If looks could kill, many people would have been lying on the floor of Thomas Vanek's locker. The Sabres leading scorer was deservedly upset at the third period collapse his team vs. Florida. Another home game. Another third period lead. Another disappointing result. Another loss on home ice to a team that this Sabres squad should be running out of the building.
Vanek and Matt Ellis were Buffalo's best players in this gong show. The line of 26-72-29 were not great for large chunks of the game because they refused to get pucks deep. Adam and Pominville were gulity of carrying the puck through two defenders at the blue line,rather than getting pucks deep and establiching the forecheck. The Ellis-McCormick-Boyes line were Buffalo;s best forward unit on this night because they executed Lindy Ruff's game plan to a tee: they played north/south, not east/west like the other nine forwards did. More on that later.
When asked what is the next step to get his team's heads out of the 300 level and back where it belongs, in the game late in third period. Vanek tersely responded:
"We have to go back to work. We don't take anything good out of it (the Florida game). We sucked. We deserved to lose, and thats what we did. "
Jason Pominville was equally as perplexed and and angry after the loss. The captain admitted that he and his linemates did not have their mojo workin against Florida.
What exactly went wrong?
'Turnovers. Not getting pucks deep. They (the Cats) got pucks deep and they created chances by just throwing pucks at the net".
What could you have done differently.
"Moving around is what you have to do with so many teams collapsing. Only one of our lines did what they were supposed to do (22-8-37). Even our line (26-72-9) we didnt do a good enough job of creating things for ourselves. It was a tough game where we werent moving the way we needed to. This is a very tough one to accept".
When Buffalo has a 2-1 lead late in the third period of most games, turn outthe lights. The party's over. Not Saturday night.
The Sabres snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Whatever Gerbe chirped at the ref on the way to the box got him rung up with a damning double minor. He was assessed a trip and an unsportsmanlike penalty. Perhaps next time, Gerbe will shut up and sit down when he's told to. After the game, Gerbe told the media that he did not swear at the ref and that he simply questioned the ref aboutthe tripping penalty. Gerbe says that he laughed at the ref when he told the diminutive winger what his offense was. Gerbe continued laughing, when the ref alledgedly told him to knock it off and sit down. Sounds like Gerbe got what he deserved. No discipline.
If only the 11 forwards and 6 D worked their asses off like Matt Ellis did on Saturday night, this loss would have been a win, no questions asked.
Ellis was by far Buffalo's best player in an otherwise lethargic, listless game.
I told Ellis after the game that I thought he got screwed twice: his goal was a goal, and, he should have been one of the three starts of the game for maxing out his talents and working like a plow horse.
"Thank, man. I appreciate it."
I propped Ellis and his linemates, Boyes and Mccormick.
"I really think we read each other well. You know what you're going to get from me and Cody... now, Brad's starting to read off us and its really working. We keep reminding ourseklves to "keep it simple". its mine and cody';s job to dig the puck out and get it tothe front of the net where Brad's at his best. its agood little mix", Ellis told me.
Boyes can thank Ellis for pumping needed life into the formerly struggling winger's game. Looks like Boyes has finally found chemistry where it appeared none existed. 22-8-37 are as fundamentally sound and intense as the 36-28-42 line
Ellis' back check is superior. He bailed out Miller in the second period when he read an open net and he quickly threw his body into harm's way to prevent the Florida forward from scoring.
"Thats my job. Its a fine line between winning and losing, which means you've got to go that extra mile in order to prevent goals. Millsie does a helluva job for us and i was off his back side, protecting the area so I did what I could to get a stick on it"
Ellis told me that he felt a measure of gratification when Lindy Ruff benched Ville Leino in the third period and allowed Ellis to skate in his place.
'I know when i get the tap (from Lindy) to move up, with roysie and Staff, thats what he's looking for, for me to get the pucks in deep and for me to get some zone time, work the corners, and get the puck to those guys. Thats what i try to do. i don't try to change. I feel like when I move up in lines to play with the more skilled players I'm there for a reason: to keep my feet moving and tob to help them out, and dig pucks out for those guys. Its my job to get them the puck in places where they like it'.
Playing with Ellis has cured Boyes of all that ailed him. Now, he needs to adjust Ville Leino's head and heart.
What happened on the disallowed goal?
"I'm not sure. I felt the puck hit my skate.. I had their defenseman on my back and I was fighting for position. Boom, hit my heel. Wasn't intentional".
I told him the fans appreciate his work ethic and passion for fundamental hockey.
He appreciates the kinds words. His coach and teammates appreciate his blue collar work ethic.
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