*Game Thread* Sabres Vs. Leafs

[SabreEleven]

Will Sabres score 6 goals tonight after score 5 and 7 in the last two?

[pyrrhonist]

I'm hoping we show up big time against our rivals, the Leafs. Plus, we're the HNIC game tonight, and we don't want to embarrass ourselves on TV.

BTW, for record-keeping sake (Since there is no 3-star prediction thread for tonight's game), here are my 3-star predictions:

1)Mats Sundin
2)Maxim Afinogenov
3)Ed Belfour

[pyrrhonist]

So far, the game has started off heated. We've got the usual Buffalo/Toronto flair in the game. Man, did Nolan take that stick to the face hard.

[pyrrhonist]

Great "defense" by Zhitnik there on the PK. :rolleyes:

That was as good a defensive job that we had against Datsyuk that night.

Now, we've got Peters going against Domi. There's that quality skating again by him. His first punch was a hell of a shot on Tie.

[SabreEleven]

I have to say decision to Peters on that one....
How do they let Roberts get behind them...

[pyrrhonist]

I have no clue how that defensive breakdown took place. I'm expecting Peters, Mair, or someone to face off with Tucker at some point tonight, too. The Leafs draw first blood, and we have to answer soon. Let's hope the Max or Miro of the past few games show up.

[SabreEleven]

I wouldn't be surprised if Domi & Peters go again. Tie feels robbed.

[SabreEleven]

I'm trying to watch the end of the Ravens-Titans game....very good game.

[pyrrhonist]

The funniest part in seeing that fight was that I didn't expect it. As much as his reputation precedes him, Tie hasn't been a big time fighter this year, or at least in the games I've seen via Centre Ice. He's trying to be more of a scorer. :chuckle:

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
I'm trying to watch the end of the Ravens-Titans game....very good game.

I'm flipping back and forth, as well. In fact, I'm more concerned with the NFL game right now. I expected Tennessee to win, but not by this narrow of a margin. If the Ravens had anymore offense, they'd be a dangerous team.

[SabreEleven]

Did you see that crap on Drury? Belfour hits him in the face with his blocker and Drury goes down so Sundin comes over and cross checks him about 3 times for good measure while Drury in on the ground....of course, no penalty.

[SabreEleven]

Anderson didn't make the FG by much, damn.

[pyrrhonist]

That seems to be the kind of game we've got, tonight. A game where only some crap will be called. In the first 3 minutes alone, I counted about 2 or 3 penalties (both sides) that were not called. Then, all of a sudden, the refs find their whistles. Jackasses. I guess to keep the aura of a rivalry here, they've got to allow some of that crap, eh? :rolleyes:

[SabreEleven]

But at least they could call the obvious crap and let the borderline stuff go.

[pyrrhonist]

You're asking for a bit much, aren't you? Consistency isn't a requirement of an NHL ref's job. :pee:

I'm hoping that we fire up the offense in the 2nd.

[SabreEleven]

We pretty much got ran over that period. Here is an obvious statement. We need more team toughness. Toronto looked so more tougher than we did.

[pyrrhonist]

Toronto has picked up right where they left off. The puck doesn't seem to have left our zone at all so far.

[pyrrhonist]

Thank the stars we got the puck out of our zone. Nice goal by Satan. Has he finally laid to rest the trash talk so many of you have spat upon him with his past 9 or 10 games?

[pyrrhonist]

They'd better count that, it appeared to have went in, to me. Drury scores!

[SabreEleven]

Nice goal, again...Is Dumont playing? I haven't heard them say his name once...

[pyrrhonist]

He's not listed on the game report over at Yahoo. His name isn't on there, so he hasn't hit the ice at all this game.

[SabreEleven]

I think it was Zhitnik...Somebody needs to take their stick and shove it up Tuckers a$$. but the only one that will do it plays a 1:30 a period.

[pyrrhonist]

The official tally was:

Buffalo 6:58, Chris Drury 7 (Alexei Zhitnik, Curtis Brown)

Man, even though we're winning the game score-wise now, why are the Leafs right back to beating our ass? We can't play "not to lose", we need to keep on top of Toronto.

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by pyrrhonist
The official tally was:

Buffalo 6:58, Chris Drury 7 (Alexei Zhitnik, Curtis Brown)

Man, even though we're winning the game score-wise now, why are the Leafs right back to beating our ass? We can't play "not to lose", we need to keep on top of Toronto.

good call, I must have heard that Zhitnik got an assist....If it was for Biron we would be down about 5-2, if not more...They are all over the Sabres like hobo on a hotdog

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
They are all over the Sabres like hobo on a hotdog

Good one! :wave:

And Fitzpatrick scores! I saw that shot opening up, but I had no idea that it would make it through, let alone into the net. This game is going great for us on the scoreboard, now I want to see us start to get physical out there with the Leafs. We're getting tossed around.

[SabreEleven]

I guess you could say we are taking advantage of our chances....:evil:

[shelby]

wooohooo! i love Rory!:up:

[SabreEleven]

Uhoh Shelby's here...we'll have to mind our P's and Q's now...:angel2:

[SabreEleven]

there you go, Jay, kick Tucker's :moon:

[shelby]

nah, you guys are fine.:D

i hate :angry:ing Domi.:mad:

[SabreEleven]

:lolpoint:Belfour

[pyrrhonist]

:flow:

As long as this game doesn't take an ugly turn (i.e., one of our classic 3rd period breakdowns), then I'll be a good boy.

[shelby]

i have no problem unless the two of y'all start arguing and calling each other names.:D

i am the original pottymouth, after all.
:angry:

[SabreEleven]

Hey Pyrrhonist, You're a Tie Domi:spanku:

[pyrrhonist]

Eh? I'd rather be Pat Quinn. :up:

[shelby]

:rofl:

Btw...Panthers are up 6-0 over the Cowboys:up:

[pyrrhonist]

The Cowboys should be commended for getting into the playoffs this year, so hats off to them (Unlike a more talented team like the Bills, who underachieved). However, their run will be ended by Carolina tonight. Carolina isn't the team who will represent the NFC, but they'll put an end to the Cowboys great season.

[shelby]

i dislike Bill Parcells. Giants, Patsies, Jest....sigh.

But back to the Sabres game:D sorry!

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by pyrrhonist
Eh? I'd rather be Pat Quinn. :up:

I'm calling you a bad name.

[pyrrhonist]

I know, dude. I insulted myself again, although to a lesser extent. :up:

[SabreEleven]

I still hate the Cowgirls and always will...:madfire:

[SabreEleven]

At least I didn't call you a Darcy Tucker.....

[SabreEleven]

What a dive by Tucker. what crap.

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
At least I didn't call you a Darcy Tucker.....

True. Speaking of, that was a nice oversell by him right now. Miro shouldn't have his stick hooking, but ol' Darcy dove a bit to get the call. Let the 3rd period begin........... :hitself:

[pyrrhonist]

****, and that crap dive leads to a goal. Damnit.

[shelby]

grrr Sundin:mad:

[SabreEleven]

Let's not fall apart now...

[pyrrhonist]

The x-factor of the refs has struck us first in the period. We've got to keep the pressure on. No playing it safe.

[SabreEleven]

How many times do we have to look at Sundin's goal? :shakeno:

[shelby]

lots of high sticking going on.

[pyrrhonist]

Lots of it, and no calls. You've gotta love the refs of the NHL. I miss Jim and Rick's calls.

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by pyrrhonist
The x-factor of the refs has struck us first in the period. We've got to keep the pressure on. No playing it safe.

too late, we're playing it safe...:madcurse:

[SabreEleven]

These announcer's are practically laughing at the Sabres.

[shelby]

Christ...clear the :angry:ing puck! Biron can't hold up forever.

[SabreEleven]

Our first shot on net during the 3rd period:down:

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by shelby
Christ...clear the :angry:ing puck! Biron can't hold up forever.

Double Ditto

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
These announcer's are practically laughing at the Sabres.

I wish I could be laughing, when we can't even clear the puck out of our own zone. This is a repeat of the 1st so far. This damn game mustn't get out of hand!

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
Our first shot on net during the 3rd period:down:

:const:

To boot, we've probably given up about 10 so far to Toronto. We need to create some chances, and more importantly, keep the damn puck out of our zone.

[SabreEleven]

Biron is 1st star, so far.

[SabreEleven]

At least we are starting to play in Toronto zone a little bit.

[pyrrhonist]

That was too damn close there.

[SabreEleven]

Looking on the Sabres site, Delmore cleared waivers.

[SabreEleven]

I'd feel alot better with another goal.

[SabreEleven]

and not by Toronto.

[SabreEleven]

Drury has too hit the net...

[pyrrhonist]

That was a great scoring opportunity, our best of the 3rd. Alas, no goal.


Originally posted by Sabre11
Looking on the Sabres site, Delmore cleared waivers.

Off to Rochester with you, scab! :up:

[shelby]

holy :angry:...they tie it up
:mad:

[SabreEleven]

Damn.

[pyrrhonist]

Son of a :angry:. Marty is complaining like crazy to the ref.

[SabreEleven]

did they even look at that?

[alyson]

I just start listening and I have to hear the damn Leafs get a goal!

[SabreEleven]

One good thing is that not ONE goal can be blamed on Biron...I can live with that

[pyrrhonist]

Originally posted by Sabre11
did they even look at that?

Nah, why bother. It went in the net, so it must've been off of a perfectly legal shot. :rolleyes:

I would've at least liked to have seen a few replays, but even CBC is going light on showing the replay.

Sweet Xmas, 36-15 in SOGs, in the Leafs' favor. :flush:

[pyrrhonist]

So far, my prediction in the 'Lucky Picks' thread is spot on---But only if the game ends this way. If only we can keep from getting beat by our "safe play", or the refs, then we'll be good.

[SabreEleven]

I have Sabres 4-3.....

[pyrrhonist]

Naturally, I could give a crap about bragging rights on a message board, so I hope that we win the game. 2 points is the most important thing here.

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by pyrrhonist
That was a great scoring opportunity, our best of the 3rd. Alas, no goal.



Off to Rochester with you, scab! :up:

You think he'll accept Rochester? He probably don't have a choice.

[SabreEleven]

Originally posted by pyrrhonist
Naturally, I could give a crap about bragging rights on a message board, so I hope that we win the game. 2 points is the most important thing here.


I'm not that upset with 1 point with the way they played 80 percent of this game.

[SabreEleven]

this OT is exciting...

[pyrrhonist]

Good point, as they probably don't even deserve the 1 point we've already "earned".

I was out of my chair on that last break, but damn, Belfour came through with a monster save. Damn you, Eddie!

[SabreEleven]

Still haven't heard what happen to Dumont

[pyrrhonist]

Was he ever on the ice for the game?

A double-whammy for me tonight...I got the score correct (3-3), and I called the 1st star (Sundin) correctly. That's if the CBC announced the correct stars. :up:

[shelby]

great game:phew:

[alyson]

We're doing SO much better so far than our December play. A tie is fine, we have to work our way up to consistent winning :)

[pyrrhonist]

Alyson,

Having watched the entire game, I'd say I don't want us to continue to play like tonight. We were damn lucky it wasn't 5 or 6-3. Biron was a wall tonight, and thankfully. We took advantage of our few SOGs, but that was it. We'll take the 1 point, because we need it. But we have to stop playing safe after we get a lead. We need to just keep pouring it on.

[alyson]

I agree with you, but I just don't think we can expect all that much after the really awful play the last month. Maybe I'm letting them off too easily! But I really think they're making strides. IF only they could play like they did on New Year's Eve; they just stomped all over the Caps the entire game. We do tend to back off too much after we get a one-goal lead. I wonder if that's a problem with the players, or the coaching?!?!

[pyrrhonist]

I'm not sure. I'm guessing it is Lindy's defense-first mentality. Alas, points are points.

G'night everyone, we'll "talk" to everyone later. :up:

[BironsGirl43]

Well.. somehow I knew we wouldn't be lucky enough to sneak off with the win. The Leafs really dominated huge chunks of that game. Wow.. I can breathe easy now that it's over. Glad we didn't lose.. and a point against the Leafs after playing last night is decent.. I guess we should be happy. Although ties do suck.. it's better than a loss. Good chances.. good saves.. good game.

I thought Marty played a pretty strong game. The Leafs had a lot of chances close in.. and with lots of traffic infront. And they did score 2 of their goals on the PP.. when they were left in all alone. The goals that were scored were made on plays where mistakes had happened.. (eg. Kalinin not taking Sundin).. but that's okay. A point is a point. 34 saves is nice.. I really liked the one he made on Fitzgerald.. Biron slid to the other side of the net to make the save with his pad. I'm glad to see that his record is at 500 again too

[JD]

Pyrrhonist

Do you realize, Toronto is the best team in the league right now?

And to get a tie with them is damn fine for me.

We played fine, who gives a damn about sog, most were blocked its not like we were hammered the entire game.

Oh and another thing, why post football junk here? Theres a football forum as well fyi.

Good Game.
Undefeated in 6 of 7 games.

Lookin good!

[shelby]

Originally posted by JD SabreFan

Oh and another thing, why post football junk here? Theres a football forum as well fyi.

You're absolutely right. My apologies.

[pyrrhonist]

Yes indeed, we did play the "best" team in the NHL (A subjective statement, by far), but we got outplayed last night, plain and simple. Anyone who watched the game could see that. They were tougher than us, they knocked us around. Not only that, but the puck must've been in our own zone for about 30% of the game. SOGs aren't the end-all stat in hockey, but if you're getting toasted by near 40 shots, then something's not right. If it wasn't for Biron last night, we'd have lost something like 6-3 (or worse). Thankfully Marty was on fire last night, he saved the day. Having watched the entire game, we should've won that game after getting the lead, but we decided to sit on the lead and play it "safe", allowing Toronto to come storming back (I'll of course give a minor assist to the PP that Tucker "earned" with his Forsberg antics). The point is great, but we could've earned a 2nd one had we kept playing the entire game. We've got 2 other powerhouses in Philly and Ottawa next, and we can't be playing soft against them if we hope to earn any points in those games. We can't let the Washington/Carolina/Anaheim games deceive us into thinking we have the power of a Colorado or Vancouver in terms of outmuscling another team.

[JD]

Well wtf do u expect were at the bottom of the league practically.

[pyrrhonist]

I expect this team to keep getting better. I'm not like a Sharks fan, where I accept mediocrity for years, then finally realize 10 years later that I'm getting fed a line of crap from the ownership.