Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

[HeroWorship]

Breaking: Quinn steps down as President for the Buffalo Sabres; successor named.

Associated Press

Buffalo Sabres president of hockey relations Larry Quinn announced he will step down from the position and will also transfer his minority ownership to his successor, Timothy O’Donnell.

Quinn said the move comes because he wants to focus his attention on the development of the waterfront in downtown Buffalo and to spend more time with his family.

“The decision to leave the Buffalo Sabres is a tough, but I believe the team will be set with O’Donnell at the helm” Quinn said at a press conference Tuesday morning. “I’ve spent the last seven years working under a great boss in Tom Golisano, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with General Manager Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff. I feel proud of everything we have accomplished.”

Quinn elects to step down from his second stint as president of the organization. He was the team’s president in the early 1990s where he hired Ruff and Regier to their current roles. He was fired in 1998 by then-owner John Rigas, before re-entering the fold when Golisano purchased the club in 2003 from the National Hockey League.

Quinn is also responsible for the marketing success of the Sabres, whom turned a profit in 2006 and 2007 for the first time since 1975. The Sabres had the hottest selling jersey in the NHL in 2006 and are currently debuting a new road and alternative jersey for the 2010-2011 season.

However, Quinn has also been criticized by the fans, partially for involving himself in hockey decisions, and for allowing All-Star centers Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to leave the club in free agency . When the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League won the league’s championship in 2008, his name was booed when mentioning the owners and presidents of the club.

He was respected by his co-workers and peers, though.

“We will miss Larry as the president of the team” said Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “He hired both Lindy and I in 1997, and we developed a solid relationship together. He allowed for flexibility to spend to the Salary Cap during the 2006-2007 season, and re-energized a hockey market as well.

Quinn’s successor is Timothy O’Donnell, who becomes the youngest president in professional sports. The 29-year old local businessman graduated from the University of Buffalo law school and has interned with the Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. O’Donnell will also take responsibility for the Bandits as their president.

His focus for now is hockey.

“We have a good influx of players on our NHL team, our AHL team, and in the pipeline” said O’Donnell. “My goal is to work with Regier and Ruff on constructing a roster that will lead us to a championship. I will ensure the fans in Buffalo get a product they can be proud of this season.”

--------------------------------------------------------

The Buffalo Sabres have made several moves this off-season to bolster the lineup.

Gone are Raffi Torres (Vancouver), Henrik Tallinder (New Jersey), Toni Lydman (Anaheim), Adam Mair (Free Agency), and Tim Kennedy (New York Rangers). In are defenseman Jordan Leopold (Pittsburgh), Shaone Morrisonn (Washington), Rob Niedermayer (New Jersey), and Tim Conboy (Carolina)

O’Donnell noted he believes the moves for Leopold and Morrisonn will pay dividends for the club.

“I’ve watched plenty of Shaone Morrisonn in Washington, and I must admit, I’m impressed with what Darcy has done to improve the club. We did lose two defenseman, but replacing them with Leopold and Morrisonn is not only a cheaper option, but an improvement in my books”.

He also commented that guys like Marc-Andre Gragnani, Nathan Gerbe, Mark Mancari, and Mike Weber will have a fair shot to make the big leagues next season.

“We will give everyone a look during Training Camp and the pre-season to see what lineup we believe is right for the club. I am very excited for the season, and for the chance to run my favorite team.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------

O’Donnell commented on the status of Regier and Ruff, whom are both in the final year of their contracts.

“We will use this season to evaluate both of them” he said. “Both are top notch at their positions, and they’ve been a team for thirteen years. I plan on developing a good, working relationship with both. We all have the same goal, and that is to win the Stanley Cup. I have a good feeling we can accomplish our goal.”

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Sabres Game night: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Buffalo Sabres 0

Jonas Gustavsson did his part in the Leafs pre-season victory (pic courtesy of turner.com)

AP- The pre-season opener for the Buffalo Sabres was a rough outing, as the Toronto Maple Leafs outplayed the Sabres, blanking them 3-0 in front of 16,542 at HSBC Arena. Christian Hanson had a goal and assist for the Leafs, and Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson had eleven saves for the shutout.

After the game, team president Timothy O'Donnell was disappointed, but notes that adjustments are to be made, and since it's pre-season, he doesn't mind the score.

NOTES- The Leafs outshot the Sabres 23-11, but the Sabres and Leafs spilt faceoffs at 12 apiece.......Patrick Kaleta won the fight in the second period against Braydon Irwin......Wednesday's contest against the Canadiens will see Ryan Miller start.......team will announce a round of cuts after the game.

