All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils 3, Buffalo Sabres 4 (SO): Game 21 CoverageA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-03-02T20:42:37-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/38197432013-03-02T20:42:37-05:002013-03-02T20:42:37-05:00Devils drop 4th straight to Sabres in shootout
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<img alt="Patrick Kaleta will gladly take retaliation penalties from Ilya Kovalchuk all day long" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_dDL-nXLcXv9fXiCj6AKG5r_iF8=/0x103:4000x2770/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8985491/20130302_jla_ah8_341.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Kaleta will gladly take retaliation penalties from Ilya Kovalchuk all day long | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Devils came into Buffalo needing a win to get back on track. They out attempted Buffalo, but couldn't come up with quality chances early, or any chances late. Still they, came away with a point by virtue of a shootout loss. </p> <p></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> came into Buffalo this afternoon desperately in need of a win. They didn't get one, but they played well enough to earn a point via a shootout loss. The Devils came into the game losers of three straight, facing a Buffalo team that had won their last two, but was minus the services of leading scorer <span>Thomas Vanek</span> today. That being said, its pretty disappointing the Devils could not come away with a win this afternoon. I'll take some solace in the fact that a point was finally earned. The Devils, as expected, were able to outshoot and out attempt the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> today. At the beginning of the game and for stretches throughout, both teams struggled to establish the forecheck. Despite the fact that the Devils were able to pile up the shots and the attempts through the first two periods, the Sabres still had as many, if not more quality scoring chances than the Devils. By my first count, the Devils were outchanced at even strength 12 - 9, and 12 - 6 at 5v5. Also, key mistakes did in the Devils on each of the Sabres three goals. The Devils also hurt themselves by not really creating enough shots or opportunities late in the game, despite some pressure and possession in the offensive zone.</p>
<p><b>The Stats: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020304.HTM">The NHL.com Game Summary</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020304.HTM">The NHL.com Event Summary</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020304.HTM">The NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/SS020304.HTM">The NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/FC020304.HTM">The NHL.com Faceoff Comparison</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TV020304.HTM">The NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Report</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion:</b> The Sabres winning streak has now reached 3 games. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2013/3/2/4057344/devils-vs-sabres-recap-jason-pominville">Check out Zachary Zielonka's thoughts on today's game over at Die By the Blade</a>.</p>
<p><b>The Highlights:</b> will be added later when I can find a working feed.</p>
<p>The first period was pretty uneventful in terms of quality scoring chances or interesting play. It was pretty chippy but not necessarily well played or interesting to watch. It was a pretty slow moving game with a lot of stoppages and a pretty high number of faceoffs throughout (81). Both teams were tentative in the first, not wanting to make a mistake. There were not a lot of very clean zone entries, and it felt like a lot of neutral zone play and disruptions while neither team could really establish a forecheck.</p>
<p>Buffalo had two power plays in the first period, but each one was cut short when the Devils PK drew a penalty. <span>Patrick Kaleta</span> got under the skin of <span>Travis Zajac</span>, and to a much greater extent, <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> who got into it several times with the annoying Kaleta. Despite spending 4 minutes in the box, Kovy still played 7:45 in the first period, and 26:04 in the game to lead all Devils.</p>
<p>Early 2<sup>nd</sup> - Devils pile on some shots but not really that many quality chances. Then, they start to ice the puck over and over, and Buffalo puts up the best chance of the period on a spin shot in front from Erhoff. Moose is up to the task. Shortly after, the Devils got some pressure from the Zajac-Elias- Clarkson line and a great quality chance from Travis Zajac right in front of the net which he could not convert.</p>
<p>They draw a penalty, which turns out to not work out so well for them. At the start of the power play, Buffalo get a clear, and <span>Cody Hodgson</span> forechecks really hard. Zidlicky's standard ‘wave my stick one way and smack the puck behind my back play' didn't work, and Hodgson jammed up the puck and outworked Ilya Kovalchuk to gain control. He then wheeled and found <span>Jason Pominville</span> all alone in front with <span>Bobby Butler</span> standing around watching. No surprise Butler was mostly a spectator for the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>Not too long after, the Devils get an equalizer. Off an offensive zone faceoff, a point shot from <span>Mark Fayne</span> deflected off <span>Ryan Carter</span> before hitting <span>Steve Bernier</span> by the far side of the crease and trickling past the goal line to tie the game at 1. It was a fortunate bounce for the Devils, but with Ryan Carter back on the ice today, the CBGB line was right back on the scoresheet.</p>
