Rick and Harry

Friday, for the second time, I was lucky enough to sit in the press box of the First Niagara Center. I knew it was going to be another tremendous day because well...it's the NHL. I'll jump at any chance to get closer to the game I love. However, life was even better this time around. That night, I had the honor of meeting Rick Jeanneret and Harry Neale (a special thanks to Brad Townsend for making that possible). Some of you may think honor is an exaggeration. I think not. They are both genuinely nice, amiable individuals. 

Being a "seasoned veteran" at obtaining credentials, I tried my best to remember the routine. I set a new personal record, with three, for the fewest questions asked on these trips and with little trouble, found my seat. A good friend of mine who works in the press box was to make the introduction to these Buffalo legends. Although excited, and a tad nervous, I tried my best to stay calm and not look like a total goober. My friend was fully aware of this anxiety. About a half an hour before the game, he made light of these sentiments by coming to my seat and jesting, "You've been summoned by Mr. Neale." I shook Harry's hand and he advised me to hang out in the lobby area between the first and second intermissions. Due to some scheduling uncertainties, the period in which I would be accompanying them was unknown. No problem. The first intermission came and I waited. Nothing. The second intermission followed and just before the period was about to start, I saw him down the hallway poke his head out of the booth and wave me down. He apologized for rushing, but had to be on camera for some discussions with Rob Ray in a few minutes. In the back of the booth, I stood and watched Harry Neale calmly talk to thousands upon thousands of viewers. No big deal, right? After that, they encouraged me to wear an extra headset they had and stand between them while the third period was announced. I moved right up to the edge, but backed off a tad because I didn't want to ruin their chemistry. It was obvious that they both loved hockey. Harry Neale missed a few cues by Rick Jeanneret to comment because he was intently watching the game. Like an old friend, Jeanneret just rolled his eyes and smiled. An exciting period of hockey, plus some bonus time, brought plenty of memories that ended with a Harry Neale gem: Michael Wyder. He put me to shame.

Before I knew it, the game was over and I thanked them both for the opportunity, which to them probably wasn't a huge deal. But for me, it was! Hopefully, this press box situation happens again and I can strike up more conversation with Buffalo's greatest announcers.

Buffalo vs. Dallas Review

1st Period:

The opening period was, to say the least, quite boring. There were a total of 17 shots, but it felt more like three. Kari Lehtonen made some key saves, especially on the slapper from Tyler Myers, that kept Dallas from falling behind. Cody McCormick's misstep (roughing) was the only opportunity the Stars needed. Alex Goligoski sent a bomb from the point that was deflected directly in front of Ryan Miller by Michael Ryder. The Sabres went into the locker room down one.

2nd Period:

The second period was also filled with a few yawns. That's not to say there weren't exciting moments however. Lehtonen stood on his head to preserve his team's lead once again. This included a phenomenal glove save on Drew Stafford. It's hard to imagine giving a goal scorer that much time and not paying a price. The Stars, as referenced in Lindy Ruff's press conference, did a great job clogging up the neutral zone. The Sabres once again left the ice trailing.

3rd Period:

The third period didn't start off as Buffalo had planned, or hoped. Early in the period, Steve Ott flew into the offensive zone, separating Christian Ehrhoff from the puck. Jamie Benn picked up the loose puck and dished a perfect pass to Tomas Vincour who buried the Stars' second tally. Buffalo immediately responded. After Radek Dvorak was sent off for hooking, Thomas Vanek capitalized on the power play with a beautiful deflection set up by Jason Pominville. Puck movement on the power play is essential. It appeared as though Buffalo was going to fall short until the Dallas Stars iced the puck. With about 45 seconds left, Paul Gaustad went to work in the face off circle, as usual. He won it back to Jason Pominville who dropped it off to Myers. After the shot got through to Lehtonen, a mad scrum was finalized by a Derek Roy goal.

OT & SO:

An exciting OT finished with a 2-on-0 that saw Ehrhoff drop a pass between his legs to a wide open Vanek. He couldn't lift the puck and Lehtonen made the save of the game with no time left in OT. The shootout took five rounds and finished with a Sykora-esque backhand by Nathan Gerbe (#backhandswork).

Final: Sabres 3, Stars 2

After the game, Ruff highlighted the importance of having veterans back in the lineup. The Sabres are going to need this kind of composure to stay in the playoff hunt.

