Fantasy Focus: 11/15 – 11/22

Another week, another 3 wins.  Another week, another Wednesday, Friday, Saturday schedule.  But before we get into that, let’s take a look at the week that was.

Last week’s top Sabres performer was obviously Ryan Miller, going 3-0 with a 1.33 GAA and a .953 Save Percentage over the course of 3 games started.  Offensively, we keyed on the same guys as last week.

Tim Connolly: 0 G, 2 As
Thomas Vanek: 1 G, 2 As, 10 PIMs
Derek Roy: 1 G, 1 A
Jason Pominville: 0 G, 0 A
Tyler Myers: 0 G, 1 A

Craig Rivet, who I mentioned as a fill in performer, did not register any points as well.  With only 7 goals scored this week, it certainly wasn’t a landmark offensive output by these guys, but against the competition, namely the Flames and Flyers, it’s good to see the guys who need to be putting up points are doing so.

Now let’s take a look at the week ahead, with a schedule that could be considered far easier than last.

Matchups

1. Wed., Nov. 18 vs Florida Panthers (7-9-2) 7:00 PM – For whatever reason it always seems certain teams give the Sabres fits; Atlanta, Ottawa, Florida come to mind.  But not this time.  Having played to OT last night, plus the travel to Buffalo, the Panthers may be a little road weary, especially since having played every other day since last Thursday.  Without David Booth in the lineup, the Panthers have really had to rely on Horton, who hasn’t really come through, and Steve Reinprecht, who’s slowed down considerably since his hat trick on Oct. 30th.  For the Sabres, I am of the opinion that Patrick Lalime should be given the start here, and Ryan Miller be given both games of the back to back, this isn’t a hint, this is just my opinion.

5 Games Scheduled
Starts: Vanek, Pominville, Connolly, Roy, Miller, Myers
Sits: None
If You’ve Got Em: Rivet, MacArthur, Stafford

2. Fri., Nov. 20 vs. Boston Bruins (8-8-4) 7:30 PM – Last meeting saw the Bruins skate on home ice to a decided 4-2 win against rookie Jhonas Enroth making his NHL debut.  This time will be different.  Miller will get the nod on his home ice, regardless of who starts Wednesday.  The Sabres currently sport a 7-2-1 record in the confines of the Hot Sauce & Blue Cheese arena, while away from the TD Garden, the Bruins are a paltry 2-3-2.  Add in the revenge factor from last weekend’s game, and we’re looking towards another W for the Blue and Gold.  Savard and Lucic will still be out of the lineup, so no help there for the B’s, this one to me feels like another start ‘em all type game.

6 Games Scheduled
Starts: Vanek, Pominville, Connolly, Roy, Miller, Myers
Sits: None
If You’ve Got Em: Rivet, MacArthur, Stafford

3. Sat. Nov. 21 @ Ottawa Senators (8-6-3) 7:00 PM – This is the one that always scares me.  A team the Sabres historically struggle against, on the 2nd night of a back to back, away from the confines of HSBC arena.  Last season, the Sabres went 0-5-1 against the Sens.  Terrible.  Thus far, Ottawa has hung in there, rather unexpectedly, but goaltending savior Pascal Leclaire has struggled quite a bit of late.  The Sens will be coming off a Thursday night matchup with the Penguins, so perhaps there will be a let down.  Depending on who’s starting in net for the Sabres, and Senators, this one is a toss up.  Needless to say, this could be a crucial early season divisional match up, and I hope Buffalo treats it as such.

13 Games Scheduled
Starts: Vanek,  Connolly, Roy, Miller, Myers
Sits: Pominville, Rivet, MacArthur, Stafford

Once again, good luck everyone.

Tags: Buffalo Sabres, Fantasy Focus