Extra Innings, Extra points?

by Anne

I assume that one day the Sabres will not get a point out of  a game and will just lose in regulation like everyone else does. However, for the last nine games, that has not been the case. They're 7-0-3 in their last ten games. Their last regulation loss came to Washington on December 23! Isn't that bananas? I feel confident they will lose in regulation on this upcoming swing through the Pacific division with that one sidestep into the Northwest to play Big Bear.

Anyway, once again the Sabres were far too polite and kindly allowed the Islanders to score the first two goals before tying the game. They then went on to have yet another lengthy shootout that they lost. I never even think about Ales Kotalik until wer'e at shooter number seven and I think "if we had Big Czech Al, this would've been over by now..." but then I remember his other shortcomings and glance at his stats in New York and I don't miss him quite so much.

Mike Grier and Drew Stafford scored and the shootout went (I think) eight or so rounds. Pat Kaleta? Really, Lindy? Whatevs, we still got a point.

Why hello there, you foxy Captain-y gentlemen

;)

And Darryl Strawberry and that kid with Autism
They're no Darth Vader, right Craigory?

Mike Grier, your mouth is enormous, sir.

The afternoon prior to the Sabres game, the Los Angeles Kings played host to the Boston Bruins.  It would do both of my teams immense good if the Kings were to win Saturday afternoon's tilt in LA.  Unfortunately, things did not start out too spiffy as the Kings, once again were down by two headed into the third.

Then Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown said "yo, eff this losing in regulation business. Stolly started us off, let's finish this and get at least a point." They both scored in the third to tie the game at three. This was a welcome balm after the Bruins scored twice in eleven seconds in the second period. This blogger was about ready to turn the game off. But we all know I'm a pansy and won't really turn the game off until it's over.

Jarret Stoll is a close-talker

But he seems to be sharing some juicy gossip with Brownie

 Maybe they're checking out a hot chick in the stands

Then things went to overtime and nothing happened. Then it was time for a shootout. Kopi scored and neither of the Bruins did in the first two rounds so Brownie scored the clinching goal in the third round of the shootout and the Kings won 4-3!

Tim Tom was not happy about it.

LOOK OUT, BROWNIE!

Three out of a possible four points for those two teams on Saturday was pretty good.

Tonight the Sabres play in Phoenix at 7:00 which is nice because it's Martin Luther King Day. As I typed that I wrote "Kings" instead of "King." Whoops.

We are slowly reaching January 21; A day that has been circled on my calendar since the schedule was released. A day in which I will be tormented to no end watching these two teams play each other. Needless to say, I hope it will end in overtime at least.

Sweet, Tasty Redemption

by Anne

The Buffalo Sabres finished off their home and home (with three days in between) with the New York Islanders with a shutout victory of their own to match the one they suffered against the Islanders on Halloween

The Sabres won 3-0!

• Most impressively Derek Roy, Tim Kennedy and Clarke MacArthur were undefeated in the playoff circle, going 21-0. Royzie went 14-0. That is totally bonkers.
  

• All in all, the Sabres were 38-9 in the faceoff circle
  

• Royzie also scored his first goal of the season (thank the LORD)
  

• Therefore, Royzie was named the game's first star
  

• Ryan Miller got a REAL shutout, not a "Ryan Miller" Shutout (see glossary). He made 24 saves.
  

• Matty Ellis had 6 shots on goal, a team high.
  

• For some reason, Thomas Vanek only played 11:47 yet had two points (1+1). I hope he didn't get hurt
  

• Pat Kaleta decided it would be a good idea to take a totally bone-headed penalty and shove an Islander into Marty. Marty responded:

Hahahaha, Marty

Boys, boys, boys

• Towards the end of the game, after Goose's goal was allowed, the Arena and all its inhabitants joined in a rousing chorus of "Sweet Caroline." It was fun
  

• I thought there was a Kings game tonight, but I was wrong. Sad, sad times
  

• The Sabres face the Flames at home on Friday. IGGY!

Hi Iggy!

:)

Umm I looked a week too far ahead in the schedule and we actually play the Flyers on Friday. Thanks Anonymous poster! Of course I will leave this foxy picture of Iggy up here.

Yeah

by Anne

They were shutout by the Islanders.

They lost 5-0.

That's all there is to say.

