Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Nice work on the update boss. good luck with them bruins.
Nice work on the update boss. good luck with them bruins.
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Sabres punch tickets to Conference Finals
Bill Hoppe
Buffalo Hockey Beat
Well, the Buffalo Sabres are now in the final four.
Yet, they're making history. They've swept through the playoffs, and even got out of the series against the Boston Bruins with no injuries to speak of. Down 3-2 in game four, it appeared the Bruins could push the Sabres back to Buffalo for game five, until a four goal outburst got them past the Bruins, eight wins away from hoisting lord's Stanley Cup.
They head into the Conference Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that has played fourteen games already compared to eight for the Sabres. However, head coach Ron Rolston has noted that the extra rest factor isn't a indicator of how the series will go.
"It's good to have the rest, but the Penguins have been in game action throughout the entire playoffs." said Rolston. "We've had to keep in game shape throughout practice, which is difficult when you're not playing any games."
The Penguins do have a few injuries; right winger Beau Bennett (head) and Paul Martin (foot) are likely out for the first two games of the series, but a lineup with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is nothing to snuff at. The Sabres and Penguins played only three times this season, with the team going 2-0-1 against the Penguins.
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#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #2 Boston Bruins
Buffalo wins series 4-0
Game 1: Buffalo Sabres 4, Boston Bruins 0
Game 2: Buffalo Sabres 4, Boston Bruins 1
Game 3: Buffalo Sabres 5, Boston Bruins 1
Game 4: Buffalo Sabres 6, Boston Bruins 3
#1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. #3 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh wins series 4-3
Game 1: Carolina Hurricanes 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (Overtime)
Game 2: Carolina Hurricanes 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (Overtime)
Game 3: Carolina Hurricanes 2, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Game 4: Pittsburgh Penguins 1, Carolina Hurricanes 0
Game 5: Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Carolina Hurricanes 0
Game 6: Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Carolina Hurricanes 1
Game 7: Pittsburgh Penguins 2, Carolina Hurricanes 1 (Overtime)
#1 Calgary Flames vs. #3 San Jose Sharks
Calgary wins series 4-2
Game 1: Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 2
Game 2: San Jose Sharks 4, Calgary Flames 2
Game 3: San Jose Sharks 4, Calgary Flames 1
Game 4: Calgary Flames 2, San Jose Sharks 1 (Overtime)
Game 5: Calgary Flames 2, San Jose Sharks 0
Game 6: Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 0
#1 St. Louis Blues vs. #2 Winnipeg Jets
St. Louis wins series 4-1
Game 1: St. Louis Blues 8, Winnipeg Jets 2
Game 2: Winnipeg Jets 2, St. Louis Blues 1
Game 3: St. Louis Blues 3, Winnipeg Jets 0
Game 4: St. Louis Blues 2, Winnipeg Jets 0
Game 5: St. Louis Blues 4, Winnipeg Jets 0
Conference Finals Preview
#1 Buffalo Sabres (8-0) vs. #3 Pittsburgh Penguins (8-6)
Buffalo Sabres
Injury Report: None
Goals For: 39
Goals Against: 14
Power Play %: 45.5%
Penalty Kill %: 80%
Top Five Scorers
Nail Yakupov: 5-5-10
Alexander Steen: 6-4-10
Teemu Selanne: 3-6-9
Marcus Foligno: 4-3-7
Tyler Ennis: 4-3-7
Martin Brodeur: 8-0, 1.74, .923
Pittsburgh Penguins
Injury Report: Beau Bennett (head), Paul Martin (foot)
Goals For: 36
Goals Against: 30
Power Play %: 15.1%
Penalty Kill %: 88.3%
Top Five Scorers
Evgeni Malkin: 4-11-15
Sidney Crosby: 6-6-12
James Neal: 1-7-8
Chris Kunitz: 3-5-8
Jussi Jokinen: 4-3-7
Marc-Andre Fleury: 8-6, 1.94, .936
Buffalo Sabres Lineup
Alexander Steen - Steve Ott - Nail Yakupov
Marcus Foligno - Brayden Schenn - Teemu Selanne
Ville Leino - Cody Hodgson - Tyler Ennis
Colton Gillies - Saku Koivu - Corey Tropp
Christian Ehrhoff - Tyler Myers
Henrik Tallinder - Sheldon Souray
Mike Weber - Brayden McNabb
Martin Brodeur
Jhonas Enroth
Pittsburgh Penguins Lineup
James Neal - Sidney Crosby - Chris Kunitz
Jussi Jokinen - Evgeni Malkin - Pascal Dupuis
Dustin Jeffrey - Brandon Sutter - Matt D'Agostini
Nick Drazenovic - Joe Vitale - Craig Adams
Rob Scuderi - Kris Letang
Brooks Orpik - Matt Niskanen
Simon Despres - Deryk Engelland
Marc-Andre Fleury
Tomas Vokoun
#1 St. Louis Blues (8-2) vs. #1 Calgary Flames (8-4)
Calgary Flames
Injury Report: None
Goals For: 29
Goals Against: 19
Power Play %: 8.5%
Penalty Kill %: 92.6%
Top Five Scorers
David Jones: 6-3-9
Mike Cammalleri: 4-4-8
Jiri Hudler: 4-4-8
Dennis Wideman: 2-6-8
Mark Giordano: 1-6-7
Miikka Kiprusoff: 8-4, 1.44, .952
St. Louis Blues
Injury Report: Barrett Jackman (concussion)
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 20
Power Play %: 27.7%
Penalty Kill %: 88.2%
Top Five Scorers
T.J. Oshie: 5-5-10
Thomas Vanek: 5-5-10
David Backes: 2-7-9
Derek Roy: 5-4-9
Patrik Berglund: 3-5-8
Jaroslav Halak: 8-2, 1.89, .936
Calgary Flames Lineup
Lee Stempniak - Mike Cammalleri - David Jones
Curtis Glencross - Jiri Hudler - Sven Baertschi
T.J. Galiardi - Matt Stajan - Tim Jackman
Roman Horak - Max Reinhart - Mikael Backlund
T.J. Brodie - Dennis Wideman
Mark Giordano - Chris Butler
Kris Russell - Shane O'Brien
Miikka Kiprusoff
Joey MacDonald
St. Louis Blues Lineup
Thomas Vanek - David Backes - Chris Stewart
Vladimir Tarasenko - Derek Roy - T.J. Oshie
Vladimir Sobotka - Patrik Berglund - Magnus Paajarvi
Chris Porter - Alexandre Bolduc - Jaden Schwartz
Kevin Shattenkirk - Alex Pietrangelo
Jay Bouwmeester - Roman Polak
Jordan Leopold - Ian Cole
Jaroslav Halak
Brian ElliottComment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Sabres Head to Stanley Cup Finals
Wait, so you had nothing to do but play NHL all day, HW?
