Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Miller's Got His Swaggah Back

February 4, 2012, 9:52 AM ET [576 Comments]
GARTH'S CORNER
NHL news by Garth • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Miller goes hunting for the franchise wins record tonight on Long Island. He'll battle Nabakov.

He sits tied with Hasek, tied with 234 career wins.

I like his chances to set the record tonight.

Millsie's got his swaggah back. He's played exceptionally well in recent games against Winnipeg, New Jersey, Montreal, and the NY Rangers. Healthy changes everything for Miller and his D corps.


Vanek will sit out with his upper body injury. He's sorely missed on the Buffalo PP. I'd put Luke Adam in his place, in front of the enemy goalie.

Stafford and Ennis are healthy and will play.

Kassian and Gragnani likely to sit out as scratched. Kassian has stayed in Buffalo as an insurance policy against the crud that has been plaguing the team the past few weeks.


_______________________________________________________________________

You want an example of the type of difference -making, top line centre that the Sabres so desperately crave? Look no further than John Tavares.

This kid is the real deal. He's the epitome of a team leader. He's got ice water coarsing through his veins. He's clutch. He's intense. He's blessed with sick skills and is a natural born killer.




The kid comes from great stock. He was born with champion's DNA.

Uncle Johnny even marvels at JT's sick skills.




In his last 16 games, Tavares has 11 goals, 15 assists, eight multi-point games and eight First Star Of The Game selections.

The National Hockey League announced Wednesday that Islanders center John Tavares was named the First Star of the Month for January. Tavares led the league in scoring with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points.

He recorded a point in 12-of-13 Islanders games and had a hand in 62.9% of the team’s goals (22 points on 35 goals).Tavares’ month also included four gamewinning goals to help his club to a 7-5-1 record. He is the first Islander to be named First Star of the Month since the NHL introduced the honor in the 2006-07 season.

Tavares is one assist shy of his 100th career helper.

Tavares has earned assists on 15 of Matt Moulson's 23 goals this season

The Islanders are 5-1-1 in their last seven games and 10-5-1 in their last 16 games.



****

The Islanders look to get back to .500 for the first time since October 22nd tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. The Islanders have won both meetings with Buffalo this season and are 6-1-0 in their last seven games against the Sabres.


****

While the Sabres were scouting the Islanders on TV at their hotel, Tavares and gamng were beating the Ottawa Senators, 2-1.




The win allowed the Islanders to leap-frog the Sabres in the Eastern standings. The 12th place Islanders are tied with Tampa, and now have 49 points to the Sabres 48.

For the moment, the Canes and Habs occupy last place with 47 points.


Tonight's game is no throwaway affair. This is a must win for both teams.

Buffalo better bring its "A" game. They forwards better finish every scoring chance they get, or else.


***
Join the Discussion: » 576 Comments » Post New Comment
More from GARTH'S CORNER
» Hailing Taxis
» He With The Gold Makes The Rules
» Sedentary Seven
» The Sedentary Seven
» GadZuccs