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Previous Game(s)
Buffalo Sabres: 3-0 Loss vs. Toronto
Montreal Canadiens: 1-0 Loss vs. Ottawa

Sabres Gamenight: Montreal Canadiens (0-1-0) vs. Buffalo Sabres (0-1-0)

------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo Sabres 4, Montreal Canadiens 3 OT


Derek Roy scored two goals, then passed out on Chippewa after three beers

AP- Despite a sluggish game from Venzia Trophy winner Ryan Miller, Derek Roy's 2 goals, including the game winner in overtime, gave Buffalo their first win of the pre-season against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Sabres outshot the Canadiens 27-19, and won more faceoffs with 18 wins against the Habs 17. Karri Ramo kept the Canadiens in it, but a horrid third period wiped his good game away.

The Sabres will go to Ottawa to play the Senators. Patrick Lalime will make the start for the team.

--------------------------------------------------

The Buffalo Sabres have assigned the following players to Minor League Camp:

(D) Nick Crawford
(RW) Jacob Legace
(LW) Dennis McCauley
(D) Drew Schiestel

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Sabres Gamenight: Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo Sabres 3, Ottawa Senators 2


Me and John Hopkins used to light that **** up everyday!

(AP)- Despite being outshot 28-13, the Buffalo Sabres managed to win their second pre-season game 3-2 in front of 15,011 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. Dennis Persson, the Sabres 2006 1st round pick, picked up the game winner, and Steve Montador had 2 assists in the effort.

Patrick Lalime made 26 saves, and kept the Sabres in the game single-handily. The Sabres have one more pre-season to go, a game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Jhonas Enroth will make the start.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The following players have been re-assigned to minor league camp

(D) T.J. Brennan
(D) Chris Butler
(C ) Paul Byron
(RW) Mark Mancari
(D) Dennis Persson
(C ) Felix Schutz
(C ) Travis Turnbull
(LW) Derek Whitmore

[Bolts_26]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Love the photo's from the past two games!

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

So I've decided to structure the season like this:

• There will be no game-by-game updates. It takes too long. I'll have a recap after 7-8 games with in-depth information and leaders from around the league
• I'll also play every game.
• I will not post-whore this. I don't need to have my dynasty at the top of the page everytime. You look at it, good enough. Post-whoring is like some 18-year old girl on Facebook crying for attention with Wall postings
• I do "mailbags" to answer every comment. I wait for about 10 comments before I do this. I usually respond with a vague thank you to being sarcastic, funny, or a complete *******.
• And one more thing; yes I do read other dynasties, and yes, I'll comment.

I'll post the Sabres, Pirates, and In-The-System players when I'm done goofing off on my laptop in school because I pay to have some ******* teacher read from a book. God community college sucks.

Oh, and it's gay that I had to send Luke Adam, Nick Crawford, and Jacob Legace to juniors because their "under aged" for the AHL. Since it's the first year of CHL integration, they get a pass for this. All three players are 20. Now, their overaged CHL players. You know the last overage CHL prospect the Sabres had? Dylan Hunter, and he sucked.

And funny pictures will continue.

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Sabres sign 4; Forsberg, Naslund, Cheechoo among them


Peter Forsberg in action with Modo Hockey in 2009

THE CANADIAN PRESS
10/5/2010 11:49:12 AM

BUFFALO -- Three days before the start of the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres sent shock waves throughout the National Hockey League when they announced the signings of former goal scorers Jonathan Cheechoo, Peter Forsberg, and Markus Naslund to 2-Way contracts, according to the Buffalo News.

Forsberg and Naslund were signed to one-year contracts while Cheechoo was signed to a multi-year deal. The team also signed former Toronto Maple Leafs farmhand Kyle Rogers to a minor league contract. Rogers played for the Buffalo Lightning and Niagara University before embarking on an American Hockey League career.

The big names were Forsberg and Naslund. Sabres President Timothy O'Donnell said Forsberg, who's still recovering from multiple injures, will be the Sabres 13th forward, while Naslund and Jonathan Cheechoo will begin the season with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League.

"This was an opportunity that we had to jump on" said O'Donnell, who noted that all four players signed for the league minimum. "Naslund and Forsberg are established veterans whom had long and storied careers, and Jonathan is only five years removed from a 50-goal season. Even if he doesn't play in the NHL, he adds leadership and scoring depth in Portland."

Naslund, who retired after his short stint with Modo Hockey, was set to have his number 19 retired by the Vancouver Canucks this season. Forsberg is still injured, and O'Donnell said Forsberg will not play in the team's upcoming openers against Ottawa and the New York Rangers.