#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #3 Pittsburgh Penguins
[i]Buffalo wins series 4-0[/b]
Game 1: Buffalo Sabres 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (Overtime)
Game 2: Buffalo Sabres 7, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Game 3: Buffalo Sabres 6, Pittsburgh Penguins 0
Game 4: Buffalo Sabres 8, Pittsburgh Penguins 2
#1 St. Louis Blues vs. #1 Calgary Flames
St. Louis wins series 4-2
Game 1: St. Louis Blues 2, Calgary Flames 1
Game 2: St. Louis Blues 3, Calgary Flames 0
Game 3: Calgary Flames 5, St. Louis Blues 3
Game 4: Calgary Flames 7, St. Louis Blues 3
Game 5: St. Louis Blues 2, Calgary Flames 1
Game 6: St. Louis Blues 2, Calgary Flames 1
Stanley Cup Finals
#1 Buffalo Sabres (56-20-6) vs. #1 St. Louis Blues (50-26-6)
Game 1: May 26th, 2014 @ Buffalo Sabres (8:00 PM, NBC)
Game 2: May 28th, 2014 @ Buffalo Sabres (8:00 PM, NBC)
Game 3: May 30th, 2014 @ St. Louis Blues (8:00 PM, FOX)
Game 4: June 1st, 2014 @ St. Louis Blues (8:00 PM, FOX)
*Game 5: June 3rd, 2014 @ Buffalo Sabres (8:00 PM, NBC)
*Game 6: June 5th, 2014 @ St. Louis Blues (8:00 PM, FOX)
*Game 7: June 7th, 2014 @ Buffalo Sabres (8:00 PM, FOX)
*if necessary
Stanley Cup Preview: Vanek returns to Buffalo looking for Cup victory
When the Sabres moved Thomas Vanek to the St. Louis Blues during the preseason, it was supposed to be a indicator that the team was moving forward with their plan to rebuild, and give one of the best scorers in franchise history an opportunity to chase his first Stanley Cup that had alluded him in his stellar career.
Well, Vanek is going to receive his opportunity to do that, but it comes against the same franchise that traded him away.
In a season filled with unpredictability, the Buffalo Sabres have emerged as the class of the National Hockey League, and they'll welcome the St. Louis Blues to the First Niagara Center for the start of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday night, in front of a capacity crowd that know full well that Vanek, once one of the most popular Sabres, is now the enemy.
"It's pretty surreal that, after everything that has happened over the season, that we wind up meeting the Sabres now" said Vanek to a crowded press group during the Blues practice at the First Niagara Center. "I guess it goes to show to always expect the unexpected".
Of course, Vanek isn't the lone former Sabre on the Blues roster. He's joined by centerman Derek Roy and defenseman Jordan Leopold, all three were teammates with the Sabres for two seasons. Blues fans were ecstatic about the trade, acquiring a proven scorer in a period where the Blues have quietly built one of the best clubs in the entire league. Vanek, however, struggled.
With nagging injures, Vanek managed only 20 goals and 47 points in 77 games with the Blues this season. Compared to the player moved for Vanek, Alexander Steen, it looks like the Sabres won the deal thanks to a career year (35 goals and 64 points) from the ex-Blue. Yet, the Blues managed the best season in franchise history, breaking fifty wins for the first time.
While Steen's play has carried over to the postseason, Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock has enjoyed having Vanek on the roster.
"He's been a good leader and someone who has listened, complied, and made himself a crucial part of the organization" Hitchcock said. "We would make that trade again in a instant. It's nothing on Steener, but we enjoyed our finest season, and he [Vanek] been a big reason why."
Both the Sabres and Blues have never won the Stanley Cup; the last time the Blues were in the finals, the Sabres did not exist. Hitchcock was the Stars coach when they defeated the Sabres in six games during the 1998-99 season to bring the cup to the lone star state for the first time in history. And Hitchcock is ready for a fight.
"They can score, that's for sure, but we'll be ready for them" he said.
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
WE DID IT!
Let's burn this mother ****ing city down!
June 3rd, 2014, will be a day that will live with admiration for fans of the Buffalo Sabres Hockey franchise. It's a day where the capacity crowd at the First Niagara Center watched the Sabres come from a 3-1 defect in the second period to beat the St. Louis Blues 6-4 to win the city's first major championship in history.
