Author: Chris Ostrander

The Morning Skate: Sabres trudge back to face Jets

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The current state of the Buffalo Sabres is pretty darn ugly. Outside of a pair of players, there is no scoring. Despite playing strong hockey, their franchise netminder can’t keep three goals from getting by. The head coach seems to be making baffling lineup choices while the general manager is generally stuck due to a ridiculous injury situation and tight cap number.

All of that plus the fact the Sabres are three points behind tonight’s opponent for tenth in the conference. Raise your hand if you had the Sabres in the draft lottery rather than the top five this season. Nobody? Okay.

In all seriousness, tonight’s game (along with the remaining 42) is a must win. Buffalo is five points from a playoff position and need a strong run in order to secure a berth yet again. If the Sabres are able to establish some footing, last night’s loss will be nothing more than a hiccup. While that loss fits perfectly with the disheartening trend the team has picked up, it certainly be discarded with some strong play.

The Sabres victimized the Jets in their first meeting and probably would have blown their doors off if it hadn’t been for some terrible defensive zone coverage. Ryan Miller earned a victory in that game despite being piled on by the fans and hung out to dry by his team.

While a 60-minute effort still evades this team, simply finishing chances may be all that is necessary to win a few games. Last night was a perfect example, they can’t afford to provide yet another.

Highlighted Matchup

Sabres centers. Jochen Hecht is nothing more than a warm body between Vanek and Pominville. They really don’t need anything else at this point. Luke Adam will surely fill a larger role this evening and Ville Leino’s return may be pushed based on Derek Roy’s injury. The Sabres didn’t properly address their biggest need this offseason and now it is staring them square in the face – if it hadn’t been already this season.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 24 GP 10-11-2, 3.05 GAA, .901 SV%

WPG: Ondrej Pavelec 33 GP 14-13-5, 2.94 GAA, .907 SV%

Last Game

11/8/2011, First Niagara Center, Sabres 6 – Jets 5 OT

Double Minors: Yet another poor performance, yet another loss

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Simply put, the Sabres aren’t very good. Despite piling on scoring chances last night, they couldn’t provide the necessary goal support to get a win.

Ryan Miller played a fine game, but again allowed three goals. He has allowed three or more goals in nine of his last ten outings.

To be fair, Miller probably isn’t to blame for this loss. In fact, he has been playing some strong hockey lately, he just isn’t getting the results to show for his effort. The numbers certainly work against him. Between the win-loss record, his goals against and his save percentage; Miller is not earning the money the Sabres are paying him.

What is important to realize is that Miller is not the crux of the issue at hand. The Sabres continually fail to provide secondary scoring, continually lapse in the defensive zone and rarely muster the moxie to perform in big moments.

The issues with this team go beyond an identity crisis, beyond a stagnant coach and beyond a franchise goaltender struggling to find his game. There seems to be a top-to-bottom systematic failure on this team and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

To say the time to fix the squad is now would be foolish. The time to act would have been weeks ago, when the slide was apparent and there was still time to bail out the boat. It certainly appears as if this ship has taken on too much water.

  • Both goalies playing tonight have been struggling this season. Neither outplayed the other and each were victimized by similar plays in the third period. In fact, Buffalo’s first goal and Carolina’s third were results of defensive breakdowns.
  • Last thought on Miller’ he needs to make the big save on LaRose in the third. That wasn’t a particularly fantastic goal and is one you expect him to stop. While the first two are forgivable, the third one is a shot he needs to have. I’d say the fluky second goal too, but since Ward was beaten on a nearly identical play, it is a wash.
  • Drew Stafford was signed to score goals. Goal scorers usually cash in on open shots from the slot. Not only does his contract look like a poor investment, he lethargic play is likely starting to wear on most Sabres fans.
  • Tyler Myers was fantastic tonight. The Two Towers pairing between he and Brayen McNabb will be a cornerstone of this franchise. Myers needs to roll this performance into the games immediately preceding his injury. He was playing good hockey and it would seem the streak may have continued through his absence. Still, he needs to bottle that game and bring it every night.
  • At what point will Lindy Ruff answer for the inexplicable decision to keep Marc-Andre Gragnani in the lineup. Injuries be damned, T.J. Brennan plays a more physical, engaging defensive game. Based on the way this team is playing, that is the type of defender the Sabres need. You would have to think Ryan Miller and Jhonas Enroth have only this thought when Gragnani steps on the ice:

Three Stars

1. Eric Staal

2. Chad LaRose

3. Cam Ward

NHL Links

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Event Summary

The Morning Skate: Back-to-back wins back on the table

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November was quite a long time ago. Sadly that was the last month in which the Sabres won two games in a row. Tonight’s contest gives them the opportunity to win two-straight since before Ryan Miller’s concussion. Yes, it has been that long.

The Sabres are getting healthy, which is a nice piece of news considering the last month and a half. Tyler Myers may return tonight and it seems as if Ville Leino will be back tomorrow, if not next week. The Sabres do still have the issue of missing two of their top performing defensemen.

Expect a tight game from Buffalo tonight. They escaped Carolina with a 1-0 win earlier in the year and the previous game (last spring) was decided in overtime. Buffalo’s secondary scoring has been so hit or miss that there is no telling what kind of numbers they will put up. If they register three goals, there should be no excuse for not winning.

Ryan Miller will start in net, he will likely start tomorrow too. His numbers have been pretty dismal, but he has been winning games. So he has that going for him, which is nice.

Highlighted Matchup

Tyler Myers. If he does manage to dress and play this evening, keep a close eye on him. Don’t expect Norris Trophy-level hockey. But be sure to watch what he brings to the table. There is a good chance he sees some limited minutes, but his contributions on special teams have been missed. Getting Myers back will do wonders for the power play and penalty kill.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 23GP 10-10-2, 3.05 GAA, .900 SV%

CAR: Cam Ward 35 GP 13-15-6,  3.22 GAA, .897 SV%

Last Game

11/18/2011, RBC Center, Sabres 1 – Hurricanes 0

The Buffalo sports fan

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The Buffalo sports fan:

Is totally die hard

Would prefer to trade their lazy, overpaid superstar now while his value is still high.

Knows exactly what trade or free agent move will lead to a championship.

Thinks your perennial All-Star and playoff stud SUCKS

Expects every shot to be stopped

Thinks a new left tackle and an elite pass rusher are the solution to the Bills’ woes

His seats really let you see the play develop – from the last row of the stadium

His old seats let you see the speed of the game – despite being obstructed by the benches

Wants to trade two underperformer’s for that superstar in the other conference

Wants a proven coach and GM, but can’t think of a proven name to fill either position

Thinks the GM should have cut that waste of money two years ago

LOVE Are insulted by the thought of sexy, scantily clad girls scraping the ice

Knew that the same lameduck player who walked as a free agent would blow up in another city

Doesn’t make a peep for an entire game, but claps in unison when the speakers say “everybody clap your hands”

Boos every former player, no matter what the circumstances were surrounding their departure

Sits on their hands all game but will cheer after a goal

Leaves with six minutes to go in a one-goal game

Still refers to the Winter Classic as the Ice Bowl

Hates when the Sabres play the trap, despite not being capable of identifying it

Wonders why the Sabres don’t score goals like you see in video games

Wants to know why the Bills are the only team never to score on bombs

Complains about every possible facet of every pro sports team in the city

Will sit in their season’s or by their TV every day until one of their teams wins a championship.

Taking an honest look at the Sabres trade prospects

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There is a big gap between those on HF Boards proposing the Sabres trade Ryan Miller for Jonathon Quick, rumor sites tying different stories together to form conclusions and the men who actually make the deals in the NHL. This post would likely fall somewhere in the middle.

There doesn’t seem to be too many people left who would agree the Sabres are going to fare well with their current roster. Even Bucky Gleason’s most recent column added more fuel to the fire. While he seems to have a direct line to Ted Black (which is indeed a good thing), he did little more than insinuate players who could potentially be moved. The same goes for the columnist covering the Ducks. He made mention that moving Ryan Getzlaf would be a possibility. Never once was a source mentioned regarding any of those players truly being on the block.

Why bring this up? Because these columns are just that. Columns. If they were a report, sort of like those surrounding Kyle Turris, it would be a whole different situation.

It is painfully obvious that something needs to be done to awaken the players in the Buffalo dressing room. A safe bet would be to move at least two out the door for a fresh face. Preferably a fresh face that plays with a little jam.

The players atop the burn list for most Sabres fans will be Drew Stafford and Derek Roy. They certainly have earned their spots. In fact, those who look to the core of this team as the main problem would say these two are the most cancerous in the room. Moving that pair in some way shape or form would be addition by subtraction to most. I can’t say I would disagree, either.

That, of course, raises the question of return. Even one year ago Roy and Stafford would have fetched a pretty penny on the trade market. The same could be said two seasons ago. However, it seems as if Darcy Regier may have spoiled goods on his hands now. That’s not to say they wouldn’t be welcome additions to many teams. However, there isn’t a likely scenario in which Roy and Stafford can be shipped out for a brand new, shiny toy. Continue reading →

Double Minors: 2012 starts with the right foot forward

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Yesterday’s victory over Edmonton wasn’t exactly the most riveting but it was certainly necessary. The Sabres got decent goaltending from Ryan Miller, scored four goals and gutted out their first win of 2012.

Miller was credited with 23 saves on the night, a few of them were solid saves that needed to be made. However, he gave up three goals yet again. Certainly Taylor Hall’s first tally should have been stopped. He could certainly get a pass on the other two.Nikolai Khabibulin gave up a real softie after the first Edmonton goal, so Miller is all but absolved in that situation.