Happy Halloween

We won! Hooray...zzzzzz...

by Anne

Guys I totally loved tonight's game (Well except for most of the 2nd and Miller flopping around like he was hurt) but I'm so blinking tired I can't even type in complete sentences.

Things to love:

• Tyler Myers first NHL goal on a seemingly harmless backhanded chipshot
• Grizz scoring on a penalty shot with some nice hands
• Goose beating the living snot out of Jackman for breathing in Miller's general direction (ok it was more than that)
• Pommer and Yoyo getting their first of the season
• Pommer getting the 100th goal of his career, the same night Myers gets his first
  
• Pie's nice move to the net that set up Patty's goal
• Chasing a goalie. That's one of my favorite things in hockey

Things to not love:

• Miller's brain fart on Tavares' goal
• Derek Roy in general
• The majority of the second period
• Miller getting shaken up a bit in the 3rd

Other pithy thoughts about the evening include that Lalime should start tomorrow night. I know Lindy likes to use Miller as often as possible but Lalime's got to get into some games soon. If he's going to start 15-20 games, that's an average of starting roughly every 4th or 5th game. Miller needs some rest. He's been playing really well but the season is too young to push him too far.

I'm so glad that they've really started lighting the lamp these last few games. Scoring four goals in three games was not exactly inspiring or exciting.

I can't get over the quote from the recap about the Sabres having the stingiest defense. They said similar things early last season, so let's not get ahead of ourselves. Of course last season there was no JBG:

Hoooooooooray!

His teammates are so happy for him
They've never hugged a teammate quite so tall

A great photo that captures a rare moment. That brief second between when the puck crosses the goal line, before the light comes on, before referee, player or crowd has realized the player has scored:

Scooooooooorrrrrrre!

Since the Stars lost tonight, once again the Sabres are the last team standing in the "Teams with no regulation losses ONLY" VIP area of the club.

Tomorrow the quest continues at home against Atlanta! There's totally no way they can keep this up, right?

Quick Hits

by Anne

• Chicago seems like a big stinky hot mess right now

• Toronto has signed "The Monster" a supposedly phenomenal Swedish goalie named Jonas Gustavsson. I wonder if he and Jhonas Enroth know each other

• Jhonas Enroth took some time to adjust to the North American game, keep the fact that there is an adjustment period, before we go hoisting The Monster's head on a pike if he lets in some softies, Leafs' fans

• The Funky Chicken apparently has signed in Vancouver

• Joe Sakic is going to announce his retirement soon :(

• Steve Montador looks like Derek Roy's older, more rugged and better looking brother

• I'm house sitting for my sister and her boyfriend. I'm hanging out with Maximus the cat, a Wii, a stocked bar and a huge HD TV. I wish it were hockey season

• SO'B re-signed in Vancouver for one year at a $600,000 raise. I'm glad. Never mind that he scored his lone goal in the very last game of the post-season. I love him and I want him to stay there!

• Of my four teams, I'm still most excited for the Kings. If all four of my teams were to make the playoffs next year, I'd be so exhausted, switching loyalties multiple times a night.

• When is Brooks Orpik bringing the Cup to Buffalo?

• The Blackhawks are supposedly looking to or supposedly should trade Soupy. His contract was a mistake as anyone in Buffalo or even San Jose could've told you.

• The Leafs have already signed this year's first round pick, Nazem Kadri, to an entry level contract. Wonder when Tavares' contract will come through.

• Speaking of Soupy and the Islanders: they have room for him. As of this writing, without Tavares' contract, the Islanders are still not yet at the salary floor, with only about 3-5 players including JT to sign. Interesting.
  

• If you live in Buffalo, you should see Julius Caesar at Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Its got lots of sword fighting, death and betrayal. The kids will love it. Also, ladies, there are a few men with really nice arms who swing around heavy swords. I don't mind coming to work and watching that. There are also some old dudes who you fear may collapse and any moment.

• Its really freakin' cold by July standards today. Its only about 68 degrees. Booo

• I might go to development camp tomorrow. But I can only stay until 5:00. Sad face.
  

Draft Lottery Day!

by Anne

Today's the day we find out if the Islanders' tank of a horrible season was worth it and they are able to pick first overall in this year's NHL Entry Draft.

