Up next: Ryan Miller, Derek Roy and the Buffalo Sabres

by FrankD on Dec 29, 2009 7:00 AM EST in 2009-10 game previews

[SBN Buffalo Sabres blog - Die by the Blade]

I guess for starters we'll kick off this preview with a more Penguins-centric question before getting into the swing of things with Buffalo. So, with that in mind, let's talk about Pittsburgh starting goaltenders. Dan Bylsma suggested the other day that Brent Johnson will be the starter in one of the next two games; tonight against the Sabres or tomorrow against the Devils. Now Fleury played a really solid game last time against the Sabres against Buffalo backup Patrick Lalime in what wound up being a 2-1 shootout win. He has, unfortunately, been struggling a bit against the Devils this year. Do you start Fleury tonight against the Sabres, or do you try and instill a little confidence in him yet and give him another nod against the Devils? Obviously we'll know for sure as we edge closer to the puck drop, but for the time being this should be a good conversation starter this morning.

On to the Sabres, where goaltending may be another topic of discussion.

Patrick Lalime put together one hell of a show a little over a week ago to keep the Sabres in it and force OT and the subsequent shootout loss. In more recent action, Lalime picked up his second 'W' of the year against St. Louis on Sunday night. However that was also the second half of a back-to-back, whereby Ryan Miller received the start Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators. In other words, even though 2009 Lalime looked like 1996 Lalime the last time out against the Pens, I think it's safe to say Miller will get the nod tonight. But as always, these things are subject to Lindy Ruff's consideration and won't officially be known until later in the day. More to come on that front of course.

The last time these two teams met was probably one of my more favorite games of the year. If I had to pick 10 favorites this early in the season, I think I'd rank it in my top three. The blowout wins over Philly and Ottawa may make an appearance as well.

Top names on the Sabres outside of the pipes: Derek Roy (9g, 21a), Tom Connolly (9g, 19a) and Jason Pominville (9g, 17a). Also can't forget a guy like Tomas Vanek (11g, 12a), who's picked up a point in each of his last three games.

Also worth noting about this game: Two years ago at this time we were all preparing for that "crazy outdoor game" between the Sabres and Pens at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo. Sweet memories of rigged shootout wins remain ripe in my memory.

Puck and thread at 7:00. Jump on it.

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I’d play Fleury tonight and let Johnny go tomorrow vs. the Devils. As you mentioned MAF and the whole Penguins have struggled against Jersey, maybe a changeup is what they need to jumpstart them.

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You come at the king, you best not miss.

by Hooks Orpik on Dec 29, 2009 7:20 AM EST reply actions

Tough back-to-back coming against the two most stingiest clubs in the East… goaltending will need to be good.

NJ have pummeled us so far this season, so I’d also suggest a change in goal to try to turn things around.

You have to see it for yourself...

by Bla Razor on Dec 29, 2009 7:42 AM EST up reply actions

I didn’t really think about it, but we definitely need to change something against the Devils. Maybe Johnson can give us what we need.

"Darling, you say Brooks Orpik 'checked' that guy. He did not 'get under him and put him into the wall'."--Beloved to me, Winter 2007

Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.

by GreenEyedLilo on Dec 29, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

hey boys, first post. pardon the name, it was meant for the rest of the atlantic! I don’t think we need to change a thing for tomorrow night. the boys are going to find the back of the net consistantly, just a matter of time. Attitude is everything and these guys hate to lose. Honestly, i think its jersey should be worried, not us…..

by yins r jags on Dec 29, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions

hey there, welcome. I’d really like to see a win in NJ tomorrow night. I’m not taking anything away from buffalo tonight, but a win in NJ would be nice. Especially since it’s on the road.

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by FrankD on Dec 29, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

I kind of agree with you…I don’t think the Devils are “in the Penguins heads” or anything like that. NJ has played very very well and they are a solid team.

But they’ve jumped out to early leads quickly in all the games and been able to dictate their style of play a lot. Pittsburgh needs to reverse that trend and the rest will follow.

Pensburgh.com

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by Hooks Orpik on Dec 29, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions