Sabres Practice Update: Gragnani Switch On Power Play May Lead To Weber Playing

by Zachary Zielonka on Nov 1, 2011 6:59 PM EDT

The Buffalo Sabres worked on their power play and special teams in practice on Tuesday and the power play units had some additions after going 1 for 4 against the Panthers on Saturday night. The Sabres power play through the season started strong in Europe, but has since settled to 8th in the league with a 21.9% conversion rate. The changes from Joe Buscaglia at WGR 550:

After being taken off the power play, Sabres forward Derek Roy was added in a different role than expected. He was at the point with Tyler Myers on the first power play unit. That's a change from the last point pair on the first unit, which was Christian Ehrhoff and Marc-Andre Gragnani. The forwards on the top unit remain unchanged, with Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Brad Boyes heading up that unit.

The player exchanged for Derek Roy in the top unit? Marc-Andre Gragnani. In fact, Gragnani was playing on the penalty kill which leads to some assumptions that Mike Weber may see some time in the lineup. After starting the season with some offensive production, three points in the first six games, Gragnani has gone cold in the last four games with no points and only two shots on net.

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A little confused.

Top pair pointmen: Roy – Myers
2nd pairing: Ehrhoff – Leopold?

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Nov 1, 2011 7:50 PM EDT reply actions

I would think so, I know I was hoping to have the Ehrhoff-Myers at the top of the 1st to be able to transition with inside stick to stick to open those to cannons up.

by VFN FTW on Nov 1, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

prepare for SHG against.

Why not use Sekera on the point? Ehrhoff-Myers, Sekera-Leopold. Do it, Lindy! Peer pressure!

by lassathrax on Nov 1, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

It's time for Gragnani...

to take a seat. I think Buffalo have too many d-men trying to lead the rush. Leopold, Erhoff and Myers is enough. We need a little more grit in the d-end, a little more focus on clearing the puck out for defensive purposes w/out seeking to send a home run pass up the middle every time. It’s leading to too many turn-overs and ugly angle goals against from close range.

by Up State NY on Nov 1, 2011 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

I Agree

Having another stay at home checking D-man should help balance out some of the odd man rushes. Plus, I imagine Weber is real hungry and ready to showcase it to get a roster spot.

by Buffalo_Fan_In_NC on Nov 1, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

100% correct!

by Coach Bob on Nov 2, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Ironic.

That picture is Grags and Weber on the ice at the same time.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Nov 1, 2011 11:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

And with seemingly great results! Who to sit??? (half-joking)

by lassathrax on Nov 2, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions

#FreeWeber.

"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"

by FloridaBuffalo on Nov 2, 2011 1:42 AM EDT reply actions

Sit Myers

Myers has been all but invisable this season. Ruff should sit him in the press box for a while so he can see what good defensemen do and how they do it. Give Weber a chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

by Geolover on Nov 2, 2011 8:59 AM EDT reply actions