Sabres Pregame

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: 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

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

The Morning Skate: Injury riddled Sabres and Pens face off in Pittsburgh

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Depending how you slice it, saying the Rochester Americans and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are facing off this evening wouldn’t be that big of a stretch. Fact is WBS will host Norfolk while the Amerks are on a road trip in Texas. Their parent clubs have just poached a majority of their roster.

Both the Sabres and Penguins are without numerous key players – a certain Pittsburgh center being the most prominent absence – for this evening’s game. Both teams had to travel to Pittsburgh for the game. Buffalo hosted Toronto while the Penguins were in Ottawa last night.

This is the final trip Buffalo will make to the Consol Energy Center this season; their first trip came back in October. That game was also played without number 87. Buffalo had a far healthier roster the last time they rolled into Pittsburgh. On that night, Jhonas Enroth was dazzling and Buffalo received some depth scoring on their way to a win.

The Sabres power play was shaken from its slumber last night, scoring three goals in the second period alone. Pittsburgh suffered a loss in a high-scoring affair in Ottawa. Looking at the scores from last night’s games, the fact that both teams travelled and that this is the tail-end of a back-to-back set; it may be safe to assume Lindy Ruff and Dan Bylsma will keep things close to the vest.

Highlighted Matchup

The Baby Pens vs. the Amerks. The roster Buffalo will roll out is nothing near the near 50/50 split they iced against Washington in November. The same could be said for the Penguins. However, both teams are missing star players and their depth is being tested. Whichever team gets more support from those depth players is likely to get the win.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Jhonas Enroth 17GP 8-6-1, 2.43 GAA, .922 SV%

PIT: Marc-Andre Fleury 25GP, 15-7-2, 2.28 GAA, .916 SV%

Last Game

10/15/2011, Consol Energy Center, Sabres 3 – Penguins 2

*no stats for the third-straight Saturday, sorry*

The Morning Skate: Connolly return, Lupul Tweet fuel rivalry with Leafs

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The first installment of The QEW rivalry has come a bit late this season. However, the return of Tim Connolly – a healthy Tim Connolly – and a happy Tweeting Joffery Lupul have stoked the fire a bit.

Lupul peeved many in Buffalo with his Tweet from last night. The obvious grammatical error aside, Lupul’s Tweet was reminiscent of comments made by Emerson Etem around this time last year. A bigger deal was made from the winger’s opinion than what really matters. Frankly, downtown Buffalo leaves quite a bit to be desired compared to most cities. Buffalo isn’t even in the same league as Toronto in terms of entertainment and attractions. Buffalonians have a lot of pride, it is noble that everyone stood up for the town after Lupul’s Tweet. Still, there are far too many improvements to be made downtown before anyone can truly say Lupul was out of line.

The return of Connolly is slightly more interesting regarding this evening’s game. Connolly has missed quite a bit of time already but is close to a point-per-game pace. The trade-off Buffalo followed through with between Connolly and Ville Leino is under the microscope thanks to the production of each forward. While it is unfortunate that Connolly is having a solid run compared to Leino, to think that Connolly’s play in Buffalo would have changed one iota is silly. Connolly’s act – like many other Sabres’ – grew stale at the end of his run here. Connolly will receive a hearty number of boos this evening and it should make things a bit more interesting.

Highlighted Matchup

The Sabres need a strong showing. Not one aspect of the game will be more important for Buffalo tonight. They have yet to put in a 60 minute effort at home and desperately need to right the ship. As the injury keeps rolling through the Sabres’ locker room, Buffalo will need to continue to find a way to create offense and win games. Their slide out of playoff position needs to be halted and a win against their biggest rival is the best place to start.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 15Gp 7-6-2, 2.81 GAA, .912 SV%

TOR: James Reimer 10GP 5-2-2, 2.75 GAA, .900 SV%

Last Game

3/29/2011, Air Canada Centre, Sabres 3 – Maple Leafs 4

The Morning Skate: Slumping Sabres and Sens meet at FNC

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Two teams struggling to keep their head above water will meet this evening at First Niagara Center. The Sabres, who have struggle mightily at home, desperately need a win against their Northeast Division rival. The Senators haven’t been able to keep the puck out of the net lately as they’re in the middle of a similar slide as Buffalo.

