Kings 4 Sabres 3 SO: Sabres Earn Loser Point in City of Angels

by David Oleksy on Jan 22, 2010 11:05 AM EST in Game Recaps Comment 9 comments

Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly passes the puck as he falls to the ice in front of Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll during the first period of their NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

More photos » Mark J. Terrill - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly passes the puck as he falls to the ice in front of Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll during the first period of their NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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The Headline isn't meant to be negative, in fact I'm happy with the way they played on Thursday night. Once again I can honestly say..."that was a fun hockey game to watch". This game reminded me of a heavyweight boxing match. Both teams traded jabs and threw the occasional haymaker. Eventually the Kings won the bout in a split decision.

I won't bore you with the details of the game because you can get those here or here. Let's take a minute and talk about a few things that stood out in mind. I can't remember the last time Thomas Vanek and Clarke MacArthur played as well as they did on Thursday night. MacArthur and Vanek each scored a goal but more importantly, they were around the puck all night. I would consider this to be the best game MacArthur has played all season.

Earlier this season we ran out of ways to describe Tyler Myers, the same thing is now happening with the 55-19-29 line. I thought they had another strong game in the offensive zone. They were on the ice for the Sabres third goal and a nice cross ice feed from Pominville allowed Rivet to score his first of the season. Connolly ran his point streak to 14 games with 23 points since the streak began.

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That PP Vanek goal was a thing of beauty. Tic – Tac – Toe

Disappointed we didnt get the 2 points, but points on the road, especially in the middle of a west coast swing, are important. Hopefully they can finish out the road trip with 4 points and head back home feelings good about the trip and healthy.

"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt

by bflo on Jan 22, 2010 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And shoutout to Timmy #1 and his 14 game point streak.

"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt

by bflo on Jan 22, 2010 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

the West Coast

The game last night was a thing of beauty to be at live. Kings fans are better than Ducks fans and a great atmosphere last night. Maybe my point of view is swayed because we were down 4-0 within the first 5 mins in Ana.

by North Java Sabra on Jan 22, 2010 3:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess

I’m happy about getting a point but these SO losses are becoming rather annoying. I know I’m probably splitting hairs here but every time the Sabres go to the SO this season I know we are going to lose. Like I said, don’t get me wrong a point on the road is never a “bad” thing but we should have beaten the Queens . . . I mean Kings. Miller is having an unreal season but for once, c’mon dude, don’t come so far out of the crease and stop getting burned by the same topshelf backhand.

Sorry yall, but I think I’m just cranky I stayed up for the game last night only to see yet another loss in the SO.

Shark meat, anyone?

by uscBillsGamecock on Jan 23, 2010 12:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Top Shelf backhand with speed is nearly unstoppable with a perfect shot, the issue is whether the goalie can entice the shooter to try something else while maintaining the right gap. The only way to protect the upper part of the net is to come out and cut off the angle. If we know anything about Miller it’s that he’ll recognize that he ceded 6 inches too much ground and will tighten that up in the future. Remember, as well, that he doesn’t know these shooters like he knows the Eastern Conference guys.

Ta,

by Tom Luongo on Jan 23, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I miss Dumont the most, but it’s times like these (failures in the shootout) when I start thinking… who was that guy we used to have who always scored in the shootout?

lol

by Jflaskey2 on Jan 23, 2010 1:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kotalik.

"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt

by bflo on Jan 23, 2010 8:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and Stafford, using the same move.

Ta,

by Tom Luongo on Jan 23, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hah true. That was funny watching those two back to back. If the back hand worked for Kotalik then Staff would use it too. If it didnt… he would usually try to wrist one by on his stick side.

"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt

by bflo on Jan 23, 2010 11:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs