbitration in the offseason. Now the Predators were left with the task of resigning Rinnie, Weber, and Suter this season. The Rinnie deal did get done, but Weber and Suter are still waiting. Nashville will have to deal with distraction around the trade deadline with Weber and Suter both to be in the rumor mill this season. Weber is the captain of the Preds and losing him would be a big blow to this franchise.
    4. Philly trades for the rights and signs Ilya Bryzgalov to a 9 year 51 million dollar contract.
    This was a bit of a panic move I believe for the Flyers. Boucher and Bobrovsky were awful in the 2011 playoffs. However Bobs wasn't that bad during the regular season. To make matters worse it appears as though Philly could have signed Bryzgalov for less when Tomas Vokoun had to take a 1 year 1.5 million dollar contract from Washington. Bryz has been anything but as advertised so far this season. He is 14-8 with a 3.01 GAA and a .890 save %, the only reason he has 14 wins is because the Flyers can score in bunches. This may be a contract the Flyers are kicking themselves with in a few years if things do not turn around. The rap on Bryz out of Phoenix is that he is a system goalie and shined in Tippett's system, so far that appears to be the case. However he is pretty funny in 24/7.
    3. Carolina Signs Tomas Kaberle to a 3 year 12.75 million dollar contract and Montreal Trades for Kaberle for Spacek.
    From the moment I saw this signing I wondered what carolina was thinking. Did they not watch the 2011 playoffs when Kaberle was continously exposed with he soft play. He did nothing for the Bruins after his deadline trade from Toronto. He was starting tail off in Toronto and continued to do so in Boston and Carolina. In 29 games for the Canes he had 9 assists and was a -12. Same question can now be asked to Montreal, what are you thinking? Carolina can be given a little bit of credit for being able to dish him off. Montreal gave up Spacek who is on an expiring contract, but is a solid D-man. In 8 games in Montreal Kaberle has 5 assists and is a -2. Have fun with that contract to go along with your Gomez deal Habs fans.
    2. Buffalo signs Ville Leino to a 6 year 27 million dollar contract.
    When I saw this on July 1st I was not a fan at all. I then became even less of a fan when I heard the Sabres wanted to move him to center. The experiment has failed miserably so far for Buffalo. I always saw Leino as a good 3rd line winger nothing more. Not a 1st or 2nd line center. This was a big blunder by Darcy Regier and may handcuff the Sabres in the future. In 29 games Leino has 3 goals and 7 assists and is a -7. He was starting to find his way on a line with two young Sabres prospects Luke Adam and Zack Kassian. However in the middle of this month Leino suffered a lower body injury and was placed on IR. Leino's return to the lineup does not seem to be in the near future.
    1. Penguins rush back Sidney Crosby.
    Maybe it is a little harsh to use the word "rush" here, but Sid was obviously not ready to return to the lineup full time. Sid played in 8 games and had 12 points in those games. He reminded use why he is the best player in the world. However after a game against the Bruins where Crosby took a few hard hits he went back out again with concussion like symptoms. I thought the Pens were better off leaving Crosby out longer if not the entire season. The team was not struggling without him, nor was there a need to bring him back in any sort of hurry. I think Sid's season is done now and one has to wonder about his career. I don't see how he will be able to play a full season again. This could be a Lindros situation in the making, but with the best player in the world.
    What do you think of the list? Did I miss anything big? Anything I should have moved up or down?
  12. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres and Devils meet tonight in Newark with 2 very imporant points on the line. The Sabres can pull into a tie of 7th and the Devils can pull away from 9 the spot a few points. NJ comes off a 4-2 loss to the Canes on Monday and the Sabres are coming off a 4-2 win against the Caps. NJ will get a boost tonight with the return of young D stud Adam Larsson. He missed the last two games after he returned to Sweeden to attend his grandmothers funeral. Former Sabre Henrik Tallinder will sit again tonight dealing with back spams.
    NJ will put future hall of famer Martin Broudeur in goal tonight and the Sabres will counter with Ryan Miller. Miller missed the last meeting between these two in Buffalo, the Devils chased Enroth in a 5-3 win.
    On the injury front for Buffalo the news continues to be good, Nathan Gerbe has been cleared for contact and I expect him to play either Friday or more likely Saturday. Tyler Ennis and Myers practiced today both of them look to target a return next week against the Oilers or in Raleigh.
    The Sabres are again in a big 9 game stretch starting tonight (@NJ @WAS vs OTT vs EDM @CAR vs WIN @TOR vs TOR @NYI). I expect the Sabres to be able to win most of those games anything other than 12-14 points in this stretch would be unacceptable. Baring any further injuries they should be healthy outside of Leino for these 9 games. No excuses.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Boyes-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Adam-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Sekera
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction- I anticipate a defensive lock down battle between these two teams. Can't say this often this season, but the Sabres defense has looked better as of late. 3-2 Sabres
  13. Pegulaville26
    Last night I got my second look at a full game from the Washington Capitals. In the first game the Sabres pounded the Caps in route to a 5-1 W and last night was much of the same resulting in a Sabres 4-2 W. The Caps team that I saw back in November only had one difference then the team I saw last night, a new coach. Watching this game to me proved that Bruce Boudreau was not the problem in Washington.
