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TIME TO WORK ON THE MAN UP |
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Good to see the double-dip this weekend in Buffalo.
Today marks the one week plateau for training camp. What have we learned from two practice sessions, an uninspired walk through at the ACC and a photo opp in Roberval?
Same stuff. Different day....
The Sabres need to get their act together on the PP.
The further we get from the 07/08 season, the more impressive it is to review the NHL offensive standings. Buffalo finished #4 overall last season in offensive output. They shut the collective pie hole of all the critics who predicted their demise offense due to the departures of 48 and 23.
The Sabres overachieved in the 5 on 5 goal scoring department, despite having a ramshackle powerplay. The margin for error in the New NHL is as painfully thin than Chris Robinson from The Black Crowes (can't wait for The Crowes to land in Buffalo next month!). Its no secret that this team would have made the Playoffs were it not for a crappy PP. Toss in a couple of Shootout wins and this team may have finished 6th in the East instead of 9th.
The Sabres found their best success while playing even up. They were horrendous on the PP-- even with Soupy at the point up until the February trade deadline. The Connolly injuries did not help matters.
They left too many points on the table last season and it ultimately bit them on the ass. They won't progress and advance this season if they follow the 07/08 handbook.
They have the talent. They need confidence.
They need to strike fear in the hearts and minds of opposing PK units with crisp, surgical, passing. Fast feet. High to low, low to high; halfwall cycles.
I didn't see many of these variables on display in Toronto. Granted, it was the first preseason game and there were several Portland Pirates on the PP unit. I get that.
The Sabres need to be better with the man-up.
Just when you thought it was safe to feel good about the Sabres PP in Toronto the Monday night, they go ohfer Hockeyville and the cause for concern creeps back to the fore. Lest we forget, Ron Wilson had the Marlies on the ice at the ACC when Buffalo scored three PPG on 7 attempts. I'm all for dancing with who brung ya, however, the truth was told the next night versus Montreal. Not only Montrea's PK stone the Sabres PP, they also exploitedthe Buffalo PP umbrella and popped two shorthanded goals, late in the second period.
Say what you want about the 3 for 7 in Toronto. It meant nothing.
The cause for concern, in my opinion, is watching two above average killers Plekanec and Kostitsyn drive the puck 190 feet down the ice, unabated, on the Buffalo tenders. I have questions:
*Who were the point men?
* Why were they allowing penalty shots to go the other way?
* Where was the back check from the forwards?
I'll be watching the Sabres PP closely this weekend in the games against Toronto and Minnesota.
They have the players like Pommer, Connolly, Roy, Vanek, Spacek, Hecht, and Goose who can make them a top 10 PP unit this season. Its time to light the lamp, boys!
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The Buffalo Sabres will roll out the red carpet on Saturday night. Close your pool, finish your "honey-do list" and get down to the arena early for the party!
The festivities begin at 5:00 PM in the Plaza of HSBC Arena as fans can cheer on the team as they walk the red carpet prior to the 7:00 PM game.
Live music being provided by The Great Train Robbery.
Preseason tickets are on sale now, ranging in price from $20 to $45. Children under 12 will receive 50% off their ticket price with the purchase of an adult ticket. (Limit four tickets for each adult ticket.)Great deal, eh?
The Sabres will close out the home portion of their preseason on Sunday, September 28th when the Minnesota Wild visit Western New York for a 7:00 PM game. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Sabres.com or the HSBC Arena box office.
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