The Sabres were back at it today in prepartion of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Just because The Great One bailed, don't think for a Buffalo, New York minute that Thursday's game will be a two foot tap-in putt for the Sabres. Just because the owner is in a financial maelstrom, does not mean that the Desert Dogs players and new coach, Dave Tippett, will not roll over and play dead for the rest of the NHL. On the weekend, the Coyotes spanked the upstart LA Kings in their barn, 6-3, to kick off this season. They'll no doubt give Sid, Geno and the Pens all they can handle in Da Burgh.
To know Dave Tippett is to know that he is a strict task master, ala Andy Murray and Jacques Lamaire, and he holds his players accounable.
The Yotes lineup is a tasty melange of skilled players of older and recent vintage. Led by Carey Price's older cousin, Shane Doan, the forwards come ready to play ever shift. Tippett's calling card is his aggressive forecheck and his constant quest for back pressure that causes opponents to turn the puck over. Unlike Gretzky, Tippett demands that his veterand lead the younsters. Last season, Gretz and the Yotes lobbed uber-talented prospects Kyle Turris, Viktor Tikhonov and Kevin Porter into the NHL fire prematurely. Bad idea. This season, Tippett is leaning on Robert Lang, Scottie Upshall, Taylor Pyatt, Petr Prucha, Matthew Lombardi, and Radim Vrbata are joined by a talented group of young studs Peter Mueller, Mikkel Boedker, Dan Winnick and Martin Hanzal.
Vanek, Roy, Connolly and the Buffalo forwards will have to have their heads up at all times in Bryzgalov's end of the rink because the yotes have a pack mentality and they defend with rigor and persistence. Jovo Cop, Adrian Aucoin, Jimmy Vandemeer, Kurt Sauer, Zybnek Michalek, and Keith Yandle like to play human bumper cars.
The key for Buffalo's success against the Dawgs:
* Get pucks deep and plaster their D's faces to the glass.
* Make theyotes D have to skate the full 200 feet to contest and recover pucks.
* Clean entries.
* Strong recoveries.
* Create O-zone time with puck possession.
* Eliminate the cutesy carries and dangles before the game starts.
* Throw the puck on the net and crash Bryzgalov's blue.
*****
Unbeatens?
Ray Emery looks like a mere mortal afterall. Soreless after twenty minutes, the goaltening became a problem for both teams.
Washington beat Emery five times in thirty minutes of action bewteen the second period and midway through the third.
Varlamov allowed four second period goals-- three by Mike Richards.
Varlamov was lifted for Jose Theodore, who allowed the game tying goal with 4:15 left in the game.
Braydon Coburn hooked Alex Semin with 53 ticks left on the regulation clock. Emery kick saved it to OT.
Bad goaltending notwithstanding, Danny Briere scored the game winner in OT on his birthday. 6-5 Flyers.
*****
As a died in the wool NY Yankees fan, I welcome the Minnesota Twins. It took 12 innings in the one game playoff between the Tigers and Twinkies. The yanks will not have to face Verlander twice in a short series.
AL MVP Derek Jeter will show Mauer and Morneau who the boss is.
Tex, Godzilla, A-Rod, Damon, Swish, Jorge, Melky, Robbie, Mo and the Bombers are on a mission.
Yanks will use their home field advantage to squeeze the life out of the Twinkies.
*****
The Buffalo Sabres today announced the launch of the “Buffalo Sabres Road Crew,” a new way for Sabres fans around the globe to join together and support their favorite hockey team.
To become part of the “Road Crew,” it’s as simple as registering for free at sabres.com. That’s where you’ll find an interactive online community for all things Sabres, including exclusive “Road Crew” merchandise. Fans can connect with each other to discuss everything from last night’s game, to where they can gather in other cities to watch Sabres games on television. Fans will also be able to share their personal stories about the team, and post their favorite photos.
The Sabres will also be hitting the road to host several “Tour Stop” parties in selected cities this season on the night before a Sabres road game. For just $10, fans will be able to rub elbows with Lindy Ruff, Darcy Regier, and broadcast personalities Rick Jeanneret, Harry Neale and Kevin Sylvester. The first “Tour Stop” party will take place at Latitudes Channelside in Tampa on Friday, October 23, the evening prior to the Sabres/Lightning game on October 24. The parties will include Buffalo-style food, drink specials, Sabres trivia, giveaways and much more. Tickets can only be purchased online at sabres.com.
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