    The Caps started out red hot to start the season going 7-0-0, I was one of a few people at the time that was skeptical of the quick start. I told everyone who asked me about it to come ask me again in 40 games, well here we are. They sit in 11th place with 36 points, 2nd in the Southeast behind a surprising Panthers team. The one good thing for the Caps is that the Lightning have proved they just got hot at the right time last season. The Capitals were almost crowned Stanley Cup Champions in the summer with the signings of Ward, Hamrlik, and Vokoun. Also the trade for Brouwer and robbing the Avs in the Varlamov trade. The abscence of Mike Green, has been huge for the Caps, they are not the same team without him. However I don't think that he is going to come back and Caps are going to be world beaters again. They have to many problems on that squad. First might be the mistake of putting the C on Ovi. He is a great player, but a leader of a hockey club with a great deal of pressure I'm not so sure. Ovechkin has had the reputation of crumbling under pressure (Playoffs and 2010 Olympics). He has produced way under his potential in the last season and a half. He seems disinterested and slow at times, for example in the earlier Sabres matchup, Hecht beat Ovi in a foot race to a loose puck at center ice and pulled away from him resulting in a SHG. Maybe both the Caps and the Great 8 could use a change of scenery.
    Another problem is the "look at me" attitude this team has. Most noteable in the characters of Alex Semin, AO, and Nicklas Backstrom. This team is not a team, there's a definate seperation that is not hard to notice. Ovechkin was crushed twice last night by Zack Kassian and Robyn Regher. Not one Cap player challenged either player or even seemed to be bothered by it. I'm pretty sure if someone put a good lick on Crosby the entire Pens team would come over the bench. Last week in Toronto Phaneuf slashed Vanek way after the whistle and 19 year old Brayden McNabb challenged Phaneuf along with 20 year old Zack Kassian on two different occassions. Those are signs of a close team that cares about their teammates. Semin right now has a one way ticket to the KHL next season, good luck to the Caps in trying to trade him at the deadline. Any team that offers more than a bag of pucks for Semin's services is making a huge mistake. He has no interest it putting in the work and effort needed to be an elite hockey player.
    Last issue as with past Caps teams is the goaltending. Vokoun has not come as advertised and now that 1 million and change contract he signed in the offseason does seem to be about right. Young Michael Neuvirth is regressing after a strong season last year, but a horrible playoffs. The Capitals now need to hope Brayden Holtby currently playing in the AHL can bring stability in the coming years.
    Perhaps the best thing that could happen to the Washington Capitals is for them to miss the playoffs this season. That could lead to some of the big changes they need.
  14. Pegulaville26

    Back to Work

    By Pegulaville26,

    The Christmas break is over, hockey went out of our mind and our families entered. Now it's time to get back to work. The Sabres will host the Washington Capitals tonight at the FN Center 4 points out of a playoff spot, tied with the Caps in 10th/11th place. All the patrons of Pegulaville wanted from Santa this year was a healthy hockey club. Well Santa delivered, Brad Boyes will return tonight, along with Jochen Hecht. Hecht is a bit of a surprise seeing he was wearing a walking boot near the end of last week. Tyler Myers still seems about a week or so away still, also some other good news is Ennis, Gerbe, and Tropp were all on the ice today. This team is getting healthier, please no more injuries.
    Marc Gragnani will again be scratched on the back end and Paul Szezechura will likely be the scratch on the front end. Derek Whitmore was sent back to Rochester, he played well in Ottawa and didn't really factor into anything in Toronto.
    The Sabres had perhaps their all around best effort in the past few weeks of Toronto. However it resulted in a 3-2 loss. The Sabres dominated from the 2nd period on until Patrick Kaleta decided to be Patrick Kaleta and take a dumb no need penalty. The Leafs took momentum on the PP and the Sabres ended the period down 2-1 after dominating 17 minutes of the 2nd period. The Sabres tied it earlier in the 3rd and then Patrick Kaleta over back checked, resulting in Kadri putting the Leafs up 3-2 and the game would end that way.
    After the game a furious captain Jason Pominville talked about how before the game, after the 1st, and after the 2nd the team talked about not over back checking. The Leafs like to enter the zone with speed and then put on the breaks and look for the trailer. This is a perfect example of why I think Kaleta will be looking for a new squad next season or will be part of a trade.
    Lets see if tonight the team can avoid the mental errors that have crushed them.
    Expected lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Boyes-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Goose-Adam
    Kaleta-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Sekera
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction-A good win at home would be a good start to a turn around. The Caps are struggling too and are looking for points. Sabres get a boost from the return of Hecht and Boyes 4-2 Sabres.
  15. Pegulaville26
    The ACC in Toronto will feature two teams who have seen similar fates so far this season. The game in Buffalo last Friday, a 5-4 Sabres victory, was perhaps one of the best games so far this season. Both the Sabres and Leafs started off hot, but as of late both have sunk in the Eastern Conference standings. The Sabres currently sit in 10th place with 35 points and the Leafs in 7th with 36 points. A Sabres win tonight propels them into the top 8 again and a Leafs win propels them into 6th. With a Sabres and Sens victory tonight the Leafs could fall out of the top 8 for the first time all season. Both teams are 3-5-2 in their last ten. Both have received helter skelter goaltending, both have players under performing, and both have their fair share on injuries. The Sabres have Stafford and Roy, Toronto has MacArthur and Grabovski. Both teams need a win tonight badly, it should be a good hard fought game.
