Nhl Network

by manic hispanic on Jan 5, 2010 1:03 AM EST Comment 6 comments

I just finished watching nhl on the fly and they were talking about the power rankings, how the sabres made a significant jump, (i forgot the actual number), giving compliments to tim connolly, that he has 10 points in 6 games, and that miller is being ,well, miller. though they said that our defense isn't really that great, that were allowing 35-40 shots a game, which is alot of work for a goaltender during the season, and the offense is not really scoring. this got me thinking, if this is the story for the rest of season, will we be able to go far in the playoffs, if we do get there? just curious what everyone thought

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I was watching too

I think most of the shots have been low quality shots which fits the Sabres game plan. I am looking for statistical info to back that up.

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

by David Oleksy on Jan 5, 2010 1:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I saw this morning

I thought they hit the nail on the head. Timmy is producing, but how long will he stay healthy? Offense and Defense are not living up to what they should. Ryan Miller is carrying the team, but for how long?

Giving up a lot of (even low quality) shots in a game is a problem, especially the way Buffalo has been playing in the first. If I am not mistaken, they are averaging 3.25 shots in the first period over the last 4 games. They can’t always make up 3-goal deficits.

by The Burl 8 on Jan 5, 2010 7:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would be more worried if we had the opposite problem

If we could score 4-5 goals a game but were letting in almost as many it would scare me. To me, it is easier to get hot and score goals than it is to suddenly develop into a defensive team that shuts down others. As DO suggested, my opinion in watching the Sabres is that they allow the kind of shots that Miller can handle. Also, Miller helps his D with controlling rebounds, and in turn when he allows one, the D has been great at keeping opposing players from jumping on too many (if you watched the Blues game, I am throwing that piece of statistical research out as the outlier among the sample). Keeping the puck out of our net is the most important thing. I’d gladly take a 1-0 W any night over 5-4 or worse.

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Jan 5, 2010 10:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

no need to worry

I dont think any of the Devils teams that won the cup were much better up front than we are. If Miller keeps playing the way he is we should have a shot. Any team, even Pittsburg and Washington will need good goaltending to get deep in the playoffs.

While it would be nice to see Vanek and Stafford lighting the lamp just a little more, our balanced scoring will give teams headaches come playoff time. With no true #1 line it will be difficult for opposing coaches to match lines.

Connolly getting hot is nice lets hope he can stay hot. Its refreshing to know that he is still in the lineup this deep into the season.(knock, knock) Even if he doesn’t stay hot someone else will get hot for a couple games like it has been happening all season. What we need now is for two or three guys to get hot at the same time and stay hot.

Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale

by weswed51 on Jan 5, 2010 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good point

Pittsburgh didn’t start rolling last year until they made a commitment to tougher and more defensive hockey. Keep that in mind. Scoring doesn’t win in the playoffs, defense (including goaltending) does. Which is why the Caps, and perennial playoff busts: San Jose, fizzled out last year come playoff time. This is cliche, but defense wins championships

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Jan 6, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Sabres are scoring VERY timely goals, and from balanced and unpredictable sources. They really look like a threat out there – even in the games when Lalime is in net, lately, they have been getting it done enough to win. A collapse is always possible for any team, but the way the Sabres have been playing really shows a lot of promise, and finally the patience of the front office is paying dividends.

by lassathrax on Jan 5, 2010 7:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs