Author: Chris Ostrander

The Morning Skate: Road trip hits halfway point

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After three disappointing road losses, the Sabres current trip away from First Niagara Center is nearing its end.

The current seven-game road trip is half over. The Sabres will play in Winnipeg tonight prior to shipping off to St. Louis on Saturday. The trip has not been friendly thus far. Buffalo has given up fifteen goals on the trip while scoring only four. The past two games have shown what looks to be an exasperated team without any answers for what ails them on the ice.

Tonight they skate into one of the most hostile arenas in the league.

The Winnipeg faithful bought up every possible ticket over the summer and have been more than just vocal for every home game this season. The edge the Jets have at home rivals that of the Blackhawks or Canadiens. Winnipeg’s impressive home record makes the trip to the MTS Centre that much more ominous.

Buffalo past two outings came against superior opponents who showed how much farther ahead of the Sabres they were in impressive drubbings. Winnipeg, while ahead of the Sabres in the standings, is not much farther ahead in the talent department. That fact is something the Sabres need to capitalize on.

Of the many dead horses surrounding the Sabres this year is the fact that they haven’t had more than a couple truly quick starts. If Buffalo manages to wrangle some passion into their first 20 minutes, there is no reason to think they won’t come away with a victory.

What to Watch For

Luke Adam. I have been a little touch and go regarding the young center for a few weeks now. Enough is enough. While he has had some defensive zone lapses, Adam’s contributions early in the year were a major reason this team was winning. Look no further than the fact that he is the third leading goal scorer on the roster. His line with Brad Boyes and Nathan Gerbe showed some fire last night in Chicago. Like many lines this season, they had their moments but couldn’t finish. Watch Adam closely, if he gets the ice time he deserves the production will come.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller vs.WPG: Ondrej Pavelec

Last Meeting

Sabres 1 – Jets 2 OT (1/7/12 – First Niagara Center)

Double Minors: More of the same in Chicago

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As the Sabres prepared for yesterdays game in Chicago, there had to be some mention of what happened two days earlier. Perhaps there wasn’t, maybe the team is trying to move on in any way possible. Even if the 5-0 loss to Detroit wasn’t spoken of, it had to weigh heavy on the minds of the players. Yet, there didn’t seem to be much response.

Buffalo kept things close through the first 25 minutes, but ultimately suffered another tough loss, 6-2. Through the first three games of the road trip, the Sabres have surrendered 15 goals while scoring only four. Saddle the goaltenders with as much blame as you please, but the team is not playing well enough defensively or scoring nearly enough goals to identify one singular aspect as the main problem.

Much of the focus on this loss is going to be focused on Ville Leino’s drop pass that turned out to be the secondary assist on the game-winning goal. Make no mistake, Leino made a horrible choice in dropping that puck in the faceoff circle with no real support. It was an egregious error and can’t be overlooked. However, there was actually some sound reasoning behind the choice. Leino clearly had Drew Stafford breaking to him and a successful pass would have created a 2-on-1. Unfortunately, Stafford broke to the slot rather than trailing the puck and the play went the opposite direction. So, there was a damn good reason as to Leino’s thought process and why he made that choice, it just doesn’t outweigh the fact that putting his head down and getting to the paint would have been a better choice.

The Sabres look like a team simply going through the motions. Questioning the team’s passion is quite a difficult feat when you have no first-hand experience with this particular group. But seeing certain plays and games develop, there seems to be a few missing pieces in the heart/desire department. There are a few players who are obviously going balls-out regardless of the current situation (Pominville, Vanek, Gerbe to name a few), there are just many who don’t seem to be truly sold on trying to win every game. Again, a tough opinion to form without being in the locker room, but that is what seems to be happening on a nightly basis.

