Getting Back into the Swing of Things

by Anne

Now that we've shaken off the cobwebs and oiled up the gears, who's ready for the regular season to start? Everyone? Great! We still have more pre-season to get through? Balls.

On Saturday I went to the Sabres pre-season opener against Toronto. It was lots of fun, save for the EPICALLY long lines at the Will Call. It was bonkers. Normally Will Call is like 5 people per line and you wait maybe 5 minutes. These Will Call lines stretched almost back to the front windows of the arena and every window was open. Bananas.

The Leafs fans weren't nearly as obnoxious as they are during the regular season, looks like they still need time to get into mid-season form as well.

You don't want to read too much into pre-season but I liked the zip I was seeing out there. Gerbe, Shaonaynay and Nieds all had some nice hits and all-in-all the team had some jump in their step. After the first 10 minutes they even seemed to remember how to play the game of hockey!  For real though, the first few minutes every one of them seemed to be skating around going "WHEEEEE! GET THE PUCK GET THE PUCK OMG I HAVE THE PUCK I'M GONNA PASS IT OVER.....THERE! NO ONE'S THERE! WHO CARES! WHEEEEE!" But they calmed down after getting that out of their systems. I liked what I saw from Kassian and Adam, Scheistel seemd a little lost out there. I don't think any of them will make the team this season, but they're definitely getting closer.

The Leafs didn't give Miller much to work with but he looked his usual self out there, all "Ho-hum, Vezina" and whatnot. Enroth didn't look too bad, the goal he let in seemed to be a re-direct right in front of him. I don't remember clearly and I had just finished my second big beer at that point so things were a little fuzzy.

The vets in general were nothing too exciting, Vanek and Connolly weren't trying all that hard after the first period or so it seemed, but once again, it's pre-season. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that it's just pre-season malaise and this isn't an indicator of their outlook for the season. Royzie put in al little more effort, as did Pommer, but for the most part, the most exciting players were the young ones and the ones new to the team.

But, once again, it was just the pre-season.

The tickets to the Kings game are firmly magentized to my refrigerator. I'm SUPER. PUMPED.

Also, for those who don't follow me on Twitter AND WHY DON'T YOU?! I'm starting to put together a Sabres Tweetup/Watch party for October 29 or October 30. Looking into reserving a space at a bar downtown where we can drink, eat, and watch the game, three things Western New Yorkers excel at. Let me know if you're interested in coming, or just follow me on Twitter!

Stop playing when I can't watch

by Anne

The Kings beat the Boston Bruins last night and defeated them 3-2 in the shootout.

Considering I didn't watch any of this game, I can't really comment on it.

The Maple Leafs just made a huuuuuge trade that sends Stajan, Hagman, White and Mayers to Calgary for Dion Phaneuf, Frederik Sjostrom and (defenseman prospect) Keith Aulie.

Aulie is somehwhat relevant to Sabres fans because he and Tyler Myers were a solid defensive tandem for Team Canada when they won gold at the 2009 World Juniors.

Then the Maple Leafs shipped Vesa Toskalol and Jason Blake to Anaheim for J.S. Giguere.

Burke said he plans to fill the gaps at forward (one forward coming in and four going out makes for a few holes to plug up) with Marlies. The little I've seen of the Toronto Maple Leafs (mostly from watching Steve Dangle's YouTube videos) has shown me that they have some pretty talented young players in the AHL that deserve to be up in the NHL far more than some of the guys in the big club.

Unfortunately, Hagman and Stajan were two of the players NOT being outplayed by Christian Hanson & Co. 

Whatevs, we only play the Maple Leafs one more time this season (on April Fool's Day, how ironic) so I'm not so concerned about these moves right now. I'm sure once we see the rest of Brian Burke's diabolical plans I'll pay more attention.

Also, I'm watching the Pens v. Red Wings game and Jimmy Howard is pretty darn good. There's no reason the Penguins shouldn't be winning this game 4-0 at this point. Well there is one reason, and that reason is Jimmy Howard. Well done, kiddo. 

Here's Brian Burke telling us where his plans for the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs are kept:

It's all riiiiiight here.

Early Semester blogging drought

by Anne

Hey there.

I'm about to embark on the most challenging semester of my college education to date. Not to be outdone, next semester will be worse. However, that is next semester and we shall only address the current se-mess-ter.

I'm taking lots of ultra important classes that will undoubtedly stress me out beyond recognition. Tim Hortons and Starbucks should be counting their lucky stars that I'm an addict that will need their sweet caffenated love very soon and very often. Awwww yeah....