The top (bottom?) five worst records in the league are eligible to be included in the lottery to pick first. Those teams are:

New York Islanders 61 pts, 48.1% chance (of getting #1)
Tampa Bay Lighting 66 pts 18.8% chance
Colorado Avalanche 69 pts 14.2% chance
Atlanta Thrashers 76 pts 10.7% chance
Los Angeles Kings 79 pts 8.1% chance

Woooo Kings!

TSN predicts that, if everything stays as is, the Sabres will pick #13 and will choose defenseman Ryan Ellis, not to be confused with Matt Ellis or Tyler Ennis.

Also, I don't care where he goes, I just can't wait to see an NHL jersey with the last name Svensson-Paajarvi squeezed onto the back. TSN has him going 7th overall which in the order teams finished would be Toronto.

The Draft Lottery is at 8pm and will be on TSN and streamed on NHL.com.

For the record, the Sabres have a 1.5% chance of being picked in the lottery and the highest they can move up is to spot #9 which TSN declares is center Scott Glennie.

I, for one, think it would be beyond awesome for the Islanders NOT to get the first pick, just because it would be hilarious for them to have such an awful season and not get #1. Although Hedman is pretty awesome as well so #2 or #1 are both good.

I just hope that Tampa doesn't get #1. Poor John Tavares will be all Stamkos v. 2.0 and everyone will be scratching their heads wondering why he was picked first overall because he was rushed into the situation with an awful team.

What a Great Picture

by Anne

Jesse Joensuu (GREAT name, btw) was called up on an emergency basis to play for the New York Islanders' game tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. (Who will be the best of the worst?!?!)

It was Joensuu's first NHL game and he also happened to score his first NHL goal. His goal broke a 1-1 tie in the 2nd period and the Islanders went on to win 4-2. Ryan Smyth scored both of Colorado's goals. No word on if Smyth cried over the loss.

This picture was the top headline on TSN. Its one of those rare pictures that tells a pretty complete story:

Someone just scored a huge goal.
Congrats, JJ

Home, Home on the Couch

by Anne

Things I miss by not watching home games on TV:

*My GOD, Mike Robitaille's face is the same color as his orange paisley tie. I hope you all appreciate this and don't take it for granted.

*Copious replays. I'm usually in the seats with my back to the ice when goals are scored. The Arena dudes only replay the goal once, so if you missed the initial replay of a goal or penalty or big save or anything, you missed out. On MSG they show you everything at least 2 or 3 times, and then RJ and Harry talk about it forever.

*Rayzor and Robi fighting about stuff. Its great. I missed it terribly. They both try to act all "I PLAYED, I KNOW." Its great. Then Harry jumps in and tries to play Switzerland.

*Post game interviews with the players in the locker room. They're fun, I enjoy them.

Stuff in general:

Derek Roy is a man possessed. I'm amazed he doesn't have about 10 more goals at this point, he's all over the damn place. He had over 28 minutes of ice time and 8 shots on goal. Woo!

Thank you for clarifying, Rayzor. I was pretty darn confused as to why Pommer was the first player in on the face off at the end of the 2nd, got thrown out and then Royzie was in. Pommer was being a good teammate and covering for Royzie so the Sabres didn't get penalized for Royzie being late to the face-off. Good boy Pommer.

I really hate that Steve Tasker says "ve-HICK-ull".

I love the "Praise the LORD" Jason Pominville goal celebration. Also, Yoyo's comment to Rayzor that he'd quit the game if he couldn't put the puck in that wide open net was priceless.

Its amazing how different over time can feel. If your team was the team to come back, overtime is "Wow! I can't believe we tied it up! We got a point!" If your team had a TWO GOAL LEAD over THE ISLANDERS and then THE ISLANDERS TIE IT WITH TWO FRIGGIN SECONDS LEFT.... over time is not a joyous five minutes or less.

Thank goodness they showed up for the shootout. Okposo had a good fake, but Miller was ready for it. Kotalik went to his tried and true back hand blocker side.

Kennedy didn't appear on the score sheet,

Anyway, a win is a win, but that wasn't a win to write home about.

I may hate the Senators but I like the font they use for the numbers on their jerseys.

Funny face of the game award goes to this fan in the Santa hat.

Not used to sitting so close?
Haha.

