Thats a Wrap!

Pommers look cool, I don't want Roysie to know.

Well the Sabres wrapped the season up with a shutout win vs Boston on Saturday, which is nice, I guess. Thibault gets a 2nd shutout of the year. Vanek gets another hat trick, with 3 goals 2 on the power play. So really vintage Vanek. I hope hes shaken off the contract stuff and can go into the offseason, enjoy his family, rest and come back next year and put up 55 goals. I know he can do it. You put another dependable winger, a vet with Vanek and Roy, and that line lights the ice on fire next year. But it puts an end to a very up and down year. The step back from giant step forwards of the past two years. People think this team was a constant playoff contender, well they were in the bottom half of the league and bankrupt several years ago. And hey, remember when people didn't come to the games? These are the attendance figures for the beginning of the 2005 season.

10/05 15702 vs NYI (hey can't sellout a opener! Hockeytown USA!!!!)
10/07 13771 vs Bos(its Boston I understand)
10/10 12050 vs Pitt (Pittsburgh pre Crosby, understandable)
10/22 16346 Vs NYR(Ranger fans bumped this one up)
10/26 8552 Vs WSH(In Rochester, remember those?)
11/02 13905 Vs OTA(Against Ottawa, no excuse)
11/04 18690 Vs MTR(Montreal, doesn't count)
11/09 13106 Vs Car(Who knew a ECF preview)
11/11 18690 vs Tor (REALLY doesn't count)
11/15 13022 vs NJD (Devils understandable)
11/17 12471 vs WSh (I think these games were priced at the lead level)
11/22 16018 vs NYR (Ranger bump)
11/25 16009 vs MTL (Not selling out a Habs games is unthinkable now)
12/02 18007 vs SJS ( I guess the Sharks bring in the fans)
12/08 12504 vs ANA (The Ducks do not bring in the fans)
12/14 16575 vs Dal (Stars hate is still strong, or Stu Barnes fans)
12/17 18690 vs Pit This is where the Sellouts start coming. 15 more after.

It took till Christmas for the Fans to notice. And those are BAD numbers for most of those games. Management should look at them and go, this is what happens when theres no buzz. Nobody comes. But most Sabre fans could tell you that. But with a new generation of Sabre fans, I don't know how things will go. I never really took for granted the Playoffs. I just think people forgot or didn't remember the old pre lockout Sabres. Telling by attendance figures and probably tv ratings, no one was around to remember them.

Well Stats to finish the season

Most Points Derek Roy with 81
Most Goals Thomas Vanek with 36
Best Plus/Minus Jason Pominville with a +16
Most Penalty Minutes Andrew Peters with 100
Most Power Play goals Thomas Vanek with 19
Most Short Handed goals Paille/Roy with 3

More analysis later.

Sabres Bruins Preview

Well its the last preview of the season, and of course its the team I least like doing one for, the Boston Bruins. Really the game is meaningless, the Bruins secured a playoff spot, and will play a team that will handle them in the first round. No question the Bruins can't beat Montreal or Pittsburgh in the first round. Though are in 6th spot right now, but a Philly win and a Bruins loss, would mean that the Bruins would be in 7th and ottawa eighth?. I'm still a little confused. But a New Jersey Boston series would a series I'd avoid like the plague. I wouldn't even acknowledge it. Nope. Well the Sabres are sending the walkons out today. Numminen, Ryan, Thibault and maybe Peters. The Bruins will be without Savard who is hurt.

The Bruins.

The Playoff bound Bruins, ecch, will be looking to win, after beating Ottawa last night. Well who doesn't beat Ottawa these days. Of course it was a 2-1 barn burner. Ottawa had 18 shots on goal, for a team needing to make the playoffs. Of course the Hurrisuck, lost letting them back into the playoffs. Nice 3 teams from the Northeast into the Playoffs, 4 from the Atlantic and 1 from the Southeast. Nice division. And no southeast fans its not a competitive division. Well the Bruins don't score much scoring 212 goals on the season and giving up 219. HOW ARE THEY IN THE PLAYOFFS? AND COULD FINISH 5th? The Sabres have a +10 Goal Differential. Well the bruins are we thought they were. Not fun, ugly, and bad for hockey. But they pick up points and now will make the playoffs and lose in the first round. YAY!

Outlook

I hope the Sabres win, but it won't matter I'll be at Roller Derby tonight and enjoying that. Pictures will follow on that. I would say Guys will be playing for jobs, but I don't think thats true. This will be the last we see of Thibault in Sabre blue and gold, hopefully Peters, Ryan and Kalinin is good as gone. I don't know if they need to make a splash in the offseason. Let Darcy make smart moves. He built the 05 team on the cheap. He knows talent, just let him work. Tinker. Maybe I'm an optimist. But I think this team will come out hungry. Angry. Determined. Now tonight go out and play like that team, to preview 08-09 for your fanbase. The season ticket sales depend on it.

