Sports talks Saturday on the air -- you WGR Sports Radio 550. Hey everybody welcome into the program. We are locked and loaded this morning and into this afternoon. I'm south of pot you and I can feel like we've been away from each other for awhile and we really haven't. His last week the last couple of weeks haven't had a full three hour show today. Different today back in the same routine the routine that we all -- which is local sports for the next three hours. -- a whole heck of a lot to get to couldn't happen at a better time. Thanks for joining Matt how are producing as always. We have so much on the plate today a lot of gas to get to today. Three big ones that -- gonna talk about the three major stories going around this sports world the sports area today of course that is the Buffalo Sabres. The Buffalo Bills in tonight in the elite eight the Syracuse George. Gonna be joined by Syracuse play by play man -- park. The voice of -- you'll join me at twelve noon at the top of the next hour. We will talk with -- -- part about the elite eight game tonight Syracuse taking on Ohio State. For the right to go to the final four New Orleans. Also as always all Hamilton gonna join me he will be along hopefully now all eyes you'll note your frequent -- this program. We are kinda we work with all around the -- skate and when those things happened -- -- trying catch him at. 1140 today see an act of economists that talk sabres recent surge their run. And a big game tonight against Minnesota Wild in of course Joseph was LA he's going to be back joining us. We would -- in -- all throughout the create leading the free agency period -- all his NFL draft blog. He was writing in different breakdown that things like that here we are now couple weeks into free agency the bills with a couple of big signings of course. The number one signing the Mario Williams and then following it up with -- -- Anderson the defensive and to join him on the bills' defensive line. We'll talk which -- about those signs but more importantly. Getting close to the draft draft is actually just four weeks from this weekend maybe five weeks whatever it is April 26. Thursday night. It's arts and that's going to be a very interesting night for Buffalo Bills fans picking tenth overall draft Joe's thoughts on that. What are your thoughts on all of this. And more here the phone numbers. Well watching it today is give me -- call and any of these relevant topics will be discussing I wanna start off with Buffalo Sabres talk burst -- you can jump on that. 8030550. Is a local number. If you are out of town listening on your iPhone or android app you're listening online at WGR 550 dot com we welcome you didn't call us at 888. 552. Like it that's 888552. By fifty will Paper that of course he'd always interact on Twitter. We live it would reverse these days they're pretty amazing what's been going on with the Buffalo Bills the sabres and watching these games and following the free agent signings and all the different. Aspects go along with social media you can follow along with me on Twitter sell sports I appreciate the follow and I appreciate you. Getting with me on Twitter and tweet me some questions or thoughts or whatever we'll get the Muslim leader on the air of course my producers at. Matthew WGR and -- and follow him to also learn about the Rochester Americans. The -- trip late last night I believe you know get to -- on that I was. Busy watching those elite eight games last night sweet sixteen excuse me flipping back and forth. Watching the Buffalo Sabres take on the New York Rangers and that's we're gonna start tonight. This afternoon I should say this morning. To networks. This morning -- go to an afternoon in LB tonight what we are till 2 o'clock. It -- pregame at six puck drops at seven is right here and a Biggio by the way you wanna throw this out there at the Syracuse game will be heard on our sister station WB and tonight. It will be earned in the end at 6:30 pregame 7 o'clock is tip -- 705 of course we'll have the sabres year against the Minnesota Wild tonight. Here on WGR. 803055888. By 52 -- that these numbers to call. Last night the Buffalo Sabres at eight H terrific performance terrific. Against the New York Rangers and what's interesting is I sat next year about two months ago it was a Saturday night to look at the exact date it was a Saturday. After the sabres had beat the Toronto maple Lisa home on a Friday night and they were -- just. -- just thirty seem like to maybe turn that corner. But they're still. Quite a few points on the or maybe eight at at the time may be out of a playoff spot maybe ten they were kind and that that. Mold where they were kind of getting a little bit closer than the ball back for a couple of games. And I said here on a Saturday morning at eleven. And I said mark it down right here as I sit here the sabres will make the playoffs. Now granted I will be honest with. Looking back I thought that they could make -- run and do it but. Maybe was just the euphoria of what happened the night before being at the game and seeing that they are starting to play a little bit better turn the corner. But now as I see your two months later there's no excuse this team is playing well enough to make the playoffs in -- that obviously they could literally catch seventh place with the Ottawa Senators -- right now. Who just aren't playing that well and they can be dropping out of this whole thing they could be the odd team out when it's all said and done. But a lot's happened really since they went through that twelve game road losing streak a lot's happened since the all star break a lot's happened since they got healthy. The last couple months have been