Archives for October 31, 2009

Game notes (NewYorkIslanders.com)

Buffalo (8-1-1) at New York (3-4-5) (AP)

Buffalo Sabres (8-1-1) at New York Islanders (3-4-5) (The Sports Network)

Isles host Sabres, seek third straight win (NHL.com)

‘The tidal wave of Blue & White roared down the QEW and over the Peace Bridge. What the horde of Leafs fans saw was one of their best performances of the year as they almost stole one from the soaring Buffalo Sabres.’

‘The Sabres certainly were not the best team in HSBC Arena on Friday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs swarmed the Buffalo zone for long stretches, dominating everyone in Blue and Gold with one exception — Ryan Miller. The goaltender turned aside 33 shots, including 15 in the third period, giving the Sabres a 3-2 overtime victory.’

‘Everybody was guilty of something against the Leafs, yet the Sabres left HSBC Arena with a 3-2 victory in overtime. One reason: Ryan Miller.’

‘The first trip Friday taught him a lesson about the Sabres’ variable pricing plan. Stempniak purchases tickets for his immediate family when he visits HSBC Arena, and his game with the Blues last season was a value game. The appearances by the Leafs fall in the gold or platinum range, which costs the 26-year-old two or three times as much per ducat.’

‘But two years into the Brian Burke regime, the same problems seem prevalent. The Leafs keep snubbing mid-level free agents and hoping that July 1 splashes will make the difference.’

‘Miller made a few huge saves, none bigger than when he stopped Western New York native Lee Stempniak in the second period on a breakaway after a giveaway near center ice. He made another great save on Stempniak nearly six minutes into the third when the West Seneca native took a cross-ice feed from Ian White that Miller slid across and got a pad on.’

Monster’s magic can’t save Leafs (Toronto Sun)

Kessel still waiting but itchin’ to go (Toronto Sun)

Leafs replay (Toronto Sun)

Leafs go unrewarded again (Toronto Star)

Two stars, two stats (Toronto Star)

Leafs fall short against Buffalo (Toronto Globe and Mail)

Winning effort not enough against Miller (National Post)

Photo gallery (MapleLeafs.com)

Photo gallery (Sabres.com)

Photo gallery (AP)

‘Miller improved to 8-0-1, and the Sabres (8-1-1) won their fourth straight game to match their second-best start after 10 games since entering the NHL in 1970.’

‘However, with Stajan still in the penalty box to start overtime, Connolly took a feed from Derek Roy at the point, wound up and sent a sizzling shot into the back of the net through a screen.’