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| Steve Montador checks the scoreboard during Sunday's game. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) |
The Sabres are now 12-4-2 in their last 18 games. Tyler Ennis tallied three assists while Nathan Gerbe, Jochen Hecht, and Tyler Myers also scored. Ryan Miller finished the game with a .731 save percentage saying after the game "I'm just frustrated." It might be time to start thinking about giving Ryan some time to rest. If you don't agree, take a look at Shots off the Crossbar's Upgrades 1 & 2 that the Sabres should take into consideration. In his post-game interview, Lindy Ruff also added that he wasn't happy with his team's defensive play saying simply "I thought we could've been better." Patrick Kaleta returned after his hand injury left him out of the last six games but only registered two hits without a shot in just under eleven minutes of ice time. The Sabres went four of six on the penalty kill making it six games out of their last eight in which they have allowed the opposition to score on the power play.
Around the NHL on Sunday, the Sabres didn't come out very fortunate as the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes all gained two points. The Sabres grabbed one of two points available. Through Monday, the Sabres playoff odds are down 7.2 to 45.2%. The team will enjoy a day off today before beginning their first of back-to-back games versus Canadian divisional foes. The Sabres will fly north to face the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday night before returning home for a Wednesday night match up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On a side note, the quickly approaching NHL trade deadline is February 28th. Things should be very interesting this season with the new ownership change and the team's current place in the standings. Here is Howard Simon's take on whether or not the Sabres should Buy or Sell at this year's deadline.
great post. Although the computer projections may have the sabres under 50% odds of making the playoffs i could not disagree more. The NHL is a league of streaks, with the most important part being at what point in the season you make these streaks (positive and negative). The Sabres started out dismally yet have recovered and since about 2 months ago have been headed in the positive direction. With recent teams such as the Canadians as well as rangers, Thrashers, and Hurricanes in a shnide, this is perfect chance for the sabres to grab the playoff spot and hold on for dear life. Right now we have a serious shot at the 6 seed, as well as only being 5 games out of the division with multiple games in hand, if Ruff can keep these guys firing on all cylinders, screw the computers, these guys have a 100% **Chance** at the playoffs. :) Keep up the good work and posts.
ReplyDeleteI really like the post, expecially the pics. But I dissagree with Mr. Alt. I think Ryan Miller has no confidence in the guys in front of him and unless Lindy Ruff has a myrical up his sleeve or starts playing himself the Sabres are dead.
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