Therefore I will either be blogging ALL THE TIME or never. It remains to be seen.

The Sabres lost to the Canucks, Kerry Fraser or however you spell his name is a douchestack and might've cost us the game but who knows. I'm disappointed in only picking up six points on that trip :(

The Kings just beat up the Leafs 5-3. While that does nothing for my fantasy team's GAA, the Kings' wins are all that matters!

Soooo sleepy. 8am classes are the devil incarnate, for the record.

BUT I'M GOING TO THE GAME TONIGHT AND I'M SO PUMPED. I remember when going to a Sabres game was such a big deal. I guess this doesn't feel like a big deal because I've been to every Sabres home game in the last two seasons with precious few exceptions. Whatevs, I haven't been there as a fan since March 2008, a 5-3 loss to the Red Wings. Yes. I remember it exactly.  They're totally going to lose tomorrow.

I got a Flip Ultra HD camera earlier in the month to document my last year before becoming a real person. Do you guys have any interest in seeing anything I'm doing? I rarely, if ever, post anything really personal on here, but if it's hockey related, maybe I'll post it? Who knows.

I need to rinse my mouth out with soap

by Anne

By all accounts that game was pukey and gross. However, we won that pukey gross game and it's hard to be too bitter about that fact.

I would like to propose the following trades:

Derek Roy to Vancouver for Daniel Sedin

Tim Connolly to Vancouver for Henrik Sedin

Thomas Vanek to Columbus for Rick Nash

Drew Stafford to Los Angeles for Wayne Simmonds (this way I can keep an eye on him)

Clarke MacArthur to Pittsburgh for Sidney Crosby

Jason Pominville to San Jose for Dany Heatley

I think these trades are reasonable and justifiable.

If I cannot have these trades, I propose the following:

Any of them for a corresponding number of puck freezers, skate sharpeners or rolls of stick tape.

Yes I know Derek Roy scored, but I think I could've scored that goal if left completely alone like that in front of a goaltender for 10 minutes like Royzie was. I swear, he could've written the game recap in the time it took for anyone to notice him, and by then the puck was in the back of the net.

I can't wait for Darcy to make a (probably very minor) deadline-day trade! I hope it's one of the above.

Ryan Miller is awesome, he PWNS the Leafs and he will some day rule us all, etc. etc.

Could those people at the ACC look less interested in this game?

I really should be more excited about a Sabres victory. I was excited when they won but it certainly wasn't a pretty game.

Hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ves-HA! Toskala

by Anne

Well looky there. The Sabres beat the 2nd worst team in the league again! Hooray!

That first period was downright terrifying, however. The Sabres didn't register their first shot on goal til something like 12 minutes into the first. Oh heavens, it was uncomfortable. The Sabres could NOT do anything right, it was awful to experience.

What changed, you might ask? What allowed the Sabres to come around to an eventual 5-2 victory? Was it something Lindy said? Well, I'm sure he had plenty to say. Did Mike Grier and Goose employ their Good Cop/ Bad Cop routine I've envisioned that they use? Perchance.

 But, nay friends, all the Sabres needed to really turn momentum in their favor was one really awful goaltender. Stepping up to the plate tonight was one Mr. Ves-HA! Toskala, mishandling the puck like nobodies' business. First Royzie scored a nice goal to get the Sabres on the board. Well done, Derek.  Then, the momentum changing GOAL OF THE DECADE was scored by none other than.... Toni Lydman? Yes, Toni Lydman's goal was completely awesome. After he scored I walked out into the concourse and said "Toskala for Vezina!" The Leafs fan walking past was not pleased. Just watch it again, or maybe for the very first time:

I love Toni Lydman, they need to interview him more, sidenote. Here's his commentary on how he scored his first of the season:

"Usually they're really pretty," joked Lydman, who has 30 goals in 612 career NHL games. "I can't remember scoring a goal like that before."

Grier and Lydman had two points, both 1+1 while Vanek, Ellis and Roy also scored.

Somehow Staffy was a -1. He's been pretty invisible lately, come to think of it. What's wrong with Staffy?

Oh yeah and Ryan Miller like stopped a lotta shots and junk. The Maple Leafs bring out the best in him.

I love his comments on Lydman's goal, though:

"As a goaltender you feel bad for Vesa on that play," he said. "You know what he's trying to do ... he's looking for an option. But playing against the Maple Leafs, I don't really care too much."