    News is starting to get better on the injury front for the Sabres. Patrick Kaleta will be back in the lineup tonight causing chaos all over the ACC ice. Brad Boyes is expected to return Monday against the Caps and Tyler Myers may be back Monday or Wednesday against NJ. Myers is the big name this team NEEDS back, they need his offensive skill and size. Both the PP and PK have suffered in his absence. Ryan Miller will again be between the pipes he played well in Ottawa Tuesday, but is coming in with a GAA over 3. Not where you want to see your former Vezina goalie. I think Miller is still trying to get into the groove since returning from his concussion, the same fate that Leafs goalie James Reimer is dealing with now since his return.
    Again all eyes will be Drew Stafford and Derek Roy. Will one or both of them give Vanek and Pominville a hand in goal scoring. Roy will continue to skate between Pommer and Vanek, which I cannot stand, I am puzzled why Ruff won't put Adam back where he started the season. For the first time in a while no player will be making his NHL or Sabres debut tonight.
    The Leafs have recalled Nazem Kadri and Darryl Boyce, Kadri will skate on a line with Connolly and MacArthur. Kadri is feeling the pressure in Toronto, he has been a slight disappointment so far.
    Expected lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Stafford-Szezchura-Whitmore
    Adam-Gaustad-Kaleta
    McCormick-Ellis-Kassian
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Leopold
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: This is tough, the Sabres are still hurt, but so is Toronto. This may be a goaltender dual and I like Miller's chances against Toronto, he's owned them his entire career. 3-2 Buffalo.
  16. Pegulaville26
    Can't say I'm surprised the injury riddled Sabres showed up with a lacklust effort thus resulting in a 4-1 loss to rival Ottawa and dropping them to 10th place in the East. A couple quick notes before I get into the meat of this. First Marcus Foligno was sent back to Rochester today, he played hard last night, but showed is isn't ready for the NHL. Brad Boyes will not play tomorrow in Toronto, but Patrick Kaleta is expected to play (3rd time now this is being said I'll believe it when I see it). Kaleta returning to the lineup does little to excite me, sure he's a h-e double hockey sticks raiser, but doesn't provide scoring which the club needs.
    Ok back to Ottawa last night. Although the Sabres were crushed with injuries it wasn't the kids that cost them the game last night. Jordan Leopold was soft with puck as it was picked off at the blue line and Mike Weber was soft and lazy covering his man on the rebound. On the 2nd goal Weber was again soft with the puck giving it away at the blue line(a theme last night for the Sabres) with help from Szezechura on a 2nd chance to clear the zone. Instead of Weber covering his man he watches the play happen and is late to cover Condra who scores on the rebound. Weber continues to show why he cannot play consistently in this league. Get well soon Tyler Myers, because I would rather not see Gragnani or Weber any time soon. On the 3rd goal after a dumb Paul Gaustad penalty with a little over 3 minutes left in regulation, Jason Pominville decided to not cover Karlsson as he crept in for a back door PPG lay up to ice the game. Condra would then add an empty netter seconds later.
    After a awful outing in Pittsburgh, Miller brought his game to Ottawa. The Sabres came out flat right from the beginning and Miller did his best to hold his team in it. He made 35 saves on the night, he can't pitch a shutout every night.
    On to my two usual players who seem to be consistent at giving effortless performances, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford. Derek Roy just floated around all game making sure he did everything possible to not get hit and when he was touched he flopped to the ice looking for a penalty. Lost faceoffs on a consistent basis (along with the rest of the team). One goal in 16 games now, he also did his best to turn Thomas Vanek into the old Vanek. Luckly for Vanek he got a PP point without Roy on the ice. Drew Stafford is much of the same as Roy. He doesn't use his body, doesn't drive the net, and takes lazy dumb penalties. Lindy Ruff made sure that Stafford got a good luck at the rest of the game from the Sabres bench in the 3rd period. Stafford was a 30 goal scorer last year in only playing a little over 60 games. He was rewarded with a big contract and he has fell face first to the challenge. Also a little of topic I would like someone from Sabres mangement to explain why it took so long for Derek Whitmore to get a call up. He was probably the best player in blue and gold last night besides Miller.
    The Sabres now sit in 10th place and are in danger of falling out of the playoff picture with the next 5 games against the Leafs, Caps, Devils, Caps, and Sens. The reinforcements will not back from injury in time for those games. This situation make me wonder if it is time to blow up the core of this team. Roy and Stafford have affordable contracts for the history they have put up in this league, Roy more than Stafford. Hecht's contract is up at seasons end along with Gaustads and Boyes. Pominville isn't going anywhere because he is wearing the C and Vanek is your team. I think it could be time to start to build this team around Vanek, Miller, Kassian, McNabb, and Myers. Time to yank out the old core that has been in place since July 2007. That core has got the Sabres 0 playoff series wins and 2 playoff apperances in 4 years. So to recap as the trade deadline approaches it is time to show Roy, Hecht, Gaustad, and Stafford the door. Also if this is going to happen the GM and coach need to be let go as well. It's time for a new voice and for a new set of hands to construct this team. Ruff and Regier have got this team nowhere and they are track for nowhere again this season. I'm not saying full on rebuild Oiler style, but maybe it's time for the Sabres to take a page from the Flyers book from last offseason. They reconstructed the core of their team and are still a top team in the NHL. Terry Pegula showed he was getting annoyed last weekend, if a few weeks into January this team hasn't rebounded, heads are going to roll.
