Light loads on travel, early foes
Everyone is going to be tired this NHL season because the schedule is so compressed due to the Olympics. But I'm putting the Sabres on notice right here and now: They might like to talk about how injuries impact them but I'm not listening to any excuses that they're tired from their travel schedule.
The reason? According to the chart on this fascinating analysis of the schedule, the Sabres will travel the fewest miles of any NHL team this year. A lot fewer. At 25,911 miles, the Sabres' travel load is less than half that of the Flames (who will log the most miles at more than 55,000). Only the Flyers (29,087) are even under 30,000.
Even with their one brutal Western swing, the Sabres' travel load is down 4,631 miles from last year. That's largely because there are no trips to Edmonton, Calgary, Minnesota, Colorado, Dallas and Chicago as there were in 2008-09. All of those teams are instead coming to Buffalo. "Western" road trips this year include games at Detroit, Columbus and Nashville, a big difference.
One other thing I've pondered in the wake of today's story breaking down the schedule.: The team needs to start well not only because it has many more home games early. It also needs to start well because just three of the first 12 opponents (the Canadiens, Red Wings and Devils) made the playoffs last year. Three are three meetings with the Islanders and one each with the Coyotes, Predators, Thrashers, Panthers, Lightning and Maple Leafs in that stretch.
You may recall from my season-ending breakdown that the Sabres' playoff hopes last year were ultimately quashed by their 5-8-5 record against the Senators, Thrashers, Lightning and Islanders. So they're going to get a quick chance to make up for that this season. They better take advantage.
---Mike Harrington
FORE!
Posted by: Dan D | July 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Commenting on the Sekera and MacArthur signings. They are reasonable signings for two guys who they see having a future impact. Sekera needs to bulk up a bit to be more sturdy in his own zone. I'd like to see him gain some confidence this year, and have his offensive numbers increase. MacArthur probably got a couple hundred thousand more to avoid the awkward situation associated with arbitration. We are paying 1.4 mil to a 17 goal scorer, which seems like a better bargain than the 3.8 we are stuck paying to Hecht, who may have hit the wall. Could be a put up or shut up year for Mac, though.
Posted by: Maverick | July 20, 2009 at 09:18 PM
yeah, but FIVE posts about the schedule and two about the blackhawks? and then on the day they sign two young players presumed to contribute more this year: crickets. spell it
M I N O R L E A G U E
Posted by: roy | July 20, 2009 at 08:46 PM
No one gives a ---- anymore.
Posted by: Maybe | July 20, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Yeah, so the news doesn't come down so fast via the organization......lighten up, its summer, and people in the hockey biz are enjoying summer too.....You've got to have time to play in the sun instead of being glued to the web for hockey news in July.....get a life!
Posted by: timmer923 | July 20, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Not even a blog post about two Sabres regulars being re-signed? I guess that wouldnt bring the crazies that another tired "why aren't they doing anything" post would. I wouldve at least thought they'd end the post with a "is this a step in the right direction or more of same" invitation to get the crazies started.
Posted by: Greg | July 20, 2009 at 04:53 PM
The story was broke two hours ago that the Sabres re-signed Sekera and MacArthur, and there's still nothing on this website about it. Consider other sources for your up-to-the-minute Sabres news.
Posted by: Greg | July 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM
In resonse to Dan D's last comment, I agree they may end up on the golf course in April based on their lack of activity to improve. However to play Devil's advocate, they are like about 22to 24 other teams who stayed on the sidelines this time around. The only team who may have clearly gotten better was Toronto. Montreal made a lot of changes, but in the end might be the same kind of team. Perhaps the signing of Hossa in Chicago was a help. Philly gave up a ton for Pronger, the Rangers did what they do every year and pick up a name in Gaborik, who's durability is highly questionable, and the Wild signed Havlat to make up Gaborik's exit. For the rest of the league, it's been patch and fix so far.
Posted by: Maverick | July 18, 2009 at 01:09 PM
all this is irrelevant.. this team goes nowhere but the golf course in spring 2010.
Posted by: Dan D | July 18, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Being a Buffalo native living in Seattle, the Sabres finally come out here(Vancouver) for the first time in 4 years.....and at the end of a 7 game road trip....Thanks, NHL! They'll be be spent, they'll probably get their asses kicked.....
Posted by: Timmer923 | July 17, 2009 at 09:49 PM
And by the way!!who thinks Bettman is gonna get his way and keep that lousy team in the desert for at least a couple more seasons?Shame on the National Hokey League!!
Posted by: dumbunny | July 17, 2009 at 04:15 PM
I can hear the excuses now as to why the Sabres missed the playoffs again.We had a young team with to many injuries to overcome and to many 3 games in 4 nights on the schedule.Mark my words,Darcy and the Turtle will be offering these excuses as soon as playoff hopes have ended.
Posted by: dumbunny | July 17, 2009 at 04:12 PM
The 3 games in 4 nights and amount of back to backs is the key....especially, of course, when you play against a team that is resting while you are playing/travelling. That is the only way to breakdown the schedule. The rest is just lazy. Tavel miles means very little compared to the back to backs and 3 out of 4's. A nice balanced schedule will always have an advantage.
The other point that one might have when looking at the schedule would be about how much the product, on a general basis, will be watered down this year. The Olympics are the supposed culprit but I, again, blame the worst league in sports, The NHL.
