Buffalo Sabres Zone

One period down and the game is tied 3-3.  The US got out to a great start, scoring 3 goals early on and controlling the pace of the game.  However, Canada’s star, John Tavares showed why he will probably be the top pick in the 2009 NHL draft, scoring once on a tap in goal, and again on a nice wrist shot high glove side.  After this goal, the game got chippy immediately, as during the Canadians celebration, a Canadian player inadvertently skated into a high stick over hanging the US bench causing a scrum and US player James van Riemsdyk got suckered punched by Stefan Della Rovere.  No penalties were dished out after this, but the intensity remained the same, and Canada would go on to tie the game.  A few minutes later, Rovere continued his antics, as he received a 2 and 10 minute misconduct penalty for hitting US defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk from behind.  I just had to post something regarding the first period, as it was very exciting to watch.  I’m sure the game will only continue to get better.  I will do a writeup on the game tomorrow morning so stay tuned and enjoy the rest of the night.  So long 2008, Happy New Year.

-Sabs Hockey Nut

Team USA hockey remained undefeated last night in the World Junior Tournament in Ottawa, shutting out Kazakhstan 12-0!  10 players had multi-point efforts, with forward Aaron Palushaj leading all players with 2 goals and 2 assists.  Local Buffalonian and good friend of mine, Tom Mccollum, earned the shutout for team USA, turning away all 10 shots he faced.  Kazakhstan, behind their goalie Andrei Yankov, kept the game close, until the floodgates were opened with 3 minutes left in the 1st period, at which point, the US never turned back.  Kazakhstan has been shutout in each of its 3 contests so far, and their only bright spot has been their goaltender Yankov.  He has faced an enormous amount of shots in this tournament and ended up making 49 saves on 61 shots last night.  Tonight will be the Marquee matchup of the tournament, as the US will face undefeated Canada.  It will be interesting to see if the US can contain the likes of John Tavares, Cody Hodgson and the rest of the Canadian boys.  One thing is certain, tonight’s game will be one of the best you will see in the tournament, so tune in on TSN, the NHL Network, or some online stream of the game, it will not disappoint before you go out and enjoy the coming of the New Year.

-Sabs Hockey Nut

A game that can be summed up in one word…UGLY.  I have just gotten the taste of vomit out of my mouth after that lack luster performance by the Buffalo Sabres who in my opinion, would have barely put up a fight against a minor league team.  Our defensive play in our own zone was Peewee level, while our passing was less than mediocre.  There was no heart in tonight’s game and if this team is going to even hope to make the playoffs, a lot needs to change.  If Lydman and Tallinder continue to not get the puck out of our own end and give up the puck on awful passes, we are headed for the cellar in the Eastern Conference.  Nathan Gerbe looks like he needs more time in Portland to develop I fear.  One of the few positives of the night was the play of Paul Gaustad who made his presence felt every shift.  He was by far the best player on the ice for Buffalo.  Adam Mair also showed his desire to play tonight, earning a goal on a nice feed from Gaustad.  Clarke Macarthur notched his 11th goal of the season on a meaningless goal on the PP with 10 seconds remaining.  It’s safe to say Lindy Ruff will not be happy at all, and the boys will have a rough New Years Eve practice.  Stay tuned for tomorrow morning as I will post results from the USA game in the world junior tournament in Ottawa.

-Sabs Hockey Nut

Hi everyone, let me start off by saying I am I huge Buffalo Sabres fan.  I have been one my entire life and will love them til the day I die, which may come soon with the way Buffalo is, my heart just cannot take it.  I’m kidding of course.  I am 20 years old and that’s about all the info I’ll dish out now about me.  I have just found out through WGR 550 that Gaustad and Gerbe will both be in the lineup for tonight’s game against Washington.  Meanwhile, Rivet and Kaleta still remain unfit to play.  The last game against the Capitals we did not fair so well, as Ovechkin and his troops took it to us very well.  I feel tonight’s match up will be much closer as a hyped up HSBC arena will get behind the home team and hopefully ignite a spark.  I would really like to see Gerbe get the monkey off his back and get that first career NHL goal because I think it could really give him the confidence he needs to show up on the score sheet night after night.  Washington has won 8 out of its last 9 games and sit in 2nd place in the conference with 49 points, while the Sabres are in 8th place with 39.  LETS GO BUFFALO and spread the word about my blog.  I hope to post everyday and give everyone my insight and some Sabres news.  I am very knowledgeable on hockey, and the NHL in general so if you have any questions at all don’t be afraid to ask.

-Sabs Hockey Nut