  • Jhonas Enroth could have used a better night. He made some big saves early, but didn’t look sharp on many of the Chicago goals. Hossa’s breakaway showed he still has some work to do in that department (yes, it was a breakaway) and he had a few tough ones beat him later on. Obviously neither goalie is playing to the level they’re capable of, but they’re certainly not getting much help either. Once again, the issues with the Sabres go far beyond one singular aspect. Whether you want to point to management, coaching or the players; there are numerous issues at play, not just one.
  • Mike Weber continues to fumble around. He was once a promising prospect who had the potential to be a steady 4-6 defender. Now he is touching the low end of that spectrum on his best day. What makes matters worse is that Weber is sitting third on the current depth chart – more or less.
  • Luke Adam has had a few so-so efforts in recent weeks. That play led to his demotion to the third line. However, he still remains one of THREE players with double digits in the goal category. It might be time to stop worrying only about keeping every player within the system and finding some new ways to create offense. Of note, Buffalo’s best hockey came with Adam centering Vanek and Pominville.
  • No player could really say they had a good night – aside from Jason Pominville – but Tyler Myers certainly had his moments. Myers seems as if he realized that his physical presence is one of the most important parts of his overall game. When he plays with finesse, he is no different than anyone else on the ice. When he is physical, he is a dominant force that possesses a frightening two-way game.

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2ITB Bucket List: Frozen Diamond Faceoff

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There is definitely something fascinating about walking into an open-air stadium to watch a hockey game. The same can be said about simply playing the game outdoors. But watching a game has a very unique feel to it.

I was afforded the opportunity to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines play on an ice rink erected down the first base line of Progressive Field (Jacob’s Field). The Frozen Diamond Faceoff was part of a larger event hosted by the Cleveland Indians called Indians Snow Days. The Snow Days celebration included a large tubing hill built in left field and basically the frozen equivalent of a lazy river. The centerpiece of everything was, of course, the ice rink.

Since my only other outdoor hockey game came at the 2008 Winter Classic, I won’t bother trying to compare the two events. They are apples and zebras. However, considering what the Indians did for the game, I was quite impressed with the overall result.

The Indians did a great job maximizing the spectator experience, providing quality entertainment and finding an attractive matchup for a city who has a strong hockey community but little allegiance to the higher levels of the game. Continue reading →

Bandits postgame: New faces shine as Bandits roll Rock

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photo: Buffalo.com

Buffalo’s three veteran additions combined for seven of Buffalo’s goals and had nine points total on the night. Luke Wiles had a great first outing (3+1) and looks to be exactly the type of player the Bandits were searching for. Kevin Buchanan (2+1) and Mat Giles (2+0) also had strong nights in their Banditland debut.

Of course, the ageless wonder, John Tavares, proved he is still the best to play the indoor game. Despite suffering various ailments over the past few seasons, Tavares had a tremendous debut against Toronto. There should be no surprise that his eight-point (2+6) game has set the table for the superstar to lead the Bandits in scoring once again.

In total, the Bandits had nine players with multiple points and fourteen players in total who registered at least one. In addition, Mike Thompson was stellar in goal. Thompson turned aside 41 shots which registered an impressive .804 save percentage.

Perhaps the most impressive fact about this victory was the second half surge the Bandits enjoyed. Trailing at the half, Buffalo handily dominated the second half and came away with the victory. That says a couple of things; there are finishers on this roster and they have a strong ability to score in bunches. Continuing the ability to roll up dominant second half lacrosse will be key for the Bandits this season.

  • A big surprise was that Darris Kilgour chose to scratch Tom Montour and Roger Vyse. Frank Resetarits was also scratched, although he is less of a surprise. Montour is one of the best transition players in the league and Vyse’s talents have long been showcased in Buffalo. Vyse’s recent contract extension obviously adds to the surprise factor here, but apparently Kilgour wanted to see some of his new toys in action. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vyse and Montour (or all three) play against Rochester this weekend. It is possible that Kilgour simply wanted to try out his new players before determining a concrete depth chart.
  • Kilgour said he is planning on getting Angus Goodleaf in four to six games. If Mike Thompson is going to continue to play at the level he showed on Saturday, Goodleaf may see his workload trimmed a bit. Thompson has long been a cornerstone for this team and looks capable of running together another impressive season.
  • Ten goals against is a very good number for the Bandits to surrender. The defensive corps may actually be the greatest strength of this team – despite the big names playing out of the front door. It doesn’t seem like a stretch to expect the Bandits to keep their team goals against between 10 and 13 this season.
  • Considering the additional flood of talent to the nine remaining teams this season, the Bandits will be facing a particularly difficult test nearly every week. One point that Darris Kilgour often cites is that every  game in this league is tough, no matter what a team’s record may be. That may never be truer than in this season. Even the teams whose records will sink are likely to be capable of pulling wins against the league’s top contenders.

The Morning Skate: Roadie continues in Windy City

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The Sabres are still searching for answers. They have another shot tonight in Chicago as their lengthy road trip continues.