He hates them like we do, being all full of d-baggery and being in the division and whatnot. He know just what to say to make the fans happy.

Other things of note:

DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE ME AGAIN.

:)

No but really, don't leave again, like, to go to another team

YOU EITHER:

Srsly, don't get hurt anymore

Also, things that look bad, but aren't:

That doesn't look comfy

Also, some of the Minnesota Wild's equipment was destroyed in a fire in Ottawa. How crazy and that must've smelled TERRIBLE with all that fiberglass and plastic melting combined with the usual hockey-stink that sticks to equipment. GROSS. They play the Senaturds tomorrow night. Basically what I'm getting at is Ottawa is full of people who are out to sabotage opposing teams. First the Sabres get food poisoning and now the Wild's equipment is destroyed. Conspiracies abound! I'd blame the players but they were in New Jersey. EXCEPT FOR MAYBE JASON SPEZZA AND CHRIS NEIL AND PASCAL LECLAIRE! Guilty.

Don't need to say much

by Anne

Who da man?

That's right.
3-0 win
38 save honest-to-goodness shutout
HOT.

Goals by Kennedy, Tallinder(!), and Hecht gave the Sabres a fairly clean, not too chippy (one lame fight between Mayers and Montador) win over the godawfulterrible, in-fighting Toronto Maple Leafs.

Fan. Tastic. Kessel was denied SEVERAL times, which, I'm sure, made Miller happy as his dislike of Kessel (his future Team USA teammate) has been documented.

Best moment of the night: while moving the puck, Miller accidentally shot the puck right through the photographer's hole in the glass just to the right of his net. The gentleman got quite a bruise and Miller's game stick. Not bad. Well done, Mr. Miller.

There was lots of carryingson around the league with Keith Ballard being all childish and babylike and swinging his stick in frustration at the goalpoast and accidentally clubbing his own goaltender in the head who had to be taken off on a stretcher but appears to be doing ok. What a moron.

Bad quality but you can see it still.

Idiot

Alexander Ovechkin needs to be suspended. Period. I don't care how good he is. He is getting more and more reckless. I don't care if he's hurt. He cannot continue to play this way:

Dangerous.

Not the first time he's done something like that, either.

Anyway, get that bad taste out of your mouths. Sabres won 3-0!

Also of note: Drew Stafford went 7-3 in the faceoff circle tonight. Good on ya, Staffy. Although Tim Kennedy went 0-7. Yee-ouch.

Ryan Miller doesn't sleep... he waits

In-fighting

by Anne

There are many things about hockey that make me smile, such as: Watching your favorite team run up a huge score on your least favorite team, chasing a goalie after scoring four goals on five shots, game-changing saves, heckling Ray Emery, seeing a player that fled your team flounder in another city, James Duthie, the trade deadline, free agent day, and when teams that you hate have fights in practice.

Hahaha. Oh the Maple Leafs.

We play them tonight. Hopefully they'll be too mad to do anything.

Ewww, Mr. Yick is healthy and playing. I hate him and I'm pretty sure Ryan Miller does too.

Let's beat them, boys.

What's a better birthday present than a goal and a win?

by Anne

Nothing that I can think of.

Drew Stafford celebrated his 24th birthday with a goal and Timmy Connolly got him a win for his birthday. It's way better than his original gift idea:

Timmy got hungry

 

This gift is something we can all enjoy.

I like his teammates chillin' on the bench, ready to make a change

Matt Stajan isn't good at birthday gifts either.

Frankly, the Sabres came wwaaayyy too close to losing to the Laffs. At least when the Maple Leafs are THIS bad, some of their fans have come to terms and are actually pleasant at HSBC Arena. I had a pleasant conversation during the third with a Leafs fan who was very complimentary to the Sabres. It was unsettling.

Tyler Myers celebrated his first game as a legit rookie with 22:36 in ice time, including 3:29 on the PP, two penalties, four blocked shots and getting hit in the face with a stick. Frankly, I'm just impressed a player was able to get his stick that high.

Points of note:

• Britney notched his first assist of the season. That's a bit unsettling, but hey, he's got at least one!
• Derek Roy notched his eighth point of the season but still hasn't scored a freakin' goal. The only reason people aren't freaking out about this is because we're winning. 
• Rivs and Sir Christopher were both -2
• Henrik Tallinder was a +1 AGAIN. Playing with Myers has done wonders for him. Apparently he needed someone even taller and blonder to be his partner

I turned off the Canucks game when the Ducks scored their sixth unanswered goal to up their lead to 6-2. Cory Schneider is not the future, apparently. He doesn't seem to be good trade fodder at this point. It's too bad the Kings are fairly set in net, he could've been slated into their previous revolving turnstile of starting goaltenders. (They've had like 10 in the past three years, no joke).