<p>Over the next few minutes, it took a few very good saves by Hedberg to keep the game tied. First it was Moose with a big save on Hecht in front. Then, a great poke check save on Stafford. Despite the advantage in shots, the Sabres were putting the more dangerous chances on net, and Moose was strong.</p>
<p>Early in the third, the Devils penalty kill, which had been very good already, provided the go ahead goal. <span>Adam Henrique</span>, who has continued to be an excellent penalty killer this season, struck again shorthanded. Henrique was quick to a loose puck just outside the zone, and he won the puck among several Sabres. He poked it ahead to himself, and was off alone on a break while the closest Sabre, Pominville, coasted and watched. The finish from Henrique is absolutely perfect, and it was a much needed goal for both Adam and the Devils.</p>
<p>Shortly after, the Sabres tied the game on a play where <span>Adam Larsson</span> gets caught up ice out of position. <span>Steve Ott</span> was able to win the puck and work it up ahead to Cody Hodgson. Hodgson carried into the zone and waited while Pominville raced up ice on the far side. With Greene committed to Hodgson and Larsson caught up ice, the only Devil with a remote chance to stop Pomminville is <span>Stefan Matteau</span>. Despite his hustle, young Matteau can't catch the hard charging Pominville, who nails the one timer, tying the game at 2.</p>
<p>The Sabres kept up the pressure afterwards. They had a powerplay in the following minutes where they did not score, but kept the Devils pinned back under a bit of pressure. Then, shortly after, they retook the lead. After a neutral zone turnover by <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, Jochen Hecht drove in hard towards the net but lost the puck in the process of going by <span>Bryce Salvador</span>. Grigorenko picked up the puck behind the net and passed to Hecht, who had skated around to the far side. Hecht flipped the puck towards the goal from almost behind the net. The puck may have deflected off Bernier's skate before fluttering hopelessly off Moose's shoulder and into the back of the goal.</p>
<p>Needing to turn up the pressure, the Devils received one of their best shifts of the game from the Kovalchuk - Loktionov - Matteau line. Loktionov kept the puck nicely down low, and then the Sabres turned it over attempting to clear. Pominville misplayed what looked like a playable pass, and <span>Andy Greene</span> held the puck in the zone. Ilya Kovalchuk threw a nice pass to Matteau in front, who dropped the puck brilliantly behind the back for Loktionov. Loktionov's patience paid off as he out-waited <span>Ryan Miller</span> on the play. Miller dropped to the ice as Loktionov skated through the slot, and it was an easy tap in from the other side once he cleared the sprawling Miller.</p>
<p>New Jersey followed up the goal with some good pressure. The CBGB line created some chances and pinned back Buffalo, who could really do nothing but ice the puck a few times. The Devils maintained the better run of play through the rest of the third, but could not break through. Overall, despite a lot of possession, they really didn't put nearly enough shots on net, somewhat of a recurring problem for this Devils team.</p>
<p>Overtime was really marred by penalties. The first was a puzzling call to Zidlicky . Fortunately, the Devils persevered despite facing a lot of pressure and decent quality chances from the ever dangerous 4v3 power play opportunity. For the minute or two the Devils were at 4v4, they played ok and created a couple chances. They again had to kill a penalty in the final seconds when Salvador tripped up an onrushing Sabre who beat him to the outside. And of course, we couldn't get through this game without one more scrap, this time between Henrique and Ennis as time expired in OT.</p>
<p>To a shootout we go. And, the regression to the shootout mean from last season continued for the Devils. Buffalo shot first, and Pominville basically just skated in slowly and picked his spot, easily beating Moose glove side with a precise shot. Kovy was up first for the Devils, and he came in with speed, beating Miller to the far post. He got Miller to go down, but fired high and over the net from a somewhat sharp angle. Next up was <span>Tyler Ennis</span>. Ennis skated right in and froze Hedberg, scoring blocker side. Henrique came next for the Devils. He put on a move in front, but Ryan Miller stayed right with him and gloved the backhand attempt. Game over, Sabres win.</p>
<p>There were some things I liked about the Devils play today, and some things I think they still need to work on quite a bit. The forecheck is still struggling to produce at times. The line depth today was a little bit better with the return of Ryan Carter, however, things were still mixed up quite a bit as Stefan Matteau saw limited minutes. To a greater extent, it was Butler who sat after his costly gaffe on Buffalo's first goal. Butler played only 5:19 overall and 4:06 at even strength in the game today. Matteau played 7:36, all at even strength. Matteau should be praised for his beautiful feed to Loktionov to set up the tying goal. But, there were other shifts Matteau was pretty much invisible for.</p>
