Better Effort, Same Result
Nov 22, 2008 NHL
The Buffalo Sabres had a much stronger effort against the Flyers last night, but still ended up on the losing end of a 3-0 shutout by Biron. They generated a ton of shots (40) but the powerplay really did ‘em en, going 0 for 5, including a decently long 5 on 3. Unfortunately, as the last penalized player returned to the ice (Scott Hartnell), he got behind the D on a break and beat Miller. Philly would score midway through the third to ice it, followed by an empty netter (both by Jeff Carter).
The new-look lineup was pretty good from what I saw (too nervous to watch the whole thing), call-up Mark Mancari was not afraid to fire away, and Paetsch wasn’t on the ice for any of the goals against. By the way, the Buffalo highlight of the night might just be Peters’ performance in his fight with Josh Gratton:
Gratton starts throwing at Andrew Peters before he’s got his hands up, but Peters recovers and lands multiple solid shots (right around the :20 mark Gratton has a ‘Why did I do this again?’ look).
The Islanders come in tonight, with a whole laundry list of injuries and having lost the last three to the Sabres by a combined 14-5. I’m probably recording this one tonight so if there are any worthwhile videos to put on Youtube, I’ll be taking care of it.
Tags: buffalo, carter, flyers, gratton, hartnell, Hockey, mancari, Martin Biron, NHL, philadelphia, Ryan Miller, sabres
Vanek Stuns the Lightning in OT
Feb 20, 2008 NHL
Yes, boys and girls, Thomas Vanek is officially ON FIRE. Vanek’s deft hands in front of the net brought the Sabres back from the brink, thanks to some great feeds from Connolly and Lydman, and TV slammed home the rebound from Spacek’s shot on the PP for the game-winner (and natural hatty). Vanek has 12 goals in his last 11 games.
(TV going all ‘Luck be a lady TONIGHT!)
Tampa Bay jumped out to an early lead thanks to a Chris Gratton goal, but the Sabres continued to pour on the shots on Johan Holmqvist from then on. They stretched the lead to 2-0 a minute into the third, but Derek Roy busted in to cut the lead back to a goal less than 2 minutes later. Prospal appeared to ice it for the Bolts but the Sabres kept fighting. A great comeback win for the Sabres, who should be feeling pretty good about themselves before facing the Leafs tomorrow night.
Gratuitous bench slam picture.
Tags: connolly, gratton, hat trick, Hockey, holmqvist, lightning, NHL, prospal, roy, sabres, Spacek, tampa bay, Thomas Vanek
