Where We Are: Actually in a decent position all things considered. According to all of the beat reporters, Marian Gaborik will return to the lineup. Without him the team treaded water, breaking even at 6-6, which would be almost acceptable but when you look at the fact that the Gaborik-less Blueshirts went 2-5 at the Garden during that span, it is inexcusable. Also returning to the lineup will be Hobey Gilroy, who will take Michal Rozsival's spot. After Rozy's awful performance sank the team on Tuesday, it came to light that he had been dealing with a long term shoulder injury. What a coincidence!
Where They Are: Buffalo is one of the worst teams in the NHL thanks to their home record, a horrid 0-6-1. On the road, however, they are 5-3-1. They have a two game win streak (both shootout victories) and will be playing on the back end of a back-to-back. The Sabres beat the Devils on Wednesday night in a ridiculous shootout that saw Ilya Kovalchuk blow a breakaway late in the third period and then have a shameful shootout attempt.
Who To Watch For: The goal scorers in that one are always dangerous when they face the Rangers - Jason Pominville, Derek Roy, Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis. Roy is red hot with 17 points in 16 games; he had a regulation goal and an assist, along with an effortless shootout goal. Myers was horrible in his game against the Blueshirts but against the Devils he played just over 22 minutes, had a goal and two assists on three shots while going +3. Perfect timing (ugh). Thomas Vanek is pointless in his last six games but he scored a nice goal in the shootout so that may boost his confidence and get things started for him. Pat Kaleta is sure to cause some chaos and attempt to injure a few Blueshirts while grinders Paul Gaustad, Mike Grier and Rob Niedermayer are always tough against the Rangers. What To Watch For: Buffalo's grinders making life difficult for MDZ and Gilroy. Myers and Leopold to spend a lot of attention on Gaborik. Faceoffs: the Rangers suck in the circle but the Sabres weren't particularly good themselves at the Rock, losing 38 of 60. Whoever plays goal for Buffalo: Enroth looked jumpy, stopping 28 of 32 shots and two of three New Jersey shootout attempts. Patrick Lalime had been held out of the game because of abdominal pain and Ryan Miller has been rehabbing a knee injury. Enroth could want to prove himself against Lundqvist, Lalime has a good career record vs. the Rangers and Miller is Miller. The Sabres power play: they have just one goal with the man advantage over their past six games, going 1-22 in that span. A large part of that is due to bobblehead Tim Connelly attempting to quarterback the unit and not doing particularly well, while Vanek's cold streak hasn't helped.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: More of Tuesday's first period, less of Tuesday's third. Gaborik to ignite Frolov and turn him into an acceptable hockey player. The Rangers to come up with something that isn't dump and chase, since they dump better than they chase. Derek Stepan to find the magic that gave him a hat trick in the first game against Buffalo. Ryan Callahan to snap his three game pointless streak (where he has also gone -1 in each of the three). Brandon Dubinsky to do something better with his hands then to fight a clown like Mike Green for no reason. Derek Boogaard to keep Kaleta in line and keep his scoring streak alive.
Also Check Out: Sabres Edge, Shots off the Crossbar and SBN's Die By The Blade.
Peepin' Foes: Analyzing the Buffalo Sabres
In the world of professional hockey, rivalries often take center stage. Whether it's a historic rivalry or a recent feud, these matchups capture the attention of fans and players alike. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we turn our focus to the Buffalo Sabres, a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. We'll delve into the Sabres' history, their current state, and what the future may hold for this storied franchise.
The History of the Buffalo Sabres
Founded in 1970 as part of the NHL's first expansion, the Buffalo Sabres quickly became a fixture in the league. The team's blue and gold colors and the iconic Sabretooth logo have become synonymous with hockey in western New York. Over the years, the Sabres have had their share of memorable moments, including playoff runs and notable players donning the blue and gold.
The Dominik Hasek Era
One of the most celebrated periods in Sabres history was the Dominik Hasek era. The legendary goaltender, known as "The Dominator," was a force between the pipes. During his time with the Sabres, Hasek won multiple Vezina Trophies as the league's best goaltender and carried the team to deep playoff runs.
The Controversial "No Goal"
However, for all the success the Sabres have had, one moment still haunts the franchise and its fans. In the 1999 Stanley Cup Final against the Dallas Stars, a controversial goal scored by Brett Hull in triple overtime of Game 6 led to the Stars winning the Cup. The goal, which came with Hull's foot in the crease, sparked debate and frustration among Sabres fans, many of whom believe the Cup was unfairly taken from them.
Recent Struggles
In recent years, the Buffalo Sabres have faced significant challenges. The team has experienced prolonged playoff droughts, with their last postseason appearance dating back to the 2010-2011 season. Frequent changes in coaching staff and front-office personnel have added to the turbulence surrounding the franchise.
The Eichel Saga
A prominent storyline in Buffalo in recent times has been the situation involving former captain Jack Eichel. The star center's desire for a specific medical procedure on his injured neck became a contentious issue between Eichel and the team's management. Ultimately, Eichel was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, ending his tenure in Buffalo.
The Future of the Buffalo Sabres
Despite the challenges, there is reason for optimism in Buffalo. The Sabres hold a treasure trove of draft picks, including high selections in the upcoming NHL Entry Drafts. Building through the draft is a common strategy for rebuilding teams, and the Sabres have the opportunity to add top-tier talent to their roster.
Key Young Players
The Sabres also boast promising young players who could be integral to the team's future success. Rasmus Dahlin, the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, is a dynamic defenseman with immense potential. Dylan Cozens, another high draft pick, has shown flashes of brilliance as a forward.
Coaching Stability
The hiring of Don Granato as the team's head coach provides a sense of stability behind the bench. Granato's approach emphasizes player development and accountability, which aligns with the Sabres' long-term goals.
The Buffalo Sabres, a team with a rich history and passionate fan base, have faced their share of trials and tribulations in recent years. Despite the challenges, the future holds promise for this storied franchise. With a renewed focus on player development, a collection of high draft picks, and a sense of stability in the coaching staff, the Sabres have the building blocks in place to return to playoff contention. As the team continues to grow and evolve, hockey fans will be keeping a close eye on Buffalo to see if this once-proud franchise can rise to new heights and create a brighter future for Sabres faithful.
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