Sabres get rolled over

This was not a good game for Buffalo. They got destroyed by the Columbus Blue Jackets in every aspect of the game. Technically the Sabres did outshoot their opponents 37-25, but in no way did they control this game. Time after time the team failed to come back on defense, and put in little effort on their own rushes.

The RJ Umberger scored two goals in the game. The Blue Jackets also got goals from former Sabres captain Michael Peca, and another goal from Rick Nash.

Buffalo didn't look well, with the somewhat injured Tim Connolly and Paul Gaustad being the only Sabres giving any effort in this game. Despite the small sample size it is no mistake that Connolly is one of the NHL's top defensive forwards. A few of the goals were directly the result of Roy not having any backcheck at all.

Patrick Lalime may be in trouble as the teams dependable backup. While the first goal was clearly not his fault, the fourth goal certainly was. Also allowing six goals against in only 45 minutes on ice is never good. Buffalo will be in trouble, if once again they can not trust their backup to take any starts.

Saturday night's game is against the Penguins, who are pretty good. Buffalo is going to have to turn things around fast.

Official Three Stars

Pascal Leclaire

RJ Umberger

Manny Malhotra

My Three Stars

RJ Umberger (two goals)

Mike Commodore (two assists, plus three)

Pascal Leclaire (36 saves on 37 shots)

No Goals (and even less Defence)

The Sabres didn't show up for their Friday game against the Columbus BLue Jackets, droping the game 3-0. Apparently they missed my post the other day on how a high number of shots and goals are critical to their success. Although you can't ever win with zero points, Buffalo's defense was arguably worse.

Roy played really poorly in this game giving over turn over after turn over. Miller actually played really well, even stopping a penalty shot, but got no help. On the Blue Jackets first goal Peca was surrounded by four Sabres, yet none of them really moved towards the puck, allowing Peca's long chance swipe to bounce into the net. On the second goal on defender had for the most part forced Nash off of the puck, while a second defender kindof pointed his stick and the general direction rather then taking the for the most part free puck, while a third defender in the area just kindof stood there and watched.

Sabres play Montreal Saturday night. Perhaps redemption can come quick.

Official Three Stars

Rick Nash

Pascal Leclaire

Michael Peca

My Three Stars

Rick Nash

Pascal Leclaire

Michael Peca

Also in the Chicago game last night, the Blackhawks blew an early three goal lead but came back to beat the Colorado. Patrick Kane got his first NHL goal, which was a real pretty top corner one over the glove, but the highlight of the game came on the first goal of the game. Kane got what will probably be the easiest assist of his career when he passed it to Toews at the redline and then saw Toews skate around four defenders and slide the puck into the back of then net.

The Peca Question

Given the departure of three centers this off season, the Sabres could use some additional depth at the position, and the top unrestricted free agent at the position is Michael Peca. Adding him to the line up would be simple, simply removing Michael Ryan and splitting Mair out to the wing. Also Peca's expected salary wouldn't be too high, especially how late into the offseason it has already gotten without him signing on anywhere. Additionally He already has a house in the area and lives in the Western New York region in the offseason. However despite all this evidence pointing this towards being the most obvious signing ever, there are a few concerns that do come up, mainly how Peca left Buffalo the last time. As the team's captain Peca decided to hold out with 5 years still on his contract, and wound up sitting out a full season before being traded away. Since then neither the GM or the coach in buffalo has changed and the hostility may still exist. At the very least it is highly unlikely that Peca would be offered a long term contract, or that he would be renamed as team captain. It all depends on how desperate both Peca and the Sabres feel that they are...