The End

Play while reading it will add a little soundtrack to the post.

Well the playoff run was ended last night. With a 3-1 loss to Montreal. A battle of two teams going two different directions. Montreal ties for first place, while the Sabres are going home for the playoffs. After two straight ECF runs, they get to see the playoffs on a tv set, like all the fans. Its been that type of year, they never really were very good. They made some runs to get into playoff position, but then would slump, knocking them out and they never recovered. This is a young team, that lost a lot of leadership in the offseason. No one took the reins right away and it killed them early in the season. Going 6-10-1 was killer to start the season. Of course in the next 17 games they went 13-4. Which shows you what this team is all about. No real consistency. They'd get cold, they'd get hot, then they get cold. They needed a thermostat on the team to put them at the right temperature.

They were in the Playoffs at Christmas and looking like they had it together. Then the infamous 10 game winless streak. They fought and clawed to get back in the playoffs but were always at the border. Then that game against the 10 game winless streak Flyers, Campbells last game, was the death blow for me. They should have put the flyers away there. But this team just wasn't good enough. The talent is there, but the effort and desire isn't a bunch of times. Its gonna be a long offseason of what ifs and what should have beens. My only problem is they let this guy.....


The smirk strikes again

Do them in.

I'll be going over who did what and where it went wrong over the next few weeks. Its all we have now. Theres no previews or hopes of Cup dreams. Plus we'll have some great memories of the past few years in the playoffs. But whenever there is a down moment there is always something to pick you up, and thanks to Mark Bell. Who i bet will hear about how hes wearing a cage and hes a coward this week, does a Chris Neil to Alfie.


I can watch this all day.

Well always remember, there is next year.

Sabres Canadiens Preview

Here we are the 2nd last game of the season, everything is on the line. One team just has to win to survive, the other just to stay with Pittsburgh for 1st place. Oh in a year things have changed. Montreal was the one fighting for their playoff lives last year, and Buffalo was cruising towards the Presidents trophy. Hey remember how that was cool. Now we enter the Bell Centre. Backs against the proverbial wall, survive and live, lose and die. Montreal doesn't have the pressure, hell they could play only 3 minutes of hockey and win, grrrrr. Hey sounds like a team from last year. Good news for the Sabres that Spacek will be back, the power play has missed him. And so has the team. You know I hear these guys might be back like Numminen, and get excited then think, wait there might be only 2 games left, who cares? Its not like last year when Connolly came back and it was like OOOO they are getting Connolly for the Playoffs. Who of course is out for the year now. Well Koivu and Komisarek are both out so that helps a tiny bit. The Sabres can use all help they can get. Of course the Leafs were missing half the offense and put Raycroft in net and they barely won.

The Habs

Well the Habs are hot as usual, playing very well the entire year. A team you really can support and go, hey thats a good hockey team. 7-2-1 in their last 10, so they are playing very smart hockey, trying to grab that 1 spot. Though they just lost to the Leafs, the blues and Ottawa. All teams make mistakes. And Halak was in net for 2 of the 3. So Carey Price is, 10-4 in his last 14 starts. Maybe this kid is the real deal, why not ride him in the playoffs. Kovalev and Plekanec are both getting it done offensively for Montreal. I'm torn for who to root for in the Playoffs. Montreal or Pittsburgh. I like both, but can't just choose one. Maybe tonight will help me decide. You know Montreal, let the Sabres win and I'll be on the Hab bandwagon. You know you want me.

Outlook

The Sabres face a tough task, beating an actual good team. They aren't that great at it lately. I would say the last good win, in my opinion, was the 7-1 drubbing of the Hurricanes several weeks ago. They've faced some softies of late. Mainly because the Northeast, sans Le Habitants, have gone sour lately. I want to believe, but this team just can't make me do it. The past two years, yes, this year no. They just make me ill at times and I want them to miss the playoffs now, instead of making them and getting swept, that does nobody any good. Look at the Thrashers. They did everything to make the playoffs to only get hammered. By a up an coming Ranger team.

Sabres are 1-2 in Montreal this year. The only win a shutout by Thibault. Hell, put him in tonight. Could be his last game in the NHL. Why not make it in Quebec. He might play balls out tonight.

Still Alive

The Devils succeed despite Siamese twins/Drunk line Malkin just told Crosby he doesn't love him.

Thanks to a couple teams above the Sabres are still alive, though the Devils allowed the Bruins to get a point. The Pens, beat on the Flyers. Which I think we can all agree with. I have decided that Pittsburgh is my team, should the Sabres not make it. I'm gonna take the exciting offensive team. Though the Caps would be fun to root for. Hell any team other then Ottawa, NY Rangers or Philly is a team I can be happy to root for in the Playoffs, even Montreal. Who I hope decide to not show up tonight. Come on guys, you can take a night off. First place in the East is WAAAAAAY overrated. Let the Pens get it. They might run into a hot Caps team. You know you want a very terrible Ottawa team. They'll finish 7th right?