another tremendous round we go back to last year and it really started. Maybe a little bit sooner Lester a little sooner but it's -- around the same time they got on this roll and they made the playoffs. And they were really -- hot going into the playoffs. I don't want this to happen happen every year this is not the kind of team that. Yeah you wanna sit there -- not your teams are team that you want to be in twelfth place or thirteenth place heading it'll ask you want to have to make that run. They've done it again in -- there they're knocking on the door and as they sit right now. Going into tonight against the Minnesota Wild. Buffalo Sabres. Are tied. With Washington at 82 points. Ottawa 84 every team has played 75 games so far. Let's spend the real difference. What's been the real difference. First and foremost obviously we can all look to one thing and one person. And that's Ryan Miller. Do we go back a few months ago let's let's rewind the clock here for second let's go back a few months ago when. So many Western New York one this guy out of town. Lot of before you colony a lot of you were telling me that. You would start -- center. -- -- -- -- Bottom row let him -- play -- -- and you can't be any worse gets on the -- before the trade deadline that was a lot of the cry we are here. Well look what we have here we have a right Miller -- is playing right now. At three Olympic levels and into the Olympic levels that's what he's playing lately. That's how good he is that in the numbers bear that out. Right Miller going into last night so maybe at last night when I don't know the exact same percentage. Where the exact goals against. But going in the last night he was at 934. So you gotta figure. He's around in this is I'm sorry for February march just February march numbers he was at 930 -- in the last night. So he's got to be like around 940 now. He was 1435 last night and another when he is now 153 and five in the months of February march. He was at a 2.0 goals against average going in last night allowed one goal so he's now obviously under 2.0 for a two month stretch. In this league that's not easy to do. It's not easy to do honestly. Idiots in their writing him. But on top of writing him they're getting production on the offense event. This is not. Rocket science this is how it works you have a good goaltender who's playing well who can billion lot of situations you feel more confident on your end. You to it can take more chances you can be more aggressive it happens in every sport. In football if your defense is shutting down the other team the offense can takes more risks knowing the defense has their back. In basketball. It's the same thing. If you're playing great on the defense event. You're not a shot to maybe take some more three pointers take a few extra. Risks on the offense event. This puzzle it's fitting together the right time the right way. Big guys -- Stafford or basically nonexistent. For three force of this year up until now Dominick out the last few games and into the next few. Toward the end of the season. Almost a whole season nonexistent. He's scoring goals obviously Tyler Ennis I think the switch obviously we all agree this -- of Tyler has has really helped putting him at setter. Even Cody -- look at if you watch -- that I'm kind of focused a little bit on him when he's been on the ice a little bit lately. He's playing good hockey. Any shot you know he's not bearing a budget chances yes -- a couple of the night that's great deceased finally getting on their -- he's has better puck possession. Seems more confident. He's doing some more little things I think you're gonna lead to more goals as they go through this process. And on top of all this right Miller gives an interview Q. Pierre LeBron of espn.com. And lot of people on the buffalo media you buffalo fans. Kind of. Not happy -- him again pointing the barrel. Of the gun at you know the fans and the media expectations of what they put on him saying paraphrasing that well you don't know what I do Orton. It's tough being in that position in. The fans there's the media that. But this is do we have that -- as -- you know what. Some quotes and they'll get that interview a little while -- -- quote there is a quote in there that I absolutely 1% agree with him. But at the same time I think that interview also. Underscored why he is a polarizing figure in the media in buffalo and in a lot of fans minds in buffalo. In one interview he did everything. He spoke exactly some truth and why we enjoy having that type of honesty but he also did exactly what. People get on him for which is blaming media blaming fans. When the team ball short of expectations. Was a pretty interesting interview I think. And opened the door a little bit but you know Ryan Miller seems to me seems to be to me the kind of guy that maybe. This may be it's taking a little while longer than most guys in his career to get. You know we we talked about the marriage earlier there was this whole thing about while he got married that's why is not playing well -- distracted. -- a lot of times. Merits can actually -- without actually help you mature a little bit. Lot of you out there lot of you guys go to your twenties. You mid twenties. You're wild you're listening to find a nice -- settle down things changing your life. Maybe that's what's happening. I'm not. One psychologist that you play one WGR wants. But it's all puzzle to -- and I think that if anything if anything. That this season. In last season and the bills' season. This past year has taught all of us that we should always remember. In more sports fans were knee -- we do this which is we wanna go and shout it from the mountaintop from