The Sabres have another shot at their first win streak since November on Friday night in Raleigh.

Considering how the season has gone, that may have been the closest to a complete effort the Sabres have put forth in quite some time. Maybe even all season. Buffalo managed to overcome an early deficit – and horrible play – to tie the game. They faced down another challenge after relinquishing their lead and managed to build a cushion late in the third. While it was no better than a 40-minute effort, the Sabres pieced together a respectable win. The key will now be to build on it.

  • Jhonas Enroth would be a good choice to start on Friday. He has all but owned the Hurricanes in his short time in the NHL and Miller would likely fare better against the Jets. Yes, the same team that pumped him for five goals earlier in the season.
  • Zack Kassian will likely be packing his bags for Rochester in the coming days. With Ville Leino inching closer to a return and Tyler Ennis also coming close, Kassian will certainly be shipped back to the AHL. It is obvious Kassian needs a little more prodding to play his game on a consistent basis. It would be ideal to get a veteran next to him in the room to provide the guidance that will be necessary for him to truly blossom. Look at the effect Mike Grier had on Thomas Vanek. Now equate the same results to Kassian.
  • The Sabres are still in need of help on the blueline. Obviously injuries to three of their top five rear guards hurts matters. Still, with all of the offensive talent on defense in Buffalo and Rochester, it wouldn’t kill the Sabres to bring in a little more grit in the form of a stay-at-home type defender.
  • Bucky Gleason pointed to the potential for some trades in the near future. From the out of left field department: would Tyler Ennis fetch a quality return on the trade market? He is a dynamic winger with a lethal scoring touch. If a team out West was interested, would it be worth including him in a package? Remember, you need to send skill to receive skill.
  • Anyone still harping about Christian Ehrhoff being a waste can probably stop now. Despite lacking flashy goal stats, Ehrhoff clearly had a strong influence on the power play. Without Myers and Ehrhoff, that unit looks quite lost.
  • Yet again Jordan Leopold proves how valuable he is to this team. He may be one of the best signings Darcy Regier has made in a long time. To think, he was brought in when the team was still budget conscious.

Three Stars

1. Drew Stafford

2. Nathan Gerbe

3. Brayden McNabb

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Questions are plentiful as Sabres enter 2012

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The last calendar year for the Buffalo Sabres was quite eventful. Judging the current state of the team, the first half of 2012 will need to be quite eventful as well.

To offer a brief recap, Terry Pegula swept in at the beginning of the Sabres’ unlikely run to the playoffs shortly before spring had fallen in WNY. The magic surrounding his arrival certainly fueled the dim hopes many Sabres fans had. His support brought additional results to the run that had begun shortly before his official takeover.

Acquiring Brad Boyes was huge. His contributions were a major reason the Sabres reached the playoffs. Sadly, he disappeared during Buffalo’s first-round loss. However, the summer brought more change. Laser beam Zambonis, sweeping renovations to the arena and a deep pocketbook for Darcy Regier to utilize. Utilize he did. Regier acquired Robyn Regehr for a song and inked two high-priced free agents. Perhaps that is where the downfall began.

Fall and the early winter, while devoid of snow was filled with nothing but doom and gloom for “Hockey Heaven”. A promising start has since fizzled out and many are thinking lottery pick before planning a parade downtown. The overall lack of mental and physical toughness has reared its ugly head many times this year, the constant complaints from fans regarding the core remain and just about every fan is sick of the goaltending, no matter which goalie they tie their allegiance to.

With 2012 beginning, the Sabres will need another outstanding run to the postseason. Much like the one they went on last season. While their chances of advancing with a deep run seem unlikely, a playoff berth would certainly trump an early start to the golf season. While numerous changes can be expected, many wonder which changes will be made. In addition, will the necessary ones be made?

Here is a rundown of a few changes, expectations and questions that should feature prominently as the season winds down, the offseason begins and as the franchise moves forward into the 2012-13 campaign.

