All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils at Buffalo Sabres: Game Stream #71A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2015-03-20T22:58:43-04:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/80253322015-03-20T22:58:43-04:002015-03-20T22:58:43-04:00Bernier's Double Powered Devils Over Sabres, 3-1
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<img alt="Pictured: The aftermath of a goal scored by Steve Bernier." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xNchfRF-szq9W8lOB1ZyGF25Rtc=/0x64:2579x1783/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45952802/usa-today-8463465.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pictured: The aftermath of a goal scored by Steve Bernier. | Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Steve Bernier scored two goals, Jordin Tootoo scored a sweet goal, and Keith Kinkaid did very well as the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1. This game recap goes over how it went, what was good and what was bad from the Devils.</p> <p>Over the course of any kind of season, a team will welcome contributions from all kinds of players. The top scorer. The defenseman who makes a lot of plays in one end, but not often on defense. The secondary scorer. And on some nights, the fourth-line "energy" player who just hasn't scored in a while. <span>Steve Bernier</span> hasn't been used like a fourth liner as he's been with <span>Scott Gomez</span> and <span>Adam Henrique</span> for several weeks now. Yet, his style is best suited for a depth role. Moreover, Bernier hasn't scored since scoring the lone goal on Valentine's Day at Nashville. Tonight, he helped make the difference as he scored two goals for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> in their 3-1 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a>.</p>
<p>Bernier's goals set the tone in what was a lackluster game prior to the scores. Both teams played with a brisk tempo and managed to mess up all kinds of passes and decisions. It kept the game loose but it kept one team from taking over. That changed after Scott Gomez beat <span>Tyson Strachan</span> to a loose puck in the neutral zone. As three Sabres focused on Gomez taking the puck up ice, Steve Bernier charged directly to the net. Gomez made an excellent pass around <span>Andre Benoit</span> and Bernier stopped at right time to one-time the pass past Anders Lindbeck, who had no chance at the shot. It was an excellent play created by Gomez; it was as much his goal as it was Bernier's. The Devils kept up the attack and Bernier struck again. Adam Henrique tried to find Bernier coming around the net. He missed, Lindbeck knocked it softly in front of him, and Bernier sensed the puck was near. He just turned, attempted to whack the puck around Benoit, and it beat Lindbeck low. Bernier's decision paid off big. With that, it was 2-0.</p>
<p>The game took on new meaning. The Buffalo Sabres may be a historically bad team in some regard, but no one can say they didn't put in an effort. They played to the score and so they were applying plenty of pressure on the Devils. The Devils' defensive effort was porous at times, to help that effort. There were several cases where a Sabre - be it <span>Johan Larsson</span>, <span>Marcus Foligno</span>, or <span>Brian Gionta</span> - was able to get the puck right in front of the net for an open shot. <span>Keith Kinkaid</span> had to be very good tonight as he stopped all of those shots - Larsson was robbed by the glove, Kinkaid's best save - and more tonight.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the Devils realized early in the third period that they needed to at least keep the Sabres honest. They got a big bounce in their way when <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> blocked a shot by <span>Mike Weber</span> off a defensive zone faceoff. The block put the puck in a place where Tootoo could go at it. He tried to breakaway, Weber caught up, and then Tootoo got past him as he headed towards the net. He beat Lindbeck cleanly for a highlight reel-worthy goal. And from that point, the Devils just took the opportunities that they had, be it a 3-on-2 rush or just a standard breakout. Buffalo would get on the board to keep things interesting. <span>Matt Moulson</span> tapped in a puck after Kinkaid dove to deny a rebound attempt by <span>Tyler Ennis</span> to convert a power play. It gave the Sabres a reason to keep trying. Kinkaid continued to deny them and a late power play for New Jersey just allowed them to play it out for the win. Alas, Bernier would not get a hat trick.</p>
