Sep

13

Hockey Announcements

September 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Sabres web site has announced that the NHL will be making an Announcement in regards to a “special event.” There will be a press conference at 2:00 PM on September 17, 2007. As it is taking place at Ralph Wilson Stadium, there is no question as to the subject matter! Regular season tickets do not go on sale until this Saturday, September 15, at 9:00 AM, but many may have noticed the fact that the January 1 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins has not had a ticket link. Judging by the complex processes that go into having an outdoor game, the announcement could go either way. However, seeing as the NHL is coming out to Buffalo to make a “major announcement” seems to point towards the fact that the Ice Bowl will take place in Buffalo.

In more positive news, the Buffalo Sabres are finally getting a much-needed improvement to HSBC Arena: A new scoreboard! Not just a minor update, but an actual HD system that promises to rival some of the best scoreboards in hockey. It seems like the Sabres have invested in many updates and improvements over the last two years, and it does appear to be for the better. The original JumboTron was pretty ancient, and already suffered its fair share of problems. It might be noted that having a scoreboard in HD may point to HD broadcasts in the future. The near future, hopefully!

Sep

10

With the Training Camp and Preseason Schedule announced, the start of the Sabres’ 2007-2008 season is quickly approaching. The biggest dilemma stems from not knowing if the team can replicate another prosperous season. However, re-stating the obvious over and over again is far from original. There are certain things that could happen this season that have either been rare, or simply not occured during the “Golden Era” of modern Sabres hockey. We all are hoping for a Stanley Cup to culminate years of hard work, but let us look towards some other hockey hopes!

Rick Jeanneret in HD - Whenever a Sabres game is broadcast in high definition, that night is a good night! However, there is always something missing from the crystal clear details. Namely, Rick Jeanneret. His calls are legendary, and bring a unique element to every hockey game. It is true that national recognition is a huge boost for the team’s economic success, yet the void created without Jeanneret makes the mute button look all the more appealing.

A Shut Out or Two, or Ten - Ryan Miller is an amazing goaltender, which nobody can deny. It has been frustrating, however, to only see him amass one or two shut outs per season during his full-time career with the Sabres. Several instances from last season, involving goals in the last minute of play, resulted in feelings of loss and frustration. Miller has the potential to take on every type of shot, and throw his body about in a logical sense. Of course, shut outs are not all-important, but who does not want to see a score of 3-0 every now and then?

Successful Special Teams - When the power play worked last season, it worked like a charm. Anyone familiar with the Sabres, though, knows that there were precious few opportunities in 2006-2007. The Sabres’ power play was ranked 17th, while the penalty kill unit was ranked 20th (NHL Stats). Last season’s President’s Trophy showed that special teams are not the most important aspect of a team, but ranking within the top half would definitely be a plus this season. There are a good number of players on the team, such as Connolly, Roy, and Vanek, capable of making the plays. It will remain to be seen if the off-season changes will make a difference for the power play and penalty kill.

Many other factors have been left out, since there are so many things that are expected from the Sabres. Is there enough pressure being put on them? Most likely, judging by the heart breaking playoff losses of the past two seasons. The one thing we do know is that this team is still intact, and ready for another run at the Stanley Cup: Three times a charm.

Sep

8

In a Buffalo News article, it was reported that the Sabres will be working on re-signing three players in the last year of their contracts. This is a much different strategy, compared with the policies of the past. Arguably, working with Drury from the start of the season could have resulted in his retainment. However, the past can not be changed. What stands to be decided, though, is the future of Brian Campbell, Jochen Hecht, and Dmitri Kalinin. Their contracts with the Buffalo Sabres will end at the end of the 2007-2008 season, but starting to work with them now seems to be a very worthwhile move. It does seem like the lessons of the off-season have been learned, and not necessarily at a high cost. The main team is still intact. The three players that will potentially leave at the end of the season each have their advantages and disadvantages, like the draft animals from Oregon Trail II.

Brian Campbell is one of the most valuable defensemen on the Sabres, and has proven his worth time and time again. His reliability is also a serious factor to take into consideration, along with his uncanny ability to score goals. His mistakes over the past few seasons have not been extremely noticeable, simply due to the fact that he does not usually make them. Campbell is a vital member of the Sabres who makes up a part of a defense that struggles at times. With the expectation of Numminen’s retirement at the end of this season, keeping Campbell around for a few more years seems like a smart decision. Besides, who else can do a commercial for the Center of Excessive Sweating?!

The offensive side of the Sabres is clearly in-depth and filled with hockey’s best, but Jochen Hecht is one important piece of the puzzle. He has the ability to score goals, while also finding a way to be in the right place at the right time. We witnessed him struggle at various points throughout the last two seasons, but he has a relatively consistent style of play. The Sabres may be a hockey team built up around young players, yet having a few veterans on the front lines is another way to diversify. Hecht also has the skills to work with different teammates on different lines, further pointing to his importance on the team.Lastly, Dmitri Kalinin enters the discussion. Popular opinion has slated him for trading, especially after some of his performances last season. He has been with the Sabres since the 1999-2000 season, and is a veteran to the NHL. Somehow, however, he finds his way into making mistake after mistake. It almost comes as a surprise when he manages to make a strong defensive move. Judging a player by their past performance is one of the only ways to predict how he will continue to play in the future, but Kalinin may have made some improvements during the off-season. We all may remember when Afinogenov was listed as a healthy scratch in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, only to storm back and score the game winning goal in Game 5. Although it may not be plausible, there still is a chance that Kalinin will be able to act more consistently and reliably. If not, keeping him with the team after the season unfolds will be more of a liability than an asset.