Speaking of which how have they fallen so far. I assumed in December that the Sens would win the conference and probably take the East again, but lucky for us Sabre fans, they imploded. The Sabres were pretty average to bad all year long. Hell, I think everybody thought the Sens would run away with the East, but just have been a disaster since the New Year. People figured out they only have 1 line, their goaltending is bad, and they don't care. Of course the have a furious comeback in the game I GO TO. But collapse everywhere else.

Well anyway the real story is, that the Sabres are still alive. All that garbage through the year. Is coming back to roost now. But they still have a chance. A small one, but a chance. Now go out and beat Montreal. If not, it doesn't matter what others do. Win one of us fans.

Open Letter

Zubaz!

Dear Mr Zubrus

Hey remember us, Sabre fans? Yeah? Yeah we liked you for the short time you were here. But you left us for New Jersey in the offseason, pretty smart on your part. But I as a Sabre fan, I'm concerned about our playoff status. And its pretty dicey at the moment. But I was wondering if you could help us out. You're playing the Bruins tonight. And we need them to lose. You guys are fighting for position and still have a shot at the division. So if theres time for you to play balls out, its tonight Mr. Zubrus.

Oh then you play Philly on Friday. Well looks like you could really help the Sabres out by playing big this week. The Rangers, yeah beat them too. Come on, we need you to help your team, and tell your teammates how important going into the playoffs hot is.

I'm not sure if you'll read this or even find out. But we still like you. And we would really like you if you scored 10 goals this week. Come on we can all be Devils fans right?

Brian Dux Update

Well last night WIVB has a little Brian Dux update on how he is doing from his almost fatal crash in England several months ago.

Brian Dux, "Physically, I'm not up to par yet, but even mentally I understand everything and I think perfectly normal I just can't speak and communicate the same, ya know"

Dux has been home for almost two months and his parents have had to renovate their Orchard Park house to accomodate his needs. It all adds up and friends and family formed the Brian Dux Assist Fund with a a major fundraiser Saturday night.

Brian plans on attending the fundraiser and he plans on walking again, sooner, rather than later.

Brian Dux, "First things first, I would like to get back to walking again and live a normal life for sure. Secondly, I would like to continue playing at some point, but, that's in the future, ya know?"

Well I am very glad to see that Brian is doing better. Plus its great the community is coming out to help him. He has always been a nice guy, that wants to help and never use his status to demean. Hes been a star at College and he was a star in England, well Guildford. But he'll need all the support he can get for the type of injury he suffered. If Canisius was smart, they'd make him an honorary coach next year. For what he gave to Canisius the least they could do would be assist in his recovery.

Heres a video of the interview


If you want to help go here.

Yikes, thats a tense shootout.

To be honest I didn't watch last nights shootout, after the first goal on Miller. Where he did a fantastic bull fighter impression, I couldn't watch, plus it was tv night with some friends. So turning it back later I was pleased to see that the Sabres won the shootout, making up for some bad goals by Miller. Seriously that new contract is declining in value by the day. If they wait till next year, they might get him for less then right now. Because he's not worth more then Marty Biron at this point. The team is less talented and his numbers have reflected that. So maybe the team of the past 2 years, made him better then he actually is. But heres the youtube of last nights shootout, its tense just watching it.

Thank god it doesn't include the first goal

But seriously are the Sabres trying to give their fans heart attacks. They peppered Raycroft with shots, but of course he plays well. Like every goaltender tends to do, when you don't expect it. But lucky for them they got timely scoring. I swear they play better from behind then with the lead. But Steve "The Ghost" Bernier scored first time since he was acquired. And Roy and Pominville battle for leading scorer of the team. And our boy Sekara played the most out of anyone. Mr Kalinin? You can pack your bags, we won't be resigning you in the offseason. They talk about who will come out when Numminen comes back, well Pratt and Paetsch I will gladly take out for Teppo and Jaro. With games against Montreal and Boston you could use two very good defensiveman. Instead of guys who are expendable.

I saw this today



and thought mmm Alfie, maybe you should have shown that effort here

I guess a penalty kill can kill you too.

Sabres Leafs Preview

Well here we go the 3rd final game of the season, errr, sorry Regular season. Because until the math works out, the Sabres still have playoff hopes. Do I really have to root for the Canes tonight? But the Sabres are on the road, where they can play their hockey. Or they just play better in white, I don't know. But its up the QEW to the ACC to the Leafs. At this point last year, everyone was like get the year over with, so we can get to the Playoffs. Which of course were a gigantic disappointment. The Sabres are 4-3 against the Leafs this year, which is kinda sad. Because the Leafs aren't that good. Well neither are the Sabres, its tough get out of that mindset of how good the Sabres were. But its a must win for the Sabres, the Leafs, a eh it'd be nice if we won win. So should be interesting to see what happens tonight.

The Leafs

Well the Leafs continue their annual tradition of missing the playoffs, despite being the top valued club in the league. The fans keep lining the pockets, and the team keeps sucking. Well apparently Mats Sundin is done for the year, so they won't have to deal with him and Raycroft will be in the net. So the Sabres should have some help in the less talented Leafs. But effort always decides these ones. Theres probably a bunch of young kids hungry to show they belong, that they work hard tonight for Toronto. The Sabres have got to match the intensity. Antropov will be in so there is some offensive weapons still. But who knows how a team shows up when there isn't much to play for. Though the Leafs have won 6 of their last 9 games, and showed some fight. They just might pack it in for the season.

Outlook

The leafs are hurt, raycroft is starting, and the Sabres need to win. Sounds like the Sabres will come out firing in this one? Probably not. This team has a self motivation issue. Winning has come easy, so its like they forgot how to win. Thus resulting in a season where they will probably barely miss the playoffs. Maybe thats a good thing. The Islanders sneaked in last year and they are worse this year for it. Take a summer off. Get your head together. Let Darcy mold the team to where it should be. Now he knows who he needs to make the team better. This year, they cut down on the payroll, and tried to be competitive, didn't quite work. Next year they need to win. Or people will stop coming. Hate to say it, but the Sabres need to win to sell out. We aren't the fanbase we think we are. There was a poll, from the players who were the best fans. The Sabres weren't in the top 10. The fans complain about spending money and getting nothing for it. Well its only a recent trend. Long term trends say, they won't stick around for very long. So what do the fans deserve? They only came back because they were winning. Sure thats good consumerism, why buy a bad product. Anyway. The Sabres need to win. But I don't know who will show up tonight.

April Fools Day

I'm not too big a April Fools day guy, I like telling the bad april fools joke here and there. But today I'm not even in that mood. I'm in the its April and its getting warmer, though I don't appreciate it being warm then getting cold later. Shouldn't it be the other way? Its the weather is like hahaha, constant cold, heres a warm day, yank, APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!

With Buffalo sports it could be.

• Tampa Rays Move to Buffalo, sick of warm climate.
• Buffalo Bills trade JP Losman for Tom Brady.
• Sabres granted Playoff exemption by NHL. Gary Bettman says, "The NHL needs Buffalo in the playoffs more then anyone else, so we thought it the right thing to do."

But of course none of that will ever happen. Headlines more like Ralph Wilson was right about the NFL CBA. WHAT? Wait does that mean Gene Upshaw pulled one over on the owners, probably he seems like a sneaky guy to me. Like hes all buddy buddy, but in the end he'll stab you in the back and rob his own grandmother to only recover the stuff and look like a hero.

Then Bucky admitting he was wrong? I'm surprised the rest of the staff hasn't thrown him under the bus, for basically costing them any interaction with the Owner of the number 1 team in town. Instead they all rallied around this hack, and went after Golisano. Who I might add, saved this team and probably half of the sports departments jobs. Sabres go. Bucky Gleason, John Vogl and maybe Mike Harrington are out of a job. Though Harrington might stay for baseball. Then one of the other columnists go. And may I add, newspapers are a dying industry and you work in a small market? And specialize in hockey? Look at Jim Kelley, hes in the HALL OF FAME and basically free lances for whoever wants him. Where the fuck would you go Bucky?

Well its April 1st which means I should start on my taxes, and get excited for Baseball. I watched a bit yesterday and it was great to watch. I can't wait to head to DTP for a game, well maybe in May. April baseball games in this town are god awful to sit through, no matter how good the rotation is this year.

Looking at the business model

The Sabres were nominated, not winner of, the sports franchise of the year category, of the Sports Business Awards. Which of course tons of people scoffed at after the year the Sabres have had. But really it has nothing to do with success on the ice. It has to do with the success off it. The Sabres are the top franchise in town. The Bills are almost forgotten about these days. They have the highest tv ratings in the league. They sell out almost all the games. THEY HAVE A WAITING LIST for tickets. All this from half empty buildings all the time 5 years ago. Say what you want about Golisano and Quinn and the team. But its a pretty successful business model. And now business first has ranked them 8th in the league in business success. You can talk about on ice success all you want, but the Sabres have turned into a successful business.

People say the ownership doesn't care about the team or the fans or they would have signed Drury or Briere and kept Campbell. Well with most successful businesses, making a profit comes first. Do you think McDonalds cares whether they win Burger of the year? No, they want you to come in spend your money on their crappy food. The Sabres want you to come to their games, wear their merchandise and be a fan. If they win the Cup, thats great, if not, did we end in the black? Yes? Good, mission accomplished.