<p>All told, this was a rather high-event game for the Devils and what's more is that was fairly even. Given that the Devils were up as much as 2-0, 3-0, and 3-1 for most of it, that's actually laudable. In all situations, the Devils were only out-attempted 53-55 and out-shot 27-29. At even strength, attempts and shots were 45-47 and 22-24, respectively. That's evidence that the Devils didn't sit on a lead or essentially lean on Kinkaid for long stretches at a time. It's also evidence that Buffalo and New Jersey played a competitive game, which was something of note considering how sloppy the first period looked.</p>
<p>Let's go back to Bernier. After having more anonymous games than not over the past few weeks, I will admit that I think his contributions made him stand out to me more than usual. He was more than just the scorer of two goals that gave the Devils a lead they would not give up. He put up four shots on net, tied for the team lead. He missed on two other attempts, but six shooting attempts from Bernier is a lot from him. He played 13:07 at even strength and he was an asset. Gomez, Henrique, and Bernier was the team's best unit from a possession standpoint as well as a production standpoint tonight. When they were out there, the play often went forward which was not a coincidence. Bernier was very good on the puck and at winning pucks to keep plays alive. As well as Kinkaid played and as sweet as Tootoo's goal was, I think Bernier was the star of the game. It may not happen again for a while, but it's worth appreciating all the same. After all, it led the Devils to a win as this season winds down.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/GS021063.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/ES021063.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/PL021063.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/SS021063.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/TV021063.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20142015&game=21063">Natural Stat Trick Corsi Charts</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/game3.html?seasongcode=2014201521063">War on Ice Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b>Check out <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die by the Blade</a> for an opposition opinion about this game.</p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>From NHL.com, here's a lot of nice saves by Kinkaid, two goals by Bernier, and one really sweet one by Tootoo.</p>
<p align="Center"><iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2014021063-X-h"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Three Men, Fifteen Shots: </b> Fifteen of the Sabres' twenty nine shots on net came from three players. They were arguably Buffalo's best players tonight. Before delving into the Devils' performance, I want to focus on them.</p>
<p>Brian Gionta had five shots on net. One of them created a big rebound opportunity for Tyler Ennis, that led to Moulson tapping in a power play goal in the third period. But his shots gave Kinkaid plenty to deal with as the former Devil shot hard as he was known for.</p>
<p><span>Rasmus Ristolainen</span> had five shots on net. Most were from distance, but it provided flashes to those like me unfamiliar with him that he's going to be a key player for the Sabres one day. He led their blueline in ice time and did mostly well with his match-ups.</p>
<p>Johan Larsson - unrelated to <span>Adam Larsson</span> - was just a pain for the Devils tonight. He also had a goal waved off after review in the first period, but that was because he kicked it into the net. That would not be the only time the Devils had to deal with this other Larsson tonight. He had five shots, with three right in the slot provided I recalled them all correctly. Kinkaid totally robbed him with the glove in the second period, again, easily Kinkaid's most impressive save tonight. He jammed the puck right in front where he was only touched after the shot was covered/ He had to make a quick pad stop on a shot assisted by a turnover by <span>Jon Merrill</span>. I'll admit to not being concerned with him in the preview. During the game, I was convinced he was the best Larsson on the ice - and ultimately, one of Buffalo's best players.</p>
<p>As with Gionta and Ristolainen, it wasn't just that Larsson got five shots on net and that's a high number for a single game. It showed that he made very good reads to get open, he didn't hesitate or over-think when he had an opportunity to shoot, and he was in positions to force Kinkaid to be great. That speaks to how well he played and how his linemates supported those players. They were the standouts on a Sabres team that acquitted themselves well even when down 2-0 or 3-0. Again, they are an abysmal team, but they played a competitive game tonight.</p>