While Ottawa’s defense and goaltending have been spotty, they may get a reprieve against Buffalo. The Sabres have struggled to score more than once lately, let alone three or four goals. Ottawa has managed to find the back of the net despite their struggles. Considering Buffalo’s recent efforts at home, this game has the ability to turn into a snooze fest similar to Friday night.

The Sabres have been struggling with nearly every aspect of the game since the roster has been ravaged with injury. It seems Buffalo’s somewhat impressive depth has been worn thin with injury after injury. Some reports point to the Sabres receiving some reinforcements for tonight’s game. With Paul Gaustad and Pat Kaleta expected back, Buffalo’s penalty kill unit and generally grit should improve.

Buffalo’s first two games against Ottawa were wins. However, both came with far stronger rosters than the one Buffalo will ice tonight.

Highlighted Matchup

Buffalo special teams. The Sabres are still short on both special teams units. However, the power play still sports significant talent and has become terribly stagnant lately. Lindy Ruff noted more movement is necessary to create chances. It would seem a good night from the special teams units may equal two points for the Sabres.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 14GP 7-6-1, 2.80 GAA, .910 SV%

OTT: Criag Anderson 26GP 12-10-2, 3.42 GAA, .895 SV%

Last Game

11/11/11, First Niagara Center, Sabres 5 – Senators 1

The Morning Skate: HBO cameras will be in the house as Rangers come to visit

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The Sabres may have to deal with a little bit more puck magic when the Rangers visit First Niagara Center. Marty Biron is expected to start in net for the Blueshirts and he has put on a few shows down on Perry Street since departing the franchise.

Buffalo managed to expel some of the ghosts that have been haunting them on home ice with an overtime win last night. However, they will be facing a rested bunch and the Sabres will be the ones coming off a big effort the night before.

Once again, First Niagara Center will be hosting HBO cameras for 24/7. The most brilliant TV product to grace the NHL (since ever) rolled into town with the Penguins last year. The city and the arena’s digs will be on display again as the Rangers prepare for the Winter Classic on January 2. It is always fun to see Buffalo displayed on these type of shows. The producers and cameramen usually find a way to showcase some of the nice portions of the city, rather than just showing the dreary drive from the airport to the city.

The Rangers have started to play some good hockey and are attempting to keep pace with the Penguins and Flyers – their Winter Classic foe – in the Atlantic Division. There is little surprise that both teams are choosing to start their backup goalies. Buffalo is in game two of a back-to-back set. Meanwhile, the Rangers are facing the Panthers tomorrow night, a battle with one of the East’s top teams.

Highlighted Matchup

Ville Leino vs. Brad Richards. Perhaps it is an unfair comparison given the difference in salary and role for both players. However, Leino was the player the Sabres had to settle for when Richards chose the Rangers. So the two big free agent scores for each team will surely be under the microscope this evening.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Jhonas Enroth 16GP 8-5-1, 2.32 GAA, .935 SV%

NYR: Martin Biron 6GP 4-1-0, 1.94 GAA, .930 SV%

Last Game

3/30/2011, HSBC Arena, Sabres 1 – Rangers 0

*stats to come later*

The Morning Skate: Sabres still searching for solution on home ice

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The Sabres seem to be slipping farther and farther into a coma on home ice. They managed to squander a 3-0 lead on Wednesday after taking every bit of momentum from the Flyers over the first 19:58.

Many point to the general lack of mental toughness on the Sabres roster. Although that is a difficult weakness to pinpoint, per say, many recent events point to anything but mental toughness as a major flaw with the roster. How that can be addressed is also a difficult task. A coaching change may yield some positive results, but eventually the same players will fall back to the same practices. While completely blowing up the team is out of the question, some transactions may prove effective.

Without turning a pregame story into a Steigerwaldian rumor-fest, some change is necessary on this roster. They proved that to be true on Wednesday and another loss tonight would push the needle further into the red.

Florida comes in tonight on the second half of a back-to-back set, they are not the same Panthers form years past. The two teams have split the season series thus far, but the Panthers are within striking distance of the top spot in the East. In fact, a win tonight would vault them to first place.

The Sabres, still clawing away in the sixth through ninth party, desperately need a good showing for themselves, the fans and their position in the standings. Buffalo has been lucky not to sink too far despite their inability to string together victories, they need to start a run of their own and it needs to start soon.