No more curses, no more nothing, the Sabres have climbed the mountain and are officially the champions. As the celebration began, the Blues staff in the press box can only look on in agony, as former Blue Alexander Steen received the Conn Smythe trophy for his performance in the postseason.
The fans did not leave the building until they were forced to do so. Thousands of people ran into the streets to celebrate the triumph of a team that was expected to finish the season at the bottom of the standings, a team that has united hope in the city and surrounding areas with a hockey franchise.
After Christian Ehrhoff received the Stanley Cup, he made sure to pass the glory to the old guard. Martin Brodeur lifted the cup for the final time in his hall-of-fame career. Saku Koivu and Sheldon Souray lifted the cup for the first time in their careers, and Ron Rolston was handed the cup, and he couldn't keep his composure as tears of joy streamed down his face.
This was a magical year for the city. To see what can be argued as one of the greatest hockey teams ever assembled, stand united as one, being at the top for the first time. After the celebration was over, Rolston told a reporter simply:
"I can't wait to do it again next year."
#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #1 St. Louis Blues
Buffalo wins series 4-1
Game 1: Buffalo Sabres 5, St. Louis Blues 0
Game 2: St. Louis Blues 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Game 3: Buffalo Sabres 6, St. Louis Blues 3
Game 4: Buffalo Sabres 5, St. Louis Blues 2
Game 5: Buffalo Sabres 6, St. Louis Blues 4
Final Buffalo Sabres Playoff Statistics
Record: 16-1
Goals For: 88
Goals Allowed: 32
Power Play %: 36%
Penalty Kill %: 81.3%
Home Record: 8-1
Away Record: 8-0
Overall Statistics, First Year
Regular Season: 56-20-6
Regulation Wins: 51
Points: 118
Goals For: 333
Goals Against: 222
Power Play %: 27.3%
Penalty Kill %: 76.7%
Home Record: 28-8-5
Away Record: 28-12-1
Rochester Americans
Regular Season: 30-31-15
Regulation Wins: 29
Points: 75
Goals For: 201
Goals Against: 209
Power Play %: 15.5%
Penalty Kill %: 83.9%
Home Record: 19-11-8
Away Record: 11-20-7Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
NHL Awards
Stanley Cup: Buffalo Sabres
Maurice Richard Trophy: Michael Ryder (New Jersey Devils)
Ted Lindsay Award: Rick Nash (N.Y. Rangers)
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Jan Hejda (Colorado Avalanche)
William M. Jennings Trophy: Cam Ward/Anton Khudobin (Carolina Hurricanes)
Vezina Trophy: Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes)
Conn Smythe Trophy: Alexander Steen (Buffalo Sabres)
Calder Memorial Trophy: Brayden McNabb (Buffalo Sabres)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings)
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres)
Hart Memorial Trophy: Rick Nash (N.Y. Rangers)
Art Ross Trophy: Rick Nash (N.Y. Rangers)
Prince of Wales Trophy: Buffalo Sabres
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: St. Louis Blues
Presidents' Trophy: Buffalo Sabres
AHL Awards
Calder Cup: Hershey Bears
Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award: Sami Aittokallio/Calvin Pickard (Lake Erie Monsters)
Yanick Dupre Memorial Award: Simon Gysbers (Toronto Marlies)
Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award: Patroc Cehlin (Milwaukee Admirals)
Jack A. Butterfield Trophy: Dany Sabourin (Hershey Bears)
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award: Jake Allen (Chicago Wolves)
Eddie Shore Award: Nathan Beaulieu (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award: J.T. Miller (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Willie Marshall Award: J.T. Miller (Hartford Wolf Pack)
Les Cunningham Award: Jean-Francois Jacques (Syracuse Crunch)
John B. Sollenberger Trophy: Jean-Francois Jacques (Syracuse Crunch)
Robert W. Clarke Trophy: Lake Erie Monsters
Richard F. Canning Trophy: Hershey Bears
F.G. (Teddy) Oke Trophy: Hartford Wolf Pack
Frank S. Mathers Trophy: Norfolk Admirals
Emile Francis Trophy: St. John's Ice Caps
John D. Chick Trophy: Oklahoma City Barons
Sam Pollock Trophy: Lake Erie Monsters
Norman R. (Bud) Polie Trophy: Chicago Wolves
Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy: St. John's Ice CapsComment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
NHL Retirements, Sabres Contracts and Draft Results
HW is hiding in yo' bushes
(ignore Saku Koivu on this list, people!)
Argh!!!!!
So, seriously, my PS3 froze at the draft, I had a nice little spreadsheet of all the retired players. So, I'm going to be lazy and type them out instead. ****ing christ.
Marc Savard & Shawn Thornton (Boston)
Teemu Selanne & Saku Koivu (Buffalo)
Ray Whitney (Dallas)
Todd Bertuzzi (Detroit)
Mike Mottau (Florida)
Francis Bouillion (Montreal)
Jaromir Jagr & Dainius Zubrus (New Jersey)
Lubomir Visnovsky (N.Y. Islanders)
Joe Corvo (Ottawa)
Craig Adams (Pittsburgh)
Sabres Deals at the Draft
Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Mike Weber to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for the Red Wings 2nd Round Draft pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft
First Round of NHL Draft Results
Buffalo Sabres 2014 Draft Selections
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Off-Season Update: Girardi signs, McBain traded
Daniel Girardi's three year deal is big news for Sabres
As the off-season began with the expected retirements of Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu, the Sabres knew that they did not feel the need to blow up the squad. As assistant general manager Randy Lane noted, the team wanted to keep the core 'in tact'.
