Sabres 2 Thrashers 1 OT: The Kaleta Should be Proud
by David Oleksy on Jan 14, 2010 10:40 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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PrintWhen you read the newspaper or watch the highlights on NHL on the Fly, you will hear all about Derek Roy scoring the overtime winner, Tim Connolly extending his point streak to 10 games and you might even hear about Patrick Kaleta scoring in his first game back from injury. That can't even begin to describe how important Kaleta was to the Sabres victory.
Mr. Boron mentioned in the comments how listless the Sabres were through 40 minutes. That was an accurate description of most of the team but not Patrick Kaleta. He scored his seventh goal of the season to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead in the second period.
A one goal lead meant nothing to the Sabres who seemed determined to let the Thrashers back in the game. Chris Butler led a Sabres parade to the penalty box and eventually Ilya Kovalchuk made them pay with a power play goal in the final four minutes.
After 40 minutes of listless play the Sabres turned up the heat in the third period. The Sabres poured on the pressure and forced the Thrashers into penalty trouble. Ondrej Pavalec was hardly tested through 40 minutes but he earned his paycheck in the third period. He kept the Sabres off the board despite 13 shots fired at him by the visiting Sabres.
It was in overtime that Kaleta made the play of the game. His hustle turned a sure icing call into a Sabres power play after Zach Bogosian elbowed Kaleta who had beat him to the puck. The Sabres power play finally converted on a howlitzer from Derek Roy to give the Sabres two points.
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Game Highlights
Game Notes
- Tim Connolly assisted on Derek Roy's overtime winner to extend his point streak to 10 games.
- Derek Roy scored his second overtime goal of 2010 with both coming against the Atlanta Thrashers.
- I can't remember the last time the Sabres won a game and Ryan Miller was not mentioned in the opening summary. Miller was typically solid tonight with 32 saves tonight. He was especially important in the opening 40 minutes when the Sabres were outshot 27-13.
- Lindy Ruff had Mike Grier playing with Gaustad and Mair and they earned three or four big shifts in the final five minutes. They drew a big penalty in the final two minutes of regulation. The Sabres didn't score on the man advantage but they built momentum that led to a power play goal later in the OT.
- Chris Butler has been the subject of plenty of criticism at this site and tonight was no different. He took two minor penalties and had a couple of giveaways that are mysteriously absent from the actual game stats. Despite our criticism he earned 23:47 of ice time, good for second on the team behind only Tyler Myers who had 25:57.
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I didn’t think that we played all that bad. Although I did watch the game online (which really sucks). How about Myers splitting the D and walking in on goal. Good shot too. I think he tried to go upstairs. He just didn’t get it up enough. Kaleta = Awesome. I listened to the Thrashers announcers. They were bad. They didn’t like Kaleta’s celebration after his goal. It’s really not that bad. I did like the way that Connolly keeps shooting the puck. Poor Vanek. He looks frustrated. I think he’s working hard though. I like how he stands in front on the power play, but he’s always trying the same play. He likes that redirect from the point man (or sometimes even from the winger). Maybe just laying down a good screen on the goalie and looking for the rebound might be something to think about (Yvon Lambert style). Good way to start the road trip. Go Sabes!
Kaleta does that fist pump after every goal, and its not like he was pulling an Ovie with the stick on fire either. So whats the big deal? I bet its Kaleta reputation that just makes him hated around the league so everyone hates is when he scores.
Good for him though getting that goal on his first game back
What the hell is that fist pump about anyways?
Rubbing it in the face of the guys he just scored on. It really got under Darren Eliot’s skin during the Thrashers broadcast. I think it’s silly of him, but if it helps him do his job then whatever.
The hustle to negate the icing was the play of the game, IMO. Great stuff.
Ta,
PK's celebrations
He has been asked by the Buffalo media why he celebrates the way he does. It has nothing to do with rubbing it in, or anything like that. According to Pat, it’s because he is not typically a goal scorer, and doesn’t know when, if ever, he will score again. So, he treats every goal as if it were his last.
And if it gets under the opposition’s skin, all the better.
I also thought Grier played great. And Kennedy seems to get on a lot of peoples nerves. It was Boulton who was angry at him tonight, and I’ve noticed in other games this year that someone is usually upset with him. Let’s just make sure he’s got the Goose or Mair out there with him and let’s get it on! Go Sabes!
