This is Gonna Hurt: The Buffalo Sabres Experience

[HeroWorship]

Enroth interview


Jhonas needs no helmet, because helmets are gay*

The Buffalo Sabres success during the 2013-14 season has been the feel-good hockey story of the year. Currently tops in the NHL, the team has saw improvement from it's latest star, goaltender Jhonas Enroth.

Drafted in the second round of the 2006 NHL Draft (thanks Vancouver!), Enroth was given the keys to the starting goaltending spot after the team traded away long-time starter Ryan Miller to Philadelphia. While goaltending has been a moot point for the fans, Enroth has improved dramatically over the last month, and is tied for the league lead in wins with 23.

We had the chance to sit down with the goaltender, covering a whole range of topics, including playing in the Olympics, being the starter, and what he enjoys to do in his off-time.

(note, questions in bold, Enroth's answers unbolded. You're welcome)

It seems like yesterday when Rolston announced you as the starting goaltender for the club. How does it feel to be in such an important position for a contending team?

It's a good feeling. We have a very good club around us, we've improved offensively to help our surge into first place. Obviously, having competition in Steve Mason and Matt Hackett in Rochester helps, because I know I am a few bad starts away from going back to the pine. It keeps you focused.

That reminds me, how has your relationship been with Mason? Both of you want to start after all

He's been great! People forget he has won the Calder [2008-09] and he's my age, so we have a lot in common. I know he wants the majority of the starts, and what goaltender doesn't? But he has never complained once, and we always support each other in starts. Unlike my idol [former Flyers goaltender Pelle Lindbergh], we are always in contact with one another and even hang out outside the rink.

On Pelle, you guys have similar styles. Both of you are 5'9, drafted in the second round, and are Swedish. And on top of it, you're at the age when he won the Vezina [in 1984-85]. Do you still view Pelle in the same light?

He was revolutionary to the influx of European goaltenders coming over to play in the NHL. He proved that even European goaltenders can play just as good, if not better, than our North American counterparts. It's sad he died before I was born, because he's someone whose brain I'd like to pick. Thankfully, the Sabres have a good goalie coach [Jim Corsi], and even Dominik Hasek comes around to give advice.

You made the Swedish Olympic team. Although you'll likely backup Henrik Lundqvist, how much of a honor is it to be on the team?

I'm extremely honored to joined Tre Konnors in the upcoming Olympics. It has been my dream to have such the honor. Winning the World Championships last season was a wild ride, and I got to play in all the games. Henrik is the man, and someone I've learned a lot from since his days with Frolunda. I'll be more then happy to sit on the bench and be ready when called upon.

Are you worried about the rumors that the Sabres may acquire a goaltender come deadline time?

It's on the back of my mind, but I prefer to live in the moment now than worry about the future. I obviously have to play better to show the team that such a move is not warranted. I'll have to be on my A-game for that to happen, and I am prepared to do such that.

When you're outside the rink, what are your hobbies?

I enjoy basically anything; ranging from having family over to visiting some of what Buffalo has to offer. Buffalo is very underrated when it comes to theater and arts, and I enjoy checking out the sights they have to offer. I also like to relax at home for the most part.

Good luck the remainder of the season.

Thank you.

*- Was reported to the You Can Play committee, where I had to make a profound apology to Patrick Burke for use of the word 'gay'. I am sorry, and please stop calling me.
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Buffalo Sabres 2013-14 Season
Record: 34-12-3, 1st in Adams, 1st in League
Home/Away: 20-5-3 (Home); 14-7-0 (Away)
P%: 72.4%
GFPG: 4.2 (1st)
GAPG: 2.82 (21st)
PP: 33.7% (1st)
PK: 77% (28th)
Injures: None
Team Salary: $48,395,000

Points: Nail Yakupov (48)
Goals: Alexander Steen (27)
Assists: Cody Hodgson (33)
Plus/Minus: Steve Ott/Brayden McNabb (+31)

Trades/Free Agents Signings

January 5th, 2014: The Sabres acquired a seventh round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for center Steven Shipley.
January 9th, 2014: The Sabres have claimed defenseman Paul Ranger off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sabres have placed defenseman Alexander Sulzer on waivers.