Besides trading away bottom-pairing defenseman Mike Weber (Detroit) and Jamie McBain (Columbus) for second round picks each, the Sabres did not get rid of any of their regulars from their 2014 Stanley Cup squad. They did add a few notable names from recent squads, however.
Forwards signed to the Sabres include Taylor Pyatt, Tim Kennedy, and Luke Adam. All three have previously played for the Sabres, with Adam playing as recently as last November. All were signed to one-year contracts, and are expected to fight for position on the fourth line.
The defensive additions were the biggest. After signing Mike Kostka (another former farmhand) for depth, they made the splash by signing former New York Ranger Daniel Girardi to a three-year contract. The 30-yer old is coming off his best offensive season, with 8 goals and 29 assists during the 2013-14 season. A former all-star, Girardi is known as a tough, shot-blocking defenseman, forming a shut-down pairing with Ryan McDonagh with the Rangers.
"Adding a defenseman the caliber of Girardi was an obvious choice" Lane said. "We wanted to be a little meaner, and I can say the defense we have now will make sure of that. I love what we have."
The team was more concentrated with filling the Americans. The signings of Marc-Andre Cliche (9 goals and 30 points with Manchester), Kyle Beach (16 goals, 44 points with Rockford), and Marc-Andre Gragnani (11 goals, 30 points with Charlotte) should bring some life to an offense that struggled to score all season. The team also added former 1997 first round pick Mika Noronen to battle incumbent Andrei Makarov for the starting goaltending job.
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Season Preview: Sabres looking to repeat as Cup Champions
Harrison Wagner
EASN.com
When the Buffalo Sabres beat the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup Finals, the city of Buffalo celebrated in the streets, overcoming numerous failures in their sports history and capturing a championship in a major league. The 5-mile parade in the city drew close to a million visitors, as the Stanley Cup was front and center.
General Manager Darcy Regier managed to keep the majority of the team in tact. The retirements of Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu were imminent, and trading defenseman Mike Weber and Jamie McBain were the lone players from the championship team to depart the team.
The 2014 NHL Draft saw the Sabres with two first round picks, and hit the jackpot at the number ten selection when Sam Reinhart, who was considered the consensus number one selection in the draft, fell into their laps. There is no need to rush Reinhart, who will play another season in the Western Hockey League before pushing for a position next season.
The team brought back defenseman Henrik Tallinder and goaltender Martin Brodeur, both were expected to retire and/or move on. The Sabres 2014-15 team, however, looks identical to their 2013-14 squad, the same team that won a franchise record 56 games. Here is how the team looks:
Forwards
The team got career years out of practically every player. The top nine remains in tact, a rarity to see in today's NHL when it comes to top-tier teams. They also have the advantage of age, with six of their top nine being 25 years or younger.
The lone veterans, Ville Leino, Steve Ott, and Alexander Steen, are expected to provide leadership once again. Ott and Steen returned on multi-year contracts, with the brass hoping Steen matches his Conn Smythe-performance in last seasons playoff run. All three were very solid defensive forwards, which will help with this rag tag group of youngsters.
Nail Yakupov, on the last year of his entry level contract, is the x-factor for the Sabres on offense. Leading the team with 75 points last season, he's expected to have a new center, Brayden Schenn, this season. With power forward Marcus Foligno wrecking havoc in front of the net, Yakupov should easily match his totals.
Tyler Ennis, demoted to the fourth line last season, showed that even in limited minutes that he can score. He scored a combined 37 goals between the regular season and playoffs, and is expected to slot in the second line with Steen and Cody Hodgson centering the pack. Hodgson, who led all Sabre forwards in assists last season, should give plenty of opportunities for Ennis to exceed his 2013-14 goal total (27).
Mikhail Grigorenko, the 20-year old prospect, played in only one playoff game last season, but will get more opportunities to flash his skill. With 29 goals in 81 games, Grigorenko will be the scorer on a line with Steve Ott and Ville Leino.
The bottom line will consist of mainstays Corey Tropp and Colton Gillies. A solid post-season brought in a new two-year contract for Gillies, who had to wait for a NHL contract before the Sabres snapped him up. Newcomer Taylor Pyatt, a former Sabre from 2001 to 2006, is a dependable player. He is big (6'3, 226), but doesn't have the scoring touch (only 5 goals last season) to make the fourth line a total threat.
Extra forwards include ex-Sabres Tim Kennedy (32 games with the Sharks last season), and Luke Adam (who scored at a near point-per-game rate with the Syracuse Crunch) will fill in the lineup when needed.
Defenseman
Norris trophy winning defenseman Tyler Myers anchors the defense, but a big addition in Daniel Girardi makes this one of the best defense in the Adams Division. Adding in Christian Ehrhoff (10 goals, 51 points), Tallinder, Sheldon Souray, and Brayden McNabb (who won the Calder), the team is good enough physically to battle, yet skilled enough to jump into the play.
Extra defenseman Mike Kostka (8 points in 44 games with Chicago) is a dependable fill-in in case of injury and/or poor play.
Goaltending
It was expected to be Brodeur's last hurrah in the league, but the 42-year old, off a strong post-season performance (16-1, 1.88, .926), felt he had more in the tank, and re-signed to a multi-year deal to finish his illustrious career with the Sabres. He'll be pushed by Jhonas Enroth, who finished in the top ten in wins (34) in the NHL last season.
Head coach Ron Rolston had indicated that the team will watch closely how the battle ensures during Training Camp.
