The "Official" Sabres @ Lightning gameday thread!

[Mitchy moo]

I'll be there for this one.

Go Sabres:

Game Day Preview
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD align=middle colSpan=8>Matchup</TD></TR><TR class=colhead align=middle><TD> </TD><TD>W-L-OTL</TD><TD>HOME</TD><TD>ROAD</TD><TD>DIV</TD><TD>CONF</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD align=left>BUF</TD><TD>45-19-6</TD><TD>23-10-3</TD><TD>22-9-3</TD><TD>16-9-3</TD><TD>39-16-5</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD align=left>TAM</TD><TD>39-28-4</TD><TD>18-14-1</TD><TD>21-14-3</TD><TD>16-8-1</TD><TD>34-24-3</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=8>· Complete Standings (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/standings)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD align=middle colSpan=8>Team Stat Comparison</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/buf.gif</TD><TD> </TD><TD>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tam.gif</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>255</TD><TD>Goals
</TD><TD>213</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>204</TD><TD>Goals Against
</TD><TD>218</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>63</TD><TD>Power Play Goals
</TD><TD>66</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>62</TD><TD>Power Play Goals Allowed
</TD><TD>59</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>6</TD><TD>Shorthanded Goals
</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>13</TD><TD>Shorthanded Goals Allowed
</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>1055</TD><TD>Penalty Minutes
</TD><TD>793</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>15</TD><TD>Average Penalty Minutes
</TD><TD>11</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD align=middle colSpan=9>Goalie Breakdown</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD> </TD><TD>GOALIE</TD><TD align=right>GP</TD><TD align=right>W</TD><TD align=right>TGA</TD><TD align=right>GAA</TD><TD align=right>SO</TD><TD align=right>SV</TD><TD align=right>SV%</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD align=middle rowSpan=3>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/buf.gif</TD><TD>Ryan Miller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2637)</TD><TD align=right>53</TD><TD align=right>32</TD><TD align=right>143</TD><TD align=right>2.74</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>1453</TD><TD align=right>.910</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>Martin Biron (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1395)</TD><TD align=right>19</TD><TD align=right>12</TD><TD align=right>54</TD><TD align=right>3.04</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>479</TD><TD align=right>.899</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>Ty Conklin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2742)</TD><TD align=right>2</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>4</TD><TD align=right>3.31</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>50</TD><TD align=right>.926</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD align=middle rowSpan=3>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tam.gif</TD><TD>Johan Holmqvist (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2139)</TD><TD align=right>40</TD><TD align=right>23</TD><TD align=right>102</TD><TD align=right>2.84</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>844</TD><TD align=right>.892</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>Marc Denis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1299)</TD><TD align=right>38</TD><TD align=right>16</TD><TD align=right>107</TD><TD align=right>3.06</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>841</TD><TD align=right>.887</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>Karri Ramo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3909)</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>2</TD><TD align=right>2.32</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>16</TD><TD align=right>.889</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD align=middle colSpan=8>Team Stat Leaders</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD> </TD><TD>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/buf.gif</TD><TD>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tam.gif</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>G</TD><TD>Chris Drury (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1761) 35</TD><TD>Vincent Lecavalier (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1767) 46</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>A</TD><TD>Daniel Briere (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1737) 55</TD><TD>Martin St. Louis (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1772) 53</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>PTS</TD><TD>Daniel Briere (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1737) 84</TD><TD>Vincent Lecavalier (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1767) 94</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>PIM</TD><TD>Adam Mair (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1791) 118</TD><TD>Andre Roy (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1408) 104</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>SOG</TD><TD>Thomas Vanek (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3344) 206</TD><TD>Vincent Lecavalier (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1767) 282</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