<p>As usual, Kovalchuk played with a lot of different Devils forwards at different times today. I thought he was good overall. He was engaged physically early on with Patrick Kaleta, who clearly got under his skin. Late in the game, he was cheap shotted by a Sabre who I cannot remember, who met him with a stiff cross check to the back away from the puck. In between all that, he had some flashy moments, and was a part of getting the play on the tying goal. He was lost a pretty important 50-50 puck to Cody Hodgson on the shorthanded goal. Ilya did have four shots on goal, with three blocked and one missed attempt, so he was certainly active offensively.</p>
<p>Loktionov continues to impress with his play. He extended his point streak to five games with the tying goal in the third period, and seems to be playing well enough next to Kovalchuk for the past two games. Hopefully, he can keep it going, because it's not like many other Devils are scoring lately. Again, he scored on his only shot of the game, so it would seem like the scoring streak will not go on for long unless he can get more attempts on goal moving forward.</p>
<p>The Zajac-Eliias-Clarkson line was pretty good today. I thought they were probably the Devils best group of forwards overall. Zajac and Clarkson each put 4 shots on goal, while Elias had three attempts blocked. Clarkson and Zajac each had a couple quality chances. Zajac probably had the best of those opportunities with a chance from the slot denied by Miller.</p>
<p>The CBGB line, in theory, was supposed to go back to being a fourth line today, but that didn't really hold up in practice. With the benching of Bobby Butler and the limited ice time given to Stefan Matteau, Carter, Bernier, and Gionta each played 11 -12 minutes at evens.</p>
<p>I thought the defense did a fairly good job overall, and I don't really have a lot of complaints about their play. Adam Larsson made a pretty critical mistake, getting caught up ice on Pominville's second goal, and he paid for it with reduced ice time, logging the least minutes of any Devils d-man. I was pretty happy with <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> overall, and I thought Mark Fayne had a pretty solid game. Andy Greene was predictably solid. Bryce Salvador played a ton of minutes today (24:30 overall; 18:39 es) and didn't get torched too badly to my recollection. He also came up big with 6 blocked shots. I haven't seen possession numbers for the game, but I'll give him credit for what I saw. Hopefully I don't have to eat my words when I see the possession stats. Speaking of possession, based on the total number of attempts (61-47 NJ), it would seem that a lot of the Devils players will come out ahead in Corsi for the game.</p>
<p>Moose was decent in this game. I thought there were times when he made some really big saves to keep the game close. He had no chance on the two Pominville goals. The Hecht goal was questionable, but it did look like the puck may have gotten elevated through hitting Bernier's skate. It was disappointing to see it flutter in off Moose's shoulder, and I certainly would have preferred he stopped it. Also, I thought he was pretty poor in the shootout. He seemed to be playing pretty far back in his net, which is unusual for him, and also appeared to have the look, somewhat, of a Moose caught in headlights on both successful Buffalo attempts. So, I'd say he was good for the most part, questionable on one goal, and lousy in the shootout; albeit he faced two near perfect attempts, he wasn't nearly as aggressive as usual.</p>
<p>Overall, the Devils certainly still have some work to do. They need to put more shots on goal from dangerous areas of the ice, and be more aggressive in front of the opponents net. Steve Bernier has a knack for scoring dirty goal because of the way he plays and where he goes to on the ice. He did it again today. The Devils need more players doing that. That's how <span>David Clarkson</span> used to score frequently. That's also something that Dainius Zubrus is pretty good at, and its no secreet the Devils miss Big Z up front. In the meantime, someone else has to step up and get there.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say the Devils played terrible, but I certainly wasn't inspired by what they did overall. They piled up some low quality shots early, and couldn't produce any shots late. They did survive some chippy play and cheap shots from various Buffalo players throughout the game and mostly kept their heads about them, but we did see a few guys go into tilt at different times throughout the game. Overall, the Devils still need to play better. They lost to a bottom dwelling team minus its leading scorer mostly because of a few critical and costly errors. Additionally, a continued lack of a quality forecheck, and not enough shots on goal overall or when you need them hurt this Devils team. That's my take on today's game. Now I'm anxious to hear yours. Who did you think was good today? Who did you not like so much? What were some of the key moments in the game? What could the Devils have done better? Thanks for reading.</p>
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https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/2/4058152/new-jersey-devils-skid-hits-four-as-they-drop-4-3-so-decision-toJerry Tierney2013-03-02T14:00:10-05:002013-03-02T14:00:10-05:00Devils at Sabres: Gamethread #21
