Archives for May 15, 2007

'The league's highest scoring team cannot get started on the power play. In Buffalo, the start of the national anthem is no longer "Oh, say can you see." It is O-for-18, the numbers for the power play this series. The Sabres were 0-for-6 in Game 3. How far has the unit fallen? Buffalo gave up a 2-on-0 break while on the power play in the third period. "Never seen anything like … [Read more...] about The Sabres are finished

'Truth is the Sabres are where they are right now for a reason. They can't play defense, and teams that can't, can't win in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Demoralized Sabres watch as season goes up in smoke

'After Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final, at the postgame press conference, I asked Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff what adjustments he could make to help his team's power play in preparation for the second game. Buffalo had been absolutely dreadful on the PP, going 0-for-5 with the man-advantage in the first game. Ruff, evidently, didn't like my question.' … [Read more...] about Sabres left powerless

'This was their worst effort in this year's playoffs. Only Miller played well, keeping his team in the game. For the third straight game they were unable to generate any production on their power play and they were unable to get anything going at even strength against Ottawa's defense. The Sabres were lifeless for long stretches of this game, especially in the first period, … [Read more...] about Senators narrowly win one-sided Game 3

'The Senators, fully aware that the Sabres got to the top this year by feasting on opponents' mistakes, are playing smart hockey. They break out along the boards and they don't take shots that might be blocked at the point and lead to odd-man breaks. But most of all, they play the game with blazing speed. Before the series, some analysts suggested that the Sabres' speed might … [Read more...] about Sens are rolling, but friction remains

'On the flip side, Buffalo's power play continued to be ineffective. The Sabres failed to score on six opportunities, extending their drought to 18 power plays in the series. The units recorded just one shot in over 11 minutes of man-advantage time.' … [Read more...] about Bad Break Has Sabres On Edge

'From there, the words of confidence rapidly eroded into actions of ineptitude, as the Senators swarmed Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller like bees to a hive, pressuring his defense into giveaways and mental blunders that fueled their assaults against him. Although Miller preserved a scoreless tie by the halfway point of the game, his teammates' forays into the offensive zone were few … [Read more...] about ECF # 3: Senators 1, Sabres 0

'A Chris Neil high-sticking call gave Buffalo a power play with just over five minutes to play, but Buffalo was unable to get anything started. For the game, the Sabres registered just one shot on their six power play chances.' … [Read more...] about On the brink