Another 5-2 loss

The Buffalo Sabres lost 5-2 for the second straight game. This game was all around really bad. Buffalo was outshot 40-31. Miller probably should have had a few of them, but often the goals were due to players being out of position.

MacArthur, Sekera, and Weber were the only players who looked good for Buffalo in this game. Clarke MacArthur got the first goal for Buffalo, while Sekera's shot was tipped in by Vanek for the second Buffalo goal in the game. Spacek also got assists on both of the goals, while Paille finished the game plus one with an assist.

Tampa Bay is mostly a one dimensional team, and Kolzig is no longer that great of a goalie, so Buffalo has no excuse for losing this one. This is the third straight game the Sabres have lost, and they really need to turn things around now, or they will end up falling short just like they did last season.

Paul Gaustad was finally back in the lineup for this game, leaving Matt Ellis scratched. Gaustad only received limited minutes in the game though. Henrik Tallinder was also back, with Paetsch sitting out the game rather than sending Weber back to Portland.

Rookie Steven Stamkos had a great game with an assist, and the first two goals of his NHL career. If he can continue playing like he did in this game he will be able to win the Calder trophy by season's end.

Official Three Stars

Steven Stamkos

Vincent Lecavalier

Paul Ranger

My Three Stars

Steven Stamkos (two goals, one assist)

Vincent Lecavalier (two assists, plus one)

Clarke MacArthur (one goal)

Early Calder Favorites

It's a bit early in the season to be talking about the NHL's end of the year awards, but there are already a few favorites to claim the title of "Rookie of the Year".

As the first pick in last years draft, Steve Stamkos was the preseason favorite to win the Calder this year. Last year it was won by the drafts top pick, Patrick Kane. Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Stamkos has gotten off to a poor start this season. After eight games he has zero goals and only on assist. He has had earned a negative three plus/minus rating while only having limited ice time.

Fabian Brunnström did not play in the first two games for Dallas, but when he did get in he scored a hat-trick. Over the next six games he earned two more goals and an assist. However he also has a plus/minus rating of negative six and leads the league in goals against per sixty minutes. While his offense has been impressive, he has proven to be a liability in his own end.

The Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty has been very solid for them as a rookie defenseman this season. After eight games he has an impressive plus/minus of positive eight, and has been trusted with significant ice time. Against Colorado he even scored a goal, but as a defenseman is not likely to put up big enough offensive numbers to be picked as the Calder winner.

After three solid seasons at the University of North Dakota TJ Oshie is playing as a rookie for the St Louis Blues this season. After eight games he only has three points (two goals and one assist). Still he has been a better two way player than Stamkos or Brunnström, and as such is more likely to be trusted with more playing time throughout the season.

Still it is early to try and figure out who the Calder favorite is. It could still go to a player like Toronto defenseman Luke Schenn who has been playing decently. It could even go to a player like Buffalo's Nathan Gerbe who has plenty of potential, but has yet to even play in a single NHL game.