Twitter was active with more Sabres trade chatter last night, but one source was beyond questionable and the other quite credible. If you haven’t seen the report from @DaveDavisHockey, you can find it here. The report is from Pierre LeBrun and it doesn’t say too much that Sabres fans have been clamoring for/wondering for some time now. But for those desperate for change, the idea that Stafford, Roy and Boyes are seriously being shopped has to be promising. For what its worth, this is certainly a step in the right direction. If adequate return is brought in for these guys there will plenty of good vibes re-established.

Tonight’s match-up is no easier than Monday’s. The Sabres roll into a hostile atmosphere against a team who just wins at home. Flat out. The Blackhawks have a ton of speed and plenty of weapons. That doesn’t add up for a good outlook for the Sabres. The injury front remains bleak, so there is little chance that reinforcements may shore up any shortcomings. In addition, the shellacking from Monday is likely fresh on their minds.

Expect a pretty simple game this evening from the Sabres. Considering the current state of the roster, that is about all they’re capable of rolling out. The key is establishing early dominance. The Sabres have only had a handful of games in which they established themselves early in the first. It is shocking the results this team is capable of producing when they are able to come out with some fire.

Highlighted Matchup

Derek Roy, Drew Stafford and Brad Boyes. When the entire Ducks roster was put on notice, they responded. When the Kings fired their coach, the team responded. When Ken Hitchcock took over in St. Louis, the team responded. Well. Roy, Stafford and Boyes have been put on notice. If there is any intestinal fortitude between the three you can expect a strong showing. Perhaps the trade chatter will light a fire under them. If it doesn’t, then those who say those players lack heart are dead on in their criticism.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller — CHI: Corey Crawford

Last Meeting

10/16/2010, United Center, Sabres 3 – Blackhawks 4


The Instigator Podcast 1.2 – Summit and Struggles

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After a brief layoff, Eric (of 3rd Man In) and I are back for the second edition of The Instigator Podcast. Episode two offers a look at what we thought of last week’s Sabres Blogger Summit. We offer a brief recap and a few thoughts on a couple of specifics that came up throughout the Summit. In addition, we give a couple additional thoughts on the team’s struggles and where they seem to be heading. As always, comments and criticism are welcome.

 

Double Minors: Wings set the bar for struggling Sabres

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The clarion call went out last February. This is going to be “Hockey Heaven”. Terry Pegula and Ted Black came in to Buffalo with the goal of creating the gold standard for a hockey club. The team certainly isn’t there yet and the Detroit Red Wings gave them a rude reminder of how far off they really are.

Detroit jumped on the Sabres from the get-go, forcing turnovers, creating chances and playing nearly flawless hockey. The Red Wings system forced a depleted defensive unit into countless errors, some incredibly egregious, and scored at will. As good as Ryan Miller has been in his career, he looked no better than a pee-wee tonight. It was obvious that he was guessing on shots and he obviously didn’t have it in him to bail out a defense corps that left him hanging in the wind.

It’s not good hockey. It’s not good from top down. I need to be better. I can’t seem to find a night where I can get in a groove. I don’t know what the hell it is. (credit TBN)

To his credit, Miller shouldered quite a bit of the blame. He knew the loss was on him and said what everyone has been wondering. He can’t find a groove and he doesn’t seem to know why. Leaving the juvenile taunts and criticisms – his glove stinks, it is because of his wife etc. – where they belong (the garbage), there is obviously something seriously wrong with Miller. For everything he has done for this team, maybe the time has come to move him. There is no market for him right now, but perhaps he has grown stale on his teammates or vice versa. Either way, he has certainly played his way off the untouchables list.

Of course, this season goes far beyond average goaltending and injuries. The injuries, while a factor, don’t make up for 12 soft, average forwards. The goaltending isn’t bailing out a group of five (when healthy) offensive defensemen. The coach’s message looks like it may be falling on deaf ears.

This is an organization with the highest goal possible. The ownership wants to be one of the greatest franchises in the game. The drive, passion and resources are on the table. Now the table needs to be set properly. Tonight was the only example needed. The Red Wings are the team the Sabres aspire to be. Buffalo attempted to build a team that might compete in that light, they’re still a ways away.