People gotta get over the fact that the Sabres aren't some community organization that is supposed to provide the area with good will and cheer. They are a business, that is supposed of offer entertainment for a value, and if you want support it, you can. And guess what, if we don't support the Sabres, they will get up and move to somewhere where they will be supported. Its all about location isn't it? I love the Buffalo news going after them all the time, because they are just like the Sabres, the only big paper in town. Thus it can be crappy, but since its the only game in town, you have to buy it. Thus making themselves, like they are serving the community, when all it really is, is an entity of Warren Buffets empire. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

We the fans complain, about the loss of talent, but yet still buy tickets and buy hats and jerseys at record levels. So why should they spend more money, only to cut profit? Anyone with any sense of business, now you keep costs low to maximize profit. So if they are generating tons of money, but without paying out large salaries, then thats the most logical thing to do. They have the buzz, people talk about them all the time. And with the introduction of the new 3rd old logo jersey next year, they will sell a ton of new stuff. Plus they hooked a whole new generation of fans. I was hooked to the Bills during the Super Bowl years, and still watch with passion. The early 90's sabres never really did anything for me, thus me not being as into them as I am the Bills. Tons of star players, but never any real success. Though I know I stayed up to watch the 4 OT Game 6 of the Sabres Devils series. If there were a game to show why Hasek is going in the hall of fame, its because of that one. Hasek vs a young Marty Broduer, can't beat it.

Maybe I am a pro management type guy, because I feel this town is always too quick to blame the boss, rather the employee. But at the end of the day its the player on the ice, that determines success of the team, just like its the guy on the line that determines the quality of the car. The player turnovers the puck at the wrong time, is the same as the guy who doesn't tighten the bolt tight enough.

Larry Quinn didn't blow two, two goal leads in the 3rd last week. Tom Golisano doesn't let in that critical goal. Darcy Regier doesn't lose critical face offs. Its time to drop the hammer on the players, if they can't take it, cut them loose. This team has talent. They just need toughness, mental toughness.

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.

Believe

This banner was hanging in HSBC arena on Tuesday. And obviously it references the Journey song and the current state of things, that you shouldn't give up on these guys. My question is, when did you start. This year has been up and down all year, was there any real indication of a good team? The opening two losses against the Islanders? Them going into Christmas hot, then reeling off a 10 game losing streak? This team is something that was hard to believe in. So really its hard to stop believing, you really never start believing in. Did I think they make the Playoffs? Sure, did I think they would do anything? Not really. They don't have that killer instinct right now. They are soft. They've been spoiled. They need to be booed, and raked through the coals. The management has been taken all the heat all year long, sparing the team. Its like children who make so much noise, but yet the parents take all the heat. Sometimes its okay to blame the kids.

I hear the radio that you aren't a true fan if you give up now and you stay with the team. I hate that nonsense. Its just as bad as the over negative crap. A fan can see whats going on, you have a good base to form an a conclusion on. Is it over yet, not totally, crazy things happen. But seriously you blow two 3-1 leads in the third period in the same week! This team isn't good enough. Lets not fool ourselves. The more you realize the truth, the easier it is to change. These guys get to watch the playoffs. Most of them don't know what that is like. They've been in rochester and buffalo making the post season. Maybe they'll feel embarrassed. Come back next year with a focus.

Seriously what was the focus for this year? I never heard a goal. Playoffs? Really? For a two time conference finalist? Thats not good enough. It was all about Drury and Briere and overcoming loss, but nothing to work for. After the Boston game a week or so from now. And they are cleaning out their lockers. Unless a miracle happens. Everyone should be stood in front of a mirror and be told.


YOU ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH


COME TO PLAY EVERY NIGHT!


YOU DON'T DESERVE WHAT YOU WANT


YOU, your pretty good and please sign an extension


I'm pretty excited about you next year.

So I can't stop believing because I never started. This team is frustrating, young and needs to learn discipline. They need the toys taken away and learn to play like you could be sent down any day. Really the ending of the Sopranos is a fitting embed right now. Something you look forward to all year, the ending, and how does it end?



Just by fading to black.

Sabres Canadians Preview

Well as many Sabre fans shut it down for the season, to soften the non playoff blow. Hey if they are Bills fans, you'd think they'd be use to that feeling. I am still excited for the remaining games. These are the games that show you the true character of the guys on the team. Its easy to cruise in, like last year. Which made them soft and really not hungry. They barely got through two rounds last year, before being rolled over by the Sens. This was a weak team last year. They just scored a ton and were able to put up a big lead early. So now they are playing just to stay in it. Its basically run the table to just have a shot at maybe making the 8th spot. And they run into the buzzsaw that is the Montreal Canadians, who have handled the Sabres this year. They are a strong young team, that has grown together in Hamilton, and now together in Montreal. Mmm, kind of like this team was two years ago. But this should be a good example of what the Sabres are made of. Playing a very good team at home, after playing the night before on the road. Lets see what these guys are really made of. Anyone that doesn't show up tonight, should be shipped out at the end of the year.

