Fantasy Focus: 11/1 – 11/7

My apologies for a slow week, been away on business and haven’t had the time.  But I’m back, and ready to take a look at this week’s matchups for our Buffalo Sabres.

Matchups

1. Wed. Nov. 4th vs. New York Islanders – In a rematch of Saturday’s throttling, the Sabres get to seek revenge.  But, in all likelihood, Martin Biron will get the start for the Isles.  Yes, Martin Biron of a career 7-2-1 record against his former team.   I’d look for a Ryan Miller rebound game, and a little revenge factor for the Sabres in front of their home crowd, after all, these are the Islanders.

Starts: Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Tim Connolly, Jason Pominville

Sits: None

If You Must (6 games on the slate): None

So Close You Can Taste It: Clarke MacArthur, Tyler Myers

2. Friday Nov. 6th vs. Philadelphia Flyers - Like I mentioned last week, the schedule was bound to get tougher at some point, and here we go.  So far this year new ‘minder Ray Emery has looked both Vezina and KHL worthy.   The 6-4-1 Flyers have a glaring issue; penalties.  They currently average 18.3 PIMs per game, the Sabres? 13.1.  Unfortunately the Flyers PK does rank 5th at an 86% rate, and we all know of the Sabres PP troubles, but if they’re going to exploit a Flyer’s weakness, it’ll have to be on special teams.

Starts: Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Tim Connolly, Jason Pominville

Sits: None

If You Must (6 games on the slate): None

So Close You Can Taste It: Clarke MacArthur, Tyler Myers

3. Sat. Nov. 7 @ Boston Bruins – In just our 3rd division game (by this point we’ll have played the Islanders three times, sheesh) the Sabres go back to back game nights with last seasons Eastern Conference champs.  Not a good recipe.  Ryan Miller started the both games of the last back to back set, and got shellacked in the 2nd game.  Patrick Lalime played in the first set, dropping the decision to Atlanta 4-2.  The Bruins aren’t the same team they were last year, losing Kessel (trade), Lucic (injury), and Savard (injury) really has the B’s reeling, not to mention Tim Thomas not playing up to last season’s Vezina winning standards.  However, the Sabres never come out flying in the second half of back to backs, and if you’re so inclined, it’s time to sit the boys.

Starts: Thomas Vanek

Sits: Ryan Miller

If You Must (13 games on the slate): Derek Roy,  Tim Connolly, Jason Pominville

So Close You Can Taste It (but not tonight): Clarke MacArthur, Tyler Myers

Good luck this week fantasy nation, in my two league’s so far (one’s a keeper league, the other a standard draft), I’m sitting 3rd and 1st.  So hey, take my advice.

Tags: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Fantasy Focus, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers