Shutdown Pair

Tag: Evgeni Malkin

  • A Solid Start

    Four games in, and the Sabres have three wins to show for it.  Not too shabby.  Buffalo’s best players are heavily involved, with Vanek leading the way with 7 points (3G 4A), and youngster Luke Adam making his case to stay up all season with 6 points (3+3).  I love that Lindy has committed to Enroth playing a lot:

    “We plan on using Jhonas a fair amount. In back-to-back situations, we’re definitely going to use him. The overall plan for him is to get him in every three or four games.”

    This is music to my ears, and probably a load off Ryan Miller’s shoulders.  Jhonas battled for the win in the back half of this weekend’s back to back games against the Crosby and Malkin-less Pens.  Every weekend in November involves back to back games, so if you aren’t familiar with Enroth, you will be soon enough.  It’ll be interesting to see if he gets in on any games in the next two weeks first though, as there are 3 games each week with a day in between.

    Check out the ice time from that game, by the way, could we be back to the post-lockout ‘roll four lines’ Sabres?  Would love it.

  • Gameday 2010-2011 – Penguins at Sabres

    The Sabres are hot right now, gaining 7 of their last 8 points available including 2 shutouts, but the hottest team around is in the building tonight as Sidney Crosby’s Penguins come to visit.  The Pens have won 11 in a row, and all the ‘kid’ has done during that time has put himself at the top of the list for goals and points.  And that’s without (for all or part of that time) Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal.

    On the positive side for the Sabres, they usually do well shutting down or at least curbing the production of top players.  They’ve frustated Alex Ovechkin, and caused Dany Heatley’s line to be -9 the other night with no goals.  If the secondary scoring that occurred last game can take the heat of Vanek a bit, these guys will be back in a playoff spot in no time.  Let’s break the Penguins’ streak TONIGHT.

  • The Untouchables

    Looking at the Sabres roster as it stands right now, before free agent signings, I’m trying to figure out who is ‘Untouchable’.  Who will not be traded no matter the offer (even if it’s 10 first-round picks)?  The list is short:

    • Ryan Miller – A great goalie, and the one true international star we have, thanks to the Olympics.
    • Tyler Myers – Barring something insane happening next year with his production, he’s the one guy I’d sign to one of thos ridiculous 8+ year deals.
    • Thomas Vanek – Our one true goal scorer, on a big contract.  Don’t know about you, but I’m keeping the 40+ goal guy (with a good center ice guy)
    • Paul Gaustad – Future captain, faceoff ninja, fan favorite. 

    There are a few others that are in that category by default (rookies on their ELC, just-signed Mike Grier) but that’s really it.  Seems like there should be more than that.  I can think of 4+ forwards alone on many teams.  I wonder if other teams view their rosters the way I do, though.  I know the Pensblog boys have been having fun with all the ‘Trade Malkin!’ articles that popped up after their playoff ouster.  I can think of a bunch of guys I’d keep if I were Pittsburgh, just not sure they’d agree.

    If you have any others that fit in there for Buffalo, let me know.