The Leafs were playing soccer when I walked in today. Holy CRAP, Jason Blake is the tiniest and blondest man I may have ever seen in person. Niklas Hagman almost crashed into the little fence that's set up to keep the riffraff away from the players. That would've been not so great for the Leafs, Nik.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Bulleted Lists are easy to write

by Anne

Since I didn't watch the game :( here are a few observations from what I didn't see:

• We WON! WE SCORED LOTSA GOALS!
  

• Vanek is hurt. :(
  

• Goose, Little Foot and Patty all netted their first goals of the season;
  

• Mike Babcock can shove it about Ryan Miller. Especially after THAT performance by Ozzy;
  

• If this style of play is this "system" we've been hearing so much about, I totes have a crush on  him and I hope he stays so I can admire how pretty he is;
  

• I'm glad the Sunny Hedgehog Enchanters (who are currently PWNING the league... and I just cursed myself) benched Chris Osgood tonight;
  

• The Toronto Maple Leafs are god-damn AWFUL and it's AWESOME. I really thought they might be better this season. MAN was I wrong;
  

• Why do people keep using the word "truculence" when discussing the Leafs? I mean, it's true but people keep using it and I don't think they all really know what it means, they just think it sounds good;

• Georges Laraque is in trouuuuuuble This whole thing just screams of the reaction to the Avery "sloppy seconds" debacle. Yeah the ad was a little objectifying and in poor taste, but calm down, he said he was sorry;
  

• How much did Lindy enjoy that his team just pummeled Babcock's, his head coach for team Canada?
  

• I may be developing an inappropriate crush on Tyler Myers;

'

Hey Brad May

• I also might be ok with it.

Ohhh Patty. Nice dance

I Guess That Was Good?

by Anne

The Sabres and Maple Leafs participated in a lovely game of three on three pond hockey last night with piles of snow serving as netminders.


Wait, what's that you say? There WERE?


...I guess what you're all trying to tell me is that the Maple Leafs' "starting" goaltender and the Buffalo Sabres' #1 "back-up" were, in fact, in net las night.

Well, color me surprised.

The final score was a whiplash-inducing 7-6. First it was 2-0 Leafs, then the Sabres rallied to make it 4-3 and never fell behind again.

Vanek scored twice, once on a powerplay tip-in (thank goodness), Kennedy and Gerbe had two points apiece (1+1) each, Ellis scored, Grizz scored and Yo-yo scored. Yeesh. Royzie had three assists.

It was a game rife with emotion [not for the players, for me]. On the one hand, it's totally bad-ass that the Sabres scored seven goals in regulation. However the the "other hand" is sneaking up to tell us all that the Sabres (Patrick Lalime) let in six goals on 27 shots. And yes, some of them were definitely his fault. Some where shoddy coverage by his defenseman, but some of them he definitely should've had. There were so many I can't remember who scored the one I'm thinking of and trying to describe it would be ridiculous.

Kennedy and Gerbe have both really shown up these last two games, at least on the scoresheet. Gerbe only saw a little under 13 minutes of ice time, Kennedy just over 16, but they made their presence known.

The Bills, Steelers, Kings, Pens and Canucks all lost close ones (except the Bills, ok and the Pens too) yesterday. All of my teams were playing yester day and only one of them won. Normally, this would put a person into a bad mood, especially considering the football games really COUNT CUZ ITS THE REGULAR SEASON. However, because the Sabres were the only team that won, I'm ok with yesterday, because of all six teams, they're my over-all favorite.

The Sunny Hedgehog Enchanters draft tonight. Prepare to feel their wrath!

I'm going to draft approximately one legit player and then just use the rest to draft players that make me laugh. We will be the worst band of happy-go-lucky fools in fantasy hockey and it shall be glorious.

Oh yeah, and Pat Kaleta is a good person. Kennedy and Kaleta have yet to royally eff up and be irritating and embarrassing to the city of Buffalo. Hooray! Patty saves his douchebaggery for on the ice, where it belongs.

Good boy, Pat

Pre-season is over!! Time to re-arrange my standings tracker. Woooo!!

There Were So Many Games Last Night

by Anne

Yet, I care so little about almost all of them.