The Buffalo Sabres now have 22 men on their main roster with the addition of Forsberg. Naslund will begin the year in Portland to return to hockey shape before the club decides whether or not to bring him up.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo Sabres Roster

#    Player              Pos.   Ht    Wt    Age    SAL     YL 
19   Tim Connolly         C     6'1   190    29  $4.500M    1
37   Matt Ellis           LW    6'0   207    29  $0.625M    1
63   Tyler Ennis          LW    5'9   163    21  $0.875M    2
12   Peter Forsberg       C     6'1   205    37  $0.500M    1
28   Paul Gaustad         C     6'5   229    28  $2.300M    2
25   Mike Grier           RW    6'1   225    35  $1.500M    1
55   Jochen Hecht         LW    6'1   191    33  $3.525M    2
36   Patrick Kaleta       RW    5'11  195    24  $0.910M    2
40   Patrick Lalime       G     6'3   189    36  $0.600M    1
 6   Jordan Leopold       D     6'1   200    30  $3.000M    3
30   Ryan Miller          G     6'2   166    30  $6.250M    4
 4   Steve Montador       D     6'0   205    30  $1.500M    1
27   Shaone Morrisonn     D     6'4   212    27  $2.075M    2
57   Tyler Myers          D     6'8   222    20  $0.875M    2
20   Rob Niedermayer      C     6'2   200    35  $1.000M    1
29   Jason Pominville     RW    6'0   186    27  $5.300M    4
52   Craig Rivet          D     6'2   210    36  $3.500M    1
 9   Derek Roy            C     5'9   188    27  $4.000M    3
44   Andrej Sekera        D     6'0   191    24  $1.000M    1
21   Drew Stafford        RW    6'2   202    24  $1.900M    1
26   Thomas Vanek         LW    6'2   208    26  $7.145M    4
 3   Mike Weber           D     6'2   205    22  $0.500M    1

Portland Pirates Roster

#    Player              Pos.   Ht    Wt    Age    SAL     YL 
 3   T.J. Brennan         D    6'0   208     21  $0.875M    2
34   Chris Butler         D    6'1   185     23  $0.585M    1
12   Paul Byron           C    5'9   156     21  $0.555M    2
14   Jonathan Cheechoo    RW   6'1   205     30  $0.500M    2
 5   Tim Conboy           D    6'2   210     28  $0.550M    1
 1   Jhonas Enroth        G    5'10  174     22  $0.865M    1
42   Nathan Gerbe         C    5'6   160     23  $0.850M    1
17   Marc-Andre Gragnani  D    6'2   201     23  $0.500M    1
33   David Leggio         G    5'11  178     26  $0.000M    0
25   Mark Mancari         RW   6'3   225     25  $0.575M    1
24   Dennis McCauley      LW   6'3   205     25  $0.500M    1
 8   Cody McCormick       C    6'3   213     27  $0.500M    1
19   Markus Naslund       LW   6'0   195     37  $0.500M    1
27   Dennis Persson       D    6'1   181     22  $0.850M    1
35   Kyle Rogers          RW   6'3   215     25  $0.500M    1
15   Felix Schutz         C    5'11  187     22  $0.550M    1
44   Drew Schiestel       D    6'2   193     21  $0.750M    2
23   Colin Stuart         LW   6'2   204     28  $0.500M    1
 9   Travis Turnbull      C    6'0   193     24  $0.510M    1
29   Derek Whitmore       LW   5'11  190     25  $0.550M    1

---------------------------------------------------------------

Sabres Update
2010-11 Season
Status: 10.06.2010; 0-0-0, 0-0-0 Home, 0-0-0 Away
Positions: NHL: 1st, East: 1st, Div., 1st
Win%: 0.0
PP: 0.0
PK: 0.0
GFPG: 0.0
GAPG: 0.0
Injures: None
Team Salary: $53.480M

Trade/Free Agent Signings: See Above

Lines

Vanek - Niederemayer - Pominville
Ennis - Roy - Stafford
Hecht - Connolly - Grier
Ellis - Gaustad - Kaleta

Weber - Myers
Leopold - Rivet
Morrisonn - Montador

Miller
Lalime

Next Seven Games

08-Oct-2010: @ Ottawa
09-Oct-2010: vs. New York Rangers
11-Oct-2010: vs. Chicago
13-Oct-2010: vs. New Jersey
15-Oct-2010: vs. Montreal
16-Oct-2010: @ Chicago
20-Oct-2010: @ Atlanta

NHL Transactions

03-Oct-10

Carolina: Agreed to terms with center Jiri Hudler on a three-year contract
Dallas: Agreed to terms with defenseman Kim Johnsson on a three-year contract

[AustSaint]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

What are Naslund's ratings?, he is one of my favourite NHL players and I might try and pick him up for my team when I get the game.

Do you have any other moves planned?

[hockeyplaya2724]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

What are Naslund's ratings?, he is one of my favourite NHL players and I might try and pick him up for my team when I get the game.

Do you have any other moves planned?

His overall is 69

[alex96]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Hey it's Kevin! Welcome back buddy!

BTW, thanks for the copy of NHL 2004

[sraczk2011]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

I like these signings... if it were 2006. BTW, I'm giving you 3 weeks until the mods re-discover the hockey dynasties and bomb you with infractions lol.

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season



Sabres get it together, but only 15 goals?

Look at Steve Montador, thinking he's cool with those pants on

Mike Harrington

The Buffalo Sabres have began the season pretty good, 4-2-1, and have won their last three games. But something seems to be missing.

It's offense.

