Heh....yeah. Going to skip the game summary on this as my post-game aneurysm is beginning to heal. Suffice it to say, no one expects the Sabres to win-out the remainder of their regular season games. Heck no, in fact. But what we, as fans, do expect [owwwww]....is...to...not...blow....a....f-ing...two...goal...lead....late...in...the...third period.
[ahem]
Now onto to some fantasy relevant info. Despite the loss, the boys are still producing offensively. Gotta hand them that much.
First, TOI among d-men Sekera lead the way w/ 22:39 (w/2:228 PPTOI); Myers came in at 21:08 (w/3:05 PPTOI); and rounding out the top three was Leopold at 20:38 (w/3:25 PPTOI)
Now you might be saying to yourself "Wow, look at the power play time allotted to Leopold?!?" Well, don't be fooled. Leopold is relied on more for his defensive attributes, especially on the power play (ie prevent any short handed scoring opportunities, etc). Myers is the man on the power play because he possesses more defensive acumen than Sekera AND superior offensive skill. In short, Myers doesn't (usually) f***-up as much Sekera and can score more. I say "usually" because neither looked very good in the third period last night.
Point-wise, Sekera's still doing it, as well as Myers. They will have all the opportunity in the world going forward so if you own 'em...start 'em. The Sabres can score, no doubt, and one of these two leads the charge at the point bouncing pucks off pads for players like Gerbe, Ennis, and Pommer to hammer home. Myers and Sekera will continue to produce.
For the forwards, Vanek continues to be the man on the power play logging the most time (3:25 last night). From there it goes to Ennis, Pommer, and Stafford for the group with the second most power play time. Followed by Connolly and Boyes at just over 2 mins last night.
That's generally been the going allotment from game-to-game. An honorable mention to Mancari who saw his ice time jump to 13 mins and was also able to register an assist.
Some more forward numbers to revel in:
Nate "I'm Taller Than I look" Gerbe: One goal among six...yes, I said six shots on goal (team high last night) and 13 mins of ice time. Just an amazing kid, who is damn fun to watch.
Tyler "At Least I'm Taller Than Gerbe" Ennis - a disappointing 2 shots on net and a minus-one on the night. However (and it's a biggee), he scored a goal and has eight points in his last seven games. You have to start this kid each night.
Cody "Copperfield" McCormick - A once heralded multi-cat stud-to-be has disappeared. Five shots on goal last night, but no points and only one in his last seven. Fourth line minutes and numbers to match. Bench him if ya got him.
Thomas "Little Engine That Could" Vanek - He's going to have a four point night here soon. The guy is just all over the place, creating opportunities yet again, and registering five shots on net last night. Yes only one assist, but he's just missing on several opportunities each game. With eight points in his last seven games, ya really can't complain too much, if at all. Start him...always.
Tim "Please Don't Trade Me" Connolly - Four shots on net and a goal to show for it last night. He does have seven-in-seven so that's something. Just not as consistent as the above, but showing improvement. Start him if you need a fill-in.
Amber Alert: Brad Boyes - four in his last seven. Not horrible per se, but certainly not trending in a way we would like to see.
Tomorrow night vs Canadiens. We shall see. We shall see....
Hope this was helpful.