our team is great and we wanna shout from the mountaintop when our team stinks and we want people fired all the time we do that. I've done it. I try not to get that much or try to take a step back as many you know but that's okay that's why we're in this business sports talk media writing columns blogs whatever. But it is anything that the last three. Professional seasons in this city. In this area have taught us to sabres won bills it is eight marathon is not a sprint things happen let the season play out for good or for bad. The bills were five and true. We had people putting him in the AFC championship game. Didn't work out so well injuries. Bad play. The sabres were out of it last year. They made it their out of it this year they made it. You've got to let this thing play out. You've got to let this thing play out and now it's starting to play out is playing out in the weight and the manner in the shape. A lot of us. Hoped it would. And expected annoyed when the season started. And sometimes. As Mack collar will attest. You watch the Rochester Merck's I think this kind of goes to the point of what they're going to -- now. They're losing bodies they're losing games and sometimes. When we get out here in October -- November match. And we say injuries injuries or -- injuries injuries and people tax -- people call me say stop blaming injuries well guess what maybe you can look back and say you know what. They were pretty darn big part of this -- pick. This whole puzzle yeah I think there were a big part I don't think they were the whole thing and just like what the hammer to go through right now they've lost. Two games in a row and it's not looking good for the playoffs. And that's mostly because they've lost their star markets for now obviously he's in the NHL people again -- a great job too yeah you really is I mean even better than that my expectations and then. They lose turn ball they lose Corey -- those are three big players for the -- So -- something you have to balance is how much of it is an excuse and how much of it is pure reality. When Tyler Myers is on the ice this year is an interest in advance that for. Ryan Miller and Jonas and Roth combined save percentage when Myers is on the ice not when he's like playing not a game -- I mean actually on the ice. Is 940. Number one on the sabres. And and they missed him for a good portion of the time you as a player that good he saw a couple of goals went in when he was suspended for those three games right right. I mean you miss a player that good or in the average case you miss players to his -- is fully. I have an effect at the same time there were a lot of players who were not producing regardless who were healthy who were in the lineup. Drew Stafford being -- top of the list Ville Leino another guy. Air off got off to a little bit of you know shaky start sell it to me it was kind of 5050. And don't underestimate the role that markets -- has not only had physically on the ice but I think when you get a guy like him. -- pretty apparent to me the markets Toledo is pretty much. The opposite of jackass and in so many ways in one of the ways is that guy brings enthusiasm and energy that I really don't think that. -- brought even though many thought he would I'm not. Saying that he was a dog owner or he was a negative on the team but I'm saying that markets -- know. Has some sort of enthusiasm. And work ethic that seems like it's kind of filtering to other guys in. Don't underestimate when a young guy when he young guys just -- football -- -- the high draft pick. Your position to push issue. There's there's a competition in that room the competition on that nice guys like Drew Stafford guys like Tyler -- he's playing with on the same line. What the young kid to come up in beat the new guy that everybody's looking at saying wow look how good this -- is. Mean that's great competition's healthy in that situation. Marcus Alito is really kind of one of the guys and one of the pieces that has really push his team had a little bit not just for his when he is he's playing well. But the psychological. Aspect goes into that also is you know what here's a young guy up here look at what he's working. He's making me look -- I'd better step my game I think it has to have something to do with it always. And I also think the Cassie and was detriment of the team I'm okay wasn't I'm not saying that he was like the or reason or anything like that but he was producing anything now he wasn't. Hitting eighth annual having the physical presence that teams were scared out in what I watched but I wanna watch markets -- know maybe just me I just he's got. Kelly he's got a smile every time he loves playing the game he loves playing the game and I'm not sure. Mr. -- Cassie and liked playing the -- all the time to be honest with -- all time alike you know -- and scored those two points against buffalo hasn't scored a single point since he's been benched a couple of times he's been in grand total one fight. Which he got killed in Vancouver got to keep it -- he averages about. Seven to nine minutes of ice time up there Vancouver's other kind of running into the same problem with your right. Fully well from the minute he came into Rochester. To his first goal in buffalo he plays with enthusiasm. That is unmatched by most players even in the NHL especially -- Cassie who played with so little passion. And people now. You know the people I've talked to will say look you either like hitting people you don't. We don't like hitting people and he's also really tale that on the opposite side. Somebody text that in I think his reference to your stat -- you said about something about Tyler Myers. This that the text