Author: Chris Ostrander

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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Game Summary

Event Summary

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.

Double Minors sprinkled with stats

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Last night’s loss was yet another performance in which Ryan Miller surrendered at least three goals. In fact, Miller has allowed at least three goals in seven of the ten games he has started since returning from injury.

However, last night also marked the ninth game in the last fifteen which the Sabres failed to score more than twice. The Sabres scored only once in six of those nine contests. Only twice in the past 15 games have Buffalo scored at least three goals only to lose a game. Clearly Buffalo’s issues go far beyond the goal crease.

Buffalo managed only a handful of scoring chances last night, most coming with the man advantage. At even strength the Sabres were rather stagnant. Yet again, secondary offense was absent for most of the game. While Thomas Vanek added yet another point to a fantastic year, he received no help from the likes of Brad Boyes, Drew Stafford or anyone else who would be considered outside the top-six.

There is no debating that Ryan Miller is not playing at an all-world level. A basic eye test would show strong efforts on most nights, however his is still allowing three goals and hovering around a .900 save percentage on most nights. Obviously his game needs to be elevated.

What is unfortunate is that the team in front of Miller doesn’t appear to have the ability to provide the scoring support their goaltending needs. It is becoming obvious that Miller (or Jhonas Enroth) will need to steal any win the Sabres get.

It is clear that a shake up is in order. Whether that is in the locker room or on the coaching staff, something needs to change and it needs to change now. This team will have trouble staying between ninth and eleventh in the East, let alone scratching into the playoffs.

  • Vanek and Pominville have truly reacted to their responsibilities as leaders. They have stepped up and become leaders on the ice. The same can’t be said to the other three wearing letters this season (9, 21, 28).
  • Losing Andrej Sekera certainly isn’t a good thing. First, it means that Marc-Andre Gragnani will see a few games. Second, Sekera had been one of the most consistent defenders for the Sabres this season. His play as of late has tailed off, but he was certainly bringing some stability to the blue line.
  • The Sabres won the special teams battle last night, they didn’t win much else. The shots were even, the Sabres only sustained zone time came with the man advantage and Buffalo didn’t create very much offensively.
  • Miller made a few sparkling saves to keep the game respectable last night. You probably want him to stop the first goal, but there wasn’t much he could do on the second or third markers. Still, Miller will need to steal a game or two if the Sabres are hoping to go on a run.
  • Enough is enough regarding Luke Adam. Sure, he has a good bond with Zack Kassian. But the Sabres had the most success with him centering Vanek and Pominville. It is astounding that Lindy Ruff won’t reunite that line.

The Morning Skate: Sabres searching for a streak

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It has been a long while since the Sabres won two in a row. They have a chance to do that tonight at the Prudential Center, a building this team has had some success in.

Perhaps the only obstacle Buffalo will face occupies the six inches between their ears. The Sabres have gotten healthy in the past week and suddenly have a lineup that is worthy of skating at the NHL level. Brad Boyes brought quite a bit of skill to the lines that don’t include Thomas Vanek or Jason Pominville and Jochent Hecht offered Lindy Ruff a real NHL center. Now, Hecht still isn’t the answer for Buffalo’s top line, but he is certainly a better option than Paul Szczechura.

The key for Buffalo this evening will be to get an early lead on this Devils team. Marty Broduer is not himself this season. He has very pedestrian numbers which need to be exploited. The Sabres allowed Brodeur to settle in last time the teams played and the future Hall of Famer made them pay. An early goal and controlling the play would go a long way to earning two points tonight.

Highlighted Matchup

Buffalo power play vs. New Jersey penalty kill. The Devils have a group of six defensemen that many teams would envy. Anton Volchenkov is a shot blocking machine, Bryce Salvador is good all over, Adam Larsson is a budding superstar and the rest of the unit follows suit. The Devils penalty kill is lethal (thanks TBN) and the Sabres power play has managed to heat up over the past few games. The newly active power play has put up good numbers and could be the difference tonight.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 20 GP 9-8-2, 3.05 GAA, .904 SV%

NJD: Martin Brodeur 20 GP 9-9-0, 3.06 GAA, .884 SV%

Last Game

11/16/2011, First Niagara Center, Sabres 3 – Devils 5

Double Minors: Hot start keys win over Washington

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The last hot start the Sabres got off to at home was a 3-0 lead against Philadelphia. Buffalo allowed a late first period goal and eventually lost the game in overtime.

Buffalo didn’t let that same story play out last night. They opened with two quick goals and put their foot down to end the first period with a 4-0 lead. The Sabres shifted into cruise control after that, ringing a few posts on their way to a 4-2 victory.

They received a good effort from Ryan Miller, who made 20 saves and all the ones he needed to make. Washington’s two goals both came through massive screens, one which could have been argued as goaltender interference. Still, Miller rolled up another strong game and received the goal support needed to get a victory.