The only points of note:

• Matt Duchene scored his first (albeit unofficial) NHL goal for the Avs lsat night, but they lost 6-2 to the Blues

• Speaking of the Blues, former King Derek Armstrong scored a goal for the Blues :) I'll miss Army in the Kings line-up but I'm glad he found a home in the NHL

• Filppula scored the Wings first goal of the game, 30 seconds into the 3rd period. The Wings scored 4 goals in the 3rd to down the Rangers 4-3

• The Canucks defeated the Sharks 6-2. The Sedins had three goals. Two for Henrik and one for Daniel. Hooray! I was glad to see Ehrhoff get one in past his former team.

• Phil Kessel was finally traded to the Maple Leafs last night for a bunch of draft picks. I think two first rounders (one in 2010 and one in 2011) and a 2010 2nd rounder. This affects the Sabres almost not at all because the trade was within our division and he's going to a worse team. Oh yeah, and he's hurt. Looky there.

• Sabres play in Detroit tonight.

• Kennedy, Gerbe and Miller who all have strong Detroit ties are all playing tonight. Its because they got Lindy this hat:

It worked

Puck drops at 7:00 at the Joe!

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.
  

This Song Captures it All

by Anne

Excuse me but what the f&%^ was that?

So NOT ONLY do the Sabres win but they win with a third period comeback?

Does.

Not.

Compute.

I am genuinely mad that they won. As Keyshia Cole said above: I JUST WANT IT TO BE OVER.

Never before has a Sabres victory been so depressing.

Don't worry, it'll end tomorrow.

Its a recipe for disaster: Carolina is H-O-T right now and they're playing at home AND they didn't play tonight. AND the Sabres are still bad, even if they won tonight.

Just make it stop.

I bet we do win out and the Panthers and Rangers lose. But I BET we lose to Boston, in OT. Like, Phil Kessel will score a tying goal with five seconds left in regulation and then Chara will blow up the back of the net on the opening faceoff and we'll miss again.

However, we have to get through Carolina and Philly has to beat the Rangers in regulation tomorrow.

I'm fresh out of hope over here*.

In other news, the Blue Jackets clinched a playoff spot tonight. I feel responsible for the Blackhawks not clinching home ice because I thought that Columbus needed two points to clinch so I hoped for a Columbus OT win but they only needed one so I should've hoped for a Chicago OT win. Sorry.

*We all know I'm full of crap and I hope they make it but I am legitimately drained of energy.

Congratulations to Brad May on playing in this 1,000th NHL game!

Super fancy silver stick



May Day! May Day! May Day!
and Rob Ray


Congratulations, May Day
You've accomplished a lot

Also:


Dominic Moore has a lot of pent up rage against his former team?

There's still two left that might mean something. let's go buff-a-lo.

Stuck on a Rollercoaster...

by Anne

We've said it time and time again that no matter what happens with the Sabres we will still follow them, even if its just to hurl derisive insults at them and their loved ones. So I suppose I'll at least check the boxscore for tonight's game periodically while at dinner for S(h)ara's birthday. Leave birthday wishes in comment box of the post below.

I had all these entertaining pictures from last night's Kings/Oilers game but they're on my computer at home and I'm at school and the motivation to post them has gone the way of the dinosaurs and the Sabres post-season hopes.

Whatevs, kids. The Canucks AND the Kings won last night which is pretty stellar. However, even though the Flames lost and they have the same number of points as the Canucks, the Flames have more wins so they remain in the top of the division. Booooo. The only way the Canucks can win the division is if they win both of their remaining games and Calgary loses both of theirs. The Canucks are 4-2 against the Flames this season. Iggy scored Calgary's only goal last night, Greener had a decent night but Steven only played 11:43 for the Canucks. Oh, Steven, I'm sorry but your appeal is harder to see from this distance as your stats slide ever downward. You've already been demoted from #2 to #3 in my list of Favorite non-Sabres.

The Kings' win eliminated the Oilers from playoff contention. The headline on LAKings.com was "Kings Play Sp-Oilers." Hehehe, you're so clever LAKings.com's web editor.

The only other game on tap tonight besides our impending loss to Toronto is Columbus at Chicago. I'm torn, because I have a tiny little corner of my heart reserved for Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets and they have only a tenuous hold on a playoff spot. They really could use this game to cushion themselves in the standings. Do me a favor, B-Hawks, lose in OT, that way you get a point to make it 100 on the season and Columbus gets the two points they need more. Chicago, you can't move any higher in the standings so just make it happen. Ok? Thanks. You'll totes still have home ice over the Canucks cuz you have three more points and a game in hand before tonight's game.

