Rumor mongering

The past few days have been busy for Buffalo Sports fans, combing the internets for rumors on who could be coming in or going out.

With the start of free agency, you look at what players are rumored to be interested with the Bills, plus you have the trade deadline and possible deals out there. So you comb every website, and every rumor site, looking for possible deals. Especially if your a blogger, and want to break something first, good for traffic, plus you look smart.

You go to facebook pages, you check boards, you look up other cities newspapers and see what they report. Kuklas Korner is on constant refresh, then on Wednesday the TSN page will always be minimized, so you can check if Tim Connolly was traded or Max. Or anyone. Then get upset when the Bruins get someone, the Sabres were in no way getting, but still you are upset.

There are reasons why sites like Pro Football Talk crash. Because one, its pretty accurate and gives you a heads up on possible deals going on. Even though Mike Florio takes some heat, the guy is pretty good. Sure he's wrong on stuff, but who isn't. He doesn't have the ESPN contacts, but his contacts usually work out.

Wednesday will be a non work day for most Buffaloians. We'll have WGR on, the internet fired up with every hockey site up possible. Just clamoring for something to happen. It doesn't matter if the deal is absolute garbage. We just want something to involve the Sabres. You know Max Afinogenov was traded to Los Angeles for some botox and a nose job in 2010. (That would be a good deal)

The Sabres could pick up some fourth line winger, and 50% of the area will be like. THATS THE PIECE! We're making the playoffs! Then the other 50% will call for Regiers head. Most likely nothing major is happening at HSBC Arena tomorrow. The lineup will be pretty similar to what it is today. Maybe someone will be gone, but if there is no market, there will be no deal. And from the looks of things, the waiver wire seems more active then the trade market. (I wouldn't mind if Darcy picks up Jon Sim or Brendan Morrison)

(checks kuklas korner)

Nothing

(refreshes)

Nothing. Good

Tomorrow is going to be exactly like that. Of course nothing will happen, every second. There might not be any blockbuster deals. But still you want there to be. And someone will get fleeced. (cough Don Waddell cough)

(checks Buffalo news)

Nothing. Damn

For those who are impatient, me, its going to be a long time till 3pm tomorrow. Then of course after, its more Bills speculation, which will continue until April for the draft. Its more a long process. Unlike the quick sprint of the NHL trade deadline. So that you have to constantly aware of, because deals can be struck at any time. And really who wants to find out hours later the Bills signed a backup safety? Not me thats for sure.

But today is where you get desperate. And do stupid things. I'm not talking checking messageboards. I'm talking about visiting a site. You know which one I'm talking about.

(opens up new tab)
No Fingers DON'T DO IT!

(types in www.hockeybuzz.com)

STOP!

(Site opens)

EYES DON'T LOOK!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Oooo thats interesting.

No it won't happen, its all made up. X it out. X IT OUT!!!!!!!!

Whew. That was dangerous. That site should really have a warning on it. Its nothing but lies and made up rumors. And nothing good can come from it. Who pays for that site? Really?

Anyway, just be patient, when things happen, you'll know about them. And don't believe everything you hear. 95% of it will be lies.

Sorry Drew Stafford

Well as one of Drew Stafford's biggest critics. Called him Lazy, and a bust and probably should be traded since you could get something for him. But of late, he has played like the Drew Stafford we all thought he could be. Hard working, scorer, and always strong on the puck. I'm sorry Drew for questioning you. You got a partner in Tim Connolly who has helped you become a better player and now you are on fire, capping it off with that nasty goal on Wednesday. Lets take a look at it.



In fact its very Tim Connollyesque.



Did you notice the other similarity? Teppo drives to the net on both goals. Thats when you know the team has things in order when the D is driving to the net on a rush. I think Teppo brings a little extra to the offense. The time off probably did him some good.

But enough of that, this is a apology to Drew Stafford. Who I have roundly criticized for a year and half now. He has been one of the best Sabres since the start of the year. Its not a Clarke MacArthur flash of good play. Its real solid play. He's had 6 goals and 14 points since the beginning of the year. He is also a +9 since the beginning of the year. So he's not slacking on the defensive side of the puck either. The Stafford Connolly and Vanek line has been on fire. It also lets Roy drop down to give Pominville some scoring chances. Because the Sabres have got to get him going. Plus Hecht is also struggling. There is a good amount of offense on this team, that isn't producing up to potential. Pominville, Hecht and Paille. But Stafford is not one of them.

Sorry Drew. I really like your play of late. Its the player I expected.

Lets just keep it up.

Sending out a APB on Dan Paille

A actual picture of Dan Paille would be here, but I forgot what he looked like


Well missing in the recent winning streak of the Sabres, is the complete disappearance of one Daniel Paille. I've heard he's on the roster. But you rarely see him during games anymore. For a guy that almost scored 20 goals last year, you'd think you'd hear about him. But when watching games, you think you see a 20 out there, but you aren't quite sure. So if you see him let me know. The stats show he played and he had 2 shots on goal yesterday. Mmm they might mistake him for someone else.