  17. Pegulaville26
    The Blue and Gold invade Scotiabank Place in Ottawa for a very important matchup in the Eastern Conference standings. The Sabres sit in 8th with 35 points and the Senators sit in 10th with 34 points. Depending on how tonight goes the Sabres could end up anywhere from the 6th spot to the 11th spot in the standings. A big 4 point swing is on the line tonight. For Ottawa Kyle Turris will make his Sens debut tonight after being traded from the Coyotes earlier in the week for David Rundblad and a 2nd round pick. I think the Yotes got the good end of the deal on that one, but we will see for sure in a year or two. Also tonight the Sens get back Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba, after struggling last season the two defenders were off to decent starts before they were injured.
    Unlike the Sens, the Sabres are not getting healthier. They will be without a laundry list of players tonight: Boyes, Myers, Gerbe, Kaleta, Ennis, Tropp, Stuart, Leino and Hecht. This however paints the way for a fun storyline to tonights game. Marcus Foligno will make his NHL debut against his brother Nick Foligno. The Foligno family will be in attendance tonight in Kanata as well as of course former Sabres player and proud dad Mike Foligno. Marcus played well last season for team Canada in the World Juniors in Buffalo, which he was a long shot to make at first. He is off to a decent start in Rochester (9G 3A 27GP) and Sabres could use his 6'2 220lb frame tonight. Also making his well deserved NHL debut for the Sabres is Derek Whitmore. The 27 year old AHL vet, has played well in Rochester and I'm surprised it took this long for him to get the call. In 29 games down on the farm he has 13 goals and 7 assists. Both Foligno and Whitmore have local ties being from Buffalo and Rochester respectivley.
    In other news Ryan Miller will guard the 4x6 cage tonight, hoping to rebound from his poor performance in Pittsburgh. This team needs Miller to play well in order to stay alive with all the injuries. Help is on the way with Boyes and Kaleta expected to play Thursday in Toronto and Myers to be back at the end of next week.
    Also rather important to tonights game Derek Roy will be put back between Vanek and Pommer on the top line tonight. I know Ruff doesn't have much of a choice, but in my opinion Roy is cancer for whoever he plays with. Both Stafford and Vanek thrived with Roy out of the lineup last season and Vanek continues to thrive without Roy this season. Stafford has struggled after being back with Roy this season. If a trade is to be made in the near future Roy is vote for the boot.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pommer
    Adam-Szezechura-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Foligno
    Whitmore-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-Leopold
    Regher-McNabb
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: See lineup above...Too many injuries and Sens could come out flying with debut of Turris...Miller has struggled of late...3-2/OT Ottawa, at least a point would be nice tonight.
  18. Pegulaville26
    Man is it tough to be a Buffalo sports fan. Lets jump into the time machine and go back to October the Sabres were in first place and were only down 2 players. The Bills were also in first place and 5-2. Now back to reality the Sabres cling to the 7th seed with a one point lead on the 9th place team and the Bills have lost 7 straight to drop to 5-9, making it 12 years without NFL playoffs. Welcome to the life of a Buffalo sports fan. Life goes on.
    The Sabres seemed to be on the upswing after a good 5-4 win over the Leafs Friday in the FN Center and then Saturday came. Miller and Enroth decided they didn't want to stop pucks. The first Pens goal beat Miller from outside the blue line and was followed by two more softees. Enroth then entered and decided to let in a goal that a 10 year old could of stopped off the stick of Malkin. Re-enter Miller in the 2nd period and he gives up two more and re-enter Enroth who also gives up two more. In all gets you to a 8-3 throttle at the hands of the Penguins. I really can't jump on the D or offense that game was all on the goalies. Terrible goal after terrible goal just sucks the life out of the team. No other excuses could be used this game the Pens played the night before and were missing better players than the Sabres were missing from their lineup. It gets worse though the Sabres lost 2 maybe 3 more players due to injury. Colin Stuart and Tyler Ennis left with lower body injuries, Vanek left early but did return to finish the game with a upper body injury.
    So since were on the topic of injuries lets recap. Ennis, Leino, Myers, Boyes, Stuart, Tropp, Gerbe, Hecht, and Kaleta will all miss Tuesday's game in Ottawa. Vanek is probable, but nothing is 100%. The Sabres have recalled Foligno and Whitmore to fill in for the injured forwards and the forward barrel is empty in Rochester. The next possible player that could be called up for forward is Kevin Sundher who signed his entry level contract over the weekend and is playing for the WHL for the Victoria Royals. Yikes. Let's paint it in a different picture if you still can't see how bad it is. Here are the lines from practice today:
    Adam-Szezechura-Pommer
    McCormick-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Ellis
    Boyes (non-contact)-Gragnani
    Yea they can't even field 4 lines and Gragnani is a defenseman who struggles playing that position. Also the Sabres made the mistake of playing poorly in front of the owner in his home city of Pittsburgh. Pegula was quoted saying after the game a few interesting statements. One being that his daughter could of played better goaltending and that "If they think they played well tonight we have a problem". I think it's safe to say the owner is getting a little tired of this. He didn't build Hockey Heaven with his own money for lackluster play. The hammer may be waiting to fall here, I smell a trade soon if this doesn't turn around.
