Gameday - Sabres at Islanders
Oct 13, 2008 NHL
The Buffalo Sabres’ second game is an afternoon tilt at the New York Islanders, one which I will have to catch up on via PVR. Thanks, work. The Sabres are coming off an exciting opening win at home against the Canadiens, where they did so much right I’m almost afraid to talk about for fear of the jinx. The only concern coming out of the game (other than Connolly being injured AGAIN) is the power play, but you can’t get too worked up after one game against a very good team.
The Islanders come in 1-1, with their last game a win against the St. Louis Blues 5 to 2. DiPietro didn’t play in either game with knee swelling. He’s had knee and hip surgery in the past 6 months, so his durability may be coming into question, what with that 15 year contract. 2pm start time.
Edit: Lalime VS MacDonald is your goaltender matchup.
Tags: buffalo, connolly, dipietro, Hockey, islanders, new york, NHL, sabres
Sabres Escape Island With 2-1 Win; Roy And Connolly Leave The Ice
Dec 20, 2007 NHL
Ryan Miller bailed out his team last night as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Islanders 2-1 to push their win streak to 4 straight. Miller made 42 saves in a dominating effort. Derek Roy cleaned up his own rebound for the first goal of the game, before leaving with a shoulder stinger (x-rays negative). Maxim Afinogenov scored the game-winner on a sweet cross-ice pass from Campbell, and that was all the offense that was needed. Vanek narrowly missed on another goal as he came in on DiPietro, spun around and launched a backhand that was just stopped by the blocker.
The Sabres’ D (with Kalinin back) played better than the shot totals would have you think, most of the shots were not all that dangerous. When they did get through, Miller had great control. If he couldn’t smother it, the rebound was being directed with purpose. Fight fans even got a treat, as Tim Jackman gave Hecht an extra shove after a whistle, and Adam Mair took exception and nailed Jackman in the face with some lefts before they tumbled to the ice.
You had to breathe a sigh of relief after time ticked away on this one, hopefully the Philly games this weekend are not so close.
Tags: B-Lo Sports, campbell, dipietro, hecht, Hockey, islanders, jackman, mair, Maxim Afinogenov, new york, NHL, roy, Ryan Miller, sabres, Thomas Vanek
Sabres Top Isles 5-3
Dec 13, 2007 NHL
The Buffalo Sabres continued to flex their playmaking muscles with another 40 shot effort as they beat the New York Islanders 5 to 3. Miller made 28 saves and showed no ill effects from his sprained ankle on Monday. Nolan Pratt got the scoring started in the first, with Paul Gaustad screening Rick DiPietro on Pratt’s point shot for his first goal as a Sabre. Toni Lydman scored a goal as well, on a similar play. This time, Thomas Vanek paid the price in front (after taking a shot off the melon). Loods was in rare form in the post-game interview, joking “It kept my goal scoring streak alive, I score at least one every season. It was typical goal … just close my eyes and shoot.”
The Sabres third goal was on a terribe clearing attempt by Bill Guerin a minute after Toni’s goal. His weak backhand went straight to Jason Pominville, who fed Ales Kotalik for an easy goal. Miro Satan scored on a 5 on 3 to make it 3-1, and Roy followed up with a powerplay goal of his own to stretch it back to a three goal lead.
It got interesting later as Park and Sillinger scored to make it 4-3, but Jochen Hecht tucked home his 10th through the legs of DiPietro (should’ve had it, Rick). Another hard-working goal from Jochen, who may finally get his 20 goals this year. There were a ton of penalties called in this game, especially with how some other recent games have been called. Lindy Ruff noted this crew of refs is known for that and made sure his team was ready for the PP and PK.
The Sabres travel to Washington for a game tomorrow, and then home for the Patrick Kane-led Blackhawks.
edit: Heather at Top Shelf noted that Comrie was -3 (and I totally called that Hecht 20 goal thing first!)
Tags: B-Lo Sports, dipietro, gaustad, guerin, hecht, Hockey, islanders, kotalik, lydman, new york, NHL, park, pominville, pratt, roy, ruff, Ryan Miller, sabres, satan, sillinger, Thomas Vanek