He has been known to assciate with people as Clarke MacArthur or a Ales Kotalik. And sometimes a Paul Gaustad. If you see him, please contact Lindy Ruff.

But seriously, this guy has dropped off the face of the planet. Another forward, who you get nothing from for weeks. Its not just Max. If MacArthur didn't have weeks of good play, he'd be in this group too. Hecht is definitly on this list, and Kotalik.

Since December 1st

2 goals 3 assists -3. 18 shots on goal in 17 games.

He's not hurting the team, but he sure isn't helping the team. He had 19 goals and 35 points last year. He's lucky if he gets 10 goals this year. And with Tim Connolly coming back, he might find his way on the bench. Or traded. Dan Paille could be a good pickup for someone else. He's just another one of those inconsistent forwards. Who can play the penalty kill and play defense. And what I've seen from Matt Ellis, so can he at a cheaper price. If you can get a steady defenseman for Dan Paille, I'd swing that deal.

But please when you find Dan Paille, tell him to pick up his game, or he is on the way out.

Hey guess what a lifeless Sabres Team

Well well well. Who would have guessed the Sabres skated through another one. They haven't played since Saturday, what are they saving up for? Don't they know they aren't in a comfy spot and .500 hockey is only getting them a early ticket home. Are they ok with not making the playoffs. We get paid, thats good enough. Its like their some traveling broadway show. Due your dates and move on.

Its a year and a half, this is the same team as last year. And they aren't good enough. Clarke Macarthur doesn't deserve to be playing everyday. Kotalik is the new Satan without the same offense. And Max is Max. Regier has to make some moves to remodel the team. Because what is happening now is going to happen in February and March. I'm tired of the wait and see mode. Because its always a few good games here and there, then a day or two off. Its .500 hockey. That shouldn't be good enough. All it will take is a couple players.

The defense is not good enough. Half of the current guys are struggling. Paetsch in my opinion should be playing in Portland. Teppo should be up in the pressbox as a pseduo coach for the Weber and Sekera.

The Rangers are looking to shed payroll. Make a deal and pick up a defensemen. The Coyotes are I'm sure looking to shed payroll, along with the Lightning. Now is the time to strike, and not at the trade deadline, when prices are marked up. Its closeout time.

I know you're probably saying, well thats just reactionary. Well no. Its a year and half. What difference is there from last year? Less goal scoring? Ryan Miller stats are the same. Vanek is the one scoring all the goals. Stafford is still very inconsistent. Now Roy and Pominville are struggling. How many different line combos have we seen this year? One works, then someone gets hurt then everything is up in flux. Its obvious to me that the team is not good enough. And if you like the team as is, then you don't want change. I've turned the corner on Lindy and don't think he was the problem, I thought the team was, but changing coaches would be easier. And might not solve the problem.

Thats why the team has to be changed. A few parts. Not a full scrap heap. Just a scapel and remove the excess waste. I'm tired of waiting for Stafford. He's a RFA next year and he'll want more then he's worth. And probably could get you a quality veteren. Kotalik can probably pull in a quality steady dman. Max, will get you maybe a draft pick to use in another deal. Like Bernier. Just a couple moves that shakes up the team, and shows no one is safe. Being comfortable is dangerous. Some players when comfortable play like Vanek. Others like Macarthur, play when they want to play. MacArthur was better, when he didn't know when he'd be back in the AHL.

There are young kids on the horizon, Gerbe and Kennedy sooner, Ennis, Brennan and Myers a few years later. Mancari I think is a great AHL player but a role player, a good callup at best. Mike Weber will be on the roster. Hopefully with Sekera for years to come. But thats not now. The Rangers are going after Sundin to win now. The Sharks made moves to win now. Why not the Sabres. Have cap space and talent to win now. They are under the radar and teams maybe comfortable to move players with the Sabres, not fearing that the move will hurt them later.

I know your not supposed to make deals, just to make deals. The Sabres need to make deals now or in the next month, to save the season. Another year missing the Playoffs, will hurt Season Tickets, and then hurt the bottom line.

Sabres Rangers Preview

The 2-0 and almost centerless Sabres are heading to MSG to take on the fast starting Rangers and Captain Clutch, Chris Drury. Who only has 1 point in 5 games this year, but of course he's paid the big bucks for "intangibles". Its a early season test against one of the better teams in the East, that really doesn't mean much come 2 months or 5 months from now. But its better then watching a debate or wait no Pushing Daisies will be more entertaining then the Rangers. Who are horrendous team to watch. No fun and the game is slow. But they have Dmitri Kalinin who might go hide in the corner when Lindy Ruff looks at him. SAVE ME COACH RENNEY! Lindy is mean!