I only caught the second half of the game….
Nice use of the word “howlitzer.”
Butler was out there an awful lot, despite the penalties. I can’t say he disappointed either. I didn’t think he had a great 1st half of the seaon; maybe the second half gets better.
Did Max do anything?
Three years ago, I never thought I’d be happy to have Kaleta in the lineup.
Why was Vanek not out there in the OT PP?
I thought I saw Montador push the puck up a few times tonite…has he been lacking that as of late?
What a save by Myers. I can’t wait until he gets a mean streak.
Lalime or Miller Saturday?
Was it me, or did Roy play pretty good tonite, even before the GWG?
we held max in check tonight. (which is very satisfying)
Kaleta is still my favorite player, noone puts more out every night then him. Worth every dime and more. Was he first Star? Should’ve been. Scored and drew the penatly.
Lindy seems to run that OT PP unit the same everytime we get in that situation. I’m not suprised lindy sat him for it. With Tommy’s slump and our record in Atlanta, i dont blame him.
I can’t wait to see Meyers turn into a battering ram and really hit someone. For such a big guy, he never seems to really go all out for a hit. He’s always pushing with his hands and acting conservative while going for pucks. Is that why he’s better?
Miller Saturday. Conference game. and Lalime has spent more time playing against the West, so he’ll get the nod more during the western trip.
Roy did have a good night. Maybe its cause i didn’t see him have one his trademark “Take the Puck into the zone and let it fall off your stick” plays tonight.
What a save by Myers. I can’t wait until he gets a mean streak.
-Kick save and a beauty, kick save… AND A BEAUTY!!
I like the way C-Mac plays in front of the net on that OT PP. Hes not that big, but he stands his ground and definitely was a problem for Pavelec for the Roy goal…
"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt
MacArthur did have a very good game. His line was the best at even strength during the first 2 periods. That simply could have been b/c none of those guys are on the PK and had the only fresh legs in the building, but whatever. He hounded the puck well all night and looked like a guy that didn’t want to stay in the bottom 6. Good on him. More of that Clarke and I’ll stop calling for trading you to CLB for Raffi Torres.
Ta,
Im a C-Mac fan but hes got to start playing better 5 on 5 hockey. I agree last night he did well and as long as he keeps that type of play up he should be good.
"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt
After watching the game – I think adding Kovalchuck for a rent a player to the playoffs would be a good idea. He’s nasty out there.
Griere looked good as did Myers.
I’m not overly concerned right now with Vanek – he’s got time to come out of his slump – we’ll need him to be solid if we make the playoffs (yes – i’m a buffalo fan – i expect the floor to drop out).
Hello - thanks for reading my signature. It's very interesting. Bye
I’m with Roby on this one, I don’t want Kovalchuk in that room. He and Ruff will not mesh. at. all. It’ll be Kozlov part II. Besides, the cost of getting him, even as a rental, would be staggering and destroy the long-term prospects of this organization to compete over every year of Miller’s contract.
Gimme a couple of upgrades at specific roster spots for the stretch run and I’ll be happy.
Ta,
Completely agree.
He’s a ridiculous offensive talent but also a ridiculous defensive liability. He’s not going to fit the system which is clicking on full cylinders this year. It’ll take a lot to get him and no matter what it’s going to screw the lines up to get him in on the ice.
by twoeightnine on Jan 15, 2010 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
you guys would definately know better than me – i’ll take your word for it
Hello - thanks for reading my signature. It's very interesting. Bye
by J2 on Jan 15, 2010 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
Crazy we already have 7 players with 10+ goals and that number can realistically be 11 or 12 by the end of the year. I would have to guess thats some sort of team record? The depth on this team is that like I’ve never seen before.
"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt
i would take that kind of balanced scoring over 1 or 2 30-40 goal scorers any day. Also, they are cheaper to keep and easier to replace.
stay out of the P-Box
great play by all last night, very exciting game to watch. Stoked on our chances this year but can’t be penalized as much as we were last night. Careful boys.
by North Java Sabra on Jan 15, 2010 11:16 AM EST reply actions
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