Game 13, Preview and Open Thread: League's Best Offense vs League's Best Defense, Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres
by Travis Hughes on Nov 6, 2009 4:15 PM EST
in 09-10 Game Threads
126 comments
Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres, Nov 6, 2009 7:30 PM EST
Philadelphia Flyers (7-4-1, 15 pts) at Buffalo Sabres (9-2-1, 19 pts)
HSBC Arena - 7:30 PM ET - Buffalo, NY
TV: Comcast Network HD, MSG Buffalo HD
Radio: 610 WIP, XM 206
This is the open game thread.
Behind Enemy Lines: Die By The Blade
Riding a two-game winning streak into Buffalo tonight, the Philadelphia Flyers will put their potent offense to the test tonight as they take on the red-hot Sabres. Winners in five of their last six, they have surprised many with an excellent start that has propelled them to third place in the Eastern Conference, just five points behind first place Pittsburgh with four games in hand.
The Flyers haven't had nearly as impressive a first month of the season, but they have been on a roll lately, outscoring opponents 12-3 in their last two games. But those opponents were Carolina and Tampa Bay, and the Sabres are much, much better. It starts in net with Ryan Miller, and he's been a stone wall this season. In 11 games, he has a GAA of 1.69 and a save percentage of .941.
The defense is also just downright stingy, and the team has allowed just 24 goals all year long, a number that puts them at first place in the NHL by far. They score 1.7 goals for every goal against, a telling stat that shows you just how solid they are defensively. The Flyers, however, are the most potent offense in the league, averaging 3.67 goals per game. Those numbers are slightly inflated by the past two games, but nonetheless, they can score and will test Buffalo's blueline tonight.
Of course, they aren't fully up-to-speed. Danny Briere will miss tonight's game, still down from a "lower-body injury." Briere also suffered from the flu all week long, as did Matt Carle Arron Asham, Dan Carcillo, Jeff Carter, and Ian Laperriere. Laperriere and Carter practiced while the others did not, but everybody except for Briere is expected to play tonight. David Laliberte will again play in his place. Defenseman Ryan Parent is still out with a groin pull which means we will see Danny Syvret and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen yet again.
The Flyers will have to take it to the Sabres early if they have hopes of beating them. Will the flu bug hinder their efforts? We'll see this evening.
After the jump, a few questions to answer tonight.
Questions To Answer
- Can the Flyers jump on the Sabres early?
- Who comes out on top: the league's best offense or the league's best defense?
- Does the flu bug hinder the Flyers at all tonight, especially Matt Carle, who reportedly suffered more than anybody?
- Can David Laliberte score in his first three NHL games?
Puck drop is at 7:30 this evening at Buffalo's HSBC Arena. Watch locally on The Comcast Network, which simulcasts in HD on Comcast Digital channel 201. Listen at 610 WIP, and join us here for the conversation as the orange and black go for three straight. LET'S GO FLYERS!
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Any news about what the lines will be? I would guess same as the last game but with the flu bug might change that I think
by Parduno on Nov 6, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This is not a good matchup for the Flyers.
The Sabres basically roll equal lines, which negates the effectiveness of the Betts line as a checking unit. Additionally, it leaves no ideal time to sneak Syvret and OKT onto the ice.
The Sabres PK is only 15th in the league, which does play into the Flyers’ statistical strength, but we haven’t seen the Flyers’ PP get tested since Gagne and Briere were lost. The Sabres also haven’t taken many penalties, while tied with the Flyers and Thrashers for playing the fewest game, they have been shorthanded the fewest times of any team in the league.
For perspective, in the same number of games, the Sabres have had to kill off 10 fewer power plays than the Flyers.
And the Sabres are dominating the league at faceoffs.
by MarioD on Nov 6, 2009 4:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
So much for that.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
by mikefive on Nov 6, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with MarioD that this is not an ideal matchup and the Sabres have historically been a bad matchup for the Flyers. Some positive notes the Sabres schedule has been a defensive a cake walk might be an understatement.
wins against PHX, NSH, DET, NYI, FLA, TB (SO), NJD, TOR (OT) and NYI again
losses against MTL (OT), ATL and NYI
They have certainly not played many teams that stand out as being strong offensively which might have something to do you Millers sub 2 GAA. Besides ATL (ranked 5th, and beat BUF 4-2 in Buffalo) none of the teams they have played are in the top 10 in GF/G, DET being the next closest at 13th the others are all ranked 19th or below. I took them a shootout to beat TB a team we rolled 6-2 be it that game was in TB but a 5-0 loss the NYI is 2 games ago is pretty bad Marty Biron got the SO.
My thoughts are we are going to score 3 on Miller it would be a matter of if our flu ridden D can hold Buffalo to 2 or fewer goals.
by chrislanci on Nov 6, 2009 5:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, I’d rather watch this game than the Sixers—damn Comcast Network.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 6:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Exactly why the Sixers are on CSN and the Flyers aren’t.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
These are the only times when I wish I didn’t have Fios. I’ll have to follow along on this thread. Paint a pretty picture for me.