The Rangers

One of the hottest teams in the league with a 5-0 start. But the guys with the most points, you would probably not pick. Brandan Dubinsky and Aaron Voros. Dubinsky is one of the great young players in the league and Voros is a guy who wasn't even up full time with the Wild last year. Right now one of the better offseason acquistions that no one paid attention to. Then the lineup fills out with a roster of decent players that seem to languish on other teams. Like Zherdev, Naslund and Redden. Well Redden didn't languish, he just took a beating in the Ottawa Press. The blue line isn't what I call great, but Marc Staal is a nice young talent. Dan Girardi is better then most think and Kalinin is Kalinin. Plus Paul Mara and Rozsival who are both good in their end.

The big names on the Rangers though are Gomez and Drury, there two big acquistions in the 07 offseason. The team is going to be built around them. Thats why acquiring a Markus Naslund can only help. Redden I feel is on the downside of his career and will break down later in the year. But its their team and they will go as far as these two inspire them to go.

But the lynchpin on the Rangers true success lies in net with King Henrik. His numbers once again are fantastic. Its 4 games so its a good sample size. A 1.25 GAA and a .949 sv %. The Rangers are very tight on defense and then have a quality goalie like Lundqvist will only lead to success and very low scoring games. It seems they want to copy the Devils. Which is unfortunate to all hockey fans. Especially ones in New York. Jagr at least did what he wanted and that was exciting at times. Drury is rarely flashy, but gets the job done, the same with Gomez.

Sabres.

The Sabres on the other hand have Clarke MacArthur centering the 2nd line. Which isn't the ideal situation. Matt Ellis gets some game time to be on a banging line with Kaleta and Peters. Who couldn't buy a fight right now. The center position which was a strenght has caught the injury bug. Anymore and will see Gerbe up here sooner then later. The Sabres are also 2-0 and we'll see Ryan Miller who played well last Friday how he does tonight. The Sabres have all the excuses, but their coach won't let them take it.

Outlook

A good close game, that will also be boring because its the Rangers.

Sabres Bruins preview

Well its getting bleaker by the day for the Sabres, the playoffs just get farther and farther away with every game. And its their own fault. They should be going in winning 3 in a row and 6 of their last 7. You know a team that really wants it. But they have lost 3 of their last 4, and two of those are 3rd period collapses. But due to math, the Sabres are not totally out of it. But really things aren't looking good. 6 points out of 8th and 4 points out of 9th. Its not the Bruins they should worry about. They have 2 games against them. Its the Caps. Who are hot and playing weak competition. If anything the Sabres beating the Bruins will only hurt their own chances and help the Caps make the playoffs. But its the last home game of the season, and I'm sure they want to send the home crowd happy tonight and actually put together a good 60 minute performance. They got 4 games left, no reason to hold back now.

The Bruins

The Bruins were sliding down the standings for a while now. But have won 3 in a row and looking to improve that total. Since 4th place in the conference is only 3 points away. Tim Thomas is how the Bruins go. Without Tim Thomas this would be a non playoff team. When hes on, he becomes some how unbeatable. They have been winning even without leading scorer Marc Savard who will be out of todays game, leaving Marco Sturm, Phil Kessel, Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman as your offensive weapons. The Bruins play tight, so if the Sabres are all loose, they will lose. I'm tired of the Bruins and half the remaining games are against them. So yay for Chara!!!

Outlook

Well its the last home game, before ending on the road, probably not a bad thing, since they seem better on the road lately. And if they are going to win 4 games in a row, not having booing and the word SHOOOOOT yelled at you, is probably good for this team. But if they come out and lay a stinker, they will be booed off their home ice, not the way you want to end the campaign. Well its the end of things at HSBC probably, so take down those signs and prep for other summer events. Looks like HSBC will be in a slumber earlier then usual this year. But who really couldn't use the extra sleep.

Hello Bernier!

#56 in your Program

So its a few minutes left for the trade deadline, and it looks like the Campbell deal maybe the only one today. Really which I can understand, Kotalik and Kalinin you would like to trade. But honestly, they are a dime a dozen. You might be able to get draft picks or a prospect. But if you don't get the prospect you want, no point in making the trade. Plus you can sign Kalinin probably at a cheap rate. You give him a long term deal say 5 year at 3.5 or 4 million, he'd take that. You get a defenseman who can play like a 8 million dollar player or a 1 million dollar player. Plus by acquiring a cheap talent like Bernier, you create cap space for a Miller extension and go out and buy a couple players that fit the mold the Sabres are trying to fill. Thats physical two way players.

60 minutes of Hell, thats what I would want from the Sabres. Teams that can't take a break against them. You don't know what line to shut down, because every line could produce or be noticed. But who does Bernier play with? Gaustad?

Hecht Pominville MacArthur

Connelly Roy Vanek

Gaustad Kotalik Bernier

Kaleta Mair Ryan

But Stafford and Max are coming back soon. So Lindy will have some options at the forward corp when they get healthy. But really Darcy brought in the right player the Sabres need. Young, big, and physical.