Highlighted Matchup

Special teams. Florida has gotten major contributions from Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell this season. Both were somewhat afterthoughts in recent years, but have come on with increased minutes this season. Kevin Dineen has the Panthers power play clicking and the Sabres will need ot win the special teams battle in order to take two points.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 13GP 6-6-1, 2.96 GAA, .907 SV%

FLA: Scott Clemmensen 3GP 3-0-0, 2.33 GAA, .916 SV%

Last Game

10/29/2011, First Niagara Center, Sabres 2 – Panthers 3

The Morning Skate: Flyers present stiff test as homestand begins

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The Sabres’ current run of games – in which they play 12 of 15 at home – has not been too kind to them. Saturday’s victory in Nashville was just their second in their last five games.

Buffalo closes this stretch with a five-game homestand, it will be crucial for the Sabres to finish this run with a high points percentage. They certainly won’t get many breaks, beginning tonight. The Flyers are in town for their second, and final, visit to the First Niagara Crypt Center just over a month removed from when they came and exerted their will on the Sabres early in November.

All accounts say James vanRiemsdyk will be back in the lineup for Philly. However, they will be missing their captain as Chris Pronger sits with a bum knee. No matter, on paper the Flyers have the make up of a team that can push the Sabres around. If Buffalo is to start slow again, it will be a very long night. If they expect to get by on less than 20 shots on goal, they have another thing coming.

This very well may serve as a statement game for the Sabres. If they can give the same effort they did against Boston in the “atonement game” – well at least their first period effort – they will skate right with the Flyers. If they come out flat, like they have so many times this season, they will get booed out of the building.

Highlighted Matchup

The Sabres youth vs. the Flyers youth. Both teams have an abundance of young talent. JVR and Matt Read are talented and Claude Giroux is scary good. The Sabres youth, unfortunately is of a different brand. The rash of injuries to this lineup have forced numerous call ups and there is a serious lack of experience throughout the Buffalo line up. The Sabres will need their rookies to play above themselves in order to stay competitive tonight.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 12GP 6-6-0, 2.78 GAA, .912 SV%

PHI: Ilya Bryzgalov 18GP 10-5-2, 2.83 GAA, .900 SV%

Last Game

11/2/11, First Niagara Center, Sabres 2 – Flyers 3

The Morning Skate: Sabres searching for answers in Smashville

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Everyone is starting to run out of answers regarding the Sabres’ play as of late. The line combos aren’t working, play in goal has been average and injuries are mounting. Buffalo is 1-4-1 in their last six and have shown little in recent games.

A trip to Nashville probably isn’t the best medicine for a struggling club. The Preds are sitting in 11th out West, but play a stifling style that isn’t going to be conducive for solving the Sabres’ scoring woes. On the bright side, the Sabres play much better hockey on the road. So they’re got that going for them. Which is nice.

Ryan Miller is expected to make his return to the crease tonight. It will be his first action since being concussed/whiplashed in a collision with Milan Lucic on November 12. It should be noted that Miller’s play appeared to be taking an uptick based on his final two periods against Winnipeg and his first period play in Boston. Hopefully whatever he was battling has been expelled from his game and he will return to the form we saw over the first three weeks of the season.

Of note, the Predators Tweeted that Buffalo native Chris Mueller will make his season debut tonight. Cue the Bucky column on the Buffalo boy now. I’ll toss in and extra five bucks if he manages to hit on Tim Kennedy’s whereabouts in tomorrow’s piece too.

The Sabres have been bad from top to bottom as of late, so there isn’t one thing one could point to as a key for tonight. Obviously controlling the play and hitting the net would be a wonderful place to start given Buffalo’s recent scoring woes. Getting Thomas Vanek back on track would be helpful too, perhaps removing the king of bad angle shots from his line would be a good starting block there.

Highlighted Matchup

Ryan Miller. While it is inconclusive if Miller is getting the nod tonight, his play could end up being crucial for the Sabres’ success. Jhonas Enroth has been admirable in relief for Miller, while he has had some shaky outings over the last week, quite often Enroth has not gotten the necessary goal support to win. If Miller keeps the Preds to two or less he will have done all he needs to allow his team to get a victory.

Projected Goaltenders

BUF: Ryan Miller 11GP 5-6-1, 2.86 GAA, .909 SV%

NSH: Pekka Rinne 23GP 10-8-4, 2.57 GAA, .921 SV%

Last Game

3/20/2011, HSBC Arena, Sabres 3 – Predators 4 OT

*stats to come later*