<p><b>Soft Defense: </b>It also speaks to how the Devils' defensive effort was lackluster. While the shot count wasn't heavily slanted and attempt differential was close to even, there's a huge difference between 29 shots with a handful of close shots and 29 shots with <i>several</i> shots coming from <i>open players in the middle of the zone</i>. Adam Larsson and <span>Andy Greene</span> did the best, but even they had some shifts where they were chasing the play. Larsson was particularly varied with some nondescript defending on one shift to some important interventions made elsewhere.</p>
<p>I'd take that over the rest. Jon Merrill provided more extremes in terms of quality of play. Solid on one shift, too loose on the puck and unaware without it on the next. <span>Damon Severson</span> didn't look so hot next to him, though Merrill was the more contentious. The pairing of <span>Mark Fraser</span> and <span>Eric Gelinas</span> was, well, as expected not good in their own end. Gelinas was able to get four shots on net, which is good for him as his shot is his best asset. Covering players, on the other hand, not so much. His multiple whiffs on a loose puck that somehow denied a potential easy goal for Buffalo in the second will remain on blooper reels. I will say this, I trust Gelinas more in odd man situations than Mark Fraser, whose lack of speed makes his decision making more of an issue. Buffalo definitely played well enough, but the defensemen weren't doing Kinkaid too many favors. Especially with all four penalties coming from attempts at playing defense; not that any of them stopped the fouled Sabre from taking a shot on net or something like that.</p>
<p><b>Depleted Forwards: </b>Defensive efforts take more than just defensemen. Some forwards - like the Gomez line - did well. The rest, not as well. <b> </b><span>Mike Cammalleri</span> was sick so he was a late scratch. <span>Martin Havlat</span> was his replacement. While Cammalleri is an decent enough defender, Havlat taking his spot is a downgrade - no matter how much you rate <span>Travis Zajac</span>. I didn't think Zajac was all that good but like Larsson, it's preferable to seeing the fourth line run around getting pinned by Buffalo's fourth line (Read that again, <i>Buffalo's fourth line</i>), Havlat and <span>Michael Ryder</span> trying to put in token efforts on defense, and <span>Stephen Gionta</span> trying to get it done at both ends. An active Cammalleri could've helped out in spots, for sure.</p>
<p>That all said, I'm heartened that a Devils forward group missing one of the their top goal scorers and shooters was able to attack as much as they did. Havlat nearly opened up the game's score early with a hard shot that struck iron hard. Havlat looked OK on offense for someone who hasn't played in a while. Even the Gionta unit got something going with Ryder showing flashes of imposing his will on the game as opposed to waiting until something comes to him. I've gone at length about Bernier, but Henrique and Gomez were moving the puck well to create those opportunities. In general, I appreciated how the Devils didn't just dump away potential odd-man rushes and offensive movements. They kept the Sabres honest when they had the lead and it helped prevent the end from just being time to lean on Kinkaid. It was a far cry from a first period where they didn't create much. While their second power play was really just to kill the clock, I liked how they moved on it. Ultimately, I was pleased with the offensive play beyond the first period overall even if their help on defense sometimes left a lot to be desired.</p>
<p><b>I Repeat: </b>Kinkaid was really good tonight. That he was able to come into the net after not playing for almost two weeks and have this kind of performance should further the notion that he's a viable backup goaltender. He nearly got caught trying to play the puck a bit too much, but it didn't lead to any significant danger so it's not a big deal.</p>
<p><b>Ow: </b>Stephen Gionta got sprung for a one-on-one with Lindbeck in the second period. Lindbeck denied the five-hole attempt. Gionta just lost control and crashed hard into the boards. He left the game for a bit, but he would return to the game and played 15:51. He's certainly tough. I thought he'd be out for longer.</p>
<p><b>Quick Turnaround: </b>The Devils will host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> on Saturday. They'll have to sharpen up quite a bit, particularly their defensive effort from this one.</p>