The Sabres have scored 15 goals in seven contests, but the brilliant play of Ryan Miller and Patrick Lalime have kept the team in games so far this season.

"We really haven't played well, and we need to accept responsibility for that early" said winger Thomas Vanek, who has only two goals to show for so far. "We know Ryan [Miller] is a solid goaltender, but we also need to score to make his job easier"

The offense has been flat. Tim Connolly, in the final year of his two-year, $9 million deal, has only one assist. Coach Lindy Ruff benched him for two games in favor of Peter Forsberg, who did little to impress the team either.

"I like how were playing lately" said Ruff. "We scored four goals against Atlanta, and we've allowed two goals in three games. It's still early in the season, and this is no time to push the panic button".

Connolly's benching could be a wake-up call, like it was for defenseman Shaone Morrisonn. Struggling out of the gate with a -4 in three games, Ruff benched him in favor of Andrej Sekera. When Morrisonn returned to the lineup, in two games, he was a +5, forming a solid pairing with Steve Montador.

"Both are feeding off each other, and playing well together" said Sabres assistant James Patrick. "We like how they've played, and we plan on keeping them together".

---------------------------------------

The Sabres Power-Play has been one of the worst in the NHL. Before scoring their first power play in the 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers, the Sabres were 0-16 on the Power-Play. Derek Roy scored the power-play goal.

"We are looking into making adjustments" said Ruff. "We haven't been able to captalize on our chances and it's been really frustrating".

Tyler Myers, who leads the Sabres in points, chimed in.

"I've hit far too many posts" said Myers. "I could easily have four or five goals, but the crossbar always comes in the way. I need to relax more when I am out there, maybe stop gripping the stick so hard (insert masturbation joke).

--------------------------------------------------------

Markus Naslund will join the Sabres lineup. With 2 goals and 3 assists with the Portland Pirates, the Sabres minor league coaching staff felt Naslund was NHL-ready.

"We felt he was always in shape, but he needed to get conditioned enough to skate in the NHL again" said Pirates coach Kevin Dineen. "He always had a positive attitude, and he was terrific with the fan base with his popularity around town."

This does spell the end of one Sabres forward, as youngster Tyler Ennis was sent to the Pirates.

The 21-year old forward was only playing 10 minutes a night, struggled offensively early on, as Timothy O'Donnell, the club's president, felt he benefited with more ice time.

"Ennis is a terrific kid was will become a solid NHLer down the road" O'Donnell said in a Press Conference. "But we felt declining his minutes even more would stunt his development. Playing in Portland will give him top line minutes and time on the power play and penalty kill. We want to see him continue growing into a NHL regular."

On Naslund, he's optimistic he'll still be an effective player.

"We are 1 for 18 on the power-play and we have not been generating much offensively" he notes. "Markus has gas in the tank. In his last NHL season (2008-09 with the New York Rangers" he still scored 24 goals. He has 395 career NHL goals, and he's played in 1,117 games. He can score."

Naslund should see third line minutes and time on the second power-play unit.

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Down on the Farm

Portland Pirates record: 3-2-1
Top Goal Scorer: Jonathan Cheechoo (6)
Top Assist Man: Marc-Andre Gragnani (5)
Top Point Getter: Cheechoo (8)
Top +/-: Nathan Gerbe (6)

Goalies

Jhonas Enroth (3-2, 2.00, .932)

--------------------------------------------------------
Sabres Update
2010-11 Season
Status: 10.21.2010; 4-2-1, 0-0-0 Home, 0-0-0 Away
Positions: NHL: 3rd, East: 3rd, Div., 1st
Win%: 64.3
PP: 5.6 (worst in NHL)
PK: 86.7 (fourth best in NHL)
GFPG: 2.14 (24th in NHL)
GAPG: 1.70 (second best in NHL)
Injures: Felix Schutz, C (wrist sprain, out 2-3 weeks)
Team Salary: $53.480M

Trade/Free Agent Signings: None

Lines

Hecht - Connolly - Pominville
Vanek - Roy - Stafford
Naslund - Niedermayer - Grier
Ellis - Gaustad - Kaleta

Weber - Myers
Leopold - Rivet
Morrisonn - Montador

Miller (4-2, 1.70, .939)
Lalime (0-1, 0.85, .958)

Previous Seven Games

Ottawa Senators 4, Buffalo Sabres 2
New York Rangers 2, Buffalo Sabres 1
Buffalo Sabres 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2
New Jersey Devils 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (Shootout)
Buffalo Sabres 1, Montreal Canadiens 0
Buffalo Sabres 2, Chicago Blackhawks 0
Buffalo Sabres 4, Atlanta Thrashers 2

Next Seven Games

22-Oct 2010: vs. Ottawa (ottawa won previous meeting 4-2 on 08 Oct 2010)
23-Oct 2010: @ New Jersey (new jersey won previous meeting 2-1 in a shootout on 13-Oct 2010)
26-Oct 2010: @ Philadelphia
29-Oct 2010: @ Atlanta (buffalo won previous meeting 4-2 on 20-Oct 2010)
30-Oct 2010: @ Dallas
03-Oct 2010: vs. Boston
05-Oct 2010: @ Montreal (buffalo won previous meeting 1-0 on 15 Oct 2010)