    Pregame coming tomorrow.
  19. Pegulaville26
    Sidney Crosby is out again with post-concussion symptoms from a collision with Chris Kunitz. The bad news in this situation is that it didn't even take a head hit to start the post concussion symptoms again. Not a good sign for the Penguins or the NHL. Sid is the face of the league and the NHL needs for him to play for it to grow (hate him or not you know it's true). This situation reminds of Eric Lindros or Pat Lafontaine, but worse with the caliber of player Crosby is. With concussions becoming a big issue now in the NHL with star players like Giroux, Skinner, and Pronger most recently to add to the list of concussed players.
    The Crosby situation got me to thinking of a interesting topic. Who takes Sid's spot as the new face of the NHL? The league needs someone to put on national broadcasts and attract in more fans. A few years ago the obvious choice would be Alexander Ovechkin. However AO has become a shell of his former self and no longer is talked about in the same breathe as Crosby. Next logical choice could be Steven Stamkos, but I think playing in the Tampa market he doesn't get the exposure most players would see. He is a supreme talent and one of the top players in the NHL, but I don't think I would put him as my new face. How about Claude Giroux? He is a rising star in this league, but does he have enough of a history to push him into that status? Maybe in a few years, but not right now we could look at Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the new face, or how about a young Matt Duchene in Colorado? Let me throw out a few more possibilities, Pavel Datsyuk, Corey Perry, Anze Kopitar, Geno, Tim Thomas, Tyler Seguin, Ryan Miller, Zach Parise, Kovi, Sedins and John Tavares. That's just a few I'm sure there's more.
    However I think my choice is from the Chicago Blackhawks. I think from that team you two choices in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Both players have the skill and flash to draw in news fans and get the ratings. Patrick Kane showed how nasty he could be last night in the shootout against Minnesota, but I think I give a slight edge to Toews. Toews is the captain of that team and always shows up in big situations. I watched the game a week or so ago when the Hawks were down 3-0 to Coyotes on home ice and Toews single handly brought the Hawks back to tie it at 3-3 and at least get a point in a 4-3 shootout loss. He shows up every game and leads his team in Chicago in a big time hockey market.
    Jonathan Toews is my choice for the new face of the NHL. Who do you think?
    Sabres blog to come tomorrow.
  20. Pegulaville26

    Trip to the Igloo

    By Pegulaville26,

    Last night the Sabres earned a hard fought 2 points with a Divisional 5-4 win over the Leafs. Thomas Vanek carried the team with a 4 point night (2g 2a). Ryan Miller played strong even though he gave up 4 goals. The Sabres PP clicked last night with 3 PPG in the 2nd period. The Leafs 30th ranked PK helped out the blue and gold. Dion Phaneuf was given a 5 min boarding penalty and game misconduct on hit to Kassian in the 2nd. Phaneuf will not be suspended for the hit, which is not surprising (see Lucic and Bourdon). I think if Leino received 1 game for his elbow and having a spotless history, then Phaneuf deserved at least 1 game with a history. It is what it is I won't lose sleep over it.
    Tonight the Sabres head out for a 5 game road trip starting in Pittsburgh. The Penguins took a tough 6-4 loss to the Sens last night in Ottawa. So both teams traveled and played last night so no excuses there. Also like the Sabres the Pens are dealing with injuries. Sid of course is the top injury, but Kris Letang and Jordan Staal are a few others on the injury list. Paul Martin left the game last night with an injury and Michalek has missed time as well. So with Leino, Boyes, Myers, Gerbe, Kaleta and Hecht out for Buffalo no excuses there as well.
    Colin Staurt was called up last night to take the place of the injured Patrick Kaleta, but did not dress instead Ruff went with 7 D-men. Tonight however Ruff may drop back down to 6. That means either Gragnani, McNabb, or Weber will be watching from the press box. I believe Gragnani stays in, because Ruff likes him on the PP and he did play well last night. Weber on the other hand has struggled since returning, and McNabb only saw about 7 minutes of ice time last night. I think it's down to McNabb and Weber and I believe Weber will be the one watching from upstairs.
    It looks like Miller is going to start his 2nd straight game tonight. He was not on the ice for the pre-game skate and Enroth was along with Boyes, Myers, and McNabb. Enroth has struggled as of late and Miller has been solid since returning from injury. Ruff has to be careful here he cannot get away from Enroth because he has struggled a few games. He needs to play regularly to give Miller his rest. Tonight will be a big battle with 2 important points at stake. With a Sabres W they can move to within one point of the Pens with 37pts. It would be nice to see the Sabres distance themselves from the 9th place and 10th place teams with 34 and 33 points.