<p><b>Lastly:</b> Anders Lindbeck came into this game with a massive 44-save-out-of-45-shot performance in a shootout win over Boston on Tuesday. He came into Buffalo and posted a save percentage above 93% in seven appearances. With Bernier's second goal and Tootoo's goal, I think it's safe to say that his hot streak has cooled.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils won 3-1, they kept their opponents honest, Kinkaid played well, and the Devils got goals from two unlikely sources in Bernier and Tootoo. It was contentious at times, but the result was achieved. What did you think of the Devils' performance? Would you agree that the defense could have been better tonight? How did you react when you saw Tootoo score his goal? What should the Devils take from this game before playing the Islanders on Saturday night? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about the win in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who commented in the Gamethread and followed <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust</a> on Twitter. Thank you for reading.</p>
<p>P.S. I've mentioned this recently and I'll do so again. I'm going to be live on <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.hockeyprimetime.com/" target="_blank">Hockey Primetime</a> on SiriusXM with Conor McKenna at 6:30 PM tomorrow, likely to talk Devils hockey. So please tune in.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/3/20/8268371/steve-bernier-double-powered-new-jersey-devils-over-buffalo-sabres-3John Fischer2015-03-20T07:00:03-04:002015-03-20T07:00:03-04:00Devils at Sabres: Game Preview #71
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<figcaption>Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Before taking one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils must visit the worst: Buffalo Sabres. This game preview notes what changes the Devils will make to their lineup and the Sabres' hot goaltender.</p> <p>Could we see a home crowd root for their team to fail? With only three points behind 28th and 29th, maybe!</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 880 AM WCBS</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (30-29-11) at the <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Sabres</a> (20-43-7; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die by the Blade</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>On Tuesday night, the Devils donned their jerseys from the 1980s and early-1990s and took on the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>. The Devils showed signs of life early, but the Penguins created many scoring chances and more shots. <span>Cory Schneider</span> denied them all, bailing out his teammates at worst. In the second period, the Penguins and Devils weren't so sharp but it was an even period and far better for the home team. Schneider had to deal with plenty of pressure and he came up big. He also got a goal to work with when <span>Jacob Josefson</span> got sprung for an open shot on <span>Thomas Greiss</span> and beat him wonderfully. In the third period, it was pretty much all Penguins hockey as they tried whatever they could do to get an equalizer. The Devils put up a whopping three shots on Greiss in response as the Pens put up 13. Schneider was awesome and stopped them all for a very well-earned shutout. <span>Adam Henrique</span> sailed in a empty netter to seal the win at 2-0. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2015/3/17/8239807/yet-another-great-night-from-cory-schneider-devils-penguins-shutout#comments">My recap of the victory is here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Sabres Game: </b>On the very same night, the Sabres visited Boston. The B's blasted the Sabres with shots and possession, out-shooting them 14-3 in the first period. Loui Eriksson scored when he got a gift of a bounce off the endboards to easily put it past Anders Lindbeck. However, Lindbeck got everything else and that would be the story of the night for Boston. They kept trying, trying, trying, and trying some more to get a second goal past Lindbeck. They just couldn't do it despite 44 additional shots on net. In the third period, <span>Rasmus Ristolainen</span> got a fortunate bounce off a skate and so his shot got past Niklas Svedberg. Buffalo nearly evened up Boston in shots in the third, but the 1-1 score held. A shootout was necessary and the hot Lindbeck remained hot. <span>Tyler Ennis</span> was the lone scorer and so Buffalo beat Boston 2-1 through the shootout. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2015/3/17/8239409/sabres-at-bruins-recap-how-is-this-happening">Andy Boron recapped the win with utter surprise at Die by the Blade.