The Habs

Montreal hasn't played since monday, where they held on to a 7-1 lead to win 7-5. So they are rested and obviously took the 3rd period off against Ottawa. Could it make them rusty? Could it make them fresh and fast? I have no idea. But there are a lot of young kids giving Montreal a balanced lineup. Alexei Kovalev, somehow came alive this and is leading the team in Goals, Assists, points and +/-. So he is giving them some great veteran leadership. Plekanec is also having a great year with 27 goals. But you also have to deal with Koivu, Streit, Higgins, the Kostitsyn's and Latendresse. This is team that will be tough for years. Which is good Montreal should always be good. The only thing that concerns me about the Habs in the Playoffs is Carey Price, his GAA is high, but Sv% is good. So he gets a lot of shots. And if hes not used to the every game play, that the Playoffs require. He could be their weakness.

Outlook

Well this is a interesting game for me. Montreal is fighting for first. Buffalo is fighting for their playoff lives. The Habs don't need to win tonight, but it would be great. The Sabres HAVE to win tonight. So is a desperation test. Who wants it more. And if the Sabres come out flat, then major changes need to be had. I don't care who goes. You don't win in this league, unless you play desperate. Fear that you won't play tomorrow if you don't play well tonight. The Sabres grew fat on success and it killed them this year. This game will reveal the character of the Buffalo Sabres. May it be good or bad, I would like to know.


Mair telling Smolinski, he's gonna wipe that smirk right off his face. God I hate Smolinski.

The Ghost

Andre Ringuette Getty Images

Well we've got to the point where we can compare the Campbell trade. Sure we really have to wait till the draft pick develops. So the trade could be looked at 6 years from now and compare it. But that doesn't help us now. I think we all know about Big Bears first game here as a Sabre and it endeared us to him. But since then? Pretty invisible. Lets look at the stats.

First game 2 goals 1 assist +3
Next 11 games 5 assists -3

Sabre Record 6-6-2 (Bernier missed 2 games)

Now its time to see how Brian Campbell has done since joining the Sharks, I know the Sharks have been red hot, but as a player has Brian Campbell done as a Shark?

15 Games 2 Goals 12 Assists +8

Sharks Record 13-0-2

Well Mr Campbell is doing quite well for himself over in San Jose. Who I keep forgetting have Curtis Brown. Its turning into Sabres West. But they haven't lost in regulation since acquired? Maybe he was the last piece of the puzzle. Well Steve Bernier is who they say he was, a guy with talent, but disappears for stretches, and that is the case here with the Sabres. I know hes young, but can you really have another guy who disappears for stretches? The Sabres don't need another Kotalik, who when on can be a great player, when not, totally unnoticeable. At least with Max he comes to play every night. Bad or good. The Sabres of several years ago were filled with guys not living up to potential. Just because hes a number 1 pick doesn't mean hes gonna be good. People give Vanek a lot of guff, but the guy puts the puck in the net. 100 goals in 3 years is pretty good and he just turned 24. Bernier was taken in the same draft and has 44 goals. The upside is he won't be worth a lot, and can't try to negotiate some outrageous contract. So you can sign him cheap next year. My question is, would you want to?

Oh and Happy 23rd Birthday on Monday Steve.

Instead of a preview

Thats the reason he's struggling, hes trying to play with his eyes closed

Well instead of a Sabres Sens Preview, mainly because its too painful to rehash what happened Tuesday, and I'd rather not talk about the Senators. We're gonna talk about a much debated topic. Ryan Miller's worth. We all know his contract status, he knows the contract status and the question is, how will it be dealt with.

There are a few options
1. Work out a new deal over the summer
2. Start talks about a new deal but leave it for the next year.
3. Just play out next year and see where things go
4. Trade him next year so you don't lose him for nothing
5. Let him walk next summer.

You can say sign him now, or wait or hes not worth what we think he wants. But you have to do comparisons to other goalies in the league to really get an idea of what he could be worth out there. Which has nothing to do with whether he deserves it, or what people think. If his numbers stack up to those around him making a certain amount, then to he should be paid that amount. The only way to go into these arguments is with numbers and rationality. Can't bring in opinion, though opinion can decide things.

Ryan Miller Career stats.

101-67-1-18 2.69 GAA and .908 SV%

Playoff stats

20-14 2.40 GAA and a .915 sv%

The win loss record is pretty good, but the individual numbers are pretty pedestrian. The win loss numbers can be associated with how talented the team has been the past 2 years. You could say they shielded Ryan Miller from a lot. The team hasn't been as good this year, so this year is a good comparison to the rest of the league. I hate to do this but we're gonna compare Ryan to Roberto Luongo. They both have been on the ice, the same amount and shots faced are pretty close. Ryan has played 3 more games so the average per game is pretty identical. And Vancouver is good, but not that good.

So lets compare.

