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Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
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Author:  Hammygoodness [ Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
In the first period it looked to be a repeat of Wednesday's dismal performance: Constantly hemmed in, losing all the races to loose pucks, losing all the puck battles. They only had 4 shots in the first period. Miller kept them in the game.

In the second the Sabres really woke up. They started skating, generating good offensive zone possession and scoring chances. The Lydman softee just ripped the Leafs' testicles right off and splayed them on the ice. Buffalo jumped all over them after that.

Things that I really took notice of were Myers and Sekera really playing deep in the offensive zone, Myers on the rush, for the most part. Sekera was just living below the Toronto goal line. He was so confident. He's rediscovered his groove and looks like the promising young rookie who played so steady alongside Weber. Taking a look at the boxscore, Sekera was only second to Myers in ice time.

Speaking of ice time, Gaustad led all forwards with over 19 minutes. Not exactly easing him back in, eh? I can imagine Goose just chomping at the bit to get back into the lineup. I bet he didn't want to leave the ice all night.

I noticed Kennedy getting his nose dirty all game. I love this kid as he is. The fact he's a local boy is a bonus. If he increases his production in years to come, that's a bigger bonus still. He and Grier working on the forecheck and the cycle really solidify Vanek's play. Let's face it, puck battles just aren't Vanek's strong suit. But with those guys on his line, it makes his play that much more effective.

Pominville continues to look ineffective at even strength. Didn't he lead the league in even strength goals a few years back? What the hell has happened to him?

Only one penalty for the Sabres tonight. That's a great way to revitalize the penalty kill, which had been victimized recently. On the flip side, the power play still looks awful on entries. They tried the drop pass to Connolly four times in their two power plays, and it worked only once. Find a new play. Give the puck to someone other than Pominville on the breakout.

Now let's see how Lalime can perform in his encore performance. Has he gotten back into a rhythm? Will the team play smart in front of him to give the Sabres a respectable chance to come away with a win?

Ham
Author:  Hammygoodness [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
And nice game, Miller. But what, no shutout?

Ham
Author:  mechaphil [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Hahahaha

Know what was nice? That crushing hit by Myers for the Carruba Collision!
Author:  Hammygoodness [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Oh, I know! I got so pumped when I saw him lay into him like that. I was thinking, "he's starting throw that big frame around. Watch out boys!"

Ham
Author:  mechaphil [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
This is the second or third game in a row he's really pasted someone. He's finally becoming comfortable with hitting. Once he's fully adjusted, watch out!
Author:  Hammygoodness [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Plus, he's gonna pack on a few more pounds in the years to come. He could really become a physical force in addition to his offensive and defensive prowess. Watching him from Game 1, I thought he was impressive and actually outdid all the hype (which I thought could not be deserving). People saw his play and said "future Norris winner". And I thought, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. But I watch this kid play every game, and I can see the possibilities. He's already good. He's only going to get better. He's only going to get bigger. All of his savvy moves and smart jumps in the rush will continue, maybe even improve. And what you'll see as he gains experience is that those giveaways and mistakes will fall by the wayside.

Looking to the future of this club, and who I'd want to build my team around, I'd rather have Myers than Stamkos. Trading to move up that one spot in the draft may have been one of the most important, subtle moves that Regier has ever made.

Ham
Author:  Hammygoodness [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Oh, and another thing I'm noticing, not just this game, but from this whole year. Miller is not having to make those 3 or 4 save flurries like he did in the past. The team is really clearing out the trash in front of him consistently. And the defensemen are doing a great job of moving forwards off their screens to give Miller a clear view of those long shots. And I think the Sabres as a team collapse down to the crease pretty hard in the defensive zone, which means the pointmen are open. That makes that ability to move those screens out critical with their scheme.

Ham
Author:  mechaphil [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
That's why those games with Miller facing a ton of shots doesn't bother me, because he doesn't have to struggle with five consecutive saves.
Author:  Sabresfansince1980 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
I thought they looked pretty average, but the shaky goaltending put the game in their favor. It was an easy dump, chase, waste time game plan once they were up 4-1, from bad goals.

Tomorrow will be a much better test.
Author:  fly as hale [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Am I the only one that feels real bad for Toskala?
Author:  patkane88 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Never saw the game again but I am watching the PVR of it and Toskala is one of the worst goalies I have ever seen play ever.
Author:  patkane88 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
fly as hale wrote:
Am I the only one that feels real bad for Toskala?


Yes.
Author:  patkane88 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Sabresfansince1980 wrote:
I thought they looked pretty average, but the shaky goaltending put the game in their favor. It was an easy dump, chase, waste time game plan once they were up 4-1, from bad goals.

Tomorrow will be a much better test.


For sure, especially how Crosby is on one hell of a tear right now.
Author:  Sabresfansince1980 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ham's Game Review - Maple Leafs @ Sabres 12/18/09
Buffalo has a tendency to give a poor effort after easy wins. I'm not optimistic.
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