SabreCast 2.17 – What Makes This Team So Good?
Sunday, January 17th, 2010 4:51 pm by Mike
In this episode of SabreCast, we discuss this week’s games from the Sabres, who went 1-0-1 against Atlanta and the New York Islanders. We also cover listener feedback, discuss why the Sabres are doing well, but are losing fan support in our main discussion, and go over the standings and upcoming schedule.
What Makes this Team So Good?
Our main discussion was an extension of a point that came up in last week’s show. We’re still really intrigued by the success of this team and we would love to hear what you have to say on the subject. Email us a feedback@sabrecast.com and let us know why you think the Sabres are doing so well this season.
Don’t forget that you can send us any feedback at anytime, rate out show on iTunes, or leave us a voicemail at (716) 393-9259. As always, thanks for listening!
Get the Full Episode (MP3 44.9mb) – Running Time 48:55
January 19th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I’m a Sabres fan living deep inside Bruins territory, so this is a refreshing season so far.
I think attempting to put a single pin in what has made the Sabres successful so far this season is a mistake a lot of people are making. Yes, Miller is playing quite possibly the best he has in his life, and is perhaps the best goaltender in the world right now. Calling him the best hockey player in the world, as I have read in several articles, may be unfair: comparing goalies and skaters on the same scale is a bit out there. Defense has tightened up compared to recent years, largely due to young Myers eating minutes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while composing himself like a veteran in his prime. Myers also sets the bar higher for the older defensemen if they want to share in that playing time. The re-addition of Mike Grier to the roster brings some needed grit and leadership to assist Rivet in the locker room, as well as on the ice. But to me, one of the biggest changes has been that the Sabres’ young (ish) players have finally seemed to realize that this is their team, and it’s time to act like it. Pominville, Roy, Vanek, and Gaustad are all guys still in their 20s that have finally outgrown the “I’m young and new, tell me what to do” mentality and taken things upon their own shoulders. Speaking of Gaustad, he and Kaleta are showing teams that third and fourth liners can score too, they’re not just bruisers out there to take up space. Conversely, while Vanek, Roy, and Pommer haven’t been putting up the numbers they’re capable of, I’ve seen them play much grittier in the corners, and forecheck much harder (and smarter) than in recent years. Having Tim Connolly consistently healthy doesn’t hurt either. This may be a result of a bit of a shift: while the Sabres are still a fast and skilled team, it seems they’ve moved a bit away from the run and gun mentality, and are working things from the goal out now. The beneficiary being Miller who can be more confident that shots are getting blocked and rebounds cleared out.
I guess answers aren’t always so east….or maybe I’m just over-thinking things.
July 12th, 2011 at 7:13 am
Your story was really inofrtmaive, thanks!