Buffalo Sabres Top Ten Prospects
Provided by HockeyFuture.com
#10 Miles Koules - RW (3 1/2 stars)
Selected in the first round (30th overall) by the Sabres in the 2014 draft
The nineteen year old Koules is smallish (5'11, 191), but already boosts a booming slap shot and good speed. Currently in juniors, he must work on his overall defensive game, as well as his passing, if he wants to become a regular NHL'er.
#9 Samuel Morin - D (3 1/2 stars)
Acquired by the Sabres along with Brayden Schenn from the Flyers in exchange for Ryan Miller
Spending what will be his last season in Juniors, the 6'5 defenseman already has the physical traits to play in the American Hockey League, but must work on his offensive style if he wants to be seen as a bigger asset. Despite his size, could use to put on weight (186 pounds).
#8 Joel Armia - RW (3 1/2 stars)
Drafted in the first round (16th overall) by the Sabres in the 2011 draft
The 21-year old went through rookie pains last season, managing only 14 goals in 76 games for the Americans last season. Still, the big finnish forward is expected to play an intriguing role in the Sabres future, as the team hopes he cracks 30 this year in the AHL.
#7 Chad Ruhwedel - D (3 1/2 stars)
Signed as a College free agent by the Sabres in 2013
The 24-year old former UMass defenseman spent the entire season with the Americans last season, but showed a finely tuned offensive game, scoring 10 goals from the point. Still undersized, Ruhwedel will have to round out his overall game in hopes of threatening for a roster spot next season.
#6 Johan Larsson - C/LW (3 1/2 stars)
Acquired by the Sabres from the Wild in 2013
The 22-year old Swede broke out with the Americans last season, with 21 goals and 54 points on the season. He is likely a year away before he makes the jump to the NHL, as he's very close to being NHL-ready as any prospect in the system.
#5 Mark Pysyk - D (4 stars)
Selected in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2010 NHL draft
The 22-year old is probably NHL-ready now, but the Sabres are being patient with the Edmonton Oil Kings product before bringing him up for full-time duty. Has improved to each of his two seasons and is expected to receive significant minutes for the Americans this year.
#4 Ty Rattie - RW (4 stars)
Acquired by the Sabres from the Blues in 2013
The 21-year old sniper had a very fine start to his professional career, leading the Americans in scoring (55) last season, while receiving a one-game call-up by the Sabres. The Sabres are hoping the prospect can break through more this season, as he'll be counted on to be a major force on offense.
#3 Andrei Makarov - G (3 1/2 stars)
Signed by Sabres as a undrafted free agent in 2012
The 21-year old goaltender has improved significantly from his early-season struggles with the Americans to become the undisputed starting goaltender this season. His reflexes compare to those of a NHL backup, but must work on his puck control in order to refine his game for the next level.
#2 Zemgus Girgensons - C (4 stars)
Selected in the first round (14th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft
The third year pro improved on a mediocre rookie campaign to hit the forty point mark, earning a one-game callup with the Sabres. The 20-year old is physically ready for the NHL, but the Sabres want him to improve on his 2013-14 numbers before they bring him up to the big league club.
#1 Sam Reinhart - C (4 1/2 stars)
Selected in the first round (10th overall) in the 2014 NHL draft
The rich get richer, and the Sabres have a prized prospect in Sam Reinhart. The 18-year old will spend another season in the Western Hockey League to work on his defensive game, but a potential franchise center awaits the Sabres once he is ready to play.
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Congrats, man, and solid offseason stuff. Only one loss in the playoffs!? Yikes.Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Congrats on winning the Cup, it looked easy. Are you satisfied with your draft? Did you have steals like Datsyuk or Zetterberg in the 6th or 7th round?Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Congrats on the Cup. Awesome post season write up as well.Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Sabres Update: No, NHL 14 is completely different from the earlier next-gen NHL games
This is a children's message board, HW....
With the recent (real life) news of Thomas Vanek's trade to the New York Islanders, I decided to pop in some old NHL games to remember how the team has fallen from the good old days of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury.
I am the proud owner of every EA Sports NHL game on the Playstation 3, and even will rebuy NHL 07 for XBOX 360 again so I can play it at my brothers house. I played a little of NHL 09 today, because I remember how excited I was for the 2008-09 Buffalo Sabres squad.
Losing Vanek means that only two players from the default NHL 09 roster are still with the Sabres today; Ryan Miller and Drew Stafford (Patrick Kaleta and Mike Weber are on the Portland Pirates roster).
Even though the game was released five years ago, it made me feel...old. I mean, looking at several names on the roster (Nolan Pratt), and it feels like a decade ago. The headshots of Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell, and Chris Drury still have them wearing the Sabres jersey; and all three no longer play on their respective teams from NHL 09. It's weird to think Brian Campbell plays on the Florida Panthers now, but man it's weird to remember he was on the Blackhawks.
I decided to play a game with the Pirates, and it became increasingly clear; NHL 09 is so outdated that playing the game frustrates me.
I occasionally swing over to the NHL forums on OS, and I hear some crying about the game, and how "nothing has changed" garbage. Playing the game on Medium, you feel like you have no control over your players; they feel robotic, void of personality, and the fighting? Oh god, at least NHL 10 was fun with the first-person fighting.
You have to get used to the fact there is no broken stick, no board pinning, every player can throw an explosive check that would be suspendable in today's NHL. It's also weird to think EA Sports felt that players like Marek Zagrapan and Marc-Andre Cliche would become superstars. Even Trevor Lewis projects to a first line center.
It gives you an appreciation of how far EA Sports has gone with the game. NHL 10 is somewhat playable still, but the letter grades for potential feel like crude, and even a player like Andrew Peters can notch a 20-goal season if you really tried at it.