The Trade Deadline

I love the trade deadline. Hell I love trades. All the rumors, all the deals. Its like christmas in a way. New guys and new hope. No more talk about a certain guy that wears #51. The man above has a history of great deals and fleecing people. This year he has one of the most sought after assets. And could really shape the future of the Sabres. A player with a couple years on their contract, prospects, picks. This team isn't going anywhere, he knows it, he won't say it, but he knows talent and intangibles. He gave them most of the year to show themselves, now he has a phone to change things up.

People run Darcy all the time. The man who brought in Drury, Briere, Dumont, Lydman, Grier, Zubrus. Drury was in no mans land in Calgary and brought him in for basically nothing. Gave him the opportunity to succeed and make a ton of money. The same for Danny Briere. Briere was a nobody. He got traded for Chris Gratton! Now he makes 10 million dollars this year. Its been a few years since Darcy's been able to resurrect someones career. Theres a former captain in San Jose who is languishing in the shark tank. His confidence is down, his worth is down, and probably you can get more with him, just to take the contract off their hands. Plus he'll make your team better.

Darcy I have always had faith in you. Looking at your history. The best GM in Sabres History. Yes I just said it. People in this town want you fired, blaming you for certain things out of your control. I see the logic in not giving long term deals. But you changed, with deals on Roy and Hecht. Good, cheap two way players. Now Pominville is next. But here you can add to the team, and keep the fans excited, plus keep playoff hopes alive.

Darcy your move.

Happy Valentines Day

Hey its Valentine's day so maybe I should spread some messages of things I love in the sports world. I'd get you all flowers and candy, but only one person in my life will be getting those items.

First, the Buffalo Sabres. You will get a rose. You're 8-0-2 in your last 10 games, rocketed up to 7th spot in the East and hope to keep climbing. Hell with Ottawa going in the tank, time to make a run for the division. You play smart and with heart of late. You seem to know what you're doing. Its nice to see. Of course it takes till February. Ottawa has gone 9-10-1 in their last 20 games, of course the Sabres have gone 9-5-6, so they only gained 5 points since the start of the New Year.

Second, um uh, no one. No roses for the Bills of late with their disasters, the NBA I don't care about, the Griffs get no love of late. Thank god for the recent success of the Sabres because life as a Buffalo sports fan isn't that great. Well baseball is getting started soon, but the weather outside doesn't put me in the baseball mood. I just want free agency to start and its 2 months to the draft. I would usually get a little twitchy for the NFL Draft but I have better things to do then worry who's on top of Mel Kiper's Draft Board.

But the true rose goes out to the Girlfriend of GCFB. Who puts up with my sports nonsense, and sometimes embraces it. But she is my rock, the one I can depend on at all times. I love her and hopefully the rest of the day goes well for the both of us, shes lucky to have today off. While I'm at work worrying if something gets delivered on time and if everything else goes well. She makes the losses less worrisome and the bad news less stressful, because I know I have something great to go see on a daily basis.

So Happy Valentines Day to you baby, I'll see you later.

Sabres Leafs Preview

Hey the leafs are in town, thus their fans come along too. Which is good for the economy, but bad in every other way. Have obnoxious leaf fans who think their team is great and their city better, well it might be, but most the Leaf fans don't live in Toronto. The Leafs have won 3 of their last 4 and seem to be getting healthier, before you know they ship off Sundin to an actually good team. The Leafs currently are sitting in 14th place one point out of being dead last, which doesn't mean much to team management since they still rake in the cash. The leafs also give up a lot of goals, only 4 other teams in the league have given up more, 3 reside in the Southleast.

Who might do what?

Well its all about Mats Sundin. He is the leading scorer with 58 points, the leading goal scorer with 23 and the leading +/- player with a +9. He really is the Leafs. And by getting rid of him, it would mean they are tanking the season. When will Leaf fans wake up? Well they do have other weapons in Nik Antropov, Jason Blake, Kaberle, Kubina and a bunch of others. Who most of you know about. Including Darcy Tucker, who is only a weapon with his knees. But its the Leafs so I hate them all. You don the blue and white and you're automatically the enemy.

What do I foresee?

I definitely didn't see last night coming. Thats for sure, thats why I see the exact opposite happening tonight. You know, oh boy we're back in the playoffs, wham 4 goals in the first. Wait Is T Bone in net tonight? I hope to god not. They need to ride Ryan Miller till his frail frame falls apart in the net. But I see a lot of noise when the Leafs score that will only drive Sabre fans crazy. I just see one of those let down games. They got two big games on the weekend with New York and Pittsburgh and its like, eh its the Leafs, they blow.

But I love this piece on Mike Robitaille.