Tuesday Tuesday

by Anne

So I didn't go to work yesterday as I was driving back to Buffalo from Chambersburg, PA, so today feels like Monday to me. At least I know that it is, infact, Tuesday, and not the reverse. There's nothing worse than thinking something annoying is almost over, only to find out it 's continuing.

Huh, that's roughly how I feel about the Buffalo Sabres' season.

Anyway, so the Habs did beat the Sens last night, but they beat them 7-5 after blowing a 7-1 lead. Um, that's BAD, Montreal, BAD. So what does this mean for the game tonight?

Well, as Amy at Shots off the Crossbar has already highlighted, the Sabres are prepping newSabre Big Bear for the Ottawa game, by explaining their feelings towards the boys from his nation's capital:

“We hate those [expletive] guys,” one of Bernier’s teammates chimed in.

My guess is it was Staffy. Anyone else have guesses?

Ugh, the Pens lost to the ISLANDERS last night. With Wade Dubielewicz in net. WHO? Whatev, excellent showing, Mr. Dubielewicz.

Don't worry Pens, that win would've only GUARANTEED YOU A PLAYOFF SPOT. That's ok, those aren't important. It's highly unlikely they'll be knocked out, however, the word "guarantee" is always nice.

I almost envy the Islanders. They're guaranteed to miss the playoffs, so this is a great time to be a young player. This is when the young guys get ice time. Like, who the hell is the Islanders back up back up goaltender? Apparently it's Joey MacDonald, who? Exactly, but in a situation like this, hell, put the guy out there, what do we have to lose? That's why young guys like Kyle Okposo can come up. He can fill a role vacated due to injuries and he can get plenty of on-ice NHL experience when it doesn't really matter too much for the team if he screws up. BTW, Kyle Okpsoso scored his first NHL goal against that Saucy Minx, Martin Brodeur. That's pretty sweet.

Not that the Islanders are playing for nothing. They're playing for pride. I'm sure their pride is showing after last night's win against the evil monster that is Evgeni Malkin.

I find it interesting that Versus went on and on about how much better the Penguins have been playing without Sid the Kid, and, lo and behold, once they start flapping their gums, a painful, lazy, stupid loss without Sid. He should be back for the next game, tonight against New Jersey.

Do we think the Penguins are pulling a Tom Brady on us all? The Pens are on a hot streak lately, could they be saving Sid for the playoff push? I don't think so, but nothing is totally out of the question.

So, the Sens lost 7-5 last night, true, but they also scored 4 goals in the 3rd. I'm sure the Habs were kind of laying back in the 3rd. It's hard to blow a 6 goal lead, right? Well, yes, and they didn't totally blow it, but they came awfully close to blowing it. Is that kind of loss energizing or disheartening? The Sens had a solid effort for the last 20. Too bad their goaltending SUCKS. After the first, they pulled Gerber and put in Emery, and that didn't go much better for them.

I honestly can't believe the Senators have had the successes they've had with their goaltending situation, meaning they have 2 back up goaltenders playing as starters. Gerber and Emery can be good, but neither of them are going to backstop a team to the Cup. AND the Sens lost 5-4 to Toronto the game before. They win games by allowing a lot of goals, but by scoring more. And they haven't been scoring more lately. That's why so many Senators games have the other team scoring more than 3 goals: becuase their goaltending SUCKS, but their top line can produce goals. At least we have solid goaltending. We may not win as many games, but at least it's not because we can't find a decent goaltender. We have a freakin' sweet goaltender.

Wooooo:

What up, Hobey Baker Award?

StormTroopers aka Anne's Most Hated Team @ HSBC Arena, 7:00, bring your game face.

Wait, there's STILL no Sabres game?

by Anne

Ok, hasn't it been 3 days yet? No? I haven't had 3 days of no Sabres hockey since the All-Star Weekend.

I tried to care about the Minnesota Wild v. the Colorado Avalanche but, unlike most Monday night Versus games that I watch, this one was not a catastrophic blowout with the first goal being scored less than a minute in. I was hoping Gaborik would bust out another 5 goal night in honor of me taking the time to turn on the TV and mindlessly sort of watch his team play in the background on mute while I cleaned up the mountains of clothes on my floor.