I’ve already had two glasses of wine…
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
are any of the Flyers out for this game, i read a bunch of them were sick. About not being on CSN, i still get the game but it’s on some weird channel that isn’t HD
by SkookFlyerfan on Nov 6, 2009 7:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s just Briere and Gagne who are out…
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Comcast Network has an HD channel that starting a few months ago is broadcasting 24/7 (it used to be turned on only for individual games) — it’s 201 for me.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have that channel but its says Off-air for me. I know that it’s gonna be on channel 18 though. But channel 18 is listed as Rugby on my guide
by SkookFlyerfan on Nov 6, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the game is on 201 and in HD. thanks. My computer is upstairs and my TV is downstairs. Go Flyers, talk to everyone after the game
by SkookFlyerfan on Nov 6, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like the game is gonna be on yahoo. Maybe they wont cut off after the second period again.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is that blacked out locally, or does it still work?
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think black out restrictions apply but I wont be able to confirm that.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It says they apply. I was hoping for doubleh’s sake she could watch the game that way.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Flyers-Lightning game worked for me on Monday even though I live in the city. Worth a shot.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So how long until the Sixers extend their $10 upper-level ticket offer to the lower-level?
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe when they figure out if they’re still ranking below the Clippers in attendance this season? They finished behind them last year….
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Allow me to amend that now that I’ve looked it up…. The answer should be any day now. By percentage of capacity of their arena, the 76ers are dead last in attendance after the first two games with only 63.7% of tickets sold… that’s 12,944 people per game.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s sad; they used to be such a proud franchise.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Iverson put people in seats; Iggy/Brand just don’t
by chillicothe20 on Nov 6, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Winning puts people in seats; exiting in the playoffs in the first round doesn’t.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
streaming video
anyone know where the game is being shown online
by mbergman on Nov 6, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/hockeynight/2009110602
Your best bet.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately it’s not showing the game right now.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait that was quick how did we get a power play? I was trying to finish dinner…
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tim Kennedy for cross checking. Flyers got absolutely nothing going though.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
anyone else have any suggestioins as to where to see the game
by mbergman on Nov 6, 2009 7:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Powe had a big chance for a shortie there.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
how many everyday flyers are we down to now.
by mbergman on Nov 6, 2009 7:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Richards with a breakaway and can’t get a shot off.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 7:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We’re so disorganized tonight that it’s kinda disheartening….
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Disorganized but still we’ve have a couple of chances.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, but we’re not playing with a lot of skill. It looks desperate, and not in a good way. Buffalo is getting way too many good chances.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When you’re playing the best defense, that’s going to happen. Our defense is not nearly as good.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But our offense isn’t displaying any skill either!
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it was the kick in the butt they needed… but I can’t believe how bad the passing was in that period. I’m kind of a stickler for fundamentals, so I was not happy. I’m happy we scored, but I’d like them to get it together out there.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It could be the week off they have between every game they play…I hate the NHL’s scheduling. It seems like Pitt plays every day.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree, long breaks don’t help anybody. Not to mention how many guys missed practice this week.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it didn’t take long for the Sabres announcers to mention Emery’s “wild” past. Now how long before they say something about Hartnell’s hair?
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t look like a high stick to me. I did like the shot of Miller rolling his eyes after they confirmed it though.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it’s the flu, but there’s a distinct lack of hustle tonight.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
JJ confuses the Phillies and Flyers again. Heheheh.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 8:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
JJ and Jonesy are happier with them than I am….
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Now lets see if we can protect a two goal lead. Over/under?
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They’ve been saying two goal leads are the worst leads in hockey lately.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OKT was ready to knock Kaleta’s block off…
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would be too, that was a nasty move.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not gonna lie, the Sabers kinda did everything right on that play…
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yea, I agree. Its a shame though because we have been dominating and they got a BS call and got a lucky bounce off the end boards.
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. We’ve been playing much better this period. Our passes have been getting where they’re supposed to go and we don’t look lost.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone actually know why we are wearing home blacks?
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
So we can keep using our white and blacks and wear our oranges at home maybe?
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently the Sabres agreed in exchange for them wearing their homes next weekend or whenever they’re in Philly.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kaleta has been asking to get punched in the face all night.
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
BUF looks rejuvenated after their goal.
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 6, 2009 8:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
JVR now on the board after a pass to Carter goes in.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sixers paid attendance tonight: 10,054. Yowch.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh my god… that’s with the $10 seats, isn’t it?
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. And watching a bit of the game, I bet that number includes the players, the refs, the coaches, the press, the vendors and the hot dogs.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This town is much more of a college basketball town anyway, and for years was an NBA town because we had a superstar—the NBA is a superstar league—we no longer have one. Until the Sixers do, they won’t sell enough tickets.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you flip over and take a look? That’s inexcusably bad.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno. Attendance wasn’t spectacular during the ’80s either (the Center holds 21,600 for basketball and the Spectrum held 18,136).
