The "Official Playoff" Isles @ Sabres game 3 - Gameday thread!

[Mitchy moo]

GO SABRES!!

Yashin and Nolan shed little light on Isles captain's benching
<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>53-22-7</TD><TD>28-10-3</TD><TD>25-12-4</TD><TD>18-11-3</TD><TD>47-19-6</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD align=left>NYI</TD><TD>40-30-12</TD><TD>22-13-6</TD><TD>18-17-6</TD><TD>17-11-4</TD><TD>36-27-9</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=8>&#183; 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/nyi.gif</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>6</TD><TD>Goals
</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>4</TD><TD>Goals Against
</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>2</TD><TD>Power Play Goals
</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>1</TD><TD>Power Play Goals Allowed
</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>0</TD><TD>Shorthanded Goals
</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>0</TD><TD>Shorthanded Goals Allowed
</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=middle><TD>20</TD><TD>Penalty Minutes
</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=middle><TD>10</TD><TD>Average Penalty Minutes
</TD><TD>14</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>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>2</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>4</TD><TD align=right>2.02</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>49</TD><TD align=right>.925</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD align=middle rowSpan=2>http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/nyi.gif</TD><TD>Rick DiPietro (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2414)</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>2</TD><TD align=right>2.00</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>32</TD><TD align=right>.941</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>Wade Dubielewicz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3403)</TD><TD align=right>1</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>4</TD><TD align=right>4.06</TD><TD align=right>0</TD><TD align=right>31</TD><TD align=right>.886</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/nyi.gif</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>G</TD><TD>Brian Campbell (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1923) 2</TD><TD>Arron Asham (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1822) 1</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>A</TD><TD>Dainius Zubrus (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1485) 3</TD><TD>Tom Poti (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1779) 2</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>PTS</TD><TD>Dainius Zubrus (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1485) 3</TD><TD>Tom Poti (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1779) 2</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD>PIM</TD><TD>Maxim Afinogenov (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1906) 4</TD><TD>Brendan Witt (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1351) 6</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD>SOG</TD><TD>Brian Campbell (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1923) 9</TD><TD>Marc-Andre Bergeron (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2797) 7</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

STATS LLC
Now that the New York Islanders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyi) have surprisingly gained home-ice advantage in their opening-round playoff series, they'll try and make it mean something.
The eighth-seeded Islanders seek their first home postseason victory in nearly five years Monday night when they meet the top-seeded Buffalo Sabres (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=buf) in Game 3 of their series.
New York starting goaltender Rick DiPietro (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2414) made 32 saves in Saturday's Game 2 -- his first action in three weeks after suffering two concussions -- to help lift the Isles to a 3-2 win at Buffalo. The victory knotted the best-of-seven series at 1-1, shifting home-ice advantage to Long Island.
The Islanders failed to take advantage of similar situations in their previous two playoff appearances. They earned one road win in the first two games against Ottawa in 2003 and Tampa Bay in 2004, but did not win another contest after that in either series.
The Isles have lost four straight postseason home games since a 5-3 victory over Toronto on April 28, 2002, including a pair of 3-0 defeats to the Lightning in 2004. However, they believe they're better prepared this time.
"There are not many guys back from those teams," DiPietro told the team's official Web site. "Nothing against those teams at all, but this group is different. We have many more veteran players who've been there before. Those teams didn't have Ryan Smyth (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1103), Sean Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=646), Brendan Witt (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1351).
"We're playing arguably the best team in the league, but we have the veterans to guide us."
One of the Isles' key veterans, though, played a surprisingly reduced role in Game 2. Captain Alexei Yashin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=599) sat on the bench for most of the final two periods and played just 10 shifts for 7:07 total ice time, both team lows.
At Sunday's practice, New York coach Ted Nolan attempted to diffuse any controversy from the benching.
"We need a little bit more from everybody, from the 20th man to the first man," said Nolan, who met with Yashin for about 20 minutes before speaking with reporters. "We have been doing that almost all season. (Saturday) night, it just happened to be Yash's situation that came up. We needed to get something going, so we put (Richard) Zednik on that line.
"We have a group of guys that on any given moment, somebody jumps in, somebody jumps out. That's what I most like about our team."
Meanwhile, Buffalo hasn't looked like the same team that led the league with 53 wins and 308 goals in the regular season. Chris Drury (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1761)'s two goals in the Sabres' 4-1 victory in Game 1 remain the only two scores by a Buffalo forward during this series.
The team's other four goals have all come from defensemen.
"It's still early, it's two games," said Sabres co-captain Daniel Briere (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1737), who tallied 32 goals and a team-high 95 points during the regular season but has just two assists in this series. "Sometimes you go through streaks like that in the season also. It's not like we don't want to score. DiPietro made some big saves.
"I hadn't even realized that we've had only one forward score so far."
Playing on the road may not have much effect on Buffalo, which went a Eastern Conference-best 25-12-4 away from home during the regular season. The Sabres split two visits to the Nassau Coliseum, a 3-0 victory on Oct. 26 and a 5-3 defeat Jan. 27.
This series continues with Game 4 at the Coliseum on Wednesday.

Thx to: ESPN

[Bufftp]

This game will tell us what the 2007 Play off Version of the sabres are.


Go Buffalo.

[SkateZilla]

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED SHOW UP TONITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ebenezer]

they better win tonight....

would be nice if Max showed up...other than penalties.

[camelcowboy]

Ryan Miller needs to steal us a game, not play good, he needs to be great and he should have motivation to do it against dipetro

[PcA125]

Lets kick some ass... :hockey:

Go Sabres!!!

[RockStar36]

they better win tonight....

would be nice if Max showed up...other than penalties.

I'd like to see the 5 million dollar man show up as well.

In fact, a lot of players on this team need to take a look in the mirror before this game.

[mchurchfie]

Other that that dumb penalty he took, Max has been one of the few that has been out there at least hustling. His line had the most shots of any of the forwards the last game.

[Bill Brasky]

GO SABRES!!

Yashin and Nolan shed little light on Isles captain's benching
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="8" align="center">Matchup</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="center"><td> </td><td>W-L-OTL</td><td>HOME</td><td>ROAD</td><td>DIV</td><td>CONF</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><td align="left">BUF</td><td>53-22-7</td><td>28-10-3</td><td>25-12-4</td><td>18-11-3</td><td>47-19-6</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="center"><td align="left">NYI</td><td>40-30-12</td><td>22-13-6</td><td>18-17-6</td><td>17-11-4</td><td>36-27-9</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td colspan="8">· Complete Standings (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/standings)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="8" align="center">Team Stat Comparison</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><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/nyi.gif</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="center"><td>6</td><td>Goals
</td><td>4</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><td>4</td><td>Goals Against
</td><td>6</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="center"><td>2</td><td>Power Play Goals
</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><td>1</td><td>Power Play Goals Allowed
</td><td>2</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="center"><td>0</td><td>Shorthanded Goals
</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><td>0</td><td>Shorthanded Goals Allowed
</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="center"><td>20</td><td>Penalty Minutes
</td><td>28</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><td>10</td><td>Average Penalty Minutes
</td><td>14</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="9" align="center">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="center">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">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2.02</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">49</td><td align="right">.925</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td rowspan="2" align="center">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/nyi.gif</td><td>Rick DiPietro (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2414)</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2.00</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="right">.941</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Wade Dubielewicz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3403)</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4.06</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">31</td><td align="right">.886</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="8" align="center">Team Stat Leaders</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="center"><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/nyi.gif</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>G</td><td>Brian Campbell (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1923) 2</td><td>Arron Asham (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1822) 1</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>A</td><td>Dainius Zubrus (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1485) 3</td><td>Tom Poti (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1779) 2</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>PTS</td><td>Dainius Zubrus (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1485) 3</td><td>Tom Poti (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1779) 2</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>PIM</td><td>Maxim Afinogenov (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1906) 4</td><td>Brendan Witt (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1351) 6</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SOG</td><td>Brian Campbell (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1923) 9</td><td>Marc-Andre Bergeron (http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2797) 7</td></tr></tbody></table>