    Expected lineup:
    Vanek-Szezechura-Pominville
    Ennis-Roy-Stafford
    Adam-Gaustad-Kassian
    Ellis-McCormick-Stuart
    Ehrhoff-Regher
    Leopold-McNabb
    Sekera-Gragnani
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Hard fought battle tonight I think the Sabres start to get rollin as they get healthier 3-2 Sabres.
  21. Pegulaville26
    Tonight the rival from just down the QEW, the Toronto Maple Leafs invade the First Niagara Center. Along with them they bring fromer long time Sabre Tim Connolly. The Leafs sit 6th in the East with 35 points and the Sabres are barely hanging onto 8th with 33 points. The disaster of a 5 game homestand wraps up tonight for the blue and gold (1-1-2). This is the first meeting between of six between these teams and will have more punch to the season series than its had in past seasons. Both of these teams will be fighting for playoff position and will take great pleasure in making it harder on the opposing rival.
    Tim Connolly comes in tonight with 15 points in 18 games for the leafs (6g 9a) and is rebounding from a disaster start in Toronto. Connolly has always had wizard hands and has been a excellent special teams player. The problem will be to see how long Connolly can stay healthy. Every time he falls or is hit or blocks a shot as a fan you hold your breath. I was more of a Connolly supporter than others in Buffalo. I think he has the talent to be a top player in this league, but injuries have just riddled his career. Had Peter Schaefer not knocked him out in the 05-06 Ottawa playoff series the Sabres would have a Stanley Cup banner hanging from the rafters. I will be interested tonight to see how Timmy plays and how the Sabres faithful treat him in his return (I anticipate a lot of boo's).
    Tonight will be a 50/50 split at least in Leafs and Sabres fans in the FN Center. These games are always very loud and full of energy. This could be just the team the Sabres need to get them going. They have dominated the Leafs until the end of last season when Toronto won the last 3 meetings. Ryan Miller has owned the Leafs throughout his career 24-8-0 2.18 GAA and 4 shutouts. Once again the key for Buffalo will be getting the fast start and if they do hold the lead. They cannot panic if one thing goes wrong. They have to get on the Leafs D and bring a strong forecheck. They say they know what they have to do so lets see it for once.
    On the injury front the news is kind of getting better. Tyler Myers is skating on his own and starting to stick handle a little, he is looking for a return after the Christmas break, this team needs him back badly. Brad Boyes rejoined the team in the morning skate wearing a red "non-contact" jersey, but still a good sign he could be about a week away from his ankle injury. Patrick Kaleta was again supposed to return to the lineup tonight, but that now seems unlikely. Ruff said Kaleta "wasn't feeling well" this morning and is unkown if it's an illness or his groin injury. Hecht is still a ways away and Tropp couldn't tell you, same with Gerbe. Leino is the newest member to the injury list and Ruff said he was going to be out "weeks" with a lower body injury.
    Tonight I'll again be watching the Roy, Stafford, Ennis line. They need to show up for 60 minutes. I think if this team does not turn around Roy may need to be moved. Stafford had a career year without him, Vanek matured, and this team went on a tear last year once he went out. That is something I will be watching closely the next few weeks. Roy should get the Sabres a good return as a potential 70 point player annually and a low cap hit of 4.5 million.
    Expected Lineup
    Vanek-Szezechura-Pominville
    Ennis-Roy-Stafford
    Adam-Gaustad-Kassian
    Gragnani-McCormick-Ellis
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Leopold
    Weber-Sekera
    Miller
    (Enroth, curious to see if he starts tomorrown in Pittsburgh after a rough outing last week)
    Prediction: Sabres 3-1 Millers domination of the Leafs continues tonight.
    A little add on here that I just saw Joffrey Lupul tweeting "Is there any windowless rooms? #buffalo" with a picture from the embassy suites of Delaware Ave. Buffalo citizens don't take well to people insulting their city. Also he might have made a mistake giving a struggling team material to motivate themselves with. We will see how this unfolds tonight.
  22. Pegulaville26

    Enough of Ruff

    By Pegulaville26,

    Before I get into Ruff Leino has his hearing today for his elbow to Matt Read last night, since Leino is a first time offender I expect a fine at most but wouldn't shock me to see a 1 game suspension which in my opinion is deserved. On the other hand the fact that there will be no hearing for Bourbon with the Czar of discipline is a little surpring to me. Gerbe has a concussion and is now added to the list of injuries thanks to that Bourbon hit. We will see how it all unfolds.
    Lindy Ruff the coach of the Buffalo Sabres for 14 years. He has survived a lockout, 4 owner changes, and bankruptcy. 166 coaching changes have occured since Lindy Ruff was hired as Sabres bench boss. Five of those coaches had Stanley Cup rings. Under his tenure the Sabres have 2 division titles and 1 Eastern Conference Championship, and obviously only 1 cup appearence. The team has made the playoffs 8 of 13 years he's been coaching. Since after the 06-07 season the Sabres have won 0 playoff series and made the playoffs twice. In total Ruff has won 12 playoff series in 13 years. His teams average a season point total of 92pts equating his team usually finishes between 7th and 13th in the conference. He has won the Jack Adams 1 time after a surprising 05-06 season out of the lockout. With a team featuring: Briere, Drury, Vanek, McKee, Miller, Dumont, Connolly (in his prime), Lydman, Tallinder, Roy, Biron, and Pominville to name a few. Stellar team.