Rise of The Kaleta!

photo Bill Wippert

Theres no hiding the fact the fans love Pat Kaleta. Hes a local boy, he plays like "his hairs on fire", and will hit anything that moves. I also feel he gives the team the ability to play four lines. Andrew Peters has many limitations, Pat Kaleta, not offensively talented by any means, but seems to handle his own when on the ice. He also gives that youthful energy that sometimes the team needs. The team is young, but a lot of the guys have been around a few years, so complacency sets in. This kid comes up and just starts rolling people.



He's been up since the 8th of January against New Jersey, has only 1 goal and yet only 4 minutes in penalties in 16 games. Yet he causes so many when he is on the ice. Last night he got Danny Heatley to punch him in the face. Thats great. With the power play improving, drawing stupid penalties, could be the difference between wins and losses.

Since he's been up the Sabres have gone 8-3-5 in those 16 games. The ability to play 4 lines helped the Sabres to get out of that 10 game winless streak, even though he was there for about half of that bad stretch. He brings that fear in defensemen, that there is this crazy kid out there, looking to take their head off. The Sabres didn't have that. The only person hitting on a consistent basis is Spacek. This also gets Adam Mair on the ice, who I love. When Max gets healthy and Drew Stafford gets back, I just hope he isn't pulled out. But looks like it will be a numbers game victim and be sent back to Rochester. Where Sabres fans will clamor for his return and the AHL will return to hate him.

Sabres Bruins Preview

Oh yay, the Bruins, the NHL's most exciting team. Ugh. Bruins games are usually terrible and sloppy, since the Bruins don't have much talent, but do enough to win. Kinda like the devils. Except Tim Thomas isn't Marty Brodeur. But they are in the division, so the Sabres have to play them 8 times a year, god I hope the schedule changes and there is only 6 games a year. And with that its 2 back to back games. Just to make the series over quicker. But this is an important game for the Sabres since they need wins to climb up the standings. With the Bruins 6 points ahead of the Sabres and in 8th place. Not to put pressure on but its a must win for the Sabres tonight. Good thing Ryan Miller is back, you could cancel the season if his injury was serious.

Whats up with the Bruins.

Well the Bruins are playing pretty well of late going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Really only 2 points better then the Sabres. But if the Sabres pull a couple of those shootouts, this game is pretty much a game for 8th place. But they aren't a offensive team only scoring 137 goals on the year. And they give up the same as they score. Most of the games will be close and tight, its like playing the Devils. The Bruins are also 3-0-1 against Buffalo this year and they will be playing again on Friday, what? So its Boston, New Jersey and then Boston again. Who is the schedule maker? Seriously? The bruins are tough to beat and whatever.

Who does what on the Bruins

Well the man is Marc Savard who is WAY ahead of everyone on the Bruins in points. Like 25 more points then anyone. How thats possible is beyond me. He is leading with 59 points, but only 13 goals. Chuck Kobasew is leading in goals with 19. Really Chuck Kobasew? Marco Sturm, Zdeno Chara, Phil Kessel are also some guys to look out for. But really just be careful when Savard is out there, he can make some plays, and is also a + Player. But the reason the team wins is Tim Thomas his numbers are outstanding with a 2.28 GAA and a .930 sv%. But after watching Alex Auld the last time these two played, they could do no wrong tonight in net.

Outlook

Well looks like I probably will miss this game and thats a shame, because the Bruins are fun to watch. I'll read up on the game, since there probably won't be too many highlights in this barnburner. But playing in Boston, which probably is very sad right now, awwww, plus a lot of sabre fans in attendance should be an interesting environment. Now the question is should I just cut and paste this for friday?

Sabres Thrashers Preview

My my how things change in a week, from this team is dead, to well if they just play pretty well and get on a roll they could do some things. The Sabres are riding a 3 game win streak into the ATL tonight, to take on a team they demolished a couple weeks ago in the Thrashers. But those thrashers are all upset, because some guys were laughing at them. Maybe they weren't laughing at you and they were laughing at themselves for how terrible they were up to that game. But the Sabres continue to march through the Southleast, as this is the 2nd to last game on this long road trip, it winds down with a game in Boston on Tuesday.

Well whats up Atlanta?

Since the 10-1 drubbing by the Sabres the Thrashers have gone 1-2-1, so really it didn't wake up them or anything. And the biggest story is the loss of Kovalchuk for the next couple games, good for the Sabres, bad for the Thrashers, because he is far and away the most dangerous thing they have. Currently the Thrashers are sitting right behind the Sabres in 12 with 52 points on the season. Though they have played 3 more games then the Sabres. These games are very critical for both teams, since every point matters and you can lose track of those ahead of you, before its too late.