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Sabres Game: </b>Just over a month ago, the Devils hosted Buffalo. This was a game where the Devils out-shot, out-attempted, and out-played their opposition. However, there was a problem and his name was <span>Michal Neuvirth</span>. <span>Patrik Elias</span> re-directed a shot-pass by <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> to convert a power play in the first period and that would be it in regulation for Devils goals. The Sabres put up a fight in the second, but they wouldn't equalize until Tyler Ennis scored right off a dive at the puck off a faceoff loss by Zegmus Girgensons. The game was filled with shots, 35-25 in favor of New Jersey, and both goaltenders put on a show. A shootout was required for a game that reminded me of the 2013-14 Devils. Except the 2014-15 Devils actually <i>won</i> the shootout thanks to <span>Scott Gomez</span>, Jacob Josefson, and Cory Schneider. The Devils prevailed 2-1. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2015/2/18/8058387/new-jersey-devils-edge-buffalo-sabres-in-shootout-with-throwback">My recap of the victory is here.</a> For an opposition opinion, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2015/2/18/8060691/sabres-at-devils-recap-shootout-loss">Andy Boron has this recap at Die by the Blade.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Don't get frustrated, stick to the gameplan. The New Jersey Devils have been on the wrong end of possession and the shot count more often than not this season. The Sabres are an exception. After all, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?fetchKey=20152ALLSAAAll&ord=asc&sort=avgShotsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary">they're averaging over 35 shots against per game while putting up an average of over 23.</a> They have been absolutely <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=8&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=41&caxis=4&start0=20142015&end0=20142015&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2015-03-20&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1">abysmal in possession with 36.9% Corsi per War on Ice.</a> That said, hockey is played on the ice and on any given night, even a crummy team can do something right. Especially when their goaltender has been hot. While they only scored one goal in regulation in their last game against Buffalo, I would think a game plan similar to that one should work just fine tonight. It's imperative that they stick to it even if the goalie looks like he's stopping a lot. The Sabres will concede opportunities, the Devils just have to keep going after them to get a result.</p>
<p><b>Seriously, Just Go After Them: </b>The Sabres concede an <i>average</i> of over 35 shots per game. None of their defensive pairings are so strong in positioning that they're just going to stand up the Devils over and over at the blueline. <a target="_blank" href="http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2015/03/19/nolan-pleased-with-sabres-effort-promises-more-of-the-same/">According to this article by John Vogl at the Buffalo News</a>, it doesn't appear likely that <span>Zach Bogosian</span> will be in the lineup. All together, I don't think the Devils should have to constantly attempt a dump and chase against them. They may be able to find plenty of channels to carry and pass pucks into the zone when attacking. I fear that they will because, hey, that's what they do.</p>
<p><b>Backup Start: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/elias-back-spasms-resumes-skating-but-missing-devils-practice-again-kinkaid-to-start-in-buffalo-1.1292277">According to Tom Gulitti's report from Thursday's practice at Fire & Ice</a>, the team will start <span>Keith Kinkaid</span> tonight. I think that's the right call. This is a back-to-back situation. There's nothing to gain from playing Cory Schneider on both nights. He put the team on his back on Tuesday, let him enjoy a night off before he has to do the same against the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> on Saturday night.</p>
<p><b>At Least There Won't Be 8-11-10: </b>That numerical combination was the unit of <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, and <span>Peter Harrold</span>; a line that was put together specifically to match-up against Sidney Crosby's line on Tuesday night. It didn't go well. Based on Gulitti's report from practice, it appears Harrold was moved back down to the fourth line, meaning <span>Michael Ryder</span> and <span>Martin Havlat</span> were rotating alongside Gionta instead. This is good because, again, that Zubrus-Gionta-Harrold unit did very little good for the team. Hopefully it was enough to convince the co-coaches that, no, they are not a shutdown unit. With that switch, I expect Ryder to be back next to Gionta and Zubrus. Ryder did play the last two games and even picked up an assist on Tuesday, so I would think he'll get a third game. It's still a pretty sad bottom-six, but we've known this for a while now.</p>