Wins
Ryan Miller 33
Roberto Luongo 34

Shots against
Ryan Miller 1982
Roberto Luongo 1929

GAA
Ryan Miller 2.64
Roberto Luongo 2.29

Sv%
Ryan Miller .908
Roberto Luongo .921

Ok hes nowhere near as good as Luongo who makes, 6.5 Million to 7 Million next year. So his argument for pay here, goes nowhere. I don't want to hear about Playoff performance. Luongos numbers from last years playoffs are unreal 1.77 GAA and a .942 Sv%. Hes way better then Miller and plays in a better conference.

So who does Miller stack up to? You can't just use a few numbers, you have to look at the whole body of work and shots and the team they play on. When you look at numbers, Ryan and Miikka Kiprusoft are pretty similar.

Wins
Ryan Miller 33
Miikka Kiprusoft 38

Shots Against
Ryan Miller 1982
Miikka Kiprusoft 2006

GAA
Ryan Miller 2.64
Miikka Kiprusoft 2.66

Sv%
Ryan Miller .908
Miikka Kiprusoft .907

So based on these numbers Ryan has a case hes as good as Miikka Kiprusoft. Who probably has a better team around him this year. And looking at his contract, Yikes!. 8 Million a year for the next 3 years, the 6, 3.5, 1.5 in the following years. So total, 35 Million over 6 years. The career numbers are better for Kiprusoft, regular season and playoffs. But Ryan Miller is 4 years younger. So once again, the money is gonna probably be even.

I could go all day comparing and contrasting. But the Kiprusoft contract looks to me as the benchmark. 6 years for 35 million. I would offer initially 5 years for 29 million. 7.5 Million, 7.5 Million, 7 Million, 3.5 Million, 3.5 Million. Show you want to pay him now, and if things turn out well you get a steal come 4 years from now, when you have to start paying your new stars. If he wants seven, no, six maybe. Ryan Miller is a good goaltender. They are tough to find. And in 4 years, if Enroth is ready. You don't have hard contract to get rid of. But what do I know. Im a lowly blogger. But I hope they sign him.

It was a cold and rainy night....

I had high hopes when I went in

I got the privilege of attending last nights game, I was pretty excited, thinking the Sabres were going to take advantage of a tired team. I even stopped in at the Sabre store and picked up a new hat since they were having a sale. I thought, thats a good sign. I headed to get to my seat and wait for my dad, since this was a Christmas gift.

Pretty good seats.


Doug Allen? Even better sign


And away we go!

Well the first period wasn't very good for the Sabres, they came out slow and timid and their usual hey we can't play 60 minutes of hockey. And of course a defensive lapse happens, the Mair line, and Christoph Schubert, who is dead to me know for trying to kill Kaleta, rockets one past Miller. That didn't make the already somewhat negative atmosphere any better. They escape the period only letting up one goal

There were some boos


I will always associate Brian Campbell with this


The ice scrapers are boring, they need to jazz them up a bit

The second period got started and the Sabres still seemed slow and just going through the motions. But they picked up during the period. Thanks to the reshuffling of the lines. Paille up with Hecht and Pominville, because Goose just isn't good enough. And the RAV line back together. That line provided the most spark. Stafford was shipped down to the Mair line, because honestly Stafford sucks most nights. He is the new Kotalik. Who seemed inspired last night for a change. Maybe Bernier lit a fire under him. Gaustad, Bernier and Kotalik would be a great line if everyone of them were inspired on the same night.

This just in I hate the Top line of Ottawa

Finally Derek Roy puts the biscuit in the basket, putting it past Martin Gerber, who was effing terrible on the play. This gets the crowd back in it. Though the Sabres were buzzing around and just couldn't put it in.

Hey did you know the Police are coming to the Arena?


AHHHH ITS COMING RIGHT FOR US!!!!


Time to get the 3rd period going!

The Sabres started off the 3rd strongly, taking advantage of a tired Ottawa team they were all over them, Derek Roy again, put it in on a nice play, and the Arena was rocking and just as they were announcing the Roy goal, Pominville puts one in, on a pretty pass from Hecht. Now the Arena was loud, thinking ok, finally were taking advantage of the team.

Who knew this was the beginning of the end?


Yes, Martin Gerber, you are terrible

After a dumb penalty by Cory Stillman, the Sabres go on the Power Play and you think heres the killer shot. But just awful play leads to a short handed goal, why Roy went after the man with the puck, when Lydman had him I have zero idea. Then shortly, bang the game is tied. Son of a bitch. The negative atmosphere is back in a hurry.

Crap

At this point I'm thinking oh please just get a point at least. But then of course a tip shot from the point, goes right in. Then a tip shot from the point, makes it 4-3 then Alfie, put its away with shot Miller has to stop at that point. And its head to the exits time.

Yikes, that was quick


Another one for good measure


The Sabres head for the Exits too, and for a early tee time

Talk about having your heart ripped out at a game. It was happy and rocking in the third and this team collapsed again. They can't keep a lead to save their life. Its like one bad thing and they just fall apart. Maybe its better they don't make the playoffs. Make them feel what its like to watch. Get their heads together. This team is mentally soft. Too many guys take nights off. Is it coaching? I don't think so, motivation comes from inside and they need to get rid of the non motivated guys. Maybe thats why Drury really left. He saw the lazy play and said we'll never win a cup with this lineup. Resign Miller? Honestly I'll wait for next year. Lets see how he does in a contract year. Plus I want to see what Jhonas Enroth does in the AHL next season. The Sabres might have something better in the wings.