  • Not to start on an ultra-negative note, but this is not a team that can succeed in the playoffs. There are plenty of talented players, but there are far too many missing pieces, particularly when compared to teams that have had success in the past few seasons. To expect a Price of Wales Trophy, or even a Stanley Cup, is unrealistic this year. There are definitely pieces in place, the Sabres just need to dig up the rest.
  • Ryan Miller is playing his way out of Buffalo, quite quickly I may add. While I have long been a staunch Miller supporter, his play of late is concerning. On the whole he has been quite strong and steady. However, his numbers are alarming and he cannot seem to keep the score to fewer than three goals against. I am holding out some judgement until the Sabres can prove they’re capable of scoring more than once or twice on a nightly basis. Until then, Miller will need to start stealing games.
  • Ville Leino is slowly looking like a bust. Short of an amnesty clause in the next CBA, fans could be stuck with him for a long while. There is hope, however. He found some serious chemistry with Luke Adam and Zack Kassian, picking up five points in his last seven games (prior to his suspension and injury). If Leino finds a consistent scoring touch, the Sabres will be closer to discovering the depth scoring they desperately need.
  • The core needs to change, sooner rather than later. The trade deadline will offer the first opportunity to move some of the players who have become so obviously stale in the Sabres’ system. The next will be the offseason when guys like Gaustad and Hecht have expired contracts. While fans have grown comfortable with their style, it is obvious that a sweeping change in the locker will be the only thing to rouse the team into top form.
  • Removing the coach and GM certainly seems far more feasible now than it did last summer. Ruff and Regier completed a great run and opened this season with a good looking roster. They also had high expectations and it would seem they are falling well short. Removing Ruff, while it would likely be the wrong decision, would bring temporary change to the locker room. The onus is very much on Regier to reshape this roster into a winner. That may be difficult for the typically patient, slow-to-move attitude he possesses.

The summer is too far off to include in any sort of prognostication for 2012. Ending the 2012 regular season on a high note will be key of the Sabres. Again, they certainly aren’t a team capable of capturing the Stanley Cup. However, signs of improvement would be more than welcome. Those signs could begin soon if Darcy Regier is truly working hard on the trade front.

The Morning Skate: Sabres open 2012 against Oilers

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Thinking back to January and February of 2011 would likely bring joy to most Sabres fans. January involved the coming of the World Junior Championship, the thick of the Pegula-mania rumors/reports and the beginning of Buffalo’s turnaround.

February was even better. The Sabres were in the thick of a magnificent run that carried them to the playoffs, Pegula’s ownership was formally announced and it seemed as if the sky was the limit. The month culminated with a trade deadline acquisition that would have been foreign in years past. Brad Boyes was the cherry on top of two glorious months, his contributions fueled Buffalo’s surge, despite the fact that he tailed off since the end of last season.

Now the Sabres are faced with a similar predicament. Buffalo currently sits five points out of fifth in the East (with one game in hand) and have suffered a terrible run of poor hockey and injuries. Their first chance to crawl from their grave comes this evening against a young, talented Edmonton squad.

The Oilers have slid deep into the bottom of the Western Conference themselves, but they posses the lethal ability to strike at any moment. Something this Sabres team seems to lack. The Edmonton roster makes Buffalo’s look geriatric by comparison. Their scoring lines also pack a bit more punch than do the Sabres’ (particularly past the top line).

For Buffalo, establishing a three-period effort will be vital. Asking any team, particularly the Sabres, to play 60 minutes is somewhat unrealistic. But putting forth a quality three-period game, with only a few minor lulls, would certainly register two points for the Sabres.

Highlighted Matchup

It is time to stop pulling punches in net. Neither Buffalo goaltender has done much of anything lately. Ryan Miller, despite showing some signs of strong play, can’t keep less than three goals from getting behind him. Jhonas Enroth played a fine game on Saturday and gave his team a chance to win. Sadly, he folded in the shootout. Nevertheless. Enroth clearly is the better of the two goalies at this time. Ruff should ride him for a handful of games to see what he gets from the rookie. The points are too valuable to waste juggling struggling goaltenders.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Jhonas Enroth 19GP 8-7-2, 2.49 GAA, .921 SV%

EDM: Nikolai Khabibulin 24GP 11-10-3, 2.225 GAA, .924 SV%

Last Game

12/28/2010, Rexall Place, Sabres 4 – Oilers 2

The Morning Skate: New Years weekend

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This weekend’s set of back-to-back games will either set the table for a second half run, or dig the Sabres an even deeper grave.

Buffalo’s success against Washington certainly bodes well for this evening’s game. However, the Sabres were out scored 2-0 in the most recent 40 minutes of the season series. Buffalo out scored the Caps 9-1 in the first four periods.

Considering the first game was the Capitals’ best effort to get their coach fired and the second game was torpedoed by Michal Neuvirth’s poor play. Considering those two factors, this game could be worlds different than the first two meetings.

Tomorrow’s home contest with Ottawa is close to a must win, regardless of tonight’s result. Buffalo’s home play has started to come around. A win tomorrow will certainly do wonders for exorcising the FNC demons.

The Senators are starting to regain some footing in a rivalry they dominated since the lockout. They have had their way with the Sabres in the last two games. It could go without saying that Buffalo needs to establish their game early and attempt to grab some momentum.

Highlighted Matchup

Buffalo goaltending. The Sabres goaltending has struggled to keep their goals against below three as of late. Regardless of the fact that the Sabres have been unable to score goals in most games, the goaltending needs to show up and play big. Expect to see Miller tonight in Washington and Enroth against Ottawa tomorrow.