<p>What is also sad is that Patrik Elias remains out with back spasms. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/nhldevils/status/578583917726429184">The team's official Twitter account stated that he did not travel with the team and will not play tonight.</a> While Elias was not the player he once was - definitely not when he was active and dealing with back spasms - I'd like to think he is still an asset to the team's group of forwards. As the season winds down, who knows if we'll see him again this season. Maybe next week? Maybe in the final week? Who knows.</p>
<p><b>Please Do Better: </b>The rest of the lineup remains the same, so I'll make a few pleas for improvement. I'd like Adam Henrique to take a more active role on the ice. I want him to create offense, make plays on defense, and get some shots on net. I'd like <span>Steve Bernier</span> to just keep firing when he thinks he has a good chance to shoot. He (or anyone else) should almost never pass up shots in the slot. I'd like <span>Mike Cammalleri</span> to lead the way in terms of shots and attempts as he should. He's the team's most dangerous shooter; he needs to lead the way offensively. Likewise, I want <span>Travis Zajac</span> to support him better in the build-up and <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> to skate smartly so he's not in the way. Defensively, I'd like to see better from <span>Damon Severson</span> and <span>Jon Merrill</span>. While they didn't get good support at times, they were just on a different page at times against Pittsburgh. I'd like to see that just be an example of a bad night more than a sign of things to come. It would be to their and the team's benefit if that's the case, more so than the fact I just wrote <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2015/3/18/8228665/why-devils-use-top-two-defensive-pairings-larsson-greene-merrill-severson">how the possession stats suggest that pairing may actually be effective.</a></p>
<p>And the power play in general. This was horrid against Pittsburgh and many nights this season, it's either a feast for one advantage and a proverbial famine for the rest or just a proverbial famine. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?season=20142015&gameType=2&viewName=penaltyKill">The Sabres are dead last in the league in terms of success rate and the number power play goals allowed.</a> This is an area of the game the Devils should try to thrive in. It's a part of the game where the Devils should be able to find some offensive success, good shots on net and possession if not a goal. The team should keep it simple with their puck movement, no one should be attempting low-percentage passes that may hit a defender or miss their mark, and - again - there should be no dump-ins. A successful power play or two may be enough to really take hold on the game. I hope the players and the co-coaches can realize that with their actions on the ice.</p>
<p><b>When Goalies Get Hot: </b>Michal Neuvirth posted an overall save percentage of 91.8% in 27 games with the Sabres, driven by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?season=20142015&gameType=2&team=BUF&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves&sort=&ord=#">a very good 93.1% save percentage at even strength.</a> Tim Murray, general manager of the Sabres, felt he could have been traded for assets and so he was moved to Long Island. His replacement came from a trade with Dallas: Anders Lindbeck, who posted an inglorious 87.5% save percentage in ten appearances with the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Stars</a> this season. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474765">His career high in save percentage came with Nashville in his rookie season in 2010-11</a>, a 91.5% in 22 games. If one ever doubted Buffalo tanking, well, that move erased it.</p>
<p>Or did it? Lindbeck came to Western New York and has been fabulous in net. In seven appearances, he's got an overall save percentage of 93.4%. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?season=20142015&gameType=2&team=BUF&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves&sort=&ord=#">That's driven by an astonishingly blazing 95.1% save percentage in even strength situations.</a> The Sabres have been riding him recently. That 44-save performance over Boston on Tuesday was the second of a back-to-back set where he started in both games. Credit his goaltending coach, Arturs Irbe. Credit getting into a different environment. Credit that infamous "confidence" that players who are doing well get credited for having. Credit what you want. Either way, he has been hot. For that alone, he could provide a real challenge for New Jersey tonight just like Neuvirth did in February. Again, the Devils need to not let it get to them should that happen.</p>