Buffalo vs. Dallas Preview

I once again apologize for the lengthy absence. For the past few weeks I've been studying for some New York State insurance exams and this blog, unfortunately, has taken a backseat. Although I'm still in the process of completing these exams, this blog will definitely get more attention going forward.

Tonight, as the Dallas Stars visit the First Niagara Center to battle the Buffalo Sabres, I will be in the press box for the second time. And for the second time, I am absolutely ecstatic. In fact, I'm even more geeked because for the first period, I have the pleasure of sitting with Rick Jeanneret and Harry Neale (two of the most influential voices in Sabre history). I hear they're both classy gents, so I can't wait to pick their brains.

Now, the preview.

Even though the Sabres are currently ten points out of a playoff spot, one would be foolish to consider them finished. Proof lies in the Sabres' 6-0 smackdown of last year's Stanley Cup Champions on Wednesday. Sure, the team has had a rough season thus far, but that can all be forgotten with a strong finish. Just make the playoffs. Thomas Vanek is back after a three-game absence and will hopefully provide some offense, as he's been doing all season. Ryan Miller is in goal. He's 3-0 against the Dallas Stars, so this one is in the bag. However, with Tampa Bay tomorrow night, the Sabres have another goal outside of winning today's game: conserve energy.

The Dallas Stars are also competing for a playoff spot - only two points out, but with two games at hand. They've been up and down for most of the season, but with a little consistency, are well on their way to an appearance. A difficult Western Conference leaves no room for error and another bad month like January will have them setting tee times in April. The Stars may be a bit tired from last night, but don't underestimate their talent. Jamie Benn is slowly becoming one of the game's best power forwards. Paired with the pure skill of Loui Eriksson, this offense is formidable. In net tonight is Kari Lehtonen, who has been as solid as can be for a club. At the beginning of the season, he flew out of the gates, leading the NHL in wins. After an injury, he has fallen down the charts, but still keeps his team in contention every night.

This will be a great battle! Enjoy.

Follow my Twitter for updates: HolyJumpin40

Prediction: 

Sabres - 4

Stars - 3

East: In-depth Prediction Review

After reviewing my team predictions for the 2011-2012 season, I thought it was fitting to also analyze my individual predictions halfway through the season. Here we go (I've put the most significant statistic in parentheses). There is a key at the bottom if you have trouble with the abbrevs.

Washington Capitals 

Expected Performers: Vokoun (.911 SVP), Backstrom (42 P), Ovechkin (35 P)

Supporting: Laich (23 P), Brouwer (23 P), Johansson (26 P)

Stable Pieces: Ward (13 P), Halpern (12 P), Hamrlik (19:33 ATOI)

Surprise: Alzner (+11)

Prediction Score: B+

Karl Alzner has been a nice surprise with a team-high positive-11, but Dennis Wideman has had an absolutely tremendous season with 31 points in 43 games. He's also averaging 24:14 of ice time per game. Wow. I forgot to include Semin in my predictions. Hmmm...strange coincidence.

Pittsburgh Penguins 

Expected Performers: Crosby (1.5 P/G), Malkin (51 P), Letang (26:10 ATOI)
Supporting Performers: Staal (20:23 ATOI), Sullivan (22 P), Neal (40P)
Stable Pieces: Orpik (127 H), Fleury (21 W)

Surprise: Kennedy (20 P)

Prediction Score: B

Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis are having exceptional years for the Penguins, not Tyler Kennedy. Paul Martin was overlooked. He plays a ton of minutes. Overall however, the pieces were listed.

Boston Bruins 

Expected Performers: Thomas (.937 SVP), Chara (+27), Krejci (33 P)

Supporting Performers: Marchand (+27), Bergeron (37 P), Lucic (34 P)

Stable Pieces: Seidenberg (23:49 ATOI), Kelly (23 P), Peverley (29 P)

Surprise: Seguin (38 P, +34)

Prediction Score: B+

The fact that I somehow left out Nathan Horton was compensated by the surprise of Tyler Seguin. Other than that, everything is pretty much in place. Tuukka Rask has been phenomenal as well.

Philadelphia Flyers

Expected Performers: Bryzgalov (16 W), Giroux (49 P), van Riemsdyk (22 P), Briere (29 P)

Supporting Performers: Hartnell (38 P), Jagr (32 P), Voracek (26 P)

Stable Pieces: Talbot (3:51 SH ATOI), Simmonds (23 P), Pronger (Injured)

Surprises: Nodl (N/A), Schenn (3 P)

Prediction Score: C-

My surprises were way off. Matt Read has definitely been the team's biggest fortune. Ilya Brygalov has struggled while James vsn Riemsdyk is underachieving. Meanwhile, the supporters are outscoring the expected performers.