Buffalo Sabres Lines

Marcus Foligno - Cody Hodgson - Nail Yakupov
Mikhail Grigorenko - Tyler Ennis - Alexander Steen
Ville Leino - Steve Ott - Brayden Schenn
John Scott - Colton Gillies - Corey Tropp
Patrick Kaleta

Henrik Tallinder - Tyler Myers
Christian Ehrhoff - Jamie McBain
Brayden McNabb - Mike Weber
Paul Ranger

Jhonas Enroth (23-6, 2.62, .903)
Steve Mason (11-6, 3.03, .889)

Previous Contests

Buffalo Sabres 3, Carolina Hurricanes 0
Buffalo Sabres 4, Florida Panthers 3
Buffalo Sabres 3, Washington Capitals 2
Philadelphia Flyers 4, Buffalo Sabres 3 (Shootout)
Buffalo Sabres 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
Buffalo Sabres 6, Columbus Blue Jackets 4
Florida Panthers 6, Buffalo Sabres 1

Upcoming Games

January 23rd, 2014: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Sabres won previous contest 3-0)
January 25th, 2014: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Sabres lead season series 2-0)
January 27th, 2014: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Sabres beat Pittsburgh 4-1 on 10/5/2013)
January 28th, 2014: vs. Washington Capitals (Sabres lead season series 2-0)
January 30th, 2014: @ Arizona Coyotes (Coyotes won previous meeting 4-3 on 12/23/2013)
February 1st, 2014: @ Colorado Avalanche (Sabres won previous meeting 9-2 on 10/19/2013)
February 3rd, 2014: vs. Edmonton Oilers (first meeting of the season)

Rochester Americans Report



Record: 15-18-5, 5th in North; 28th in AHL
Home/Away: 9-6-3 (Home); 6-12-2 (Away)
P%: 46.1%
GFPG: 2.58 (23rd)
GAPG: 2.84 (20th)
PP: 15% (25th)
PK: 83.9% (10th)
Injures: None

Points: Johan Larsson (31)
Goals: Phil Varone (17)
Assists: Ty Rattie (18)
Plus/Minus: Johan Larsson/Drew Bagnall (+2)
Penalty Minutes: Drew Bagnall (188)

Matt Hackett: 11-11, 2.39, .918
Andrei Makarov: 4-7, 3.28, .882

NHL News

January 5th, 2014: The Washington Capitals acquire center Steven Shipley from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a seventh round selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
January 9th, 2014: The Buffalo Sabres have claimed defenseman Paul Ranger off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL League Leaders

Points: Rick Nash (NYR) - 62
Goals: Alexander Steen (BUF) - 27
Assists: Zach Parise (MIN) - 42
Penalty Minutes: Adam McQuid (187)
Wins: Jhonas Enroth (BUF)/ Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 23
Goals Against Average: James Reimer (TOR) - 1.83
Save Percentage: Kari Lehtonen (DAL) - .938
Shutouts: Ben Bishop (TB) / Craig Anderson (OTT) - 6

[HeroWorship]

Quote: Originally Posted by bthomp05

Wow.. Is all I can say. Keep it up HW..

I may need to buy some Viagra to keep it up. Because it could deflate at any second, which could provide troublesome.

Quote: Originally Posted by onlybygrace

Love Steener...one of the most under-rated players in the league, although people are starting to pay more attention to him. Had an impressive goal and an assist last night. Just solid...all the time. Nice work on all this. You sim or play all games?

I had high hopes for Steen when he began his career with the Leafs. He never developed into the high octane forward like his dad was, but still a pretty solid player nonetheless. I still remember some of my Toronto friends telling me they thought he had the making of a 40 goal scorer.

I play them all, although I have considered simming some games to get quicker to the playoffs. Next season, I'll likely play half/sim half in order to keep this bad boy going.

[Tazer19]

Really like the write ups, interviews, etc. Solid stuff, man.

[bthomp05]

Great interview my friend..

[Nickflyers]

Quote:

Unlike my idol [former Flyers goaltender Pelle Lindbergh], we are always in contact with one another and even hang out outside the rink.

He was the chosen one....

Great job with this bud

[HeroWorship]

Sabres acquire Selanne, Koivu, Souray in bizarre eight player trade
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy 1 min ago



The unexpecting success of the Buffalo Sabres have made the team perennial contenders for the Stanley Cup, so fans and analysts alike knew the team was going to make a splash before the Trade Deadline looms near. However, nobody would have expected the team to make such a trade, let alone one involving the movement of eight players before the start of a West Coast road trip.

After falling 3-2 in overtime against the Washington Capitals, it was enough for Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier, as he pulled off a trade with the Anaheim Ducks, acquring right winger Teemu Selanne, center Saku Koivu, defenseman Sheldon Souray, and goaltender Marco Cousineau in exchange for left winger John Scott, goaltender Steve Mason, defenseman Nick Crawford, and Paul Ranger.

To quote no one in particular...what in the hell?!?!?

The Ducks, whom are more likely finishing near the bottom of the standings, trade one of their faces of the franchise and two useful parts in exchange for what appears to be a whole lot of crapola. None of the guys acquired are NHL stars, nor even promising NHL-caliber players (aside from Mason, perhaps). Plus, they could have had Paul Ranger when he went through waivers from the Maple Leafs originally. This has to be a ploy to finish dead last and draft one of Aaron Ekblad or Sam Reinhart, or else this trade is a huge slap in the face to the fans.

On the other hand....the Sabres have improved. Big time.

The Ducks may have also made this trade to give guys like Selanne and Koivu one last shot at the Stanley Cup. After all, the Sabres have been the class of the league, and receiving even more firepower is what the doctor ordered. The offense has cooled down since the start of the season, and acquiring Selanne and Souray alone should improve that.

But still...wow...are the Sabres scary or what?

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To Anaheim:

D Nick Crawford: 40 GP 3-17-20, -10, 2 PIM (Rochester)
G Steve Mason: 12-6-1 3.02 G.AA, .889 SV% (Buffalo)
D Paul Ranger: 13 GP 0-1-1 -9, 0 PIMs (Buffalo/Toronto)
LW John Scott: 19 GP 5-2-7 +6, 10 PIMs (Buffalo)

To Buffalo:

G Marco Cousineau: No NHL/AHL Statistics this season
C Saku Koivu: 40 GP 4-12-16, +2, 10 PIMs (Anaheim)
RW Teemu Selanne: 43 GP 13-17-30, -11, 4 PIMs (Anaheim)
D Sheldon Souray: 55 GP, 4-7-11, -17, 23 PIMs (Anaheim)

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Additonal Notes

Koivu will wear #21
Selanne will wear #13
Souray will wear #44

- The Sabres have recalled goaltender Matt Hackett from Rochester of the American Hockey League.
- The Americans have recalled goaltender Connor Knapp from Greenville of the ECHL and assign goaltender Marco Cousineau to Ontario of the ECHL.

Updated Lines (via Hot Stove)

Marcus Foligno - Cody Hodgson - Nail Yakupov
Mikhail Grigorenko - Brayden Schenn - Alexander Steen
Ville Leino - Steve Ott - Teemu Selanne
Tyler Ennis - Saku Koivu - Colton Gillies
(both Corey Tropp and Patrick Kaleta will rotate into all three fourth line positions)

Henrik Tallinder - Tyler Myers
Christian Ehrhoff - Brayden McNabb
Sheldon Souray - Mike Weber
Jamie McBain (will continue to be rotated into the lineup)

Jhonas Enroth (24-6, 2.64, .901)
Matt Hackett (11-12, 2.48, .916)*

*AHL statistics

[seb170455]

I guess Anaheim have lost their minds here. Giving away Selanne??? and Koivu for nothing. Good depth trade.

[bthomp05]

Holy crap, nice work with the trade.. And I believe your right about the Ducks - looking for that 1st pick.