<p>But those Sabres fans lamenting how the team is now going to be successful enough to catch fellow awful squads in Arizona and Edmonton should pump their breaks. Lindbeck may stay hot for a little while longer but we've seen this happen enough times elsewhere. Players cool and reality returns. The Sabres will still be a terrible team and lose more games. Besides, Lindbeck's impressive save percentage has yielded a 1-3-2 record over his seven appearances. It's not like his arrival has led to a sudden winning streak or anything like that.</p>
<p><b>The Sharpest Swords: </b>While their numbers won't blow you away and several are out hurt, there are a number of skaters still active for the Sabres that the Devils should be careful when they're on the ice. <a target="_blank" href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/buffalo-sabres/?team=buffalo-sabres&strength=EV&gametype=1">Based on Left Wing Lock's lines from their last game</a>, their first line suffices as a dangerous group. Tyler Ennis is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?season=20142015&gameType=2&team=BUF&position=S&country=&status=&viewName=summary&sort=&ord=">Buffalo's leading scorer and shot taker</a> with eighteen goals, twenty assists, and 157 shots on net. He is their top attacker, he's swift, and he's tenacious. The Devils can ill-afford to count him out. On his left side is <span>Matt Moulson</span>. You remember him as the guy scoring a lot of goals next to John Tavares. Not so here, as he only has ten goals on 134 shots. Still, he can power his way through bodies and his shot can still be hard. With Girgensons out, <span>Johan Larsson</span> - one of the Sabres' hopes for the future - has been given some time with Ennis and Moulson. Larsson is an X-factor in that regard, though he hasn't exactly lit it up with four goals and 28 shots in 27 games. Still, Ennis and Moulson are enough to justify getting <span>Andy Greene</span> and <span>Adam Larsson</span> out against them.</p>
<p>Other than that, well, there's not much. All other Sabres with ten or more goals are on another team or out hurt. Only two other Sabres on the team have over 100 shots on net this season: <span>Cody Hodgson</span> (102 shots, five goals, 66 games) and <span>Brian Gionta</span> (112 shots, seven goals, 57 games). There's just not a lot at forward that's really notable. On defense, well, there's the future hopes of Rasmus Ristolainen and <span>Nikita Zadorov</span>. Ristolainen has been playing a lot of minutes recently, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8477499">over 28 in his last three games.</a> He's not shy about shooting, given his 98 shots on net, so the Devils will get to see a lot of him tonight. Zadorov hasn't been playing nearly as many minutes as Ristolainen, but he's the leading scorer on the blueline with three goals and eleven assists. He's got a good shot from what I understand, he just needs to use it more. With the potential for ice time tonight, maybe he will.</p>
<p>I stressed <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2015/2/17/8049343/new-jersey-devils-vs-buffalo-sabres-game-preview-57">in the preview to the last Devils-Sabres game</a> that Buffalo is just that bad of a team. They still are, Lindbeck's hotness and recent win over a playoff-bound team aside.</p>
<p><b>Self-Promotion: </b>It's not relevant to this game but it is for Saturday's game and the site in general. I've been asked to appear live on SiriusXM's <a href="http://www.hockeyprimetime.com" target="_blank">Hockey Primetime</a> with Conor McKenna. I will be talking about the Devils and trying my best not choke in the process. They'll be airing live from 5-7 PM EDT, my spot is at 6:30 PM.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8477499"></a><b>RIP: </b> The genius behind CapGeek and former Metro Halifax sports reporter, Matthew Wuest, <a target="_blank" href="http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/1318169/matthew-wuest-metro-halifax-sports-reporter-and-capgeek-founder-dies-of-cancer/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">died from colon cancer last night.</a> On the behalf of ILWT, our condolences to the Wuest family, his friends, and his colleagues for this dear loss.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils will travel to Buffalo, where the Devils should come away with a result. Spare me the notion of "draft position," it's "the 2014-15 Sabres." What do you think will happen tonight? Will the Devils play better than they did against Pittsburgh? Can the power play be a thread? May we see a Devils team <i>not </i>try to dump and chase it. Can the Devils quell Ennis and Moulson without letting the rest do too much damage? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/3/20/8260731/new-jersey-devils-at-buffalo-sabres-game-preview-71John Fischer