STATS LLC
The Buffalo Sabres (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=buf) still are atop the Eastern Conference despite recently enduring their longest losing streak of the season. They may not be there much longer, however, if they don't improve on defense.
Buffalo looks to extend its slim conference lead Friday night as it continues a four-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=tam).
Backup goaltender Ty Conklin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2742) made his first start for the Sabres an excellent one, stopping 42 shots Thursday in a 5-3 victory at Florida.
"My mind-set going into it was that I want to make a good impression, you want the guys to feel confident with you in the net," Conklin said. "While it's only one game, it's a bit of a start."
The win ended a season-high, four-game losing streak for Buffalo (45-19-6), which remained two points ahead of New Jersey in the East and seven in front of Ottawa in the Northeast Division.
Conklin, acquired from Columbus on Feb. 27, had made one appearance with his new team, stopping eight of nine shots in relief of Ryan Miller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2637) against Minnesota on March 9.
Conklin needed to be sharp Thursday as Buffalo was outshot 45-20, including 17-7 in the third period.
"I think it gives everybody a lot of confidence," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "He hasn't played a lot. For him to get in and see the action he did, we're happy with the win and happy with the way he played."
Chris Drury (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1761) snapped a third-period tie and rookie Drew Stafford (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3649) scored twice for the Sabres, who allowed at least 40 shots for the fourth time this season.
Drury has goals in back-to-back games after going three games without one. They were his first three games after missing two weeks with a concussion. Drury also has scored two of his team-high 35 goals this season against Tampa Bay.
Despite Conklin's strong performance, Miller is expected to be back in net for this game. He'll return to action trying to snap a personal four-game losing streak during which he's allowed 14 goals.
Miller, though, is 6-1-0 with a 2.26 goals-against average in his career against Tampa Bay (39-28-4).
This will be the first home game in more than two weeks for the Lightning, who went 3-3-0 on a season-high six-game road trip.
Marc Denis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1299) was outstanding Tuesday in a 3-2 loss to Toronto, finishing with 22 saves. He kept the Lightning close as the Maple Leafs held a 24-8 advantage in shots through two periods.
"They certainly won more battles than we did," Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella said. "Obviously, they spent too much time in our zone and we didn't spend enough in theirs."
Although they are two points behind Southeast Division-leading Atlanta, the Lightning have a game in hand and will play eight of their final 12 contests at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Vincent Lecavalier (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1767) had an assist Tuesday, giving him five goals and five assists during a six-game point streak. He has a league-leading 46 goals and is second with 94 points.
Martin St. Louis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1772) -- third in the NHL with 92 points -- has gone five straight games without a goal, matching his longest drought of the season.


THX TO: ESPN

[JD]

The crowd of Sabres fans were going CRAZY last night, expect the same from tonights game :up:

LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!!! :jig:

and checkout: www.nhl94.com <---play it on your comp (genesis or snes version) it's so badass! lol

[SkateZilla]

Same Rules Apply Skooby,,,,


Funny thing is when you threaten me we win, lol.

Which is why I do it....

[BlackMetalNinja]

:gosabres: :gosabres: :gosabres:

[shelby]

Damnit i wish i had tickets!:mad:

[shelby]

Cool!:gosabres:

[Michael82]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/user_pics/7-1173807739.gif http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/user_pics/7-1173807753.gif http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/user_pics/7-1173807739.gif http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/user_pics/7-1173807753.gif

[shelby]

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/user_pics/7-1173807739.gif

[camelcowboy]

Who scored on us, jeez im late turning it on and we are already down 1

[gr8slayer]

I wish I could get Sabres games in HD here :mad:

[camelcowboy]

Pommervilleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[MikeInRoch]

As much as I love our announcers, they are somewhat blind. The ice-level camera showed pretty clearly that it was a goal.

[OpIv37]

I wonder how long Janereat has been waiting to use that "planned parenthood" line on Pomminville.

[gr8slayer]

Wasn't Martin St. Louis a great player a couple years ago?

[BlackMetalNinja]

Wasn't Martin St. Louis a great player a couple years ago?

I didn't realize 39 goals and 53, make that 54 assists wasn't great? That's better numbers than anybody on Buffalo has put up.

He's 4th in the league in points, 8 in assists, 6th in goals...

And yes, he was the MVP in 2004.

You're usually pretty good around this place, but that was just a dumb statement.

[camelcowboy]

I didn't realize 39 goals and 53, make that 54 assists wasn't great? That's better numbers than anybody on Buffalo has put up.

He's 4th in the league in points, 8 in assists, 6th in goals...

And yes, he was the MVP in 2004.

You're usually pretty good around this place, but that was just a dumb statement.

:couch:

[OpIv37]

was that knockout as good as RJ made it sound? Someone better get that up on Youtube ASAP

[camelcowboy]

was that knockout as good as RJ made it sound? Someone better get that up on Youtube ASAP

Roy started out strong, then Peters hit him with 3-4 good shots in the face. The fight was real quick. Im not sure if it would be very good youtube material.

[gr8slayer]

I didn't realize 39 goals and 53, make that 54 assists wasn't great? That's better numbers than anybody on Buffalo has put up.

He's 4th in the league in points, 8 in assists, 6th in goals...

And yes, he was the MVP in 2004.

You're usually pretty good around this place, but that was just a dumb statement.
I know nothing about hockey ****. I have never watched a game in my life, I just recall hearing that St. Louis was a good player.

We don't do hockey in Texas.

[camelcowboy]

I know nothing about hockey ****. I have never watched a game in my life, I just recall hearing that St. Louis was a good player.

Not one game, ever? wow thats nuts. You don't know what your missing :up:

[gr8slayer]

Not one game, ever? wow thats nuts. You don't know what your missing :up:
It's just not a big sport in Texas at all. Nor is Lacross.

That's not to say it isn't a great sport or that I wouldn't enjoy it if I gave it a chance.

[BlackMetalNinja]

It's just not a big sport in Texas at all. Nor is Lacross.

That's not to say it isn't a great sport or that I wouldn't enjoy it if I gave it a chance.

This is why it sucks that Texas, Florida, and Carolina all have cups... yet big time hockey cities have crap in the past several years.

And boy does our PP blow lately! What are we, 0 for the last 15 now? It's a good thing we're damn good 5 on 5.

[camelcowboy]

This is why it sucks that Texas, Florida, and Carolina all have cups... yet big time hockey cities have crap in the past several years.

And boy does our PP blow lately! What are we, 0 for the last 15 now? It's a good thing we're damn good 5 on 5.

our power play is a joke. How can you have so much talent and not even get the puck in the zone with one extra man.

[camelcowboy]

why do they bother with the power play? disgusting :ill:

[camelcowboy]

Less goals but a far more exciting game then last nights.

[BlackMetalNinja]

0-3, 0 shots on the Power Play is beyond horrendous. I don't know how we keep managing to win games when we do crap like that...

[Nighthawk]

our power play is a joke. How can you have so much talent and not even get the puck in the zone with one extra man.

Easy, because the coach that ran the PP last year left. Arniel did a hell of a job with the PP unit and it is obvious that the right coaching is lacking with this unit.

[camelcowboy]

Easy, because the coach that ran the PP last year left. Arniel did a hell of a job with the PP unit and it is obvious that the right coaching is lacking with this unit.

cant argue with that, they are pretty crappy in that part of the game

[JD]

It's just not a big sport in Texas at all. Nor is Lacross.

That's not to say it isn't a great sport or that I wouldn't enjoy it if I gave it a chance.
Only steers and queers come from texas.. maybe thats why you dont watch hockey :jk:

[gr8slayer]

So what the hell is a Power Play?

[SkateZilla]

umm, end this verbal assault back and forth now, lol...


skooby lives another day... lol.. i think the Sabres don't want me to ban skooby.. lol

[chernobylwraiths]

Easy, because the coach that ran the PP last year left. Arniel did a hell of a job with the PP unit and it is obvious that the right coaching is lacking with this unit.

Actually, I believe the loss of Connolly has a lot more to do with our poor PP than Arniel leaving. Watch our PP. We have nobody who scares the opposition from attacking our players. We are constantly harassed in the zone and usually give up the puck. Plus, we don't seem to have any idea whether to dump the puck in or to carry it in. I believe our penalty killing is worse than our PP. It seems the other team has NO problem carrying the puck in on us and I constantly hear Rick saying, "...but doesn't get it out of the zone."

[chernobylwraiths]

So what the hell is a Power Play?

When one team has a penalty, they have to play a man short for at least two minutes or until the other team scores. At least in most cases.

[gr8slayer]

When one team has a penalty, they have to play a man short for at least two minutes or until the other team scores. At least in most cases.
Can you be more than one man short?

[chernobylwraiths]

Can you be more than one man short?

Yes. You can be up to two men short at one time.

[gr8slayer]

Yes. You can be up to two men short at one time.
SO what happens if you foul and you are already two men short?

[RockStar36]

If you foul?

A 5 on 3 is the best power play a team can have.

[gr8slayer]

If you foul?

A 5 on 3 is the best power play a team can have.
Well what if one of those three commit a foul.

[chernobylwraiths]

Well what if one of those three commit a foul.

If the team down by two commits another penalty, the offending player is also taken off the ice, but the team is only down by 2, but will be down until the second player's penalty is out. The first player will be able to return to the ice after a whistle but not to bring his teams players above 3.

[JD]

Seriously, go buy "Hockey for Dummies" at your local bookstore. It's like 15 bucks, I got it for my mom for christmas one year and now she knows probably more than me.