Also I just realized the Islanders actually have more wins than Tampa Bay but Tampa has twice as many OT loser points. That's really pathetic Tampa.

On a completley related note, I actually like the Flo Rida song "Right Round." I hate myself a little right now, don't worry.

My glasses are broken but I'm wearing them in public anyway. I have packing tape holding them together on the side.

Its a good thing my aim with these posts is not to make people think I'm cool.

I have a paper due tomorrow that I should really work on.

Puck drops ay 7:30 in Toronto. Woo.

Good Game

by Anne

A nice solid win by the Sabres 4-1 over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Staffy with two goals, PIE with 2 points (1+1) and +2, Ellis with a goal, Timmy with two assists and Millsy with 27 saves, many of them of the sprawling "Milerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! Stops 'em cold!" variety.

Not exactly a win for the record books but a solid dominant road win, save for the first few minutes.

Drew Stafford continues to have Justin Pogge's number. If Pogge were in net against us all the time, I feel confident Drew would be a 40 goal scorer. He scored a goal of the year candidate for the Sabres against Pogge as they dominated the Leafs 5-0 two weeks ago and scored another two tonight to match and beat last years goal total. Also, both of his goals came on the power play, an area where Lindy is asking a lot of Staffy and he's answering the challenge. He's on pace for a respectable 24 goals and for that we thank him.

I would be remiss if I didn't take some time to breathe a sigh of relief.

Danny Paille finally FINALLY scores a goal. After Pie scored 19 goals last season I had really hoped he'd be able to kick things up a notch. He's definitely been struggling this season and is only on pace for about nine goals. :/ But yay!!!! for tonight. He showed excellent hustle and was the only +2 player tonight. Yay!

Ewwww Jamal
Get your finger out of Adam's mouth
That's disgusting
Are you trying to make him into Jarkko Ruutu?
(click to enlarge)

Fortunately Carolina lost tonight and unfortunately the Panthers won. We are now currently in a four way tie for 5th place with Montreal, Florida, and the Rangers.

Also, Brian Burke said Luke Schenn could be bought for ten first round picks. I'm ok with that. Your move, Darcy. I bet you could toss in Max and knock it down to eight first round picks.

RAWR.



Pie: I did good?

Yes, Pie, you did good.

I NEED TO COUNT THOMAS VANEK JERSEYS EVERY NIGHT

by Anne

I know its been like a little over a year since the Sabres last played at home, but, if you recall, starting back a few games ago, I began counting jerseys in head to head battles before the game. Without exception or exaggeration, every player that has won their head to head battle has gone on to have a great game. Tonight I counted Derek Roy v. Thomas Vanek. Vanek won 15-13 and had a natural hat trick.

WHO'S IN A SLUMP? WHOSE JERSEY NEEDS A-COUNTIN'?

That game was sweeeeeeeeeeeeet. Were there any Toronto fans there?? because I certainly didn't hear any.

There really isn't a whole lot to say about that game. It was an incredibly thorough beating from start to finish.

The Leafs are straight up terrible. Sweet Merciful Gretzky, they were AWFUL. AW. FUL. They had no forecheck, their play in the neutral zone was laughable, they were forced off the puck if Dan Paille breathed on them too hard and they didn't help poor Justin Pogge at all. I'm pretty sure each Sabre can tack about 6 takeaways onto his stats tonight. It was down right pathetic.

I could not get over the Leafs fans who cheered for Matt Stajan's "goal" I was almost as far away as I physically could've been and I heard the whistle before Matt Stajan even shot the puck, so the fans right next to the goal probably should've been able to hear it as well. Ryan Miller clearly did and made no attempt to stop an easy shot.

My new favorite phrase has been discovered. When Vanek scored his third goal, this drunk dude was lucid enough to realize it was a natural hat trick, stood up, beer in hand, waving his hat and screamed "NATTY HATTY BABY, NATTY HATTY." What a master of the English language.

Other interesting points of note:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some damn fine looking fans. I'm pretty sure I would've just about melted into a puddle if this dude and I had smiled at each other for a second longer. To give you a frame of reference he looked a lot like J-M Liles.

(Like after I wrote those sentences I just zoned out and daydreamed a little about that dude. So pretty.)

This couple that made out a lot at the last Leafs game was there again, but they did not choose to fondle each other in front of me.