Aug

31

Announced in June, the NHL rule changes for the 2007-2008 season seemed to be the most important topic of discussion at the time. However, can we all actually remember those changes as we approach the start of the pre-season? Fortunately, we have proided a quick list of the changes, along with a few of the pros and cons, courtesy of the original NHL article. A handful of new rules are introduced every year or two which, for the most part, improves the overall game of hockey. Alternatively, they also create a myriad of controversies and debates!

Gross Misconduct: No longer will this term be used in the NHL, but will rather be classified as a Game Misconduct. This should clear up a bit of confusion with the terminology, as distinguishing between the two was something of a challenge. Survivor: Misconduct might have been a viable entertainment source! This rule change appears to be more a clarification issue, rather than altering any aspect of the game.

Penalty Shots: Previously, penalty shots could only be awarded when a penalty was called in the offensive zone. This season, any interference with a player in the offensive and neutral zones will result in a penalty shot. Therefore, we should see many more adrenaline-filled rushes to the net. In all honesty, there is not a great deal of room in the offensive zone when a player is rushing the net. Time and time again, many players were held up in the neutral zone when there was a clear possibility of an important goal. This new rule may result in more stoppages in play, but will most certainly reward speedy, talented players. Afinogenov fans, rejoice!

Interference: Prior to the 2007-2008 season, injuries resulting from interference could only result in minor penalties. The new rule states that referees will be given the decision to assess a major penalty and a game misconduct for these injuries. In any contact sport, injuries are bound to occur. It is difficult to determine vicious intent, but at least there is the option for a more severe penalty. Hopefully this rule will be used in moderation, though, since injuries resulting from interference are not always intentional. Some cases in point from last season come to mind, but those players are no longer Sabres, and they deserve no sympathy!

Face-Offs: All face-offs must now take place on one of the nine face-off circles on the ice. Last season, situations involving pucks traveling over the glass could result in face-offs taking place at different locations. This rule should save referees a bit of time in pin-pointing where the puck had left the ice. Although it was rare to come across a dispute, clearly stating where all face-offs are to take place seems to make the process a lot easier. All NHL rinks are dotted with face-off circles, which eliminates another of the chance factors.

These rule changes are not too earth-shattering, but will add some more clarity to the game. We will have to wait and see, though, what types of calls end up in those undying frustrations. At the very least, Sabres fans can be well-informed about what the future season has in store!

Aug

28

Rumors about a possible outdoor game between the Pittburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on January 1, 2008 have been circulating since the beginning of the summer. Recently, however, reports from ESPN and the Buffalo News have nearly confirmed the existence of a game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It does seem like a good number of fans would be interested in an outdoor hockey game, although the excitement has been a bit less than expected. One of those reasons, perhaps, is the freezing tundra landscape, otherwise known as Western New York. On the other hand, cold temperatures have never been a guarantee, and the game could turn out to be some sort of liquidy mess.

The temperature has been a popular discussion topic since the idea was circulated, yet there are many more factors to consider. What about the unique atmosphere only an outdoor hockey game can generate? Skating around on frozen ponds was one of the trademark training routines for some of the greatest players in the NHL. Then again, there is no actual pond on the 10-yard line of Ralph Wilson Stadium. Still, anticipating such an occasion is reason to believe that it will be filled with unforgettable moments. The last outdoor NHL game took place in 2003, and was quite the topic of conversation, if only for the wind chill factor. Now that the Sabres have a chance to be remembered for taking part in an Ice Bowl, we can rest assured that something exciting will come out of the day. Even if that turns out to be a disaster.

Aug

26

This off-season has been characterized by a general feeling of heartache and loss. The Sabres lost both of their co-captains, but most of us eventually accepted the departures of Briere and Drury. In my book, they are both already dead to me, as most players are once they leave the team. We also witnessed paychecks skyrocketing for some of the younger forwards. Most notably, Thomas Vanek was awarded an astonishing $50 million, seven year contract. On the surface, money and talent seem to be seeping out of the Sabres’ locker room.

Looking deeper, however, one finds something a bit more remarkable. Buffalo is a team built up around the philosophy of maturing players in the minor leagues, testing them in the NHL, and finally permanently putting them on the team. We have a great deal of skilled youngsters who have already proven themselves over the past one or two seasons. Thomas Vanek was virtually unknown until 2005. The same thing can be said, to varying degrees, for Paul Gaustad, Derek Roy, and Jason Pominville. So anyone who believes that the Sabres lost its talent over the summer is sorely mistaken. We have an amazing group of players that has no problem tackling anything.

The main issue is more centralized around feeling that the team, including the fans, has gotten their money’s worth. Consistently winning was a trademark of the 2006-2007 season, but anyone who knows the Sabres understands the issue of consistency. No one has guaranteed that Vanek will be able to pull off the same moves, or that Miller will fling his body around to make those famous picture-perfect saves. Truth be told, no one can guarantee anything about the future. The only way to keep some of our guys around was to pay more. Any true Sabres fan knows that this season is marked by many expectations, but there is only one thing we can do: Believe.

Aug

20

The Buffalo Sabres surprised the world with their success over the past two seasons. Prior to the NHL lockout, the team was near the bottom of the league and not considered a contender for much of anything. The success of the team arose mainly from hard work and decades of dedication, and also from the financial coffers of Mr. Tom Golisano. In a similar manner, Sabres Center Ice is dedicated to bringing fans of all ages the important news and information about the team through hard work, dedication, and a bit of humor. Written by an absolutely crazy Sabres fan, our posts will touch upon everything from the simple wins, to the heartbreaking trades and losses. We have witnessed the Sabres transform from a struggling mess, all the way to serious Stanley Cup contenders. A third record-breaking season can not be promised. However, Sabres Center Ice will be active through all of the uncertainties. Enjoy the upcoming season and all we will have to offer!

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