like I that the fact if he picks up the text by the way. Says that was outstanding -- can you post hole as many new blog put that honors and I think it was about your Meyer's stature to. And it's a good idea yet it's. There's a there's a website called behind the net dot CA okay it's a little clunky it's kinda knew a lot of advanced stats that are really interesting on the one. That I like is. Penalties drawn -- penalties taken. The NHL has recently started saying who it is that took the penalty and who it is who drew the penalty OK so interesting stats on the sabres. Boll Derek Roy and Thomas -- are in the negative inaccurate category which should not be that way for stars. Like for example Jeff Skinner leads the NHL he draws way more penalties -- he takes which is a good thing. You know he's getting the other team to a trip -- to hook and whatever else. And both Thomas thank you Derek Roy are in the negative in that category in the expose the B stars. Drawing the penalties getting power plays and they're not doing that so. The advance that's I think I will do that for WG -- -- dot com. The knee jerk I've got council thinks -- to the textures suggested that -- their work on that. And I think it's clear right now that Thomas -- is playing some hull some injured he's he's got to be injured there's just no way. He can drop up the -- the -- has lately that he has to be playing with bumps and bruises that we probably really don't know about -- Like guys are stepping up and that's what this team needs right now is another issue wanna get Cuban I wanna go up the phone -- first because -- -- waiting patiently. Your show wanna get you in just a second regarding some other my new type of things we seem to focus on when teams losing that really mean. About as much as the price of tea in China I mean cannot give me a break Tyler sorry John Europe next and and you want to let Tyler Ennis I agree -- what's up. Good morning -- that Michael. Really -- I wanna talk about this team you know at the beginning of the year. Tyler injured. You know the problem talking about -- to trying to number one that are leading top government and the feeling -- -- and acute problem. I'm Dario connection number one turner he cannot match up against Jason that they are getting out in their own -- number one turner. Actually I learned that came back from injury and -- some -- the era but the -- -- and the votes away. They guy has turned around Drew Stafford and you know what market you know -- just been. What a great -- pretty physical guy that top line of and that. Definitely don't have turned the team around as and then the addition of Cody -- -- -- -- -- wild sort of a job that we don't know what he's going to be. He's trying to come along a little bit and and before you know what the makeup of the team. The cop and turner are no longer -- and actually I get all go out there they're they're Roy. I really feel right Miller obviously he's been playing great I really feel that and the different. I don't know what you're -- Johnny -- his what was the one thing that people even if you were a guy who did not care they traded gos that you -- very concerned about them losing the one area was. This faceoff ability and let's be honest it hasn't killed that it has not kill them losing Augusta -- on the faceoff circle. The I agree with that you know and out without Levin the one thing at all cost -- that a -- of all trade he's got so Parnell beats you went straight up. But he's not scoring goals he's got something gold right there and could you know I really believe that was the -- urgent issue. They have the global pending. To if you're not scoring how can you win -- in the the company compete against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia BP that scoreboard by gold. -- -- Absolutely job thinks like a column in our -- yet no problem listen. It's all part of puzzle and I think that when they lose we're searching for so many answers we focus on so many things that don't mean anything. One of those issues was limited to sports here a second but. The captaincy. Holy cow. From a TV now are saying all my gadgets -- horrible -- It's gotta be detected no leadership now. Those are things you look at when something's not working over in one department you look at another way and another part to blame and. And as we said as I said clearly and emphatically and -- program when all that was happening. Blaming the captain who wears the C is the least of the concerns of this team in by the way right now that I still pretty good captain for me. He's played every game he shows up every night and he's actually getting -- stat -- again after a little slump. So -- that's up now just played better. Focus. Work hard. Comes down to. It always does. Comes down to sport to me we're late on the break all that Matt Keller get to sports. I'm self taught you this is sports -- Saturday WG. Like Travis turned all right there in it he got his first goal just like on America's Leno got his. It doesn't matter how they go away nobody asked he got a goalie gets the picture with the pocket that's all that matters and you know good for backing it good for decade in -- work -- he went to the corner to dig the puck out and granted you know. It you didn't expect that to happen. The out rangers' -- -- -- it it basically didn't want a -- early kick it into his own goal. With a kicking motion of no but what accounted it was a offensive player for the sabres that's how. Blake and meticulous number he wasn't trying to steered into his own Nat would just really interesting and you'll know the breaks you get when things are going well. When you're working hard when things are going well those kind of bounces go your way. In -- a couple of bounces that went the sabres away later in the game on the defense of that. There was a scramble in front of the net that by dead to rights that should have been sport on in the I think it was late second period. But now our third period but they weren't so you know those are those kinds of things that happen. 803055888. By. 52 -- that the answer out of -- thanks for joining us. That's sports stocks they will be here till 2 o'clock don't forget tonight 6 o'clock sabres pregame against the Minnesota Wild -- Hamilton's thoughts on that just a little while. And of course. All the action right here to BGR just after seven if you wanna hear the Syracuse elite eight game against Ohio State tonight you can do that and our sister station WB yen. Pregame with that begins at 630. And the tip off just after seven coming up in about a half hour from now we have -- park the voice of the Syracuse or joining us talking about. The elite eight game a reference this Ryan Miller interview in the and espn.com blog by your LeBron. And I really what again what Ryan Miller. What you love about him and hate about them as a fan. Not a talking on the -- types the off the ice type stuff as if -- end as a member of the media. He did all in one -- And I thought it was a very interesting and I think it's a great read. And it gave us some insight to get into how he views the way people perceived him. And how he views the way people should perceive him and his team. But there was a couple of quotes in -- I absolutely 100% agreed that -- And that is I give you one. He was asked by the -- do you think given all the hype pre season expectations. That it was hard on your team to deal with it in the first. And Miller went on to say. Quote instead of building toward smaller goals as a team and creating the culture and identity of a championship caliber team. We skipped major steps in our approach. That is terrific in its absolutely sure I think if you watch this team. They obviously didn't have attention to detail early in the season the obviously. Had these expectations upon them that they were ready for the problem is with an interview like this -- he goes on to basically -- fans the media for that. Know your professional athlete. Your collection of professional athletes -- -- -- who told everyone that resource would not be a problem. That's not the fans' and media's fault if you want to have the headlines if you wanna grab those headlines. If you want people to say look at us look at us and guess what when you fail. When you don't succeed you have to be able to also take responsibility on yourself. And then not blame the people for looking at you. And giving you those expectations. The same thing with the New York Jets right now. I'd get in an eight people say while the jets all the try -- get Atlanta in New York headlines there's only so many dollars to people on sports be it can stretch. -- -- two teams every freaking sport that's -- But the problem with that would that is. They want all these headlines but then they wanna deflect all the blame and criticism when they fail. We're all you want the headlines when you're good you gotta get the headlines when your bat and you want those expectations placed upon you. Then you're gonna have to live up to them and it's not the people's ball after you asked them to put those expectations on you. So I thought this interview was the whole gamut it was the good the bad the ugly the indifference of what we like what we don't like about Brian Moehler. I'm glad he's sabres goalie they'll tell you that because he's playing but not. -- the last two months. 80305588552. Like fifty. The numbers call here at sports -- Saturday let's go to rich -- next up on sports talk Saturday. Rich you're on the air but he still there -- AC Milan. Like a rich guy but -- I'm sorry Iran. So I thought it. I wanted to originate come on out as an -- but I I I wanna make a break up a comment that you had about the odd man rushes last night. I did not let me let me just reset that people in the haven't talked about it I will rich I tweeted last night that. That this team has been horrible all year and odd man rushes last night they were terrific on odd man rushes and they've been better lately. Yet I -- that the exact point wanted to bring up they were before they are making too many passes. And Alex -- -- actually and then last night preeminent courses regal. Another point I want to bring up age. The fans of buffalo if you're back at the game tonight and actually pumped up about the game either or something wrong with. The team was dead in the water Montana at all. And you and everybody was complaining I would want album trade Miller. But obviously look at how it worked out get out. Let Alpert a night game that there's something you don't you should be only game. The big game tonight it's a really game I agree and you know the atmosphere the atmosphere it's not gonna be like a Montreal Toronto in town you're not gonna have a whole bunch of Minnesota Wild jerseys in the stands. Right -- my third point is. Is. Where would with government and the goal. Early five point not a very patient vital. Often got a free fall we played one. Granite -- two games and what it not is it out of the realm of possibility. Rich I appreciate the call and I love the optimism but I will -- this I just said. A minute ago. -- before you called. They're putting those kinds of expectations and not going through the small steps are what created this problem in the first place. So how about they worry about catching eight and seven people are catching the Boston Bruins for the northeast division title. That can't be the -- right