Tonight, there is a game between the Flyers and the Thrashers. Here's a refresher course in Anne's Top (Bottom?) least favorite teams:

1. Ottawa Senators (I love to hate them, I really do)
2. Toronto Maple Leafs (It's not as much fun to hate them post-lockout...but I still do it)
3. Philadelphia Flyers (My ire is long lived, eff you Philly, eff you)
4. New York Rangers (Gross. Avery, Jagr, Drury: gross. Yes, I still hold it against Jagr and his mullet that he left Pittsburgh. What?!)
5. Atlanta Thrashers (A very, very recent addition, ousting the 'Canes from this list)

So, based on this list, I should cheer for the Thrashers? Hmm, let's look at the standings:

1-7: Not the Sabres
8. Philadelphia Give us back Danny but you can keep Martys- 80 pts
9. The Greatest Team Ever - 79
10. Washington Ovechkins - 78
11. Florida Huh, You're only 2 pts back of 8th?s - 78
12. Toronto Maple Chokes - 74
13. New York Misfits - 71
14. Atlanta League Worst 246 GA, ha!s - 70
15. Tampa Bay 2/3 of a Good Line Still Lefts - 66

So, Go Thrashers? That seems wrong to say, but: Go Thrashers, none the less.

Toronto takes on the Islanders...um... Go Isles? Who cares. Neither of them are making the playoffs, sorry, SteveDangle. I still enjoy your videos and now know more about Andy Wozniewski than I ever thought possible. The fact that I even know who Andy Wozniewski is, is really a credit to you, Steve Dangle. BTW, even if you aren't a Leafs fan, and if you're reading this blog, you're probably not, his videos are funny and entertaining and its interesting to hear what non-douche bag Leafs' fans have to say.

Pens v. Rangers - GO PENS! There's no doubting how I feel about this game. The Rangers are due to choke soon, I'm banking its against Evgeni Malkin, that goal scoring freakazoid. Sidney WHO?

After Tampa on Wednesday is the dreaded "We need to finish playing all the games against our division, let's cram them all into the last 8 games of the regular season" run. Too bad we're in a very tough division. Even the Leafs (Leaves?) give us trouble from time to time. Can we temporarily trade schedules with the 'Canes? No? Ugh, fine.

How do we all feel about our renewed playoff hopes? I had begrudgingly resigned myself to being ok with hanging out in 9th for the rest of the run. Now, I'm back to: PLAYOFFS OR BUST!! This is a tough position to be in. My hockey ulcer can't handle it. No more spicy food for the rest of the season.

---

Private to Thomas Vanek:

I hate you and your 9 minutes of ice time. You, our "star goal scorer" our "10 million dollar man" had the least amount of ice time of ANYONE ON THE TEAM THAT ACTUALLY DRESSED FOR THE GAME! PATRICK KALETA HAD MORE ICE TIME THAN YOU. ONLY THE SOVIET BOMBER AND THE CHICKEN HAD FEWER SHIFTS AND ONE OF THEM IS A 7 GAME ROOKIE.

What you have to show for this weekend: a -1, 2 penalties totalling 4 minutes, 2 shots and roughly 26 minutes of ice time spread out over 2 games. ARE YOU SECRETLY MIKE RYAN DRESSED AS THOMAS VANEK? HOW DO YOU MANAGE A -1 WHEN YOUR TEAM SCORES 13 GOALS? Get on it, Britney, lose some weight (you're lookin' a little soft these days), gain some confidence, start playing with that "Eff THIS" attitude you enjoy taking out and displaying occasionally. Don't treat that attitude like a Gretzky rookie card, keep it out of its protective case, use it, enjoy it, embrace it, mess around with it a little and we won't be screaming for your head if we don't make it to the playoffs. You're a fucking great hockey player, what the hell is the problem? Stop being so damn mopey and fucking play hockey. Get mad, get passionate! DO SOMETHING.

Love and kisses, Anne

---

Private to Paul Gaustad:

AN 80% FACE OFF WIN PERCENTAGE ON SATURDAY? 4/5! Oh Goosie, I loves you.

Love, Anne

---

Private to Pat Kaleta:

HA!

Oh, Patty, you are always good for some great pictures. I hope you're cozy up in the front of my SabreHeart, you'll definitely be there the remainder of the season. Don't laugh at Staffy, it's not nice, he's still got a tentative hold on his seat. Would you and Pie-YAY please stop putting tacks on his chair? Pat Lafontaine has been giving good repots that you haven't been annoying him, so that's good.

Love, Anne