Buffalo Sabres @ Florida Panthers [Game Thread]

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:00 PM EST

Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers, Dec 4, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Game #25

Buffalo Sabres (11-10-3, 25PTS) vs. Florida Panthers (10-11-3, 23PTS)

7:30 PM EST, BankAtlantic Center

TV: MSG-B (Buffalo)

Radio: WGR 550 (Buffalo), XM 237 (National)

Listen Here

08-09 Series : First Meeting

Opponent Blogs: Panthers Official Site

The Buffalo Sabres come into the game suffering from plenty of injuries. Despite being injured in the last game it looks like both Derek Roy and Toni Lydman will be in the lineup tonight.

The Sabres have lost their last two games and seven of their last nine. Despite their awful record in recent games they have not lost in regulation on the road against a team that they were ahead of in the standings. Buffalo is 1-0-2 in road games against teams that trailed them in the standings.

It looks like the lines will get just a slight shakeup this evening. On paper it looks like a pretty good offensive unit but you are only as good as your last game (and we know how that turned out).

Probable Lines

Vanek	Roy	Stafford
Gaustad	Hecht	Pominville
Afinogenov	Mair	Kotalik
Paille	MacArthur	Mancari

Starting Goalies

Buffalo Sabres

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Ryan Miller	19	1089	10	6	2	2	46	2.53	515	469	.911	2

Florida Panthers

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Craig Anderson	11	574	5	1	3	0	19	1.99	333	314	.943	2

Injuries

I've already talked about the Sabres injuries above and they can be found all over this page so I won't bore you with the details. However you may not be familiar with the Florida Panthers Injury list so here it is...

Florida Panthers Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Bryan Allen	left knee surgery	10.12.2008
Richard Zednik	left elbow	11.25.2008
Cory Murphy	shoulder	10.29.2008
Nathan Horton	lacerated leg/ankle	11.27.2008
Cory Stillman	post-concussion symptoms	11.17.2008

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Comments

hi all

let’s go buffalo

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:30 PM EST reply actions

if that is true paul then why have you played worst at home so far

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:32 PM EST reply actions

hi all

by qdloser on Dec 4, 2008 7:39 PM EST reply actions

Don't like the camera angles

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions

its like they are set up in the Club Seats

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions

see DO told ya i would sign up

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 7:41 PM EST reply actions

Glad to have you

Need more commenters

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:42 PM EST up reply actions

nice try

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:41 PM EST reply actions

typical, sabres on a tough streak, run into the hottest goalie in the league

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions

Yeah

Anderson has been great

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

darn

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions

Couple of chances

Still can’t get in the net

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions

like the way we were all around the net to help that’s been missing

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:44 PM EST reply actions

typical giveaway

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 7:45 PM EST reply actions

Kotalik is lucky

Miller saved his you know what. These guys should learn about those damn passes up the middle

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions

Should have played Weber

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions

not a good way to make a save

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:48 PM EST reply actions

nice paul

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:49 PM EST reply actions

Pretty good PP for Florida

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:49 PM EST reply actions

lucky we survived that penalty in my opinion

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:50 PM EST reply actions

Mair

Holy Cow was that Adam Mair with the moves?

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:50 PM EST reply actions

so far i see no improvement ruff needs to do more to punish these guy’s their just not getting it

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:55 PM EST reply actions

More energy

They are skating better but still bad giveaways

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

finnally a little excitment

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:57 PM EST reply actions

this may be the fastest first period i have ever seen

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 7:58 PM EST reply actions

you ain't kiddin!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

they should give a stat of how long the puck was controld in either end that might wake them up

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 7:59 PM EST reply actions

Miller’s looking good after getting beaned

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions

Yeah he is

a couple of good goalie performances so far

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

you got it in HD up there?

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions

i dont

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

NO

only the home games are in HD here

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:01 PM EST up reply actions

here also
but there is a better picture on msghd

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:01 PM EST reply actions

I’m just glad to have any game on…been over a week since the last broadcast between not airing the FLA-NYR match and then the Versus exclusivity garbage on Tuesday

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions

We are lucky

we get all the games in one way or another

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:03 PM EST up reply actions

Florida D

they keep getting their sticks in the way of every scoring chance we have.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions

we're creating chances

they just aren’t getting through…have to give them some credit.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

DO – really impressed with the site. Great work. SB Nation does a bang-up job, but the individual bloggers really make it rock

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions

Thank you and yes

SB Nation does an outstanding job of giving us the tools but it’s great how every site has it’s own identity

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions

won't

be on saturday d o going to a birthday party.

by qdloser on Dec 4, 2008 8:05 PM EST reply actions

I’ve got a Panthers blog that is very soon to be relocating somewhere else. wink wink

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:05 PM EST reply actions

can't wait!!!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions

Looks like really soon?

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:07 PM EST up reply actions

Me want Bouwmeester

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:06 PM EST reply actions

And give up what for J-Bo? He’s just starting to pour it on.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:07 PM EST reply actions

we'll trade our UFA's

for your UFA!!!!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:08 PM EST up reply actions

National Media

make it seem like he doesn’t want to be there next year…you have to think he’s moving at some point this season.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

ufa at the end of the year

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:08 PM EST reply actions

Max Kotalik and Connolly

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions

I still like Kotalik

He is killer on the PP and money in the shootout…those points could be important

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions

hell ill even throw in Tallinder

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions

gotta go

see ya

by qdloser on Dec 4, 2008 8:10 PM EST reply actions

freaking HOT Goalie

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:10 PM EST reply actions

We knew how good he was

When Buffalo and Florida were sharing the Amerks he was money…I knew it was just a matter of time before he was doing it in the NHL.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

Ugh!!!!

How did they not score on that one?

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:11 PM EST reply actions

He won;t be here…even his father confirmed it in an interview recently by cryptically stating – paraphrase – “I know but can’t tell you”

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:12 PM EST reply actions

Newbie here

As 0-0 periods go, that one was better than Monday. But I’m getting sick of moral victories.

by dfderie on Dec 4, 2008 8:13 PM EST reply actions

Welcome, glad to have you

Yeah you are certainly correct. It was definitely more entertaining but we need to start getting two points. If they continue at this pace, I like their chances.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

I’ve tried to engineer a write-in campaign for Andy, but without the numbers and technology of the fans in Montreal, it ain’t gonna happen

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:13 PM EST reply actions

hahaha

That’s for sure…what a joke the all-star voting has been this year

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

Welcome to Florida: home of Immoral Victories

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:14 PM EST reply actions

I ain't touching that.

I’m a Cleveland Indains fans too.

by dfderie on Dec 4, 2008 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

Presenting The Litter Box’s mongo-craziness trade-rumor of the year:

Bouwmeester-Horton-Vokoun-and-pick(s) for Loungo-Evil Sedin Twins

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:17 PM EST reply actions

Sorry

not happening…I don’t think Luongo is coming back to Florida

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

Andy’s gonna be a UFA

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:17 PM EST reply actions

I think he'll stay

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

One can hope. He’s as enthusiastic as any “backup” I’ve ever seen. American, and just hitting his stride. Someone will throw starter’s money at him if we don’t lock him up before July 1st

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Probably right about that

I guess you have to take that into consideration…guys want to play and if he has an opportunity to be a starter he’ll probably take it.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

df:

yikes

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:18 PM EST reply actions

Unrealistic, I know. But what a marketing coup that would be. He’s The Man down here – more than Olli ever was – and he still lives here, trains in the offseason with the Cats, wife and her family from here.

I like Vokoun but man what a blitz that would create.

GM Place would burn to the ground, however

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:21 PM EST reply actions

i would love to see the Sabres pull off a deal for Kovalchuk,

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:25 PM EST reply actions

Wishful thinking

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

Gaustad
7th round

by Junior57 on Dec 4, 2008 8:27 PM EST reply actions

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:27 PM EST reply actions

Max

what is his deal…is he ever the same player ? Every game it’s something different with that guy

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:30 PM EST reply actions

What a move

I though C-Mac had him beat…let’s get the PP going

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions

pp let’s go

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions

ty ryan

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:32 PM EST reply actions

sloppy and on the pp

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:34 PM EST reply actions

Stupid Max

why wouldn’t you just get the puck in deep…that’s what you do on the PP

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:34 PM EST reply actions

sots 24-11, BUF…jeez

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions

0-0

are the only numbers that matter

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

um, Shots

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions

Frustration

Thy name is Sabres right now. We’re closing on six periods without a goal right?

by dfderie on Dec 4, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions

That is correct

This is the sixth period without a goal…generating chances tonight

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

Yay…another MCeline Dion commercial. Vomit.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions

darn can we get a shot on net that at least has a chance

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions

again ty ryan

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions

Lydman

as good as he’s been…he got caught bad on that one…Lucky that didn’t end up in the net

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions

Thanks to Ballard/Boynton, I’m not missing Olli a whole lot

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions

I am, however, missing leading scorer David Booth.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:47 PM EST reply actions

Any Rochester fans here?

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions

A lot of alumni on the ice tonight

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

I was

when they were the Sabres farm team

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:54 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

how lucky did we get there…Paetsch can’t skate and Miller was down and out. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions

Sorry folks, but WOW!

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions

Come on

This is not a good sign

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:54 PM EST reply actions

When it rains it pours!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:54 PM EST reply actions

Um…I’m alone here as a Cat fan, right?

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:55 PM EST reply actions

I believe so

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

gulp

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 8:55 PM EST reply actions

Hit the net!!!!!!

who is wearing #44 Sekera or Zhitnik? I’m having bad flash backs of Zhitnik missing the net.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions

Ugly finish to the period

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions

i finally got one

Joan

by Joan O. on Dec 4, 2008 9:17 PM EST reply actions

we have to adjust

they are sitting back and playing defense

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions

So who’s the first to go when the hammer drops?

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions

wish I knew

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:28 PM EST up reply actions

well over six periods

since our last goal…please get at least one

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions

No traffic

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions

Power Play

NEED A GOAL NOW!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:35 PM EST reply actions

They’re not playing poorly

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions

If I told you my fingernails were not down to nubs at this point I’d be a liar

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions

5-on-3

NEED IT NOW BUFFALO

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions

that’s not interference

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions

Well done.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions

It's about time

Still time on the power play…let’s tie this thing

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions

Good Save

that is good pressure

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions

Andy: 41 saves. Ridiculous.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions

He's been good

no he’s been great

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:46 PM EST up reply actions

Amen. Our $6M “starter” is becoming well aware of that.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Time is running out

Keep the pressure on

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions

Another giveaway

Max is so dangerous when he is on the ice…most of the time he is dangerous for Buffalo

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions

That might do it

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions

Cheap one by Paille

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions

Tough loss

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 4, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions

Anderson

Hottest goalie in the league. GREAT game by both sides.

by Donny Rivette on Dec 4, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions

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Buffalo Sabres @ Florida Panthers [Game Thread]

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