There should be little doubt that this team will get there. It may take a new GM, coach, goaltender and about nine new players. But have no doubt they will get there. Just understand that this season won’t be the year they do so.

  • Miller had a pair of great outings last week. He had a terrible one tonight. It was the third time he was chased this year (the fourth was due to injury). Ruff was right to try and get him rolling, but it is tough to get a goalie going when the defensive play is so poor.
  • Mike Weber has all but cemented his seat in the press box once the Sabres are healthy. Whether he is forcing the play, thinking too much, or is just plain bad; the guy needs to evaluate his game. He certainly isn’t the only culprit, but he has played his way out of the lineup.
  • What may be lost in this massacre was another horrid offensive showing. The alarm bells for a talented center are ringing left and right. It was an unforgivable mistake to move Luke Adam away from Vanek and Pominville. While he probably isn’t the answer, this team played their best hockey with that trio atop the depth chart.
  • The torch and pitchfork mob chasing Ruff and Regier is probably bigger than it ever has been. At some point the management team may just need to bite the bullet. It is not a testament to Ruff’s skills as a coach, it will just be because his message is falling on deaf ears. Something drastic will certainly change in the summer, but something drastic also needs to change in the immediate future.
  • Perhaps the most discouraging thing about this play is the fact that it has come at the beginning of a road trip that will likely define the season. While the injuries and other struggles have been major setbacks, it doesn’t seem as if the Sabres are capable of returning home after a successful run in mid-January. If this roadie ends poorly, there may not be much to mop up for the rest of the season.

Three Stars

1. Pavel Datsyuk

2. Todd Bertuzzi

3. Jimmy Howard

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The Afternoon (Morning) Skate: Road trip heats up in Detroit

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Survival may be the word of the week for the Buffalo Sabres. Survival in the sense of team health and survival on the ice.

Buffalo continues a rather lengthy road trip tonight in Detroit and will have numerous trying road dates throughout this week. In addition to facing the Wings, the Sabres will be in Chicago, St. Louis and Winnipeg. They close the trip with the Devils and Canadiens. Not exactly the schedule a struggling team would want to see.

The Sabres played pretty strong hockey when they beat Toronto on Friday night. However, on Saturday, they reverted to the form which has dominated for much of the season. Another missed opportunity at building a winning streak was lost and tonight doesn’t necessarily offer a lay-up either.

The Red Wings dominated the Sabres earlier this season. It would appear that same result could occur tonight. Buffalo’s defense is wearing thin and lack their top defenders as they prepare to face one of the most dangerous offenses in the NHL.

Two points will be a tough chore for the Sabres, but it would give them  four in their last three games. At some point the Sabres need to find a foundation for a run at the playoffs. This road trip might do the trick.

Highlighted Matchup

Buffalo defense. When Mike Weber and MAG are looking at top-four minutes, there is a problem. Without Brayden McNabb and Robyn Regehr, the Sabres are forced to dig into the Rochester honey pot once again. Andrej Sekera is expected to play with Joe Finley as the scratch. Still, Tyler Myers and Jordan Leopold will get the big minutes for Buffalo while Weber, MAG, Sekera and T.J. Brennan round out the six defensemen. This group will need plenty of help this evening against a dangerous hockey club.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF – Ryan Miller 26 GP 11-12-2, 2.97 GAA, .903 SV%

DET – Jimmy Howard 37 GP 26-10-1, 2.04 GAA, .924 SV%

Last Game

12/2/2011, First Niagara Center, Sabres 1 – Red Wings 4

Double Minors: Sabres weekend round-up

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You might say the course of events the Sabres follow is becoming old hat. They find life with a victory and roll into their next game seeking a win streak. Inevitably they lose the game and at least one player to injury in the process. That script is certainly getting a lot of work.

The Sabres were three minutes from guaranteeing a point percentage of .750 between Friday and Saturday, unfortunately they surrendered a pair of late goals (one ENG) in their loss to the Islanders. An overtime or shootout loss to New York would have mattered little had the Sabres managed to secure the bonus point. Getting points three-quarters of the time will be necessary for the remainder of the season if there is any hope of making the playoffs.

Friday’s game was a well-played outing for almost the entire team. Ryan Miller played a strong game in goal, the Sabres got goals from their grinders and they took two points from a team their chasing. Mike Weber had an ugly night and Buffalo lost Brayden McNabb to an injury. Far from a flawless night, but it was a victory.