    Outside of stats Ruff struggle to intigrate new players into his system. Deadline moves of Raffi Torres, Dominic Moore, Dainus Zuburus, Steve Bernier and Brad Boyes of the recent history have done nothing to help this team out. This could be a sign to the current struggles of Leino and slow start of Ehrhoff.
    As you read Ruff's stats most of you probably think that's not bad, but average isn't ok anymore. With new owner Terry Pegula being mediocre is no longer acceptable. He threw big money into this team not only with players but into arena renovations as well. He has brought hope to a fan base that begs for a winner, but continous to watch disappointment. When is enough, enough? When does Ruff no longer get a pass?
    He has lost most of this team and it shows on the ice. Ruff screaming at Vanek last night because he was coasting (not to mention that's one of the guys keeping your team afloat right now) Vanek stared at the ice until Ruff scolded Vanek to look at him when he talks to him. Thats your guys wearing the "A" and should of been the "C". He has lost Stafford and Roy, with Ennis soon to come. It's to late to get back Stafford and Roy both need a one way ticket out. Ennis has a little Max Afinogenov in him, ver stick handles turns the puck over at the blue line. Ennis can be saved and shown how to play the game right. Instead Ruff will sit him or just thrust his system down his throat until he is lost like Roy and Stafford. I don't want Ruff to get his hand anywhere near Kassian or McNabb. He is starting to ruin Myers by telling him to concentrate more on defense than being part of the rush. Not Myers game. Ruff mishandles his goaltending every season like clock work dating all the way back to Biron and Miller days. He runs Miller into the ground doesn't play the backup, until this year decides he's going to play Enroth a ton and start a goalie controversy when Miller starts slow. Way to keep the face of your franchise happy. I can go on, pulling Luke Adam off the Vanek and Pommer line. Splitting up the Leino Kassian Adam line last night. Not giving Vanek, Adam, or Kassian playing time in the final 3 minutes of regulation or OT last night. Power Play hasn't been good since 06-07. I'll stop there.
    For years this team folds under pressure. Remember when they were called the "hardest working team in hockey"? Ha! Seems silly to think that now. This team has no effort, no consistency, no toughness, and no pride. They used to be just like the city it represented. Hard working and determined. Those were the days. Ruff has shoved his defense first system into the face of every player and fan over and over and over again. In turn the team continues to blow leads over and over and over again. This has been a problem for 3 or 4 years now because once the Sabres have a lead of more than 1 goal Ruff orders a full retreat (see last nights game).
    Not only is Ruff to blame here, the GM Darcy Regier needs to go as well. I think 13 years has been long enough of his "patient" moves and average teams. As long as Regier is around Ruff isn't going anywhere.
    The other problem is who would be the coach to replace Ruff? Randy Carlye is currently seeking employment, but outside of that I have no idea. They let Kevin Dineen walk this offseason who coached a lot of these players in Portland. Dineen has his Panthers in first place in the Southeast Division and is on track for the Jack Adams award this year. Good coach right under the Sabres nose. Time will tell what happens with Ruff. I don't expect a move instead I expect more mediocre play and blown leads. Maybe if this teams misses the playoffs or is out of the top 8 by the half way point a move will be made.
  23. Pegulaville26

    Week That Was

    By Pegulaville26,

    I'll slightly touch on the Sabres snooze fest of a weekend. Borning 2-1 win in OT Friday against Florida and boring injury riddled 4-1 loss to the Blue Shirts Saturday. Enroth had his performance since the game on Columbus and the PP continues to be a joke giving up 2 shorthanded goals 5th of the season. Unacceptable that lands on coaching. This team is dead in the water with the current injury status, when you have Paul Szezechura centering your top line your in trouble. Hopefully by the time this team gets healthy they won't be to far out of the playoff race.
    I'm a little sick of the boring and depressing Sabres blogs so I'm going to give some thoughts about some NHL stroies from the week that was.
    I'll Start in Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby. This cannot be a good sign for the Penguins and the NHL. Crosby is only slated to miss 2 games with "precautionary" sitting. We will see how this unfolds but it has Eric Lindros written all over it. Except Sid is the face of the NHL and the league needs him to play.
    Will the Alex Semin rumors please stop? Anybody who trades for this guy and gives up anything other than a late round pick or player to be named later is getting robbed. He has the talent to be a top player in this league but refuses to try no matter who the coach is. If he doesn't rebound this year he will be in the KHL next season.
    I'm a little surprised about how Artem Anisimov did not get a fine for his goal celebration after a goal in Tampa. I'm all for creative celebrations, I think it brings humor and creativity to the game, but what he did was classless and unacceptable. I think a fine was at least in order. I'm not sayin for the NHL to be like the No Fun League (NFL), but that was over the line.
    I don't know what to think of the Canadiens and Canes trade of Spacek for Kaberle. The Canes got a solid underrated defender in Spacek, but very injury prone. Kudos to Carolina for dumping off that bad Kaberle contract so fast. Kaberle has declined the last few years in Toronto, Boston, and Carolina. Last year in the playoffs I saw soft play after soft play. The Canadiens got softer for sure in this deal, but need desperate PP help and Kaberle did have 2 assists in his Habs debut. I think though that critical Habs fans will be all over Kaberle's soft play soon.