For years now, I have been speaking to the watered down product that the NHL keeps offering up. The only time the game hits a new level is for a real important game or the playoffs. Beyond that, spin the wheel, roll the dice or nuy a lottery ticket. More chances of winning at those three than finding a game that offers full effort from both sides. The schedule is to blame, the contracts and the style of play that has dipped back into a ton of hooking/holding/interference. Ahhh, that one great year after the strike that looked so much like days gone by when Edmonton and Pittsburgh used to wheel and deal.
The NHL has one solution to their issue of the Olympics this year. Water down the procut by having teams play 15 or 16 games in 2 or 3 months. Wow! Nice thinking guys. Brilliant. So, depsite a very boring regular season last year, this one promises to be even worse. Well Done, Mr. Bettman.
This league needs to get into serious negotiation, AGAIN (and this time for real), with the players about the style of play and a 60 game sked. Make the games into events by having the teams play 2 games a week on average. Even have 2 set nights (with a wild card night to make up the rest of the schedule) that will now siginify to each person across NA that these are Hockey nights....Thursday/Saturday type thing with a Tuesday Wild Card.
Hurry, please.
Posted by: bster | July 17, 2009 at 01:28 PM
I agree with much of the comments from Chris and Ken E. It is good that they have many servicable blueliners this year with the brittle nature of some of them (Hank, Sekera). However, the main thing with this group is their focus, or lack of on too many nights the last couple of years. The coach and front office are going to have to enforce "the culture of accountability" if and when guys start bailing on their assignments. This will only be effective if applied consistently, across the board, regardless of anyone's salary or status.
Posted by: Maverick | July 17, 2009 at 07:05 AM
don h. i don't think anyone on the west coast cares what their team is doing on the east coast. exception: CGY, EDM, VAN, and COL.
paris hilton probably has a party that conflicts, or michael jacksons sons brother cousins nephew died. so everyone in CA has to go mourn that bologna.
Posted by: lounotinafghanistananymore | July 16, 2009 at 10:39 PM
HEY, SABRES-- HERE'S SOMETHING NEW TO TRY THIS SEASON-- STOP GIVING US EXCUSES AND GO WIN SOME GAMES.
Posted by: jan | July 16, 2009 at 03:29 PM
The Sabres play 3 games in 4 nights an incredible 14 times this season. I would think most other teams face a similar grind due to the compressed schedule for the Olympic break.
I don't care for the "play each team at least once" schedule. I'd rather see more games against Division rivals such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Boston rather than the Oilers, Ducks, Kings, etc. I'm also not enthused with PC road games on TV starting at 10 or 10:30 PM. West coast fans probably feel the same way about their teams playing in the East on TV at 4 or 4:30 PM, especially on a weekday.
Posted by: Don H | July 16, 2009 at 03:29 PM
I agree with Ken E that 3 games in 4 nights is a big factor. And games on consecutive nights, too. But miles travelled is something that wears on you. A number of years ago (long enough that Larry Robinson was still on the Habs) I happened to be on a flight out of Calgary with the Montreal Canadiens. They had played the previous night in Calgary. Plane left here at 7:00 a.m. Went via Salt Lake City to Chicago, where they had to change planes, fly to Hartford (I said it was a while ago!) and play the Whalers that night. I would not want to try to perform in those circumstances. And for the record, the players were NOT in first class. Interestingly enough, the coaching staff were in first class, the players in economy. And Larry Robinson is one of the nicest players I ever met. So no excuses, Buffalo. Just play the game!
Posted by: CalgarySabre2 | July 16, 2009 at 01:36 PM
According to the stats I've read, Spacek was not high on the list on blocked shots for the Sabres. Lydman and Butler led that list.
Posted by: Vandy Adam | July 16, 2009 at 01:15 PM
two comments - Ken E is right. These guys effectively travel first class. Miles don't matter anymore. But the trip frequency and 3 games in 4 nights certainly do. Second, Chris has a point in the leadership department. Remember Drury diving and blocking a shot with his head? Other than Spacek, who they let go and led in BS, there is little leadership in the block shot department.
Posted by: DAM | July 16, 2009 at 12:33 PM
chris, was that a golisano-sabres pun? well played.
I think everyone goes a bit far with the sabres losing to AHL teams. they stink. but let's be reasonable.
and bucky, valid point with starting with wins. but, they'll still lose.
Posted by: lounotinafghanistananymore | July 16, 2009 at 12:26 PM
See my earlier post. To counter Bucky's comment about games vs Atlanta, Isles, etc. Even if the Sabres played weak AHL teams, they don't have any leadership or desire to play with guts and win. They will go through the motions and just collect their paychex.
When was the last time we saw forwards hustling back to help on D? When was the last time we saw them blocking shots like Jay McKee & Chris Drury? When was the last time they stood up for each other?
On talent alone their top lines would be 3rd rate players on any of the playoff teams. In terms of heart and guts, they have none and don’t deserve to be called professionals. Honestly, they played one or two good games (honest effort) the last 2 years. San Jose comes to mind and they almost blew that one. They must want to be like the Bills.
Posted by: Chris | July 16, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I think the issue with the schedule is less the miles traveled than it is the number of times you play 3 games in 4 nights. I don't know how many times the Sabres do that as compared to other teams but I would look more at that than the actual miles traveled.
Posted by: Ken E | July 16, 2009 at 08:35 AM