So who might do what

With the absence of My Kovalchuk, the pressure falls onto Mr Hossa who is having a decent year with 46 points, but yet a -15. So when he is on the ice offense happens. Atlanta has a bunch of other guys who can contribute, like Eric Perrin, Todd White, Tobias Enstrom and Mark Recchi, yes he still plays. Slava Kozlov and Bobby Holik are also on the Thrashers, making them full of overpaid veterans. Well tonight word is Johan Hedberg gets the nod in net, his numbers are less then spectacular, but your's would be too if you have Atlanta's defense in front of you. Atlanta always seems to me like that fantasy team, picked by a guy who thinks they know what they are doing, but have no clue. Spend all the money on a big offensive weapon, then spend more on guys who produced before (they'll get better again!), then fail to get a good defense and lose shootouts, rather then hard fought games.

Outlook

The Sabres have been tough to predict lately. The last few games they've showed tough play, heart, playing the basics. One might think tonight they take a night off, but not playing till Tuesday, they really can go full out before getting a mini rest. I think Atlanta will come out firing tonight since they were embarrassed last time. But the Sabres are slowly getting their confidence back and Ryan Miller is playing really well. But I can't pick a winner, but I'd expect a closer affair.

Sabres Panthers Preview

Hey another game in a place where I rather be then right here in Downtown Buffalo. Man Miami must be nice right now. Compared to what is outside right now. Well anyway, the Sabres continue their road trip through the bottom dwellers of the Southeast division and therefore the bottom dwellers of the eastern conference, with a game against the Panthers. With the win last night the Sabres jumped to 11th place in the conference. While the Panthers are now in the 13th spot in the conference. With a game in Atlanta on friday another team right around the Sabres level, its up to them to pick up points here against bad opponents to put themselves back in the thick of things. That means playing 60 minute hockey every night till April.

Whats up with the Panthers?

Well what is up, is they have a neat giveaway this friday, every goal the Panthers score they give away 5 TV's. Oh they are playing Roberto Luongo? Well I guess they don't have to worry about giving away any tv's then. Well the Panthers haven't been playing well of late, going 3-5-2 in their last 10. Plus they haven't played since Thursday, so they might have some rust. And being in Miami, I'm sure none of the players had any fun during their time off. But they do get Jozef Stumpel back in the lineup tonight, which I think is good right? Its like getting Ales Kotalik back, cool, but not like oh man were gonna win some games now cool. Well the Panthers are the Panthers and that means they are usually out of the playoff picture looking up and no one cares about them.

Who does what

The Panthers are led by two guys, Olli "I'm gonna get traded" Jokinen, and Tomas "why can't I play in a real hockey market" Vokoun. Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss also are big contributers to the offense, but looking at the stat sheet is rather depressing. And Jay Bouwmeester is the big man on the blue line. But this team is lacking offense badly. Can this team not sign free agents? Who wouldn't want to live in Miami? Maybe its the ice conditions and it sucks to actually play there. Who knows. But Tomas Vokoun really is putting up impressive numbers or this team would be in 15th place in the conference easily. He has a 2.78 GAA (average) but a .915 sv%, which is quite good.

Outlook

Well its always tough to predict the outcome of a game after another. The panthers always seem to play the sabres tough, maybe all the young guys played their system. So they know what the Sabres will do when they see it. Or the ice is terrible. But the Sabres the have played well of late and I think they are focused in their goal. But until they show me consistency for more then 2 games. I'll say they'll come out flat tonight.

To be or not to be (a seller that is)

The Sabres are sitting at 11th place, a couple points out of 8th with games in hand. Plenty of time to make the playoffs. But with the recent success, is making the playoffs really where this team wants to be, or to be a force in the playoffs. Right now, I don't think they can be a real force in the playoffs. Which brings up the question, do you sell or do you buy to make the team stronger for the rest of the year. And can you sell, and buy at the same time? The Sabres hold one of the more valuable trade deadline properties in Brian Campbell. A 2 time all star, young, talented, good in both ends of the rink. The perfect defenseman for the new NHL. So do you keep and take a run or trade to make the team in whole better for the now and the future?

This team lacks that go to guy, the Danny Briere. Say what you will about Captain Clutch, Danny Briere was always there as well, and never got the same credit. They need that playmaker again. Derek Roy is a good playmaker, Tim Connolly is a playmaker when healthy, but that elite playmaker. With Brian Campbell you could possibly get you another key playmaker. Or pick up several players that will make the team stronger. I know JP Dumont is out there, but I think Nashville wants cheaper prospects. But I would love JP Dumont back and he isn't that expensive.

Players that I could see getting traded

Brian Campbell - probably walking, great trade value, high demand high return

Dmitri Kalinin - A UFA at the end of the year, so much potential yet little return. Very inconsistent, if you can get a decent stay at home defensemen, I'd take the deal, or a prospect and a backup goaltender.

Ales Kotalik - I like Ales, but I think you could get something for him. Others may value higher and might do well in a change of situation. But hasn't lived up to the production from 05-06. Very hot and very cold.

Max Afinogenov - a fan favorite or a fan goat. But it might be time for a new change of scenery for Max, but with his injury I doubt he's tradeable until after the season.