With three more games this week, two being played on the road, the Sabres have an opportunity to right the ship after a terrible run as they came to the Christmas break.

  • The return of Brad Boyes and Jochen Hecht made a world of difference to the Sabres’ game. Boyes looked great as he picked up an assist and should have potted Derek Roy’s rebound in the third period. No matter, Boyes game was exactly what the Sabres need. Those chances will go in as the games continue.
  • Speaking of missed scoring chances, Boyes’ miss and the three posts the Sabres hit in the second and third period could have really created a massive gap between these two teams. The score indicates a closer game than was played. This was perhaps one of the most complete efforts Buffalo has played lately.
  • Hecht’s return was unassuming. He certainly offers more to the first line than Paul Szczechura did. Getting these regulars back is huge for the Sabres’ chances at reclaiming a playoff spot. It is fairly obvious these guys will bring quite a bit of stability to the roster.
  • Brayden McNabb scored his first NHL goal. He is seeing power play time and is making a great argument to stay in the NHL for the foreseeable future. If his power play contributions are just consistent (no need to be outstanding) he will officially bring more to the table than Marc-Andre Gragnani. The truth will be told when Tyler Myers returns to the line up.
  • Jordan Leopold and Christian Ehrhoff have been quite consistent for this team. Ehrhoff’s numbers likely draw ire from many fans, but he is certainly earning his keep – well, at least his cap hit – as of late. That snipe last night certainly helps matters.
  • Zack Kassian was credited with zero hits. Not sure how that collision with Alex Ovechkin was scored, but it looked like a hit to me. That being said, his physical game offers more than just bodychecks. He is next to impossible to knock off the puck along the wall. He will return to Rochester eventually, but his development certainly looks promising.

Three Stars

1. Brayden McNabb

2. Jordan Leopold

3. Drew Stafford

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Game Summary

Event Summary

The Morning Skate: Post-Christmas push will be bolstered by familiar faces

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Slowly but surely the Buffalo Sabres are getting their injured players back. Brad Boyes and Jochen Hecht will play tonight and it would seem as if Tyler Myers will be playing again prior to the New Year.

While see Hecht back on a line with Thoma Vanek and Jason Pominville is terribly depressing, Boyes will be skating on a new line with Drew Stafford and Derek Roy. That new combination will allow for the possibility of a Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam and Zack Kassian line. A very young, but talented trio. Ennis’ own injury could keep him out tonight.

The last time Buffalo and Washington met the Capitals were playing to get their coach fired. Now the Caps are playing under a new coach, but are struggling to gain traction. The Sabres are still in quite a bit of trouble on the ice and not many solutions have been presented at this point.

However, with the injury situation beginning to thin out, it would seem as if the Sabres will find themselves in a situation that will allow to make a roster move or two, if that is indeed the best way to get Buffalo back on track.

Highlighted Matchup

Vanek-Hecht-Poiminville. Vanek and Pominville have been the only consistent scorers all season. Vanek has been hobbled as of late, but remains the only true scoring threat. For a team that hasn’t eclipsed three goals very often, this limping top line will need to play big.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 19 GP 8-8-2, 3.11 GAA, .904 SV%

WAS: Michal Neuvirth 15 GP 5-6-2, 3.06 GAA, .893 SV%

Last Game

11/26/2011, First Niagara Center, Sabres 5 – Capitals 1

Custom helmets are always a treat for the Winter Classic

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I’m completely obsessed with goalie equipment. It is a problem. At one point I had three mask prepared to be sent away and painted. Unfortunately fortunes change and only one of those got a paint job.

Aside from the even itself, the best part of the Winter Classic each season is the different gear the goalies sport. It hasn’t become a yearly tradition – some goalies don’t bother making changes to their gear – but a majority of the goaltenders to participate in the Winter Classic have made some change to their appearance to reflect the  event.

The easiest and most common change is to simply get a special paint job done for the day. Only six goalies have decided against any change, including their helmets. Although, Brian Boucher did wear a touque, despite keeping his normal paint job.

Gear changes have been more rare, but seem to be trending towards the norm in recent years. Dany Sabourin was the only goalie to wear different gear than his usual until last season in Pittsburgh.

There have been 21 goalies involved in the five Classics (three in 2008 due to MAF’s injury). Only Jocelyn Thibault, Ty Conklin (09), Chris Osgood (09), Nikolai Khabibulin (09) and Sergei Bobrovsky (12) have chosen not to add anything to their look whatsoever. The remaining 16 chose to make some change, whether it be a helmet or pads.

Since ranking each individual’s look based on gear would offer an unfair advantage to some, this Winter Classic history lesson will be based on the helmet designs while offering bonus points for gear. Continue reading →