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, but it was better than this. I think Philly is more of a college BB town, and unless they have a great team/ss/winning, no one’s going to go. They are bandwagon NBA fans. I’ll admit it: I’ve never been to an NBA game. But I’ve been to dozens of college games.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d support them if it wasnt for the fact that I can’t watch basketball at all… I admit that I’ve been able to sit through less than 5 minutes of basketball total in my life, and 2 minutes for that was the end of the Nova/Pitt game earlier this year…
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I went to Nova; it’s ingrained in us from Freshman year on up.
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it me or is Hartnell’s hair just getting longer?
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think he hasn’t had a haircut since 2008?
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Coburn has to be leading the league in own goals. By a lot.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why do they name the player of the game with 5 minutes still left to play? I’ve never understood that.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I still have an uneasy feeling about this game. I’d like it to be over.
by pintium02 on Nov 6, 2009 9:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The most goals Carcillo has ever had in one game?
by NoalB on Nov 6, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Too bad they already declared Lappy the player of the game.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And with every one he scores, Cote sheds another tear…
by doubleh on Nov 6, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Carcillo’s first multi-goal game was 10/13/2007 as a ’Yote against Minnesota. I had to look it up because I was curious.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He has i hat trick i believe, in 2008 if Im not mistaken.
by JpH89 on Nov 7, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My heart was in my throat, but I feel better now.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 6, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If I told you that Dan Carcillo would score two goals against the “red-hot” Buffalo Sabres and their top goalie Ryan Miller … well, I wouldn’t, because I wouldn’t ever imagine that.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 6, 2009 9:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Miller made lots of good saves to keep us under 10 goals in that one, and Emery is so much better than Biron at fighting for the puck in the crease. Good win against a good team on the road, have to avoid the let down tomorrow against the Blues.
by chrislanci on Nov 7, 2009 12:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t expect them to win at all. And they crushed. Good stuff.
But the black jerseys made no sense whatsoever.
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by Ben Rothenberg on Nov 7, 2009 12:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am glad they are still using the blacks and the whites along with oranges. I like all those jerseys a lot to be honest and I think it would be stupid if they scrapped the blacks and just did whites and oranges.
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 7, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody else feel as though they should use the Winter Classic whites as the new away jersey??? I like them a lot but Im not gonna get one if they only use it once.
by JpH89 on Nov 7, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’re actually doing that for next season. The Winter Classic whites will become the new away jerseys.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 7, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You sure, have a link or some kind of prof? Not questioning you but i would like to see to believe.
by JpH89 on Nov 7, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Flyers have been confirming this for a while, but here’s from Frank Seravalli just last night.
by Ben Feldman on Nov 7, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
excellent
The modern whites kind of clash with the retro oranges nice to have everything in the same style if they were to keep the blacks around I would restyle thwm to match the retro look as well, orange nameplate with whites letters maybe.
by chrislanci on Nov 7, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad this year it will have the huge Bridgestone advertisement patch on it.
by Prometheus74 on Nov 7, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not gonna lie, this kinda annoys me. Why can’t they just stick with the jerseys they have and stop switching them around and making new ones. I love the nod to Broad Street Bullies with the throwback nature of the orange and winter classic whites but why couldn’t they do that when the NHL introduced the new Reebok jersey line? I just don’t like how they flip-flop around, making a new jersey every year. I am not gonna buy a jersey if I am not sure if they are only going to use it once or stop wearing the certain ones all together. I bought a pre-lockout orange jersey (the ugly one with the silver in the Flyers logo) thinking that it was going to be a jersey they were gonna wear consistently in the future. Didn’t turn out well. As a fan, this frustrates me . . .
by flyrsfrk05 on Nov 8, 2009 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey
|
57 | 36 | 19 | 2 | 74 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
59 | 35 | 22 | 2 | 72 |
|
Philadelphia
|
56 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 59 |
|
New York Rangers
|
59 | 26 | 26 | 7 | 59 |
|
New York Islanders
|
58 | 23 | 27 | 8 | 54 |
(updated 2.8.2010 at 8:30 AM EST)
Flyers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
@
New Jersey
|
Wed 02/10 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Montreal
|
Fri 02/12 | 6:00 PM EST |
|
@
Montreal
|
Sat 02/13 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
Tampa Bay
|
Tue 03/02 | 7:30 PM EST |
|
@
Florida
|
Wed 03/03 | 7:30 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
New Jersey
|
Mon 02/08 | U 3 - 2 |
|
@
Minnesota
|
Sat 02/06 | L 1 - 2 |
|
@
Edmonton
|
Wed 02/03 | L 0 - 1 |
|
@
Calgary
|
Mon 02/01 | W 3 - 0 |
|
New York Islanders
|
Sat 01/30 | W 2 - 1 |
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