Saturday was a relatively flat effort. Again they allowed a team to pepper Jhonas Enroth with pucks. Enroth played a great game, but the onslaught he faced can easily explain why three goals found their way in. The fact that the Sabres even had a chance at a victory was a testament to the game Enroth put forth. Unfortunately the rookie was saddled with another loss, something that has become fairly regular with him.

Thomas Vanek rocked a penalty shot off the post with 90 seconds left. The shot was awarded on a bogus call that should have been ignored. Vanek, who was nicked up yet again, beat Nabokov but not the post. The Sabres couldn’t gain the zone beyond that point and eventually surrendered the empty net goal that iced the game.

It was a weekend series that was close to a guaranteed success and had the potential to be a monumental success were they to have won in overtime or the shootout. Unfortunately Saturday’s poor effort shrouded the work the team did on Friday at home.

Now the Sabres hit the road for games against some very hot hockey teams. The Red Wings and Blues are both winning tons of hockey games and the Jets may have the most hostile arena in the NHL. None of that bodes well for a team that has lost eight-straight on the road.

  • The Sabres goaltenders allowed five goals over two games on the weekend. Ryan Miller kept his total below three goals for the second-straight game and Jhonas Enroth was solid in a losing effort. Sabres fans need to come to terms with weak goals, they happen in nearly every game. The key isn’t that a goalie allows a weak goal, but that he provides key saves later in the game. Miller made plenty of big stops on Friday (despite a weak first goal) and Enroth stood tall for the entire game on Satruday (even though the first goal was questionable).
  • For the second time this season the Sabres defensive corps is ragged. Jordan Leopold and Tyler Myers have proven their capable of playing big minutes. However, Mike Weber and Grocery Stick Gragnani are currently number three and four on the depth chart. Andrej Sekera is close to a return, but Joe Finley doesn’t seem to have the chops to compete on a regular basis just yet. The Sabres desperately need to get healthy.
  • While MAG has had a pretty brutal run as of late, Weber may take his spot in the doghouse. Weber has had a few rough games in a row handling the puck. He all but giftwrapped the two Toronto goals (particularly the second) on Friday. Given that he’s due some serious ice time in the coming days, his game needs to turn around.
  • Myers has been strong since his return from injury. However, his game on Saturday was sloppy. He seems to be really pushing to be active in the play, no matter where the puck is. He was too deep on the second NYI goal and has been running around here and there. Fact: He is more effective when physical and engaging the play. Fact II: He hurts the team when his active play is irresponsible, which seems to be a trait that comes and goes.
  • Vanek and Pominville are still beasts together. I can’t say enough about the way they have responded to their leadership roles. Might as well make Vanek a permanent ‘A’ and just pick two or three others to rotate the other letter.
  • Losing Robyn Regehr will be a true eye-opener for this team. They have struggled defensively this season, but Regehr has been their most steady defender. His absence will be felt all over.

The Morning Skate: Sabres searching to end slump

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Since the lockout the cure-all for the Sabres has been home contests against the Maple Leafs. Even earlier in the season the Sabres filled up the net in a 5-4 home victory. Starting with that game, the Sabres have collected points in their past six home games (thanks @NickelCityIan).

Of course, the slight home turnaround has been countered with a sour run on the road. A run that includes Tuesday’s 2-0 loss in Toronto. Through three games this season against Toronto, the home game has won each meeting. With any luck this evening’s game will continue that trend.

Buffalo will need to find some goal scoring, particularly secondary scoring. Drew Stafford has had numerous golden opportunities as of late but has cashed in only one, a dirty goal against Edmonton. Stafford’s under-performance along with others lack of production has caused the most issues with the Sabres so far this season. The rare victories as of late have come when players not named Pominville and Vanek score.

Highlighted Matchup

Stafford, Boyes and Leino. This line has shown some strong puck possession and the ability to create opportunities. However, they haven’t found the net just yet. Leino was invisible in Toronto, but was creative against Winnipeg. In fact, he was one of Buffalo’s best forwards. If this line finds the back of the net, the Sabres will likely find two points.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 25 GP 10-12-2,3.01 GAA, .902 SV%

TOR: Jonas Gustavsson 21 GP 13-7-0,2.91 GAA, .908 SV%

Last Game

1/10/12, Air Canada Centre, Sabres 0 – Leafs 2