Top 5 Sabres

1: Tyler Myers (0-6-6)
T2: Steve Montador (2-2-4)
T2: Derek Roy (4-0-4)
T2: Jason Pominville (2-2-4)
T2: Jochen Hecht (1-3-4)
T2: Drew Staford (1-3-4)

Top 5 NHL Points

T1: Martin St. Louis, TB (11)
T1: Ryan Getzlaf, ANA (11)
3: Corey Perry, ANA (10)
T4: Simon Gagne, TB (9)
T4: Jason Blake, ANA (9)

NHL Transactions

18-Oct 2010

Montreal - Signs center Ryan Potluny to a two year contract

14-Oct 2010

Washington - Signed defenseman Christoph Schubet to a three-year contract

Fan Mail

Bolts_26: Love the photo's from the past two games!

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy: I'm very happy I created enjoyment for you.

AustSaint: What are Naslund's ratings?, he is one of my favourite NHL players and I might try and pick him up for my team when I get the game.

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy: His overall is a 74. Here are a few notable ratings:

Deking: 75
Hand-Eye: 82
Offensive Awarness: 80
Passing: 80
Puck Control: 80
Slap Shot Accuracy: 65
Slap Shot Power: 77
Wrist Shot Accuracy: 70
Wrist Shot Power: 78
Speed: 76
Durability: 68
Stick Checking: 70

Do you have any other moves planned?

The Naslund move is my lone move at the moment. Depending on my success, I may be ready to try to sell off Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, or Jochen Hecht. Connolly and Grier have experiencing contracts, and I feel Hecht may not justify his pay.

Others to note are potentially a left handed shot defenseman or a injured-prone Swede who wears crocs.

hockeyplaya2724: His overall is 69

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy: His overall is a 74.

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gblpZpkVE44

(Watch)

alex96: Hey it's Kevin! Welcome back buddy!

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy: Woah, WOAH, WOAH. We can't reveal my second life as a kid named Kevin who does stuff other than post on message boards, good sir.

BTW, thanks for the copy of NHL 2004

Anytime. Still working decent?

sraczk2011: I like these signings... if it were 2006.

Glad I quit Tim Hortons guy: Watch it. There's a reason I got them for all around $2,000,000. And c'mon, who can't resist signing aging players? The Toronto Maple Leafs did that for five years in the early 2000s.

BTW, I'm giving you 3 weeks until the mods re-discover the hockey dynasties and bomb you with infractions lol.

THEY WANT A WAR?!?!?!?!?

THEY GOT ONE CHICO!!!!

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Sabres Make Blockbuster Move; ship Vanek, Grier to Los Angeles


Vanek's early season struggles and inconsistent play led to the move

Associated Press

Thomas Vanek is no longer a Sabre.

The former 5th overall selection of the 2003 NHL Draft was traded along with right winger Mike Grier to the Los Angeles Kings for the Kings first round picks in 2011 and 2012.

Sabres team president Timothy O'Donnell explained the move to the baffled reporters at the press conference why, 13 games in, the Sabres traded their star player and best grinder.

"We made the move because we felt Thomas would be a better fit somewhere else." said O'Donnell. "We realized there was going to be some backlash, but in my opinion we are better for making the move."

"We wish both Vanek and Mike Grier the best of luck in Los Angeles and throughout their entire careers".

Rumors swirled over the last week the team put Vanek on the block. In twelve games with the Sabres, Vanek only scored two goals.

Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi was happy with the moves.

"We are adding a 40-goal scorer to our lineup and a solid checking line forward" said Lombardi. "We gave up draft picks, but you often don't have the opportunity to trade for a left winger like Vanek in his prime. This was a absolute no-brainer."

Vanek is expected to be on a line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, while Mike Grier should play with Alexei Ponikarovsky and Jarrett Stoll. The Kings play the Buffalo Sabres on November 19th at HSBC Arena.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sabres recalled left winger/center Tyler Ennis from Portland after the team was shutout by the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars. In two games, Ennis has two goals and two assists and made the AHL look too easy in his demotion.

In four games with the Pirates, Ennis had 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points.

"The demotion was a wake-up call" said Ennis. "Since they've traded away Vanek, I know they expect a lot out of me. I hope to prove to the club that I belong here."

Ennis has been playing with Derek Roy and Jason Pominville, and the line together led to a 3-0 win against the Bruins and a 4-3 win over the Canadiens.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Peter Forsberg has had trouble with his ankle, and was sent down to Portland on a conditioning assignment. In four games, he has a goal and three assists.

"My ankle hasn't been feeling too well, and I want to be 100%" said Forsberg, who is expected to play for Portland over the weekend. "I hope I can return to the Sabres and become a factor."