Other then those, and prospects. I don't know who the Sabres could dangle or want to dangle. But Darcy is always surprising in what he does. Who talked about Zubrus last year? I have a feeling the Sabres are going to be very active this year, they have room to move people, and I think Top management would like to see more positive buzz about the team. And who doesn't love trades?

Sabres Vs Lightning Preview

Hey its after the All star break and its time to lock it down for a playoff run, many are pessimistic about the team, but that thats the natural Buffalo way. When things are good we are wary, and when things are bad, we make them worse then they seem. Deflecting the pain if you will. But what we got here is a battle of the bottom feeders in the east. With Buffalo standing at 13 and Tampa dead last at 15. Though the Sabres are only 6 points out of 8th, so really they shouldn't feel too bad. A good run and things are sunny and happy at HSBC again. But both teams are rested and looking to make a move.

Whats up with the Lightning

Well things are down with the Lightning this year. The big contracts to their 3 big superstars really hasn't worked. Wait paying a couple guys a lot of money doesn't work? WHAAAAA? This has hurt them in the goaltending and defense positions. Especially at the Goaltender position where none of their goaltenders have a +.900 sv% and Johan Holmqvist, just sneaks under a 3.00 GAA. Their defensemen don't have terrible +/- liked you think, its their forwards that are atrocious. Brad Richards is a awful -25 on the season. The lightning are hurting without the services of a Dan Boyle, who just returned last week. He is their top defender and is very offensive as well. Vincent Lecavalier is so good he is even a plus on this goal giving team.

Who does what?

Lecavalier is the man in Tampa, with 66 points on the year. Also leading in goals with 30. Martin St Louis is the main setup man with 40 assists on the year. Vaclav Prospal and Brad Richards should also be looked out for, Prospal with 46 points and Richards with 41. Though Richards is having a disappointing season with his huge contract. Mmm sounds familiar. After that its a bunch of guys filling up the roster, with only Paul Ranger in the 20 point range and the rest below that. You control the top two lines, and its over for the Lightning.

Outlook

Well the Sabres should be rested and full of confidence after beating the Stars last week. But this Sabre team is known for not continuing anything and playing lazy. The warm weather, mixed with lack of activity could spell trouble for the boys in blue and gold. But I have confidence they'll at least get a point out of tonights contest.

Sabres Stats at the ASG Break

I thought before the Game in Tampa tonight I'd take a look back to last year and see the damage. Really look at the numbers from the All Star break last year to this year. I'm not sure what I'll see but I don't think it will be pleasant.

Record
06-07 33-12-4 70 points

07-08 21-21-6 48 Points

Thats already off to a bad start with a 22 point difference.

Goals Scored
06-07 171 goals

07-08 142 goals

More bad evidence Almost 30 goals less, thats a big difference.

Goals against
06-07 141 Goals

07-08 139 Goals

Well they actually give up less goals this year and still are bad? Mmm. So obviously losing offensive firepower was a bad thing.

Standing
06-07 1st in conference

07-08 13 in conference

This is the most telling, almost a first to worst in one calender year. Thats proof, that the loss of offensive weapons have been the main cause for the worse record. They don't give up more goals in fact its the same. But they score a whole lot less. Who knows if keeping one of the two would have helped that much, but I know it wouldn't have hurt. Darcy you need a offensive weapon in here now. This team struggles to score and will continue to. And Ryan Miller isn't that lock down goalie we think he is.

A bad stretch

Before Christmas the Sabres were flying high and full of confidence. They won 6 in a row and firmly in the playoff picture. Now before the All Star break, they are in grave danger of missing the playoffs and are close to being dead last in the league. How can one team go from solid play before one break, to a complete disaster the next break. How the team plays after the All Star break will determine its future. If they play great they will work up the standings and maybe make the playoffs, from there who knows what happens. Or they continue to tank and become a major seller to improve for next year. Lets look back at this horrendous stretch and then never talk about it again, because its painful and nothing to really remember.

Record since 12/25/2007 - 2-7-5

Out of possible 28 points, they grab 9 points. 9 points in 14 games ain't gonna take you anywhere.

Goals Scored in that stretch 32 Thats 2.28 Goals a game, not impressive. Take out the Atlanta game and it plummets to 1.69 GPG. Pathetic.

Goals allowed in the stretch(not including shootout goals) 38 Mmm Thats not that bad. Less then 3 per game and really lost a lot but never really got blown out much. Defense was still in tact.

After Christmas, they lost their scoring touch and tanked it bad for a 14 game stretch. But they are only 6 points out of a playoff spot, from playing their worst hockey ever. They pick up like they did before Christmas and the Sabres could make a run for the playoffs. This team still has experienced guys and none of them want to go home in April. The win in Dallas might do something or it might be meaningless. They come back with a pair in Florida then a game in Atlanta. All winnable games. They need to win those games.

