In the first game of the Cody Hodgson era, Ryan Miller had to make 20 saves on 20 Ducks shots in the third period. In the end, Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry were angry and had to resort to punk play and shenanigans because they couldn't beat the Buffalo net minder. Try as they might, The Band Perry could not beat Ryan Miller.
The Sabres went Duck hunting on the Left Coast, and earned their first trophy kill in Anaheim since 2003.
Miller made a total of 43 saves on 43 shots, for his fourth shutout of the season.
After the game, Miller gave all the credit to his D and forwards.
"I had all my guys around me. They gave me a chance to see pucks and I was able to control rebounds".
Miller had high praise from his entire squad in this the first game since his best friend and close confidante, Paul Gaustad, was traded away to Nashville for a firs round pick in this June's NHL draft. If there were questions as to where Miller's head would be at. Wonder no more.
Miller's right. His D were fantastic against one of the most respected offensive teams in the NHL in Anaheim. His forwards were consitently coming back hard to help defend his end of the rink.
The Sabres got goals from Derek Roy and Brad Boyes in the shutout win.
The Sabres get the 2-0 win in their first of 14 games in 25 days.
They are now 9-3-3 in their last 15 games.
With the win, the Sabres are now tied with Tampa with 64 points, and trail 10th place Toronto by only one point. The Leafs lost in Chicago on Wednesday night, and are 1-9-1 in their last 11 games. They are 4 points behind 9th place Winnipeg, and are only 5 points behind the 8th place Washington.
Jhonas Hiller made 22 saves in the loss.
There aren't enough superalatives in the English language to describe Miller's brilliance on Wednsday night. So, I'll go with "senational".
thanks, sabres.com
**
Judging by the wide smile on Cody Hodgson's face, he had a terrible time in his first ever game as a Buffalo Sabrs. The kid was awesome against he Ducks. He was noticeable to my eye every time he was on th ice. Whether he was standing in Hiller's crease hunting pucks, or he was cycling with Ennis and Stafford, Hodgson played exceptionally well in his Sabres debut. What cught my eye the most is Hodgson's sick passiing abilities. He threw 6-8 tape to tape darts to his wingers and D who were in poition to shoot. Quick catch-quick release palyes are the way to beat the stifling stick on stick D that we see in the NHL these days, and Hodgson not only recognized his wingers in scoring positions, but he also distributed the rock to them for quick shot chances.
After the game he talked about his new linamates and his first Buffalo experience.
thanks, sabres.com
Lindy Ruff wasted zero time throwing the kid into all aspects of the game. #CoHo skated 20 shift for 16:04 TOI. He played 4:12 on PP and :44 on PK. He responed well by taking four shots, one a beautiful shoulder-dip drive at the right face off dot to be th D-man, only to have Hiller have to make a tremendous save. He threw 3 hits, had 1 takwaway, and one blocked shot. He was 5 for 8 on draws for 63%.
Attboy, Cody!
***
Tyler Ennis hs high praise for his linies Stafford and Hodgson. This line is going to be fun to watch in the final 19 game of the regular season, and perhaps the Playoffs.
***
On this night, the Sabres played with snarl and were not afraid of the fisticuffs.
Corey Tropp held his own with a bigger man.
Mike Weber punched Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf in the face several times, as the Duck leader trucked Ryan Miller in the late stages of the game.
Ditto Robyn Regehr, who let Corey Perry know who the boss is
Tyler Myers got into his first NHL fight, coming to the aid of his teammates after the Ducks started acting like punks at the end of the game.
**
After the game, Lindy Ruff praised Ryan Miller andhis entire team for their machismo and passion in the win over theh Ducks.
***
Jhonas Hiller
Thanks, Ducks TV
**
I like Miller to play tonight.
Jhonas will have to wait behind the red hot hand of Miller.
Join the Discussion:
»