Well I guess the next step is picking teams for the playoffs. That should be fun.

Sabres Sens Preview

Oh its a back to back matchup with the Senators a team Sabre fans love to hate. They always seem filled with smug guys, who think they are the best and I hope many just trip and fall face first into the boards. Plus recent playoff matchups have made things more feisty, along with the Brawl from last year. Ottawa is one of the few teams I can see the Sabres just want to beat on. Well early on in the year Ottawa was a juggernaut, couldn't be beat, now they are free falling through the standings. That trade didn't quite work out as well as thought and are only 5 points ahead of 8th in the conference. That from a team who seemed they were going to run away with 1st. Since January 1st they are 16-22-1. Which is pretty bad and 4-6 in their last 10. While other teams, Montreal, Pittsburgh got hot. Ottawa got cold, real cold. The Sens are 4-2 vs the Sabres this year but they haven't played since they lost 5-1 in Ottawa on Feb 12. So its time for some held over hostility.

The Sens

Well the Sens are always led by the big 3, Heatley, Alfredsson and Spezza. Heatley leads with 39 goals and Spezza leads with 84 points. The acquisition of Cory Stillman, makes the drop off from the big 3 to the next guy not so bad. He has 24 goals and 64 points on the year. Mike Fisher is in 5th with 45 points. But has been ice cold of late. The problem for the Sens, just like always, who is net. Marty Gerber hasn't been bad this year and if it weren't for him, they might be fighting for the playoffs right now. But Ray Emery has been a disaster. From Stanley Cup goaltender to Enemy #1 in Ottawa. He hasn't played since February 28th. But the Sens are always dangerous with the top talent they do have. Chris Neil is back in the lineup, so that should stir up the Sabre faithful. Though he didn't play in the last game.

Outlook

Well I'll be in attendance, so that doesn't say good things for the boys in blue and gold. But still they gotta come out and put it to Ottawa there is no way they can go out and go through the motions. Ottawa, sure I can see. But Buffalo is playing for their playoff lives. Nathan Paetsch is back, not as good if it were Spacek, but I'll take him over Funk. Sekera and Weber can stay up as long as they want, and you might as well set up their lockers for next year. Well win or lose, I'm just looking for a good time. So see you at the Arena, hopefully if Fed Ex Ground is fast with my The Kaleta! shirt on.

The excitement of going to a game.

A magical place

Theres nothing better then that all day anticipation for something, tonight its getting to go to a hockey game. I love going to Sabre games. The arena has this feel to it, the smell of the ice and the sounds of the skates going up and down. Its really so much better in person then on tv. I didn't really go to many games of late. Prior to the playoff game last year, the last game I went to was Sabres vs Coyotes in 2001. I went to a lot more Canisius hockey games then Sabres. Of course those were free, so. But just the thrill from that one game I knew I had to go to more games this year.


See I went to game 5 of the Islanders series.

So coming into this year I made an effort to get to more games. It began with a coworker doing a flex pack and offering to put in for me and the games I want. I put into the Columbus game. Thinking oh yeah, they'll win that one and I love seeing teams I never see. So me and my dad went to the Columbus game and it was terrible, not the experience, but the Sabres. Oh god, it still might be their worst game of the year. Columbus is boring and the Sabres were terrible.


There would be a picture of the game, but it was so ugly, I substituted a picture of a cute cat.

Then after for my birthday, my girlfriend surprised me with tickets to a Bruins game. I very excited. And thrilled, on top of it being my birthday, but she gives me the best gift ever. Unfortunately the game wasn't as thrilling. Somehow Alex Auld turned into Patrick Roy for the night and absolutely stonewalled the Sabres. Who peppered him with shots. And every time the Sabres lapsed, Boston scored. They wound up winning 4-1. And Alex Auld gained a new fan in my girlfriend, who was a Lacrosse goalie and had knowledge of positioning. She not a big fan of Ryan Miller by the way. The loss was tempered by the great experience and happiness.


Here's a scoreboard shot for my girlfriend, who makes fun of me for taking these kind of pictures. She doesn't understand my madness.

Now tonight, Sabres vs Ottawa. I bought these tickets as a christmas gift for my dad. I wanted the boxing day game, but read the wrong date on ebay. But I won them for below ticket price. Bonus! So me and my dad and if I'm lucky The Kaleta! Shirt will be there too. So I'm excited for tonight, disappointed I won't be spending the night with my girlfriend, since it will be too late, but hopefully the Sabres will come out tonight and take about the evil sens.

Pictures will follow tomorrow, with even more scoreboards.