If you're going to stand outside the Women's bathroom and wait for your lady friend, please do not stand in front of my cart. I'm rather passive aggressive so I will just start screaming my product list at the back of your head until you get the hint and move.

Once again, fans were stingy and sales were poor. Whatevs, Montreal fans are better.

Maxim Afinogenov's shoes are really really loud when he's walking on concrete.

Thomas Vanek jerseys: 15
Derek Roy jerseys: 13
Red leopard print leggings: 1

The Pens won tonight, giving them 55 points, but leaving them in 10th as Carolina has a game in hand.

I'm a big fan of Steve Dangle's Leafs Fan Reactions and I was not surprised to turn on his video about tonight's game and see this as the opening shot:

I'm sorry, Steve.
But not that sorry.

Winning out West!

by Anne

Other people have said it, and I've said it as well, but I really have enjoyed watching the other teams' broadcasts. They offer a new perspective on the team, and unlike the ass hats on Versus, they are allowed to be biased towards the other team. It was nice to be treated to a brief Kevin Sylvester pre-game interview though.

That being said: "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Shut out! Timmy! Pie!

We're all going to be talking about it for a while I'm sure, but my GOD Derek Roy, who ARE you? I so enjoy the "Royzie has the puck, its ok" feeling. That pass for Pie's goal was amazing. It was reminiscent of the falling down, stick behind the head goal Ovie scored in Phoenix. If you don't know what goal I'm talking about you need to turn in your credentials as a hockey fan post haste. Even though Danny got the goal, that was all effort by Royzie. However, Pie easily could've had the puck jump over his stick, or have been off stride and it would've been all for naught. Regardless, as far a the Sabres are concerned, definitely play of the season for Derek Roy. thusfar. Woooooooooo!

Please do yourselves a favor and click to enlarge this picture and check out Adam Mair

Jaro can you hear me? Is he hurt? Badly? Anyone know?! :( Weber is healthy! :)

What the heck was with the officials stepping in and breaking up that fight between Carcillo and Paetsch before it even started? That was lame, at least Paetsch got to redeem himself later in the game against another opponent.

There were four shut outs out of twelve games tonight. Ouch. Getting shut out is the worst. Its so disheartening. You can't even score ONE goal on this team? Wow. Atlanta, Philly and the Rangers were the other teams shut out tonight. Philly should be the most embarrassed, they lost 4-0 to St. Louis with Chris Mason in net.

Pittsburgh and Florida lost tonight and Carolina won, but our victory keeps us two points ahead of Carolina and four back of 6th place. Hooray!

Elsewhere:

Luke Schenn just keeps getting better. Tomas Kaberle is going to be out with a hand injury, so Luke's going to be one of the many defensemen that will be seeing more ice time. With greater ice time comes greater responsibility, and tonight was a great game for him. I only watched a little bit of that game before turning over to the Sabres game, so I got to see him lay out a huge hit on Malkin and then fight Tyler Kennedy.

Here's what went down: Malkin gets the puck, Schenn scoots over to him, and hits him along the Pens bench, Malkin is fine, gets up, stays in the play, passes to Orpik who takes a shot on net, Toskala gloves it, play stops. Whatevs, everything's fine. During the stoppage, Tyler Kennedy who was on the bench when Malkin was hit, goes up to Schenn and an altercation happens, Max Talbot tries to keep Schenn back, but no dice, they fight, Schenner beats the crap out of the much smaller Tyler Kennedy.

Tyler, don't pick a fight with a rookie just because he's a rookie and you don't like that he was "tugging on Superman's cape", to quote the HNiC announcers. He's 6'2" 216 lbs, you are 5'11 183 lbs. Bad idea. Love, Anne.

I missed Schenn's sweeeeeeeeeet moves to set up Matt Stajan for his goal at the beginning of the third. He got the puck at the blue line and stick handled his way to behind the net and Matt Stajan scored on the rebound when Schenn tried to stuff the puck in. Schenn's pretty much a stay at home defenseman so this was far more of an offensive move than people are used to from him. So, yay!

Together, we will score a goal tonight


I AM LUKE SCHENN, HEAR ME ROAR
what a badass
haha


Oh Lord
Someone tell Grapes he doesn't have a microphone

After five of the six games of this road trip, the Sabres are 3-2-0. They have already RUINED my prediction, but ruined it in a great way. I don't know how things will shake down on Monday, seeing as I gave up on following the Ducks closely over a year ago.

