Three Games in Four Nights
Apr 22, 2008 NHL
With the Sabres’ season over earlier than the last two seasons, I thought I’d take a look at something that seems to happen to the Sabres more than other teams - playing 3 games in 4 nights - and see if there is any reason to fear it.
My unofficial count showed 14 instances of 3 in 4 for the Sabres (may have missed one), for a total of 42 games. They got 53 out of a possible 84 points in those games (63% of possible points). Buffalo’s record in those games? 25-14-3. The record in the other games was 14-17-9. Pretty surprising, isn’t it? Were all the 3in4’s making the team tired for the other games, then? Buffalo won all 3 games of these 3in4’s 4 times, and lost all 3 (in regulation, OT or SO) only once. They went 1-2 5 times (including an OTL in one of those) and 2-1 4 times (again, including an OTL for one of the losses). Didn’t see much correlation between home and away for these either, as some of the 3-0 series had 2 travel days (either home/away/home or away/home/away).
A bit later, I’m going to take a lot at some of the other playoff teams that squeaked into the Eastern Conference playoffs and see if they fared better or worse.
Tags: 3 games in 4 nights, 3in4, B-Lo Sports, Hockey, NHL, playoffs, sabres, three games in four nights
NHL Playoff Picture
Apr 21, 2008 NHL
A few more team advanced to the next round of the playoffs over the weekend, but not the defending champs. The Dallas Stars took out the Ducks in 6 games, and join the Avalanche and the Red Wings coming out of the West. Kipper forced game 7 for Calgary as the Flames shut out the Sharks 2-0.
The Rangers took out the Devils in 5, joining the Pens in the next round. Boston has won 2 straight games to force game 7 up in Montreal, and Washington staved off elimination on Saturday but play in Philly tonight. No late game tonight, which sucks as that’s the one I’m more likely to see.
Tags: anaheim, avalanche, boston, bruins, calgary, Canadiens, colorado, dallas, detroit, devils, ducks, flames, Hockey, Montreal, new jersey, new york, NHL, playoffs, rangers, red wings, san jose, sharks, stars
Playoff Update
Apr 11, 2008 NHL
Three series are underway in the East, with Montreal, Pittsburgh and the New York Rangers all holding a 1-0 lead. Montreal scored twice in the first two minutes (one each from the Kostitsyns) and took the body on the supposedly more physical Bruins. I’d vote the Bruins most likely team to get swept if the Sens didn’t look so terrible right now. The Rangers took advantage of an off-his-game Brodeur, and Devils fans are hoping that was a one game let down or they have no shot. Washington and Philly get started tonight.
All four Western Conference series are underway, with Detroit, Colorado and Dallas holding 1-0 leads. Calagary/San Jose is 1-1. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve been able to stay up and see of the Flames and Sharks (especially Iginla ripping it from Campbell and scoring). A little shocked that Anaheim got shut out. Should be some fun stuff tonight.
Tags: avalanche, boston, bruins, calgary, campbell, Canadiens, colorado, dallas, detroit, devils, flames, Hockey, iginla, Montreal, new jersey, new york, NHL, ottawa, penguins, pittsburgh, playoffs, rangers, red wings, san jose, senators, sharks, stars
Stanley Cup Playoffs Start Tonight!
Apr 9, 2008 NHL
Dave posted a good breakdown of the matchups over at BfloBlog, but I thought I’d put my two cents in. I pretty much agree with all of his ‘wants’ - I want the Sens to get owned, I like the Flames and Iginla, and the NYR/NJ series should end in a bus accident where both teams are incapacitated. Montreal’s postseason hinges on Carey Price staying hot, if that happens, they’ve got a great shot. It’ll be nice to see some hockey again.
Tags: calgary, Canadiens, devils, flames, Hockey, iginla, Montreal, new jersey, new york, NHL, ottawa, playoffs, price, rangers, senators
Pittsburgh Holds Up Their End
Apr 3, 2008 NHL
…as did New Jersey, although they let Boston get a loser point. Buffalo still has a shot at the playoffs with the losses by Philly (in a very rough game with Pittsburgh) and Boston. The Sabres must take care of business tonight in Montreal, looks like Jaro Spacek might be back. Great soundbite from him on WGR, by the way, about how he had a good feeling about the games last night, and was going to have dinner and relax. This prompted the morning show guys to decide that WWJD must mean ‘What would Jaro do?’, so we should all have a good dinner and relax. Sound advice under the circumstances.
Tags: B-Lo Sports, boston, bruins, devils, flyers, Hockey, new jersey, NHL, penguins, philadelphia, pittsburgh, playoffs, sabres, Spacek, wgr
Gameday - Sabres at Senators
Mar 27, 2008 NHL
Buffalo travels to Ottawa tonight for the back end of a home-and-home series with the Sens. Derek Roy is expected to play after hurting his leg in the horrific loss on Tuesday. It’s just about to the point where the Sabres need to win out to have any shot at the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, which is a tall order for this uneven squad.
In other news, the Sabres signed F Derek Whitmore and D Mike Kostka, who were both free agents after finishing out their college careers.
The team will also be hosting an ‘Away Game Party’ for the Maple Leafs game on April 1. If you are collecting the Sabres pins from the Buffalo News, you can complete your collection there. Yay.
update: Redden is still on the shelf. Gerber is in goal.
Tags: away game party, Hockey, kostka, NHL, ottawa, playoffs, redden, roy, sabres, senators, whitmore
Epic Collapse
Mar 26, 2008 NHL
The Sabres coughed up a 3-1 lead in the third period in massive fashion, allowing 5 goals in less than 10 minutes. Reactions to the loss range from short and angry to sad and dramatic (I love the switch to black). Despite the math that says they can still make it, I’m sure not expecting it anymore.
When’s the NFL Draft?
Tags: B-Lo Sports, Hockey, NHL, playoffs, sabres