    At one point this week both the Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild were tied or leading their respective conference. Parody is evident in the NHL this year. The standings are so close and every team is still in hunt, except maybe 2 or 3 teams.
    Sabres have another big week with two home division games against Ottawa and Toronto and a trip to Pittsburgh to end the week. Hopefully this team starts to get a little healthier to stay a float.
  24. Pegulaville26
    Tonight the Southeast division leading Florida Panthers are in town. They have been a surprise team this year led by new bench boss Kevin Dineen. Panthers had monster turnover in the offseason signing Goc, Jovanowski, Theodore, Fleischman, Kopecky, and Upshall to name a few. Trading for Campbell and trading Booth to Vancouver early in the season. Jose "Three or More" Theodore has been anything but his usual self this year. He is playing well and shutout a hot boston team 2-0 in TD Garden last night. Luckily for the Sabres Theodore is under the weather and Dineen said earlier in the week backup Scott Clemmensen would be in the cage tonight. Clemmensen has been no easy test himself since returning from injury, he is 3-0-0 with a .916 save% and a 2.33 GAA with 1 SO. With the stingy Panthers defense the Sabres will need all hands on deck tonight.
    That last statement is the problem. Tonight the Sabres will be without a large group of regulars: Myers, Weber, Gaustad, Gerbe, Boyes, Kaleta and Leino (suspension). However Leopold and McCormick will be back in tonight resulting in big Joe Finely heading back to Rochester and Paul Szezchura joining the club for his 3rd visit of the year. The Sabres will need their top players to come through and chances of that happening outside of Vanek and Pommer are not good. So Buffalo tonight needs to come out and play a good road game in their own barn. Get out in front, not blow the lead, and play physical for 60 minutes. Ruff said Enroth will play in back to back situations, with Miller in net tonight and the Rangers in town tomorrow, Enroth will be in the blue paint tomorrow night.
    Buffalo and Florida have split two games this year both teams winning on the road. Sabres had a lead at home late in the game but you guessed it gave up 2 goals with under 5 minutes left to lost 3-2 and not even get a point.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Stafford-Roy-Ennis
    Szezchura-Adam-Kassian
    Tropp-McCormick-Ellis
    Ehrhoff-Sekera
    Regher-McNabb
    Leopold-Gragnani (Someone tell Grags we are wearing blue tonight)
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction- Win a few home games and I'll pick you to win...3-2 Florida another snoozer of a home game with a probable blown home lead.
  25. Pegulaville26
    Well well well....where to begin here? Another home game another blown lead and another home loss. This kind of felt like groundhog dog of the 2010 playoffs, just missing the goalie change. The Sabres got a quick start pushing the play and got a 3-0 lead, then the turnovers begin and Philly makes it 3-1 with 1 second left in the first. Tropp did he best to get the momentum back as time expired in the first with a good scrap with Rinaldo. The late goal probably saved Bryzgalov from a hook after the first he was off all night continously looking behind himself for the puck. Then the 2nd period started and Philly added 3 more to take a 4-3 lead at the end of 2 and then the third started and the Sabres thought they were up 3-0 still and generated nothing. Thankfully they managed to get a tying goal with 1:30 left in regulation. But the capper of the night Marc Gragnani sums up his poor play by making a blind pass across the blue line and Giroux easily picked it off and walked in to beat Miller in OT. Sabres are lucky to get a point in the one.
    Lets start with the good Kassian and McNabb continue to impress, and Leino is playing better with Adam and Kassian. Miller played well this game isn't his fault. That's all the good.
    Finley? Glad he stuck up for Ennis but can't skate.
    Gerbe out with a head injury due to a hit from behind from Bourdon how that was only a 2 min minor is beyond me and of course Sabres don't get a PP because a player stood up for their teammate. MA Bourdon should hear from Shanny but not holding my breathe.
    I'm done with the excuses! Done! I don't want to hear injuries, or young players, or this, or that. Roy was to busy flopping the entire game instead of playing hockey and Stafford is I don't know I have no word for him, I don't care that he scored. Gragnani doesn't deserve to be on this club his soft play and turnovers continue to kill this team. Only problem no bodies to replace him.
    Giroux and Jagr showed up for Philly superstars being superstars take note Sabres.
    Lindy Ruff, it's time. 15 years is long enough he has lost this team. He needs to be accountable for blown lead after blown lead after blown lead after blown lead after blow lead and oh yeah after blown lead! Your team dominates the 1st period and you order them to into a shell in the 2nd period?! Remembers the playoffs? Remember Nashville when your team almost blew it on Saturday? Remember Florida earlier in the season? Remember Boston a few weeks ago? Why does he continously order this team into a shell to protect leads?! It doesn't work!! Bryzgalov was leaky and bad in the 1st and I was surprised to see him come out for the 2nd. The Sabres respond by throwing 5 shots at him in the 2nd and 5 in the 3rd. Why pull your foot off the pedal? You are allowed to blow teams out of your home arena.
    Lindy Ruff blog to come tomorrow and some surprising stats on his coaching career.
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