Buffalo Sabres 

Expected Performers: Miller (.903 SVP) , Vanek (41 P), Stafford (22 P), Ehrhoff (23:35 ATOI)

Supporting Performers: Myers (7 P), Leino (10 P), Ennis (5 P)

Stable Pieces: Regher (19:06 TOI), Pominville (44 P), Hecht (7 P)

Surprise: Gerbe (15 P)

Prediction Score D+

As a whole, the Sabres have under-performed. Ryan Miller is having a questionable season. Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville are putting up points, but no one else has stepped up. Admittedly, injuries have taken more than a few man-games away from the team, but most individuals simply aren't playing as they should.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Expected Performers: Stamkos (50 P), St. Louis (36 P), Lecavalier (24 P)

Supporting Performers: Purcell (24 P), Malone (25 P), Downie (111 PIM)

Stable Pieces: Brewer (23:17 ATOI), Roloson (.880 SVP), Thompson (3:01 SH ATOI)

Surprise: Moore (14 P)

Prediction Score: B-

All the top scorers were listed correctly, but that was an easy process. The stable pieces were fine as well, other than Dwayne Roloson who has struggled mightily. Marc-Andre Bergeron has been the surprise thus far with a positive-eight and 24 points. Honestly, the team has just stunk!

New York Rangers

Expected Performers: Lundqvist (.935 SVP), Richards (31 P), Gaborik (35 P)

Supporting Performers: Callahan (31 P), Dubinsky (21 P), Anisimov (22 P)

Stable Pieces: Staal (7 GP), Girardi (27:21 ATOI), Boyle (10 P)

Surprise: Stepan (30 P)

Prediction Score: B+

Derek Stepan has been a great performer for the Rangers but so has Michael Del Zotto with a positive-22 and 23 points. Henrik Lundqvist is carrying the team as usual. Brian Boyle hasn't been as effective as I expected, but Carl Hagelin is picking up some of that slack.

New Jersey Devils

Expected Performers: Parise (38 P), Brodeur (.894 SVP), Kovalchuk (38 P)

Supporting Performers: Elias (41 P), Zajac (8 GP), Zubrus (23 P)

Stable Pieces: Clarkson (72 PIM), Greene (9 P), Steckel (N/A)

Surprise: Larsson (21:36 ATOI)

Prediction Score: C+

Adam Henrique has been the biggest surprise this season with a positive-nine and 34 points. Martin Brodeur is struggling this season and David Steckel is no longer with the team. Travis Zajac has been injured for the majority of the year, but Petr Sykora has been a welcome addition.

Montreal Canadiens

Expected Performers: Price (.913 SVP), Cammalleri (N/A), Plekanec (31 P)

Supporting Performers: Gionta (15 P), Markov (Injured), Subban (18 P)

Stable Pieces: Gomez (5 P), Moen (15 P), Gill (17:22 ATOI)

Surprise: Cole - if healthy (33 P)

Predictions Score: C

Despite the team being atrocious, Carey Price is having another strong season. Scott Gomez is the laughingstock of the league. Mike Cammalleri is on another team. Erik Cole has been a nice addition, but the real surprise has been David Desharnais with a positive-eight and 31 points. I also didn't list Max Pacioretty - shameful.

Winnipeg Jets

Expected Performers: Ladd (21 P), Byfuglien (24 P), Little (21 P)

Supporting Performers: Enstrom (23:54 ATOI), Antropov (20 P), Kane (31 P), Pavelec (.910 SVP)

Stable Pieces: Fehr (2 P), Hainsey (21:01 ATOI)
Surprise: Wheeler (32 P)

Prediction Score: B-

Blake Wheeler has definitely been the best surprise, currently leading his team in scoring. Kyle Wellwood wasn't listed but is also having a great year. Zach Bogosian and Alexander Burmistrov have been much more stable than those predicted.

Carolina Hurricanes

Expected Performers: Staal (34 P), Ward (16 W), Skinner (24 P)

Supporting Performers: Pitkanen (22:35 ATOI), Kaberle (N/A), Sutter (19 P)

Stable Pieces: Larose (21 P), Ruutu (26 P)
Surprise: Jokinen (24 P)

Prediction Score: B

Jussi Jokinen has been decent, but I would say the biggest surprise thus far is Jay Harrison with a career-high 18 points already. Justin Faulk is solidifying himself as a stable NHL player as well, eating up a lot of minutes. Overall however, another crappy season for the 'Canes.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Expected Performers: Kessel (48 P), MacArthur (21 P), Connolly (22 P)

Supporting Performers: Phaneuf (25:15 ATOI), Reimer (3.01 GAA), Lupul (47 P), Liles (21 P)

Stable Pieces: Lombardi (7 P), Grabovski (26 P), Kulimen (18 P)

Surprises: Bozak (25 P), Franson (12 P)

Prediction Score: B-

All the major players are listed, but I think Jonas Gustavsson has been the biggest surprise for the Leafs with 13 wins. Luke Schenn is another important piece I failed to mention. Tisk, tisk. Toronto is enjoying a decent season thus far.

Florida Panthers

Expected Performers: Fleischmann (34 P), Weiss (33 P), Booth (N/A)

Supporting Performers: Upshall (15 GP), Campbell (33 P)

Stable Pieces: Kopecky (17 P), Jovonaovski (8 P), Goc (2:31 SH ATOI)

Surprise: Bergenheim (7 P)

Prediction Score: C-

Although most of the top scorers are listed above, there were too many others left out. Dmitry Kulikov, Jason Garrison and Kris Versteeg are all having fantastic seasons for the Panthers this year. Shawn Matthias is turning into quite the power forward as well. I owe an apology to Jose Theodore.

New York Islanders

Expected Performers: Grabner (20 P), Tavares (43 P), Moulson(+9, 40 P), Streit (23:29 ATOI)

Supporting Performers: Comeau (N/A), Okposo (22 P)

Stable Pieces: Reasoner (-16), Rolston (8 P), Jurcina (-19)

Surprise: Nielsen (20 P)

Prediction Score: C

Most of the top performers are there, but PA Parenteau has been the team's biggest surprise. It's just another awful season for this franchise. They have had five different starting goaltenders. Eeek.

Ottawa Senators

Expected Performers: Anderson (23 W), Spezza (47 P), Alfredsson (33 P)

Supporting Performers: Gonchar (24 P), Michalek (31 P), Regin (4 P)

Stable Pieces: Philips (19:18 ATOI), Neil (82 PIM)

Surprise: Butler (9 P)

Prediction Score: C

The Senators have exceeded all expectations halfway through the season. The fact that I left Erik Karlsson out of this mix is unforgivable. He, Nick Foligno and Colin Greening have all been valuable contributors. Filip Kuba has been very stable on the back-end.

Key:

P = Points

ATOI = Average time on ice

PIM = Penalties in minutes

SH = Shorthanded

W = Wins

SVP = Save percentage

N/A = Not applicable/Not on team

GP = Games played

P/G = Points per game

H = Hits

The West tomorrow!

Mid-season Review

Once again, I was way off.

Eastern Conference:

Number Correct: 1/15

Playoff Teams Predicted: 5/8

Biggest Disappointment: Tampa Bay Lightning

Biggest Surprise: Florida Panthers & Ottawa Senators

Western Conference:

Number Correct: 1/15
Playoff Teams Predicted: 5/8
Biggest Disappointment: Anaheim Ducks
Biggest Surprise: St. Louis Blues

Individual Leaders:
Goals - Steven Stamkos (28)
Assists - Henrik Sedin (38)
Points -  Henrik Sedin  (49)
Plus/Minus - Tyler Seguin (+32)

Power Play Goals - James Neal (10)*

Shots - James Neal (165)*

Rookie Points: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (35)*

Time On Ice Per Game - Dan Girardi (27:19)*

Wins - Jimmy Howard (24)

Goals Against Average - Tuukka Rask (1.49)

Save Percentage -  Tuukka Rask  (.949)

Team Leaders:

Points - New York Rangers (56)

Goals Per Game - Boston Bruins (3.63)

Goals Against Per Game -  Boston Bruins  (1.90)

Power Play Percentage - Vancouver Canucks (24.4)*

Penalty Kill Percentage - New Jersey Devils (91.2)

Shots Per Game - San Jose Sharks (34.9)

Shots Against Per Game - St. Louis Blues (26.6)*

Face Off Percentage - Boston Bruins (55.9)*

*Led at quarter-season review as well

Press Box 1/7/12

I obviously came to the First Niagara Center as soon as I could (5:00PM), asking for directions the entire way. I picked up my credentials, rode the press box elevator and picked up a dictionary-sized stack of statistics. I now know how Harry Neale and Rick Jeanneret spew interesting facts throughout the game. They're laid out for them in perfect fashion. Kudos to whoever does the digging on this:

Wonderful!

After gathering the stats, I found my place amongst fellow bloggers, passing Kevin Weekes along the way (#NBD). Shout out to @thehosers! A great Sabre blog. Check it out...NOW! Here was my view:

Not bad, right?

The temperature up there however...quite chilly. Small price to pay for glory.

As the arena began to fill, my excitement rose. I was actually watching an NHL game from the press box. I'm sure the regulars who consistently occupy these seats are used to the privilege, but that's exactly what it is: a HUGE privilege! A completely unobstructed view coupled with complementary coffee and popcorn combine for a perfect experience. I sincerely could not have asked for more.

The arena was full and the puck dropped. Boy, those 300-level fans were loud. Even the Jets' fans! I loved it. Although the first period was a bit tame, I was very much looking forward to the second. It didn't disappoint, with five power plays and two goals. The third ended in unfavorable excitement with a tie. Overtime lasted a good minute until Johnny Oduya scored to end it.

I then made my way to Lindy Ruff's press confence downstairs. There, in a small room with maybe 20 reporters and bloggers, I sat in awe as Ruff candidly answered a few questions. The conference lasted about three and a half minutes, but it only seemed like a few seconds.

If approved, I am definitely doing this again! What a night.

Recap: Buffalo vs. Winnipeg

Recap

1st Period:

There wasn't a ton of action in the first period, but it was still exciting to watch. The period came to a close with the Sabres registering ten shots compared to the Jets' 11. The Sabres came out strong in the first few shifts, setting up shop in the Winnipeg end. After that, the game went back and forth. Buffalo was given a power play early but failed to capitalize, except on a Thomas Vanek injury - courtesy of a very hard Tyler Myers slapshot. The Jets missed their power play opportunity later in the period as well. Jhonas Enroth didn't see anything too dangerous, aside from his "hooking" penalty and a shot off the post halfway through the period. Sidenote to that penalty: Evander Kane is speedy. Seriously. Ondrej Pavelec made two tremendous glove saves the keep the Sabres off the board (at 10:58 and 7:38).

2nd Period:

The second period was much more exciting. Altogether, 53 shots had been taken by the end of the period, 24 by Buffalo and 29 from Winnipeg. Buffalo capitalized on one of their three power play chances halfway through the period. The tally came after some fantastic puck movement. Pominville's hockey sense is by far the best on the team. With 7:42 left, Pavelec made a phenomenal save on Jochen Hecht that kept Winnipeg within striking distance. The chance followed an awful turnover by the Jets in their own zone. It's important to note the save because with four seconds left in the period, Blake Wheeler tied the game on a 5-on-3 power play - great puck movement in that sequence as well. The 5-on-3 was a result of an illegal stick penatly by Jordan Leopold. Thomas Vanek was already in the box for hooking at that point.

Sidenote - Brayden McNabb made a few genius breakout passes, dominated the PK and fended off Nik Antropov 1-on-1. Not bad.

3rd Period:

The Jets started the period on the power play but couldn't produce. Four minutes into the third, Pavelec stoned Jason Pominville on the doorstep. This was another crucial moment that ultimately made a game-changing difference. With 1:45 left in the game Ville Leino scraped the puck off of Pavelec's pad and pushed it over the goal line. Boos immediately followed exuberant cheers as the goal was waived off. The whistle had already blown. The game went into a brief, one-minute overtime that finished with Johnny Oduya putting a wrist shot over Enroth's glove.

Overall, the Sabres played a much better game tonight than last night. There were fewer turnovers and odd-man rushes for the other team. The Sabres however, failed to finish on a couple good chances throughout the game. Scoring chances were passed up in favor of unnecessary setups, nets were missed and rules were forgotten.

My three stars:

1. Ondrej Pavalec

2. Brayden McNabb

3. Jhonas Enroth

Quotes from Lindy Ruff's press conference:

- "Those breaks go against you. You get some, you don't get 'em. We had opportunities though."

- "I didn't think we had very good net presence on some shots from the point."

- "The decision [to start Enroth] is just the schedule - six games in nine nights."

- "He's [Myers] been a big plus for us."

The Sabres next tilt is Tuesday in Toronto and they desperately need a win, especially against a division rival.