Sabres vs Lightning
Thursday, October 30th, 2008 11:08 pm by Mike
There will be no SabreCast for this game. Matt and I picked a winner and watched this one down at HSBC Arena. Unfortunately, we just ran out of time to put together a podcast tonight, but we’ll be returning on Saturday night after the game against Washington. To appease our loyal listeners, he’s a quick summary of our thoughts from the game.
Game Recap
The Sabres lost for the second time versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. Much like their first lost, the Sabres were downed 5-2 at home. The Sabres were desperately outshot in the first period, resulting in a two goal deficit going into the second. The onslaught continued in the second and the Sabres let in another two goals. Sabres’ goals came from Thomas Vanek and Clarke MacArthur.
Game Analysis
- Miller definitely had his worst game of the season. There were at least a couple goals I think he should have stopped.
- It wasn’t all Miller’s fault. The defense made a lot of mistakes and didn’t give him much help. Numminen and Weber (who played over Paetsch, not Tallinder) looked particularly bad.
- Tampa Bay’s offense was very potent with fast rushes, lots of shots, and crisp passing. The Sabres’ offense, however, was slow and sloppy.
- Vanek managed to notch his 9th goal in the loss on a nice deflection on the Power Play. MacArthur also scored, netting his 5th of the season. Those two players have played consistently well for most of the first 10 games.
- Gaustad returned to the lineup, playing in a number of situations. He looked healthy, but couldn’t help the Sabres win. Ellis was scratched.
- Pominville seemed to have a whole in his stick. Every pass that came to him went right on by. He has been okay thus far, but he needs to pick it up to get back to where he was last season.
Predictions
- Matt’s Prediction: 3-1 W (Vanek, Kotalik, Weber [to replace Paetsch])
- Mike’s Prediction: 4-2 W (Vanek, Afinogenov, Kaleta)
- Prediction Game Results
- 2008-09 Prediction Challenge