I'm considering Tuesday the start of a new season for the Sabres, because its Playoffs or bust.

Sabres Stars preview

Oh boy here we go again, another game and this one the last before the All Star Break. Oh joy, it should be called the Sabre fan break, because most of us need one right now. Just no talk of Sabre hockey, no mention of players, just a celebration of hockey. Ooo look at all the superstars. What no Sidney Crosby? Ehh, we got Ovechkin right? But we got to play this one out first. A road game in Dallas, don't see many of these so enjoy this one, at much as you can.

Whats going on with Dallas?

Dallas is leading the Pacific division with 61 points on the year, 1 point ahead of Anaheim, and stand second in the West behind the Mighty Red Wings. Also they are 3rd overall in the entire league, compared to 27th in the league, where Buffalo stands. Really 27th? Though to be fair the Stars have played 5 more games. But per usual the Stars are having a real good year and scoring a fair amount of goals 153 on the year while only giving up 136. But are only 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, so they aren't cruising into the All Star break, but with playing 52 games, they are probably a bit tired.

Who does what for the Stars

When you think Dallas Stars, you think, no not NO Goal, you think Mike Modano. Since he's been a star since, I think the beginning of the Universe. But he is not their leading scorer, in fact hes having a disappointing year for Modano standards. The team leader is Mike Ribeiro with 54 points. He also leads in goals with 22 on the year, this is by far his best year ever. Second on the team is Brendan Morrow with 47 points. Third is the injured Sergei Zubov with 35 points. Mike Modano only has 34 points on the year and is a -11. Then comes a bunch of Finns, which seems interesting since the Red Wings have a ton of swedes. Could be an interesting matchup come playoff time. Old pal Stu Barnes has 16 points on the year so, right about average for Stu. The Stars are also known for their Goalies. Marty Turco and Mike Smith. Both with very pedestrian numbers on the year, nothing eye catching. Turco has a 2.41 GAA and a .906 Sv% on the year.

Outlook

Well to say things look bad for the Sabres, would be an understatement. They show laziness and lack of passion on a nightly basis. Skip the Atlanta game, can't put the puck in the net. And since Christmas, downright awful. So maybe going into another break, they can pull one out to give themselves a boost for the after All Star game push. Things only get harder here on out. But I have little faith in the blue and gold right now. So a 5-1 Stars win.

Lookin' at Prospects

Well the article in the Buffalo News today of WNY'ers in college got me thinking about prospects. Well it got me looking about Justin Vaive, when I saw the stats on him. I got all like oooooooo, then saw hes Duck property. Of course he's Duck property, who else would draft big tough forwards, then Brian Burke. Like he's had any success as a GM. Oh wait. But its like mmm so who is in the pipeline. If the Sabres do trade away some guys who is coming up?

I go to Hockey's Future, and the first thing I see for the Sabres is about Jhonas Enroth. Who they are now calling the next Lundqvist. (mouth agape) The Sabres have the next big thing from Sweden in the system? And hes only a couple years away? Wait isn't Ryan Miller up for a redo of his contract soon? Actually a UFA in 09-10. So he's under contract for next year. Mmm, I'm guessing next year when they put him in the AHL, it will impact Mr Miller's contract status highly. He has the same grade as Carey Price from Montreal, who is supposed to be the next thing.

The Top 5 Prospects right now for the Sabres are

1) Clarke Macarthur (C) -- should be a every game player and will be to the end of the season in my mind

2) Andrej Sekera (D)- Another year in Rochester won't hurt and will cushion the blow of the loss of Kalinin and Campbell.Hell at the deadline, trade em both.

3) Jhonas Enroth (G)- The "next lundqvist" (jumping up with joy)

4) TJ Brennan(D) - A couple years at least till we know. But the next Campbell

5) Marc Andre Gragnani (D) A -26 this year in Rochester. A defenseman who doesn't like to play defense. Um, get rid of him pronto, while he still has a high grade. Mike Weber seems like a better prospect to me, and could possibly be a 7th guy next year for Buffalo.

Others

Marek Zagrapan (C) Not producing much and not doing what he should. A borderline NHL'er at this point. Unfortunate.

Mark Mancari (RW) I like this kid, not much scoring at the NHL level, but big body and could be good 3rd liner.

Tim Kennedy (LW) Lighting it up in college and I'm excited about him in a couple years. Could be a big fan favorite with the local ties.

Dylan Hunter (LW) Not a big scorer but coming from Dale Hunter genes, he can only help you. Him and Kaleta next year could be a good young pair for the Sabres.


Well the looks of things, Defense is full of young depth. So with the loss of a couple long time Sabre defensemen, the blow would be cushioned. Since this season is going down the tubes quickly. If I were Darcy, I would start pile up on young forwards for proven defense. Trade what you have plenty of, for what you don't have. And its obvious the Sabres need help on the offensive end.