For now, the absence of Grier meant that Nathan Gerbe was recalled from Portland to fill the void. Depending on Forsberg's health, he could be with the Sabres full-time starting Tuesday.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Andrej Sekera has impressed the coaching staff with his play despite not playing every day.

With seven defenseman on the roster, it's been difficult to give ice time to everyone. Sekera has played in only seven games, while Jordan Leopold (11), Shaone Morrisonn (12), and Mike Weber (12) have played in more.

"Andrej's shown a lot of maturity throughout this" said Sabres Assistant Coach James Patrick. "We feel he can play, and his play is helping our team win hockey games."

Sekera is second on the team in plus/minus with a +5 and has formed a good pairing with Tyler Myers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Down on the Farm

Portland Pirates record: 10-2-1
Top Goal Scorer: Jonathan Cheechoo (11)
Top Assist Man: Marc-Andre Gragnani (10)
Top PIMs leader: Travis Turnbull (22)
Top +/-: Jonathan Cheechoo (9)

Goalies

Jhonas Enroth (8-2, 2.38, .916)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabres Update
2010-11 Season
Status: 11.06.2010; 8-5-1, 4-2-0 Home, 4-3-0 Away
Positions: NHL: 5th, East: 5th, Div., 2nd
Win%: 60.7
PP: 16.0 (26th)
PK: 87.5 (4th)
GFPG: 2.14 (29th)
GAPG: 1.79 (1st)
Injures: Felix Schutz, C (wrist sprain, should be back by the weekend)
Team Salary: $45.685M

Trade/Free Agent Signings:
11.04.2010: The Buffalo Sabres acquire a first round selection in 2011 and first round selection in 2012 from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for left winger Thomas Vanek and right winger Mike Grier

Lines

Ennis - Roy - Pominville
Hecht - Niedermayer - Stafford
Naslund - Connolly - Grier
Ellis - Gaustad - Kaleta

Sekera - Myers
Leopold - Rivet
Morrisonn - Montador

Miller (7-5, 1.87, .928)
Lalime (1-1, 0.89, .956)

Previous Seven Games

Ottawa Senators 4, Buffalo Sabres 2
Buffalo Sabres 3, New Jersey Devils 1
Buffalo Sabres 3, Philadelphia Flyers 0
Atlanta Thrashers 4, Buffalo Sabres 0
Dallas Stars 1, Buffalo Sabres 0
Buffalo Sabres 3, Boston Bruins 0
Buffalo Sabres 4, Montreal Canadiens 3

Next Seven Games

11.06.2010: @ Toronto Maple Leafs
11.10.2010: @ New Jersey (season series tied 1-1)
11.11.2010: @ New York Rangers
11.13.2010: vs. Washington Capitals
11.15.2010: vs. Vancouver Canucks
11.17.2010: @ Washington Capitals
11.19.2010: vs. Los Angeles Kings

Top 5 Sabres

1: Jason Pominville (4-6-10)
2: Tyler Myers (0-9-9)
3: Derek Roy (8-0-8)
T4: Drew Stafford (1-4-5)
T4: Tyler Ennis (2-3-5)
T4: Jochen Hecht (2-3-5)
T4: Steve Montador (2-3-5)

Top 5 NHL Points

T1: Matt Moulson, NYI (7-12-19)
T1: Kyle Okposo, NYI (9-10-19)
T1: Martin St. Louis, TB (4-15-19)
T4: Patrick Kane, CHI (5-13-18)
T4: Sidney Crosby, PIT (9-9-18)
T4: Devin Setoguchi, SJ (4-14-18)

NHL Transactions

10.28.2010: Philadelphia Flyers sign defenseman Brendan Bell to a one-year contract
11.01.2010: Anaheim Ducks sign goaltender Ray Emery to a three-year deal
11.02.2010: Washington Capitals sign goaltender Stefan Ridderwall to a two-year deal
11.04.2010: The Los Angeles Kings have acquired left winger Thomas Vanek and right winger Mike Grier from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a first round pick in 2011 and a first round pick in 2012
11.04.2010: Calgary Flames claim goaltender Erik Ersberg off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings

[HeroWorship]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Sabres Edge: Sekera earning stripes


In order to make him feel important, he was assigned as bag bitch

Curtis Colaiacovo

When the 2010-2011 season began, Andrej Sekera found himself as the seventh defenseman on the roster. Beaten out by rookie Mike Weber, Sekera, who has one year remaining on his contract, worried.

“I’d be lying to you if I didn’t admit I felt a bit worried” said Sekera, who is currently being paired with the 6’8 Tyler Myers. “I felt I had a strong pre-season, but the coaching staff and front office felt differently. I was happy to take advantage of the chance to seize my job back.”

Sekera found himself in the Sabres first few games, when Head Coach Lindy Ruff benched Shaone Morrisonn and Jordan Leopold for him. Sekera played well, but both Morrisonn and Leopold responded well after the benching’s and it was difficult to get him on the ice.