I have a few gripes with NHL 14, but playing that game feels real, and makes me excited to play another. Not to mention that the free agent pool isn't littered with 85+ overall rated players. The game has come a long way from it's earlier predecessors, and hopefully, it continues on to the next generation. Because if NHL 15 for the PS4 looks good enough, there is a 100% chance I'll buy a PS4 and, once again, make NHL 15 a must buy.
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(remember, I'm simming most of the games now)
Buffalo Sabres 2014-15 Season
Record: 8-2-0 (3rd in NHL, 1st in Wales)
Home/Away: 4-1-0 (home), 4-1-0 (away)
P %: 80%
Goals For: 38 (2nd in the league)
Goals Against: 21 (10th in the league)
Power Play: 17.9% (9th)
Penalty Kill: 91.7% (5th)
Injury Report:
D Tyler Myers (groin) - expected return date is November 17th, 2014
Sabres Lines:
Marcus Foligno - Brayden Schenn - Nail Yakupov
Alexander Steen - Cody Hodgson - Tyler Ennis
Ville Leino - Steve Ott - Mikhail Grigorenko
Taylor Pyatt - Colton Gillies - Corey Tropp
Extras: Luke Adam, Tim Kennedy
Christian Ehrhoff - Daniel Girardi
Henrik Tallinder - Brayden McNabb
Sheldon Souray - Mike Kostka
Tyler Myers
Martin Brodeur (5-0, 1.80, .942)
Jhonas Enroth (3-2, 2.41, .910)
Team Leaders
Points: Alexander Steen (14)
Goals: Steen & Marcus Foligno (6)
Assists: Steen (8)
Penalty Minutes: Steve Ott (22)
Plus/Minus: Tyler Ennis (+8)
October Results
Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Buffalo Sabres 2
Buffalo Sabres 5, Boston Bruins 2
Buffalo Sabres 6, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
Buffalo Sabres 5, New Jersey Devils 2
New York Islanders 3, Buffalo Sabres 1
Buffalo Sabres 3, New York Rangers 2
Buffalo Sabres 3, San Jose Sharks 1
Buffalo Sabres 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 0
Buffalo Sabres 7, Carolina Hurricanes 3
Buffalo Sabres 2, Washington Capitals 1
Sabres record for games I played: 2-1-0
November Schedule
Games in italics will be played by me!
November 1st, 2014: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (6-1-2)
November 3rd, 2014: @ Detroit Red Wings (3-4-1)
November 6th, 2014: vs. Detroit Red Wings (3-4-1)
November 8th, 2014: vs. Montreal Canadiens (4-5-0)
November 9th, 2014: vs. Florida Panthers (4-4-1)
November 11th, 2014: vs. Ottawa Senators (3-4-1)
November 13th, 2014: @ Ottawa Senators (3-4-1)
November 15th, 2014: @ Calgary Flames (8-2-0)
November 17th, 2014: @ Los Angeles Kings (5-4-1)
November 19th, 2014: vs. San Jose Sharks (5-3-1)
November 22nd, 2014: vs. Anaheim Ducks (3-6-0)
November 25th, 2014: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (5-2-2)
November 27th, 2014: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (6-2-1)
November 29th, 2014: @ Boston Bruins (5-4-0)
NHL News & Notes
10/7/2014: The Tampa Bay Lighting have signed center Sean Dolan to a one-year contract
10/7/2014: The Detroit Red Wings have signed left winger Jason Wilson to a one-year contract
10/15/2014: The Florida Panthers have claimed center Paul Gaustad off waivers from the Nashville Predators and have assigned him to San Antonio of the American Hockey League
10/23/2014: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed left winger Kyle Hagel to a one-year contract
10/27/2014: The Detroit Red Wings have signed center Jim O'Brien to a one-year contract
NHL Leaders
Points: Alexander Steen (BUF), Marian Gaborik (VAN) & Henrik Sedin (VAN) - 14
Goals: Marian Gaborik (VAN) - 10
Assists: Henrik Sedin (VAN) - 11
Penalty Minutes: Adam McQuaid (BOS) - 47
Plus/Minus: Dan Hamhuis & Kevin Bieksa (VAN) - +14
Wins: Riku Helenius (CAL) - 6
Goals Against Average: Craig Anderson (OTT) - 1.05
Save Percentage: Antti Niemi (SJ) - .963
Shutouts: Mike Smith (PHX) & Riku Helenius (CAL) - 2
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Rochester Americans 2014-15
Record: 4-2-2 (13th in AHL)
Home/Away: 4-1-0 (home), 4-1-0 (away)
P %: 62.5%
Goals For: 22 (17th)
Goals Against: 17 (6th)
Power Play: 19.2% (11th)
Penalty Kill: 93.1% (3rd)
Fun fact: The Manchester Monarchs (LA Kings affiliate) have not scored a power play goal yet.