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<p>The New Jersey Devils will visit the Buffalo Sabres for the first time this season and hope to snap their three game losing streak. Members can comment here about the game within this post as it happens.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 3:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast:</strong> TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (10-6-4) at the <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Sabres</a> (8-12-1)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews:</strong> My preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/3/2/4055370/new-jersey-devils-at-buffalo-sabres-game-21-preview">this morning is right here.</a> For the other side of this game, please check out <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die by the Blade.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Today:</strong> Given the name of the opponent, The Sword is an appropriate decision for a band. This is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=950yD4N8bgU">"Iron Swan"</a> from their album <em>The Age of Winter</em>. It's got more than your recommended daily amount of riffs.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info:</strong> <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/carter_returns_to_devils_lineup_barch_volchenkov_harrold_to_sit_vanek_out_for_sabres/" target="_blank">Tom Gulitti reported this afternoon at Fire & Ice</a> that the lines from Friday's practice will start the game. <span>Ryan Carter</span> is back in and Krys Barch is out so we might see CBGB as an actual fourth line. Oh, and Buffalo's leading scorer, <span>Thomas Vanek</span>, isn't playing due to an undisclosed injury. That's actually rather a crucial update.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules:</strong> This is a place where you can comment about this game before, during, and after it's played before the recap is up. This is a place where we primarily discuss the Devils game. An odd mention of other NHL games is OK, but it shouldn't dominate discussion. All comments will be clean, respectful of each other, relevant to the game, and legal (read: no streams). Please do not post super-big pictures or .GIFs so the gamethread can keep moving for everyone. If you must use pictures, please put a title in the comment. Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/2/4057062/new-jersey-devils-at-buffalo-sabres-gamethread-21John Fischer2013-03-02T07:00:06-05:002013-03-02T07:00:06-05:00Devils at Sabres: Game 21 Preview
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<img alt="Andrei Loktionov continues to be in the top six as he was against Winnipeg in this picture. Will he attack with the puck in Buffalo today?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VK4Ix1RWdfTj3QFodYZDkgW_JRE=/0x275:4000x2942/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8947125/20130228_ajw_af3_112.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrei Loktionov continues to be in the top six as he was against Winnipeg in this picture. Will he attack with the puck in Buffalo today? | Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils go into Buffalo with the hopes of snapping their three game losing streak against the Sabres. This preview goes into why the Devils should be able to get lots of shots on net today, who on Buffalo is dangerous, and roster updates for New Jersey.</p> <p>For the first time in ages, New Jersey will not see Lindy Ruff behind the bench for Buffalo.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>3:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (10-6-4<span style="line-height: 9px;">) at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> (8-12-1; SBN Blog: Die by the Blade)</span></p>
<p><b>The TiqIQ Ticket Link:</b> Are you in Buffalo and need some last-minute tickets to today's game? Check out our partners at TiqIQ to find some from the secondary market. Here's a link: <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils-tickets/?publisherid=1011101" target="_blank">New Jersey Devils tickets.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>On Thursday night, the Devils went into Winnipeg after a three day break between the last Devils-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Jets</a> game. The night set some Devils history when <span>Andrew Ladd</span> got a breakaway shortly after the opening faceoff and scored on <span>Johan Hedberg</span> eight seconds into the game. Ladd's goal became the fastest ever allowed by the Devils in franchise history. After weathering the Jets' attack for most of the first period, the Devils clawed their way back into the game with possession and attempts. <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> tied the game up early in the second period when he gained the zone, cut in enough past <span>Ron Hainsey</span>, and fired one past <span>Ondrej Pavelec</span>. The Devils had the better run of play but they couldn't get that second goal. The game opened up in the third period, but the Jets were the ones to provide the breakthrough moment. <span>Dustin Byfuglien</span> went end to end to kick off a 4-on-4 situation and Hedberg totally sold out to his left, lied on his side and stacked the pads. Big Buff wisely just went around him, went for a wrap, got denied, and Ladd tapped in the rebound to make it 2-1. Despite a breakaway, further pressure, and pulling the extra man, all it yielded was no goals for and an empty net against to make it a 3-1 defeat in Winnipeg. I didn't think the Devils played a bad game; they just didn't get the breaks so their disastrous moments cost them dearly. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/3/1/4042400/new-jersey-devils-three-game-losing-streak-3-1-loss-winnipeg-jets/in/3802205" target="_blank">I explained it as best as I could in this recap of the loss.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Sabres Game: </b>While the Devils were in Winnipeg, the Sabres took to the ice in Sunrise against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a>. They won their last game to snap a four-game losing streak and were looking to build on that. A little after six minutes into the opening period, little <span>Nathan Gerbe</span> opened up the scoring with his first goal of the season. The Sabres extended their lead to two when a loose puck got slapped out to the left of <span>Scott Clemmensen</span> and right to <span>Tyler Ennis</span>. Ennis fires one past the goalie's flank to make it 2-0. The Panthers would not take this lying down. <span>Drew Shore</span> converted a power play when <span>Dmitry Kulikov</span> fed him in the slot and less than a minute after that, <span>Marcel Goc</span> equalized the game. Gerbe took back the lead with a lovely individual effort to get past <span>Erik Gudbranson</span> and fire one over (through?) Clemmensen less than a minute after Goc's goal. Florida made a goalie change and really turned up the pressure in the second period, out-shooting the Sabres 16-5. <span>Ryan Miller</span> did what he could as his team weathered the storm. Florida kept it up in the third period, out-shooting the Sabres 14-6 and eventually got the goal they desired. Goc won a faceoff and <span>Brian Campbell</span> settled it to fire a slapshot that got all the way through with less than two minutes left to play. Overtime yielded no winner, but the Sabres' Tomas Vanek, <span>Jason Pominville</span>, and Miller were perfect in the shootout to take the second point. It's a second consecutive win for Buffalo and <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2013/2/28/4041904/sabres-vs-panthers-recap-ryan-miller" target="_blank">Zachary Zielonka recapped it here at Die by the Blade.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Take advantage of possession and fire away at all times. While the Sabres pulled out the shootout win in Florida, they allowed 43 shots to get there. In their losing-streak snapping win against Tampa Bay, they allowed 31. The Sabres have only allowed less than 30 shots in one of their last ten games, and it was 28 in a 2-1 loss to Winnipeg. Buffalo is last in the league in overall <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=avgShotsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">shots against per game average at 33.9.</a> According to Behind the Net, <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=18" target="_blank">they have the highest SA/60 rate in the league in 5-on-5 situations at 32.8.</a> In terms of Fenwick percentages, they're right near the bottom in Fenwick% in <a href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=6&section=close" target="_blank">close-score</a>, <a href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=1&section=close" target="_blank">tied-score</a>, and <a href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=3&section=close" target="_blank">up-by-one-goal</a> situations at even strength. Buffalo isn't just a shot-colander at even strength. Buffalo also has <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=48" target="_blank">the second highest SA/60 rate in the league in 4-on-5 situations at 57.3.</a> Even with Ron Rolston taking over as coach, the Sabres have remained very leaky on defense. It won't be easy for the Devils in that they haven't generated a lot of shots per game themselves. But if there's a game to expect them to get lots of shots, then this is the one. They had the possession against Winnipeg on Thursday, today, they need to make sure the puck goes at or past the goalie instead of into the defenders. Based on past Sabres games, it is most definitely there for the taking.</p>
<p>Additionally, it would be a good idea for the Devils to simply not underestimate the Sabres. They did win two games now and the last two games against last-place Washington should serve notice that the record doesn't apply in every game. I don't think the Sabres are all that good but they definitely have some serious talent who can turn this game on it's ear if New Jersey isn't careful. </p>
<p>First and foremost, the Devils have to keep Tomas Vanek to a minimum. That's a lot easier said than done. He's third in the NHL in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists and ninth in the NHL with 73 shots on net. Vanek leads the team in even strength scoring (6 G, 12 A) and power play scoring (5 G, 3 A) and he's just a handful to deal with in general. <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f5=BUF&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67" target="_blank">He's one of the few Sabres who aren't severely negative in on-ice Corsi rate this season.</a> Should Peter DeBoer want to find a matchup to put his best defensive players out there, then it should be Vanek's unit. </p>