When Mike Weber was scratched after an embarrassing game, Sekera took him spot and never looked back. In fact, before Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals, Weber was sent down to Portland.

“I feel bad that Mike had to be sent down, but at the same time I knew it was better for me because it meant I would receive more playing time” Sekera said.

Sekera has saw time on the Power Play and receiving first line pairing minutes with Myers. Sekera’s +10 in 14 games ties him for the team lead with Myers and Rob Niedermayer. In Friday’s 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, Sekera scored his first goal of the season, on the power play, beating goaltender Jonathan Quick glove side.

Sekera has averaged 23 minutes a game, meaning Ruff has been impressed with the effort.

“I’m trying to give time to the players whom I feel will help our team the most” said Ruff, “and I feel that Andrej has done just that.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Sending Mike Weber down meant a logjam at defense for the Pirates. Sabres President Timothy O’Donnell responded by trading one of them.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, who was playing his fourth season in the American Hockey League, was sent to the Washington Capitals in exchange for the Capitals 7th round selection in the 2011 draft.

The former 3rd round pick (87th overall) by the Sabres, played in 6 NHL games for the Sabres, mostly as a left winger.

“We liked Marc, but we also realized that we have other players whom we feel deserve the playing time” said O’Donnell. “We do believe Marc can become a successful NHL defenseman, but it wasn’t going to be for the Sabres.”

Gragnani, in 16 games for the Pirates, had a goal and 11 assists, but was also a -3.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sabres goaltending has been the success coming into the first quarter of the NHL season. The Sabres have only allowed 34 goals in 21 games, tops in the NHL.

Ryan Miller is 11-6 with a 1.73 goals against average and .930 save percentage. Numbers like that have already whispered Venzia talk once again.

“I’m not trying to focus on that, I am focused on winning hockey games” said Miller. “Our offense has been picking up their game over the last few games, which is a good sign for the team.”

Backup Patrick Lalime has been no slouch either. Many Sabres fans were puzzled when the team re-signed him to a one-year deal in July, but some of the critics have been silenced for now, as Lalime is 2-2 with a 0.93 goals against average and .955 saves percentage.

Oh, and the Sabres have 7 shutouts. In 21 games.

It may not be as impressive as George Hainsworth mark of 22 shutouts in 44 games for the Montreal Canadiens in 1928-29, but darn impressive in the scorefest of the NHL today. Miller’s and Lalime’s numbers are near World War II era.

“I guess that’s good” joked Lalime.

-------------------------------------------

Thomas Vanek and Mike Grier returned to HSBC Arena for the first time since being traded earlier in the month. Despite being traded, both were very respective towards the Sabres.

“I had a good time in Buffalo, and I still love the fans” said Vanek, whom since the trade has 6 goals and an assist in 6 games. “Management was honest with me, and they traded I and Mike to a solid organization.”

Grier was similar.

“I still plan on keeping my home in Western New York” said Grier. “I still talk to [team president] O’Donnell every week.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Down on the Farm

Portland Pirates record: 11-4-1
Top Goal Scorer: Jonathan Cheechoo (14)
Top Assist Man: Nathan Gerbe (11)
Top PIMs leader: Tim Conboy (22)
Top +/-: Nathan Gerbe (11)

Goalies

Jhonas Enroth (9-3, 2.90, .900)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sabres Update
2010-11 Season
Status: 11.20.2010; 13-6-2, 7-2-0 Home, 6-4-1 Away
Positions: NHL: 4th, East: 3rd, Div., 1st
Win%: 66.7
PP: 18.6 (24th)
PK: 83.7 (5th)
GFPG: 2.33 (27th)
GAPG: 1.62 (1st)
Injures: None
Team Salary: $45.685M

Trade/Free Agent Signings:
11.17.2010- The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a seventh round selection in the 2011 draft

Lines

Ennis - Roy - Pominville
Hecht - Niedermayer - Connolly
Naslund - Gaustad - Stafford
Ellis - Forsberg - Kaleta

Sekera - Myers
Leopold - Rivet
Morrisonn - Montador

Miller (11-6, 1.73, .930)
Lalime (2-2, 0.93, .955)

Previous Seven Games

Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (OT)
Buffalo Sabres 3, New Jersey Devils 0
New York Rangers 3, Buffalo Sabres 0
Buffalo Sabres 5, Washington Capitals 0
Buffalo Sabres 4, Vancouver Canucks 3
Buffalo Sabres 3, Washington Capitals 1
Buffalo Sabres 3, Los Angeles Kings 0

Next Seven Games

11.20.2010: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (14-4-1)
11.24.2010: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (14-6-0)
11.26.2010: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (3-14-1, lost previous meeting 2-1)
11.27.2010: @ Montreal Canadiens (10-8-1, won previous meeting 4-3)
12.03.2010: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (9-7-0)
12.04.2010: @ Ottawa Senators (10-8-1, Ottawa leads season series 2-0)
12.07.2010: @ Boston Bruins (10-6-1, won previous meeting 3-0)