STATS LLC
Now that the New York Islanders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyi) have surprisingly gained home-ice advantage in their opening-round playoff series, they'll try and make it mean something.
The eighth-seeded Islanders seek their first home postseason victory in nearly five years Monday night when they meet the top-seeded Buffalo Sabres (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=buf) in Game 3 of their series.
New York starting goaltender Rick DiPietro (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2414) made 32 saves in Saturday's Game 2 -- his first action in three weeks after suffering two concussions -- to help lift the Isles to a 3-2 win at Buffalo. The victory knotted the best-of-seven series at 1-1, shifting home-ice advantage to Long Island.
The Islanders failed to take advantage of similar situations in their previous two playoff appearances. They earned one road win in the first two games against Ottawa in 2003 and Tampa Bay in 2004, but did not win another contest after that in either series.
The Isles have lost four straight postseason home games since a 5-3 victory over Toronto on April 28, 2002, including a pair of 3-0 defeats to the Lightning in 2004. However, they believe they're better prepared this time.
"There are not many guys back from those teams," DiPietro told the team's official Web site. "Nothing against those teams at all, but this group is different. We have many more veteran players who've been there before. Those teams didn't have Ryan Smyth (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1103), Sean Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=646), Brendan Witt (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1351).
"We're playing arguably the best team in the league, but we have the veterans to guide us."
One of the Isles' key veterans, though, played a surprisingly reduced role in Game 2. Captain Alexei Yashin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=599) sat on the bench for most of the final two periods and played just 10 shifts for 7:07 total ice time, both team lows.
At Sunday's practice, New York coach Ted Nolan attempted to diffuse any controversy from the benching.
"We need a little bit more from everybody, from the 20th man to the first man," said Nolan, who met with Yashin for about 20 minutes before speaking with reporters. "We have been doing that almost all season. (Saturday) night, it just happened to be Yash's situation that came up. We needed to get something going, so we put (Richard) Zednik on that line.
"We have a group of guys that on any given moment, somebody jumps in, somebody jumps out. That's what I most like about our team."
Meanwhile, Buffalo hasn't looked like the same team that led the league with 53 wins and 308 goals in the regular season. Chris Drury (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1761)'s two goals in the Sabres' 4-1 victory in Game 1 remain the only two scores by a Buffalo forward during this series.
The team's other four goals have all come from defensemen.
"It's still early, it's two games," said Sabres co-captain Daniel Briere (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1737), who tallied 32 goals and a team-high 95 points during the regular season but has just two assists in this series. "Sometimes you go through streaks like that in the season also. It's not like we don't want to score. DiPietro made some big saves.
"I hadn't even realized that we've had only one forward score so far."
Playing on the road may not have much effect on Buffalo, which went a Eastern Conference-best 25-12-4 away from home during the regular season. The Sabres split two visits to the Nassau Coliseum, a 3-0 victory on Oct. 26 and a 5-3 defeat Jan. 27.
This series continues with Game 4 at the Coliseum on Wednesday.

Thx to: ESPN

dude, is it really necessary to post the game day threads at 7am, 12.5 hours before the game even starts?

[pyrrhonist]

Let's hope to see a 100% effort tonight, rather than a 45% effort, like Saturday. I hope to see Buffalo play more like Buffalo, instead of the Game 1 Islanders.

And, memo to Lindy---put Kotalik's slapshot back on the PP, instead of Pominville's. :up:

[mchurchfie]

And, memo to Lindy---put Kotalik's slapshot back on the PP, instead of Pominville's. :up:At least Kotalik gets it on goal. The problem with Al is that he gets too many penalties trying to catch the opposing defenders going the other way after he muffs the containment at the point.:ill:

[SabreEleven]

THE BUFFALO SABRES WILL WIN TONIGHTS GAME AND GO ON AND WIN THE SERIES 4 GAMES TO 1.

[Meathead]

well sadly i predicted a sabres loss in game 2 and even more sadly was correct

why? because in professional sports the majority of the time a team has its back to the wall in a critical game and nobody is giving them any chance to win they usually do

this time around i will predict a comfortable sabres win, something like 5-2 en

why? because all year long the sabres have responded when they needed to. when the sabres have little to play for it shows, but when they do it almost always gets done. just about every critical game theyve raised their level of play to get the win. its a little concerning that they couldnt just go ahead and do that last game but it is what it is

so you can rest easy now

so rules judge meathead

[mchurchfie]

when the sabres have little to play for it shows, but when they do it almost always gets done.
I thought they had something pretty meaningful to play for in game two of the Playoffs...it disturbs me that they treated it that way.

[YardRat]

:gosabres:

[Ebenezer]

just win...

[shelby]

Go Sabres!
:oldskool:

[Ebenezer]

tonight's key...Buffalo is the best road team in the NHL this year...win tonight and prove it...a loss would be damning.

[mchurchfie]

We will take the next three games.:up:

[BlackMetalNinja]

Let's GO Buffalo!!!!

:gosabres::oldskool:

[Ebenezer]

:gosabres:

[Michael82]

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED SHOW UP TONITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where's the game thread threat reply? IF they lose today, Skooby is definitely done with the game threads. There's no way you can give him two chances. :shakeno:

[Michael82]

:oldskool:

[SpillerThrills]

56 minutes and counting!!!!

[chubluv]

Les Go BUFFALO !!!!!

:hockey:

[camelcowboy]

:gosabres:

[SpillerThrills]

they love playing this song!!!:candle:

[YardRat]

:oldskool:

[PcA125]

Its Miller Time...

Lets go Sabres!!!

They need to get up for this game and take it to the isles... send a message

[chubluv]

Its game time.

Lets Go SABRES !!!!!!!!

:oldskool:

:gosabres:

[PcA125]

that powerplay sucked

[Ebenezer]

that was the typical desperate team throwing everything at the other team for the first ten minutes playoff hockey...the Isles weathered it. The Sabres better kill this penalty and score first...momentum is shifting.

[lordofgun]

Are you saying the Sabres are desperate, Eb?

[shelby]

NIce save by Miller's head:ill:

:oldskool:

[chubluv]

This ugly so far. We look like we are skating circles in our own zone & getting the crap kicked out of us in the other end.

[PcA125]

wow that was close... nice save!

[shelby]

Huuuuuuuuuuuuge save by Miller!

[chubluv]

Vanek is on the PK. He makes a heck of a play and doesnt get the call in his favor. You would think the NHL would have told the officials to call a tighter game especially with all the scrums happeing in this and other series.

[shelby]

Damn MIller takes another shot to the head....not good

[chubluv]

Miller is getting beat up by the puck tonight.

[qcsabresfan84]

what the **** are the islanders fans thinking booing at miller for getting shaken up, what a bunch of *******s

[lordofgun]

Great passes on that Briere shot!

[shelby]

At least Zubs isn't scared to make a hit....

[lordofgun]

Zubrus - no mercy tonight!

[chubluv]

The goalies are making big saves so far. Lets start peppering Diepietro with some more rubber. We need to take more shots.

[lordofgun]

This series shouldn't make me this nervous!!! :nervous:

[shelby]

Rather lackluster first period.

[Ebenezer]

Are you saying the Sabres are desperate, Eb?
yes

[lordofgun]

yes
Looks to me like the Isles are the ones playing desperate hockey.

[Nighthawk]

Anybody else hoping Gaustad gets back quick so that we can bench Mair? Man, he blows.

[YardRat]

We're still not playing well. Getting beat to the puck when it's loose, off of the puck when we gain possession, the timing is off on passes, very few good scoring opportunities and when we do get a decent shot it's right at DiPietro.

It'd be nice to get a one or two goal lead in the second to open things up a little bit.

[Mad Bomber]

Rather lackluster first period.
Agreed.

[BlackMetalNinja]

We are not playing out style of hockey whatsoever... I don't know if it's something in particular that the Islanders are doing to prevent it or what, but we need to get it figured out quick... Almost no odd man rushes at all and very few good looks at the net. Miller needs to continue to play very well if the rest of the team is going to play like this.

[camelcowboy]

vanek flopping like a fish on the ice during the pk was fun.

[YardRat]

We are not playing out style of hockey whatsoever... I don't know if it's something in particular that the Islanders are doing to prevent it or what, but we need to get it figured out quick... Almost no odd man rushes at all and very few good looks at the net. Miller needs to continue to play very well if the rest of the team is going to play like this.

They're challenging the puck handler everywhere on the ice, and breaking everything up to the outside. The Sabres look like they can't handle either.

[chubluv]

We are not playing out style of hockey whatsoever... I don't know if it's something in particular that the Islanders are doing to prevent it or what, but we need to get it figured out quick... Almost no odd man rushes at all and very few good looks at the net. Miller needs to continue to play very well if the rest of the team is going to play like this.


It looks like the Isles are playing a zone defense. They are attacking us with 2 guys and leaving the other 3 as back up.

Also we are getting no traffic in front of Diepietro to gobble up rebounds or screen him.

[shelby]

MAIR SCORES!!!!

[chubluv]

What a play!!

Nice goal by Mair.

[PcA125]

SCORES...."Now thats what the sabres need."



:hockey:

[YardRat]

What a beautiful frikkin' play! Now THAT'S Buffalo hockey!!!

[Mad Bomber]

WOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

That was sweet!

[YardRat]

C'mon Sabres! Pour it on!!!

[Ebenezer]

Anybody else hoping Gaustad gets back quick so that we can bench Mair? Man, he blows.
care to reconsider that point??

[PcA125]

that puck was in... Come ON!

[Ebenezer]

that was in the net.

[Mitchy moo]

It's a freaking goal and we shelled him after, I have it in HD on channel 95 on Direct tv.

[YardRat]

Too close...They won't count it.

[SabreEleven]

Are they reviewing it?

[Ebenezer]

GOAL!

[chubluv]

If EB says it was in thats good enough for me!

[PcA125]

Too close...They won't count it.

Its a goal!

[Mitchy moo]

It's a goal, 2-0 SABRES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SabreEleven]

I'm at work now and recording it on my DVR but I can't wait until later to watch it...too much pressure.

[YardRat]

I stand corrected :D

I can't believe they got it right.

[chubluv]

2-0 Lets keep up the skating they cant keep up with us.

[shelby]

:jig:

[shelby]

:curse: Hunter scores.:mad:

[chubluv]

Come on guys clear the front of the net

[Mitchy moo]

Bad bounce off a Buffalo D-man, 2-1 Sabres.

[kgun12]

Anybody else hoping Gaustad gets back quick so that we can bench Mair? Man, he blows.

I will take Mair all day over Briere. The Ilse goal was his fault. Not to mention that he is scared to death at the offensive end of the ice. He is so afraid to get hit he just throws the puck away!

[Ebenezer]

Bad bounce off a Buffalo D-man, 2-1 Sabres.
no..not a bad bounce...silly mistake and not paying attention.

[Mitchy moo]

Channel 95, direct tv the Sabres game is in HD.

[chubluv]

I think Briere is playing hurt. He hasnt looked the same in the last 2 games. He is playing very tenative.

[shelby]

Power play....c'mon guys!

[Mitchy moo]

I think Briere is playing hurt. He hasnt looked the same in the last 2 games. He is playing very tenative.

He's playing hurt.

[chubluv]

OK lets take adsvantage of the 5 on 3 !!!

[shelby]

Damn Max's lip is cut. 5 on 3, let's make something happen!

[PcA125]

wow 2 penalties... lets get one here boys.. 5v3

[chubluv]

Shoot it on net

[PcA125]

There we go boys!!! lead back to 2

[shelby]

Briere redeems himself and scooooooooooooores!

[Mitchy moo]

Power play....c'mon guys!

5 on 3 in one shift, wow. Briere with the GOAL!!!!!!! 3-1 Sabres!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ebenezer]

ok..keep pressing get another.

[Mitchy moo]

We still have a 3:00 PP, wow.

[chubluv]

Now thats the Danny Briere we all love to watch.

[Mitchy moo]

Some folks in the house:

<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tcat colSpan=2>Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 14 (14 members and 0 guests) </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 colSpan=2><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->Skooby (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=5625) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->PcA125 (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=7200) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->Philagape (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=228) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->lordofgun (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=2) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->SabreEleven (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=248) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->Ebenezer (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=28) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->schubbard (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=6544) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->kgun12 (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=168) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->camelcowboy (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=4791) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->jerhwt (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=5914) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->qcsabresfan84 (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=843) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->don137 (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=135) <!-- END TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: forumdisplay_loggedinuser -->Crisis (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/member.php?u=3812) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SabreEleven]

Did Connolly make a nice pass on that goal?

[SabreEleven]

LOG is here so you know this thread is important.

[shelby]

:assclown: is here, so you know he isn't surfing porn.:ill:

[Mitchy moo]

LOG is here so you know this thread is important.

Yepper.

[shelby]

Zubs in the penalty box.

[YardRat]

LOG is here and you know he's impotent.

TMI.

Let's stick to game-talk, people.

[SabreEleven]

:assclown: is here, so you know he isn't surfing porn.:ill:

I'm at work defending you, your double wide and our country.

[PcA125]

**** that one hurts

[shelby]

:curse: the :curse:ers scored again!:mad:

[Mitchy moo]

8 seconds left in the 2nd, crap.

[chubluv]

What the **** !!!! how do you let Ryan Smyth wide open to the side of the net?

[Mitchy moo]

I'm at work defending you, your double wide and our country.

lol.

[LtBillsFan66]

:lol:

[Mad Bomber]

Wow.

The Sabres got incredibly lazy at the end of the period.

[shelby]

I'm at work defending you, your double wide and our country.
i don't live in a double wide, but i do appreciate your service to our country!
:patriot:

[lordofgun]

i don't live in a double wide

someday...

[chubluv]

Why do we keep letting them back in the game? We should be slaughtering them. Maybe Nolan is taking control and his players are finally listening to him. We are screwed if this keeps up. We all know what Teddy can do behind the bench.

[SabreEleven]

i don't live in a double wide, but i do appreciate your service to our country!
:patriot:

It's too late be kissing my ass, itty bitty...

[shelby]

someday...
Everybody has to have a dream, log!

[SabreEleven]

someday...

Does putting two dishwasher boxes together count as a double wide?

[Ebenezer]

they were just playing to get out of the period..they looked terrible for the last two minutes

[shelby]

The commentator just said the Sabs are 40 and 0 when they have a 2 point lead in the second period.

[shelby]

As a side note, the Lightning(7) is up 3-2 over the Devils(2). The series is tied 1-1.

[don137]

Ruff was fired up. If you look in the background the winger was just gliding back into the zone with no effort. I am guessing that is why Ruff was fired up.

[Ebenezer]

The commentator just said the Sabs are 40 and 0 when they have a 2 point lead in the second period.
I hate when they do that...just jinxes everything...like last year against the Hurricanes...they made a point of telling us all how Buffalo was the best team in the league when leading after two periods...that worked well, didn't it?

[kgun12]

I think Briere is playing hurt. He hasnt looked the same in the last 2 games. He is playing very tenative.

It seems to me that he doesn't like the more physical playoff style! Watch him close 5 on 5, as soon as he feels any pressure he just throws the puck away.

Watch him in the 3rd, see if it's jsut me! :idunno:

[Ebenezer]

As a side note, the Lightning(7) is up 3-2 over the Devils(2). The series is tied 1-1.
The way the Sabres are playing right now?? I'm not worried about it. The Rangers look like the best team in the conference right now.

[Ebenezer]

It seems to me that he doesn't like the more physical playoff style! Watch him close 5 on 5, as soon as he feels any pressure he just throws the puck away.

Watch him in the 3rd, see if it's jsut me! :idunno:
the Sabres are hitting but they are not clean hits whereas the Isles hits are dead on.

[YardRat]

This is bull****. We should be skating circles around this team.

[camelcowboy]

Am i alone in somewhat disliking roy? Everytime i see him he's on his back *****ing to the ref. He's good just wish he'd play more

[YardRat]

BTW...Nice sig, Eb :D

[Mad Bomber]

As a side note, the Lightning(7) is up 3-2 over the Devils(2). The series is tied 1-1.

Go TB!!!!

[shelby]

The Lightning won the game.

[camelcowboy]

We are getting torched on face offs :ill:

[chubluv]

Am i alone in somewhat disliking roy? Everytime i see him he's on his back *****ing to the ref. He's good just wish he'd play more


He is doing those things but he seems to be hustling every shift out there. Which is all I need out of him.

[don137]

Am i alone in somewhat disliking roy? Everytime i see him he's on his back *****ing to the ref. He's good just wish he'd play more

Yes, Roy is making too many mistakes and really not helping out that much either. He is sucking in faceoffs. Pominville is also up for the Houdini award for best disappearing act helping the Islanders with there first goal.
On a positive note, the Sabres actually look like they are playing playoff hockey and going down to block shots and getting traffic in front of the nets.

[Ebenezer]

We are getting torched on face offs :ill:
that has been more than obvious!

[YardRat]

We've had to bust our asses on all three goals...Both of the Isles were 'gimme's' because of laziness/lack of effort. You can't let up for a shift in the playoffs, guys.

[Ebenezer]

BTW...Nice sig, Eb :D
I couldn't get original so I tweaked the prototype ;)

[chubluv]

Alright lets start the 3rd off strong. Put this game away lets stop toying with them.

[chubluv]

That was the biggest belly flop ever

[Mitchy moo]

The announcers even said he sold it.

[chubluv]

That was an excellent PK by Buffalo.

[chubluv]

I thought we were the faster of the 2 teams. If so why are they skating around us?

[HHURRICANE]

Can someone tell the Sabres that they can't win the cup if they don't get past the Islanders.

The are playing sloppy again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[YardRat]

Damn...We dominate that much in their zone we need to come away with a goal.

[Mitchy moo]

Well darn it.

[shelby]

Ugh Miller must be exhausted.:ill:

[PcA125]

Is it just me or are the announcers on VS rooting for the Isles?

[PcA125]

OK PP time... lets get an insurance goal so I dont have a heart attack here

[shelby]

PP let's go!!!

[shelby]

Is it just me or are the announcers on VS rooting for the Isles?
They most certainly are.

[shelby]

:curse:

[chubluv]

Lets go BUFFALO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chubluv]

What a shift by Kotalik

[shelby]

Great effort!

[chubluv]

Give them another penalty because their fans are stupid

[chubluv]

RJ & JL are saying that the Isle fans were being A$$ holes during the moment of silence b4 the game and the national anthem singer recieved some boos to.

[chubluv]

We win !!!!!!!

:party:

2-1 series lead

[casdhf]

:bf1:

[LtBillsFan66]

RJ & JL are saying that the Isle fans were being A$$ holes during the moment of silence b4 the game and the national anthem singer recieved some boos to.
I'm sure it wasn't the entire arena.

[shelby]

Woohooo!:jig:
:oldskool:
i'll :posrep: all y'all in the morning.

Go Sabres!

[chubluv]

I know its not every fan, but come on thats f'n ridiculous.

[PcA125]

Its a win... I'll take it.

I dont want it to be that close though.

2-1 Sabres :- )

[Ebenezer]

I'll take the win but they got to do a better job ending periods...

[YardRat]

A win is a win, I guess.

[lordofgun]

They had an incredible third.

[pyrrhonist]

You're always supposed to be happy with a win, so I am. However, I still have some thoughts on the series overall...........


First off, nice little late hit after the whistle. Hit the ref, not Buffalo. :oops:





1) Buffalo, as we always say, must play a full game. This starting to play in the 2nd or 3rd crap gets old. I know you're not supposed to trash your own team, but if the Sabres were playing a real team like Ottawa, this series would probably be 3-0. :mad: :mad:

2) "Refereeing" (Term used loosely) has been atrocious. Missed offsides calls, phantom trips, blown calls on hits from behind, diving not being called (**Cough**DiPietro**cough**), holding, hooking, you name it. The refs need to decide---call it all, or call when you feel like it? Both coaches would have to be in agreement that they've both had times that their teams have been jobbed by a call or non-call. :down:


A 2-1 series lead is fine, but I still want more out of my favorite team in blue & gold. They still have yet to hit 100% on the ice in this series.

[SabreEleven]

Is it just me or are the announcers on VS rooting for the Isles?

They seemed pretty depressed at the end of the game....

Has Ryan Smith always been that big of crying ass, whiney pussy?

[RockStar36]

They seemed pretty depressed at the end of the game....

Has Ryan Smith always been that big of crying ass, whiney pussy?

I'd have to ask NBF about this since I've not familar with Smyth in the playoffs. I will say however, he is my most hated Islander in this series. I can't believe how much he cries like a little baby. I guess his last interview in Edmonton was the true Ryan Smyth.

[mchurchfie]

They had an incredible third.
They held NYI to 2 or 3 shots in the third period.:snicker:

[SkateZilla]

shots int eh 3rd were 17-2 sabres, they did a good job keeping it out of their kitchen

[Mitchy moo]

we blow them out wed. & blow them up friday.

[mchurchfie]

It all ends Friday!

[Nighthawk]

care to reconsider that point??

Not really, I like Gaustad in this lineup way more than Mair. Mair scores a goal and now he's the next coming of Drury? Please...

I am glad to see him contribute something more than a penalty though!

[pyrrhonist]

The Versucks team did seem to be rooting for the Isles near the end of that game. You have to admit, though---that call sucked. The Sabres got away with one, but hey---the missed Poms check from behind in Game 2, and DiPietro's Forsberg impression needed to be off-set. :respect:



Has Ryan Smith always been that big of crying ass, whiney pussy?

I've seen plenty of Smyth's games with the Oil via Center Ice, and I have never seen him whine so much. The guy usually plays his ass off, and gives it his all, sans whining. I don't know what has gotten in to him. :confused:

[YardRat]

I'd take Smyth on my team. Dude is just as much a horse as Zubrus.

[Nighthawk]

I'd take Smyth on my team. Dude is just as much a horse as Zubrus.

He's a very good player and anybody would love to have him on their team.

[RockStar36]

I'd take Smyth on my team. Dude is just as much a horse as Zubrus.

Except Zubrus scores and doesn't cry.

[Mitchy moo]

Except Zubrus scores and doesn't cry.

Smyth will be crying by the weekend.

[SabreEleven]

A win, whether it be ugly or not your best effort, in the playoffs is still a win that gets one win closer to that big shiney thing.