Injury Report:
RW Ty Rattie (MCL Sprain) - expected return date is January 1st, 2015
Amerks Lines
Johan Larsson - Zemgus Girgensons - Joel Armia
Marc-Andre Cliche - Phil Varone - Kyle Beach
Felix Schutz - Logan Nelson - Kevin Sundher
Daniel Catenacci - Colin Jacobs - Jonathan Parker
Extras: Gustav Possler, Ty Rattie
Marc-Andre Gragnani - Mark Pysyk
Drew Bagnall - Chad Ruhwedel
Alex Lepkowski - Rasmus Ristolainen
Extras: Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Jake McCabe
Andrei Makarov (4-2, 2.00, .931)
Mika Noronen (0-0, 2.31, .902)
Extras: Connor Knapp
Team Leaders
Points: Marc-Andre Cliche & Chad Ruhwedel - 6
Goals: Colin Jacobs & Zemgus Girgensons - 3
Assists: Ruhwedel - 6
Penalty Minutes: Drew Bagnall - 30
Plus/Minus: Colin Jacobs - +4
October Results
Rochester Americans 4, Charlotte Checkers 1
Rochester Americans 4, Utica Comets 0
Chicago Wolves 3, Rochester Americans 0
Chicago Wolves 3, Rochester Americans 2 (Shootout)
Rochester Americans 4, Lake Erie Monsters 3
Charlotte Checkers 3, Rochester Americans 2
Charlotte Checkers 4, Rochester Americans 3 (Shootout)
Rochester Americans 3, Iowa Wild 2
Amerks record for games I played: 2-1-0
November Schedule
November 6th, 2014: vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (6-1-1)
November 7th, 2014: vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (6-1-1)
November 10th, 2014: @ Toronto Marlies (4-3-0)
November 13th, 2014: vs. Utica Comets (1-5-3)
November 14th, 2014: @ Lake Erie Monsters (5-4-0)
November 15th, 2014: vs. Lake Erie Monsters (5-4-0)
November 20th, 2014: vs. San Antonio Rampage (5-4-1)
November 21st, 2014: vs. San Antonio Rampage (5-4-1)
November 25th, 2014: @ Hamilton Bulldogs (6-1-1)
November 28th, 2014: @ Toronto Marlies (4-3-0)
November 29th, 2014: @ Lake Erie Monsters (6-1-1)Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Indeed, Yikes! Only could wish the Sabres did that.
I'm surprised I had the chance at either Reinhart or Ekblad at the 10th selection. I took Reinhart, figuring I already had some solid defenseman in the system (goaltenders went quick), so I figure he'll be about two years away from beginning to contribute for my team.
I think Luke Philp (4th round) should see some time with the Amerks once he's ready to make the jump from juniors to the NHL. Same with Billy Jenkins and Jean Dupuy. Jacob Graves is kind of a fringe pick, seeing how the trend of players selected after the third round takes a nosedive.
If I bothered to proof-read what I wrote, it could have looked a hell of a better and more polished, but thanks for the kind words.Congrats on the Cup. Awesome post season write up as well.Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Reinhart went 2nd to the Penguins in mine... nice tank job by the Pens.Comment
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Re: This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience
Monthly Report: Pickup of Ekman-Larsson paying dividends for Sabres
The Sabres had a mediocre stretch going 7-6-1 in the month of November, with a four game losing streak added for good measure in the middle of the month. After dropping a 4-3 decision against the San Jose Sharks, the team was surprised to see a name on the waiver-wire; Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
The 23-year old defenseman, who was signed to a six-year extension with the Arizona Coyotes in 2013, had a good start to the 2014-15 season with five goals, fourteen points in eighteen games. With the return of Keith Yandle and Brandon Gormely to the lineup, the Coyotes sent two defenseman, Ekman-Larsson and veteran Derek Morris through waivers.
Toronto quickly snatched up Morris, but the Sabres couldn't resist adding Ekman-Larsson to their defensive crop. Not only did they claim him, but Sabres owner Terry Pegula sent out a private jet to pick him up from Arizona so Ekman-Larsson could make the Sabres contest against the Anaheim Ducks that night.
"It's not everyday that a franchise-caliber defenseman falls into your laps" said Sabres Assistant General Manager Randy Lane. "To add a defenseman like him on this team without giving up an asset should be considered robbery. I probably should be behind bars right now".
It helps the Sabres have lost Daniel Girardi until the new year with a concussion. But, when Girardi returns, the Sabres will be over the 23-player maximum on their roster, and will have to make a move. Some have speculated that Ekman-Larsson can perfectly replace captain Christian Ehrhoff, but the team will likely want to keep Ehrhoff for now and trade one of Sheldon Souray, Henrik Tallinder, or Mike Kostka.
Even Sabres Head Coach Ron Rolston says the team would prefer to carry only seven defenseman.
"We have fourteen forwards on our roster, and it's tough to get the extras into the lineup; a lineup with eight defenseman spells trouble" he said to EASN.
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Buffalo Sabres 2014-15 Season
2nd Year
Record: 15-6-3, 33 Points (3rd in NHL)
Home/Away: 6-3-2 (home), 9-3-1 (away)
P %: 68.8%
Goals For: 85 (1st)
Goals Against: 58 (15th)
Power Play: 17.2% (13th)
Penalty Kill: 87.1% (5th)
Buffalo Sabres Injury Report Pos Player Injury Note D Daniel Girardi Post Concussion Syndrome; expected back in January C Cody Hodgson Hernia; expected back in two weeks C Brayden Schenn Lower-Body Injury; unknown return date
Sabres Lines
Marcus Foligno - Mikhail Grigorenko - Nail Yakupov
Alexander Steen - Steve Ott - Tyler Ennis
Ville Leino - Luke Adam - Corey Tropp
Taylor Pyatt - Tim Kennedy - Colton Gillies
Cody Hodgson, Brayden Schenn
Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Tyler Myers
Christian Ehrhoff - Brayden McNabb
Brayden McNabb - Mike Kostka
Henrik Tallinder, Daniel Girardi
Martin Brodeur (11-3, 2.21, .927)
Jhonas Enroth (4-3, 2.48, .916)
Sabres Leaders - Updated: Dec 1, 2014 Points P Goals G 
1. Alexander Steen 23 1. Marcus Foligno 10 2. Nail Yakupov 18 2. Alexander Steen 10 3. Christian Ehrhoff 17 3. Brayden Schenn 7 4. Tyler Ennis 16 4. Tyler Ennis 7 5. Brayden Schenn 16 5. Nail Yakupov 7 Assists A Penalty Minutes PIM 1. Christian Ehrhoff 14 1. Steve Ott 40 2. Alexander Steen 13 2. Daniel Girardi 27 3. Brayden McNabb 12 3. Brayden Schenn 23 4. Nail Yakupov 11 4. Brayden McNabb 23 5. Henrik Tallinder 9 5. Tyler Myers 22 Plus Minus +/- Hits H 1. Tyler Ennis +14 1. Daniel Girardi 58 2. Brayden McNabb +13 2. Brayden McNabb 41 3. Marcus Foligno +11 3. Steve Ott 40 4. Colton Gillies +9 4. Marcus Foligno 33 5. Sheldon Souray +8 5. Brayden Schenn 31
Around The NHL
Waiver Claims
Buffalo Sabres: Claims defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes
Calgary Flames: Claims defenseman John-Michael Liles off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings: Claims defenseman Adrian Aucoin off waivers from the Ottawa Senators.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: Claims defenseman Dylan Olsen off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators: Claims center Frans Nielsen off waivers from the New York Islanders
Ottawa Senators: Claims center Michael Latta off waivers from the Washington Capitals
Toronto Maple Leafs: Claims defenseman Derek Morris off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes
Free Agent Signings
Minnesota Wild: Signs left winger Jean-Francois Jacques to a one-year contract
Ottawa Senators: Signs defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year contract
Connor McDavid Watch
With the 2015 NHL Entry Draft coming up, what team's are close to landing franchise-caliber center Connor McDavid?
1) Anaheim Ducks - 17 Points
2) New Jersey Devils - 18 Points
3) Nashville Predators - 18 Points
4) Detroit Red Wings - 19 Points
5) New York Rangers - 19 Points
All five teams do, in fact, have their own first round picks for this upcoming season.
NHL League Leaders - Updated: Dec 1, 2014 Points P Goals G 
1. Alexander Ovechkin 34 1. Alexander Ovechkin 21 2. Evgeni Malkin (PIT) 26 2. Marian Gaborik (VAN) 17 3. Nicklas Backstrom (WAS) 26 3. Thomas Vanek (STL) 15 4. Claude Giroux (PHI) 25 4. James Neal (PIT) 12 5. Marian Gaborik (VAN) 24 5. Daniel Sedin (NYI) 11 Assists A Penalty Minutes PIM 1. Nicklas Backstrom 20 
1. Adam McQuaid 59 2. Henrik Sedin (VAN) 18 2. Kevin Bieksa (VAN) 58 3. Claude Giroux (PHI) 18 3. John Erskine (WSH) 52 4. David Backes (STL) 18 4. Zdeno Chara (BOS) 51 5. Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA) 17 5. Kyle Clifford (LA) 50 Wins W Goals Against Average G.AA 
1. Mike Smith 14 
1. Antti Niemi 1.25 2. Jonathan Quick (LA) 12 2. Mike Smith (ARI) 1.74 3. Martin Brodeur (BUF) 11 3. Jonathan Quick (LA) 1.84 4. Antti Niemi (SJ) 10 4. Ryan Miller (PHI) 2.07 5. Sergei BOBROVSKY (CLB) 9 5. Jaroslav Halak (STL) 2.10 Save Percentage SV% Shutouts SO 1. Antti Niemi .954 
1. Jonathan Quick 4 2. Jonathan Quick (LA) .944 2. Devan Dubnyk (EDM) 3 3. Mike Smith (ARI) .942 3. Mike Smith (ARI) 3 4. Ryan Miller (PHI) .933 4. Jaroslav Halak (STL) 2 5. Devan Dubnyk (EDM) .931 5. Riku Helenius (CGY) 2
Buffalo Sabres November Results
Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Buffalo Sabres 5, Detroit Red Wings 2
Buffalo Sabres 7, Detroit Red Wings 1
Buffalo Sabres 4, Montreal Canadiens 3
Florida Panthers 1, Buffalo Sabres 0
Ottawa Senators 5, Buffalo Sabres 2
Ottawa Senators 2, Buffalo Sabres 1
Calgary Flames 4, Buffalo Sabres 2
Buffalo Sabres 4, Los Angeles Kings 1
San Jose Sharks 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Anaheim Ducks 3, Buffalo Sabres 1
Buffalo Sabres 5, Tampa Bay Lightning 3
Buffalo Sabres 5, Toronto Maple Leafs 2
Buffalo Sabres 5, Boston Bruins 3
Buffalo Sabres December Schedule
December 1st, 2014: vs. Ottawa Senators (10-9-2)
December 2nd, 2014: vs. Colorado Avalanche (10-10-1)
December 4th, 2014: vs. Minnesota Wild (12-9-3)
December 7th, 2014: vs. St. Louis Blues (12-12-0)
December 11th, 2014: @ St. Louis Blues (12-12-0)
December 13th, 2014: @ Nashville Predators (7-10-4)
December 15th, 2014: @ Minnesota Wild (12-9-3)
December 16th, 2014: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (9-12-2)
December 19th, 2014: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (15-4-3)
December 21st, 2014: @ Philadelphia Flyers (9-12-2)
December 22nd, 2014: @ New York Rangers (9-12-1)
December 26th, 2014: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (15-5-2)
December 28th, 2014: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (12-7-3)
December 29th, 2014: vs. Boston Bruins (12-8-2)Comment
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