Super Bowl tomorrow! Screw you all who are probably cheering for Arizona because they're the feel-good story of the millennium. I'm sure if the Steelers weren't in the Super Bowl I'd be cheering for them too. BUT, Big Ben and Troy Polamalu ARE in the Super Bowl so I cannot cheer for Kurt "Jesus is my Homeboy" Warner. Let's Go Steelers!

Happy New Year Part 2!

by Anne

The Winter Classic was fun for the first 20 minutes then it wasn't as much fun. That is all I really have to say about it.

HOWEVER, I have much more to say about that Sabres game tonight. Completely the opposite from the Winter Classic, the first period stunk and the rest of it was a lot more enjoyable.

The tide was beginning to turn when Miller turned aside Hagman's penalty shot at the end of the first. However, things still weren't rolling the way they needed to be to walk away with 2 points.

The Maple Leafs were the dominant team until just before the Sabres scored. It was an unpleasant mishmash of poor passes and players being grossly out of position. The first 20+ minutes they looked like they were gift wrapping a New Year's Day win for the Maple Leafs.

Then came a Leafs penalty. And then there was Pommer. And then the puck was behind CuJo and in the net.

Derek Roy's somewhat boneheaded move to cover the puck with his glove instead of just sweeping it out has been all but forgotten considering Hagman did not score on the resulting penalty shot and then Royzie netted 2 goals of his own. Good thing for him. That was pretty careless, Derek.

Vanek had a couple of beautiful backhand passes to set up both of Royzie's goals. They're making a strong case for sticking on the same line again. When Vanek and Stafford and Royzie all combine for not one but two goals in a game, that makes it seem like their line should be back together for good, right?

I would like to state that I think my heart rate has JUST gone down from seeing Danny Paille crawling around on the ice on all fours in some serious pain? The only way he could've been in a more vulnerable position is if he were unconscious. However, he came back later in the period... Hokay, Danny, whatevs, you're built tough and I love ya for it.

Miller had another strong showing. We need more of those showings from him. He was getting a lot more help from the defense which obviously makes it easier for him to do his job.

These are the kinds of games we need to see more often. It'd be nice if we played this way against teams that are ranked higher than us from now on.

I was drinking so at times I found myself confused seeing the dark jerseys. At one time I had to make sure the center ice logo was a maple leaf and I wasn't accidentally ditching work. Looks like the third jerseys provide some spark even across borders.

There were a couple of guys I was watching the game with that were being total douchebags and they were partially ruining the game, but then they left after the first and played Wii Baseball and the game in the room and on the ice got infinitely more enjoyable.

Life is too short to watch Sabres games with douchebags.

Comin' Closer to Home!

by Anne

This morning, Buffalo (ok, technically West Seneca) native and former St. Louis Blues forward, Lee Stempniak was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Steen.

Yay! Woooooo!!! He may not get as much press as Kaner, but its nice to see WNY hockey players doin' their thing around the NHL!! Too bad I must dislike him now... jk!

New Team?

by Anne

There's been lots of buzz about the possible 2nd team in Toronto. TSN has an article about how this potential team could be instantly worth $600 million. WHOA.

So, what do you think? Would a 2nd Toronto team be good? Do you think it would hurt or help the Sabres? Would it make a difference to us? Could Jim Ballsilie FINALLY own a team?

I think Canada needs more teams. I know a lot of American hockey fans would bludgeon me for saying that, but the sport is FROM Canada, they obsess over 16 year olds playing hockey, hockey is their national sport, its their NFL. I don't understand why there are only 6 Canadian teams these days.

My personal take is that they'll move a team there. Why? Recognition. I know Canadians love their hockey, but to get them to jump ship and follow a new team, they'd need a draw. The teams I've heard most rumored to move are Phoenix (Gretzky behind the bench and some up and comers on the ice) Atlanta (Kovalchuk and Lehtonen) and Columbus (Nash & Co.). However, could you really start cheering for a team that used to be another team if you were formerly a Leafs fan? Lord knows expansion teams are not exactly brimming with tons of talent and current superstars. Then again, neither is the Toronto Maple Leafs. OH I WENT THERE.

Where would this team play? I'm assuming they'd have to share time at the ACC, and how would that go down? They'd have to schedule two hockey teams, a lacrosse team AND the Toronto Raptors in the same building and I'm pretty sure that would be a total nightmare. Does downtown Toronto have room for another hockey arena?

BUT, I want to know what everyone thinks, if this does happen, expansion or move? Which team moves? I can't wait for the name debate, hahaha.