Sabres Leaders

Buffalo Sabres Leaders - 2010-11 Season

Points	Pts.	Goals	G
1. Jason Pominville	15	1. Derek Roy	11
2. Tyler Myers	14	2. Jason Pominville	7
3. Derek Roy	13	3. Rob Niedermayer	5
4. Tyler Ennis	11	4. Tim Connolly	4
5. Tim Connolly	9	5. Jochen Hecht	3
Assists	A	Penalty Minutes	PIM
1. Tyler Myers	14	1. Drew Stafford	38
2. Tyler Ennis	8	2. Rob Niedermayer	31
3. Jason Pominville	8	3. Shaone Morrisonn	25
4. Drew Stafford	5	4. Jordan Leopold	19
5. Jochen Hecht	5	5. Jason Pominville	19
Plus Minus	+/-	Hits	HITS
1. Andrej Sekera	10	1. Tyler Myers	78
2. Rob Niedermayer	10	2. Shaone Morrisonn	60
3. Tyler Myers	10	3. Steve Montador	44
4. Jason Pominville	7	4. Andrej Sekera	32
5. Tyler Ennis	6	5. Craig Rivet	31

NHL Leaders

National Hockey League Leaders - 2010-11 Season

Points	Pts.	Goals	G
1. Bobby Ryan (ANA)	26	1. Bobby Ryan (ANA)	15
2. Sidney Crosby (PIT)	26	2. Eric Staal (CAR)	15
3. Marian Hossa (CHI)	26	3. Michael Frolik (FLA)	13
4. Martin St. Louis (TB)	25	4. Radim Vrbata (PHX)	12
5. Matt Moulson (NYI)	25	5. Sidney Crosby (PIT)	12
Assists	A	Penalty Minutes	PIM
1. Daniel Briere (PHI)	19	1. Rick Rypien (VAN)	75
2. Martin St. Louis (TB)	19	2. Chris Thorburn (ATL)	53
3. Patrick Sharp (CHI)	18	3. Daniel Carcillo (PHI)	53
4. Matt Moulson (NYI)	17	4. Jared Boll (CLB)	48
5. Paul Martin (PIT)	16	5. Ben Eager (ATL)	48
Plus Minus	+/-	Hits	HITS
1. Pascal Dupuis (PIT)	15	1. Tyler Myers (BUF)	78
2. Sidney Crosby (PIT)	15	2. Andy Sutton (ANA)	71
3. Saku Koivu (ANA)	15	3. Sheldon Brookbank (ANA)	69
4. Chris Kunitz (PIT)	15	4. Brooks Orpik (PIT)	65
5. Nikita Filatov (CLB)	13	5. Boris Valabik (ATL)	64
Wins	W	Losses	L
1. Jonas Hiller (ANA)	12	1. Jean-Sebastien Giguere (TOR)	14
2. Ryan Miller (BUF)	11	2. Martin Brodeur (NJ)	11
3. Mike Smith (TB)	11	3. Pekka Rinne (NAS)	10
4. Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT)	11	4. Michael Leighton (PHI)	10
5. Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX)	11	5. Jimmy Howard (DET)	10
Goals Against Average	G.AA	Save Percentage	SV%
1. Ryan Miller (BUF)	1.73	1. Ryan Miller (BUF)	.930
2. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)	2.07	2. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)	.930
3. Miikka Kiprusoff (CAL)	2.22	3. Miikka Kiprusoff (CAL)	.925
4. Roberto Luongo (VAN)	2.33	4. Jonas Hiller (ANA)	.923
5. Jonas Hiller (ANA)	2.52	5. Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX)	.920
Shutouts	SO	Rookie Point Leader	Pts.
1. Ryan Miller (BUF)	6	1. Matt Belesky (ANA)	13
2. Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX)	3	2. Tyler Ennis (BUF)	11
3. Semyon Varlamov (WAS)	3	3. Bryan Bickell (CHI)	10
4. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)	2	4. Alex Berry (TB)	8
5. Nikolai Khabibulin (EDM)	2	5. Logan Couture (SJ)	6

NHL Transactions

11.07.2010: Columbus Blue Jackets sign right winger Per Aslund to a one-year deal
11.07.2010: New York Rangers sign defenseman Lars Lokken Ostli to a one-year deal
11.08.2010: Colorado Avalanche sign defenseman Rob Kwiet to a two-year deal
11.12.2010: Pittsburgh Penguins sign right winger Brady Leavold to a one-year deal
11.16.2010: Edmonton Oilers sign defenseman Deron Quint to a three-year deal
11.17.2010: The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2011 NHL draft.

[onlybygrace]

Re: Is he dead, Gorilla? A Buffalo Sabres Season

Good stuff...man your GF/GA numbers are low...you must be playing short periods, eh? Anyways...yeah...I dig it...it makes me laugh too.