<p>Second, Vanek isn't the only offensive player who can cause damage. Jason Pominville has emerged as an important player for the Sabres in his career. His seven goals and eight assists are worth paying attention to in terms of production and he leads all Buffalo forwards in average ice time per game with 20:31. The Devils will see a lot of him whether they want to or not. <span>Cody Hodgson</span> is young and already a member of the top six with eight goals, nine assists, and 58 shots. Tyler Ennis is having a strong season with seven goals, nine assists, 61 shots (second behind Vanek), and actually has <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f5=BUF&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67" target="_blank">a positive on-ice Corsi rate, one of four on the team according to Behind the Net.</a> <span>Steve Ott</span> has been a sparkplug and a real pain to play against. While he has been demolished in terms of possession, <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f4=C+LW+RW&f5=BUF&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+21+22+45+46+63+67" target="_blank">the team's scoring more with him out there than allowing</a> and he's chipped in with three goals and six assists to go with usual annoyance. Lastly, <span>Drew Stafford</span> has been snakebit with only one goal and eight assists this season. He does have 55 shots on net so, like Gerbe in Florida, it may be only a matter of time before he gets going. Buffalo as a team aren't shabby at all at generating shots on net. They <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=avgShotsPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">average 29.6 shots per game</a>, which is above the league median - as <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=15" target="_blank">is their 5-on-5 SF/60 rate of 29.0.</a> The team's not horribly unlucky at scoring goals; they just give up a lot of shots, attempts, and - as a result - goals. </p>
<p>Third, <span>Christian Ehrhoff</span> is a jewel among a pile of sand that is the Buffalo blueline. <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f4=D&f5=BUF&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+21+22+45+46+63+67" target="_blank">According to Behind the Net</a>, Ehrhoff actually leads the Sabres' defensemen in on-ice Corsi rate and has a strong one even though he's not facing the toughest competition or getting more offensive zone starts than defensive ones. Nonetheless, in the land of the blind, the man with one eye is king and that's Ehrhoff in that crude metaphor. He leads their defense in points with two goals and eight assists. He leads them in shots on net with 42. And the Devils will see him quite a lot as he averages 24:03 per game in ice time to also lead the blueline. The thing with Buffalo's defense is that other teams have pounded <span>Tyler Myers</span>, <span>Jordan Leopold</span>, <span>Andrej Sekera</span>, <span>John Scott</span>, and so forth in the possession game. The only exception has been <span>Alexander Sulzer</span>, who hasn't played since February 23 and otherwise has been used on low-pairing.</p>
<p>Lastly, Ryan Miller is more than capable of trying to keep his team in a game. Just look at their last two wins or their myriad of close losses. Miller's clearly doing his job every night. His numbers reflect it too. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20122013&gameType=2&team=BUF&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank">He's got a very solid 92.5% save percentage at evens</a>; his 88.9% penalty kill save percentage is pretty good. Going back to the goal, it could be that the Devils pretty much have to take advantage of the Sabres' porous defense and poor possession game to get enough shots to eventually overwhelm Miller. That could be a lot. If the Devils can't figure it out - and given their recent lack of goal scoring, we can't rule that possibility out - we could see a repeat of what we saw on Thursday. On Friday, <a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/sabres/2013/03/leino-close-in-return-from-injury-enroth-close-in-return-from-obvlivion.html?ref=brp" target="_blank">Mike Harrington at the Buffalo News confirmed</a> that Miller will start his twelfth in a row today. </p>
<p>Buffalo could have a different look as of late today. On Friday night, <a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/sabres/2013/03/flynn-called-up-from-rochester-what-could-it-mean.html?ref=bcr#more" target="_blank">Harrington also reported at Sabres Edge</a> that the team called up <span>Brian Flynn</span>. The Sabres already had 23 men on their roster so either someone's hurt and going on injured reserved or someone's getting moved. Harrington noted that Jordan Leopold could be put on IR since he's been out since February 17. That seems likely to me since they could place him retroactively on injured reserve - as I don't think he'll play today - get Flynn in and then move him back when Leopold can return. That's just my guess. We shall see whether Flynn gets active for this game or if he's only cover for a worst-case scenario and returned back to Rochester.</p>
<p>The Devils will have another change to their lineup for sure. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_activate_ryan_carter_from_injured_reserve_tim_sestito_returned_to_albany/" target="_blank">Tom Gulitti reported at Fire & Ice on Friday morning</a> that the team re-activated <span>Ryan Carter</span>. He was out with a concussion, but he's feeling good and cleared to play so he's back. As a result, the team sent <span>Tim Sestito</span> back to Albany. That alone is an improvement because Sestito is simply terrible at the game of hockey at the NHL level. My expectations weren't high for Carter to begin with; just chip in some offense, don't get mauled on defense, and don't take bad penalties. I think he can get back to meeting them in short order.</p>
<p>Despite the sudden lack of Energy™, there should be some new lines tomorrow. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_activate_ryan_carter_from_injured_reserve_tim_sestito_returned_to_albany/" target="_blank">From Gulitti's report at practice</a>, it appears Carter was re-united with <span>Steve Bernier</span> and <span>Stephen Gionta</span>. <span>Alexei Ponikarovsky</span>, <span>Adam Henrique</span>, and <span>Bobby Butler</span> made one unit while <span>Stefan Matteau</span> got moved up to play with Andrei Loktionov and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span>. I understand Loktionov has been playing well in recent games. But I really don't see Matteau-Loktionov-Kovalchuk lasting throughout a game. Kovalchuk will play a lot and face at least a decent level of competition. I don't think Loktionov can really handle that and I'm sure Matteau can't for long. I personally would rather see Henrique at wing with Kovalchuk for another game as Henrique got three shots out of six attempts on Thursday. Should those lines start the game, don't be surprised if you see in-game changes by DeBoer. </p>
<p>That's really where the changes end. The unit of <span>Patrik Elias</span>, <span>David Clarkson</span>, and <span>Travis Zajac</span> remains together to drive the play and make good things happen. Why? Because People Play Well with Patrik. The defensive set-up that started Thursday night stayed together, which is fine except I'd rather see <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> and <span>Mark Fayne</span> swapped. Johan Hedberg will start today's game as <span>Martin Brodeur</span> remains on IR (<a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_activate_ryan_carter_from_injured_reserve_tim_sestito_returned_to_albany/" target="_blank">per Gulitti, Lou thinks he may be out through Monday</a>) and there's no real benefit to putting a rookie goalie in net when the team's struggling to score and lost their last three games.</p>
<p>Since the Devils have struggled to score goals, then all they can really do about that is to keep shooting. If there's one aspect where they can improve in that regard, then it's on the power play. The Devils have scored only one power play goal in their last five games and that one came in a period where they got five in a row. Even then, the team just hasn't generated a lot on a single power play since their first two against Ottawa. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=penaltyKillPercentage&viewName=penaltyKill" target="_blank"> The Sabres' OK success rate of 80.5%</a> is really driven by the play of Miller as far as I can tell. As noted in the goal, the Sabres have been allowing a lot of shots against. They are also very familiar with killing penalties because <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=timesShort&viewName=penaltyKill" target="_blank">Buffalo is one of five teams who have been shorthanded more times than New Jersey this season.</a> There will be opportunities today. It behooves the Devils to do more than just get one shot, keep possession up high, and do little with the rest of the time. They can start by stop trying to gain the zone with a dump-in with a man advantage.</p>
<p>As a final point, Lindy Ruff was an institution as Buffalo's head coach. However, nothing that can go on forever does and amid Buffalo's struggles, Ruff was let go. He has been replaced by Ron Rolston, the head coach of their minor league affiliate. I'm not sure of his tendencies. I am sure the Sabres players are still getting used to his approaches, tactics, and game philosophies. <a href="http://hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1459" target="_blank">Matthew Coller has a fantastic article at Hockey Prospectus</a> explaining why Ruff went out, how Rolston differs, and names a few Sabres who may benefit from the coaching change. Coller names Hodgson as one and he's been receiving more offensive zone starts as of late (<a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2012_s&f2=5v5&f4=C+LW+RW&f5=BUF&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+21+22+45+46+63+67" target="_blank">he's up to 51.1% now</a>), so he could be turning a corner defensively. </p>
<p>That's my take on today's game, now I want to know yours. Do you think the Devils will be able to take advantage of Buffalo's leaky defense and poor possession game? Will that possession result in more shots than what we've seen against Winnipeg? Can the Devils keep Vanek quiet and keep the rest of Buffalo's forwards at bay? How do you think they should attack Miller? What do you think the Devils should do against Buffalo to win today other than the obvious "score more than them" answer? Please leave your answers and other thoughts on today's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/2/4055370/new-jersey-devils-at-buffalo-sabres-game-21-previewJohn Fischer