now. The goal right now has to be keeping some distance. Staying with Washington. Beating Washington when you play head to head next week. Creating some distance. May be after that worrying about -- you can think about -- right now there in this -- means a three team race right now. That exact issue what you just brought up and I agree I understand why -- say that because you look at the points you look at the actual numbers. You know you can make a case that it's possible especially considering Boston just really hasn't been domineering thing like that -- since the all star break and played like that. While last month or so. They what are stretch there there are terrific but you can do that you could look at the numbers and say that. But I'm not about to go there because. That's how you got in this problem in the first place and I just went through that that's what Ryan Miller was talking about that -- All right let's go out to the island their island -- your next and a BGR sports talk Saturday. You don't want it and I cannot beat a dead horse here because. But. I hear quotes from players over the past couple years like last year at hot streak and -- for Stafford you know what different. And he's while -- like to get the puck more because Derrick -- would hurt. That's that's something that's -- the pocket -- walk into the -- people during games sometime in your court court not eating at the pot you're hot shot. Augusta a month ago got a quote people the trade and all the typical battery and I decrypt the bad things happen in the opera and a while I'm proud to reverse when -- -- a one trick pony orbit and start. From our net out and another example of that at tiger that's bad when he was concerned about the fight about it but he can't place that are. Because he's not political knock down below the dots that he -- -- -- What the pocket -- the other more often and the other not more often it doesn't matter how you play at your own net. I just think people want trick pony. Just like turned everybody into this stupid defense despite all that despite about for years. Still don't. I don't I'd I think he thought you're gonna commit you know million airs every player on the team except predict the problem -- is having a down year. That's not what happened -- players. It's a subject he's. He went. Out in Europe by adding that goalie in the war. As the best position and eloquence and play well you are going in real well. -- -- I don't think it was an annual hypocritical that went real well on thirteen start to crack. And and you cannot in Russia that's how we scored all of our golden -- are. Odd man rushes that he would take it because they couldn't eat. I just. I think we have a -- of tropical any team that conference that we choose not to do. You know -- -- about one of the -- in his career but no one else is an adequate and at the system mr. Thanks a lot -- -- I'm not -- loss I -- not going to be looking at Lindy Ruff right now. And thinking about how he shouldn't be the coach this team when their on this run and they're on the street. And you go back and look at the last whatever years and in the point about the goalie in the bailing out they have this -- that's okay but guess what. I mean Phil Jackson won because he had Michael Jordan but as the media doesn't go to mean. Sometimes you have great players. Of course what you're gonna hold it against a great -- -- against them. -- had some really good playoff series early in his career -- Has he had some missteps over the last couple years you could point to rotate his well absolutely. Jabber now I think I think on -- they called rolling right. Where you -- Save the opposite of whatever one's thinking tick people off immediately that everyone likes Derek Roy. And in. In -- you brought a real good point with me in the break last break about. Limit though if maybe if Stafford is more comfortable playing with certain players. How do you not know that that's the case and that's I agree meaning that. Yes there are something's going on but give me some credit he -- moves. Some -- that. I mean he was hurt for most of the year but clearly playing better than four when he trying -- in touch with Paul Hamilton after the break we'll get the lowdown on tonight's game we'll get his thoughts. And the way this team played last night. In the upcoming stretch to try and make the playoffs. -- sell the -- -- Matt -- on sports next this is WGR sports auction. Some attacks like asking you showery savior today. At your service -- popular Mac dollar check this out. If somebody asked about Paul gosh that's that's no -- this show about you know the guys they let go we talked about -- but just separate some reference army does now. From the 716997. Exchange asking what gosh that's that's have been since he did. Get traded. Here is. A look at Augusta now remember. We did you trade in Nashville he was hurt any missed. Weaker so I think. He came back his first game there was march 3 I believe I'm looking at this correctly. His first game was there there was march 3 so through the month of march which is every game he's played 123456. Games. He has zero goals. Three assists were totaled three point obviously he is a minus to plus minus department six shots angle but what's interesting to me is. His ice time has dropped significantly there than buffalo integrated different role. But in buffalo he was pretty much getting like these numbers in February forestry at -- 161615181970. Minutes 1819 again. In Nashville check this out. 1213. 121213. Which is pretty much you know where a lot of people felt he probably should be ways in buffalo but. Situation -- dictate that and that is part of the reason why. You -- get to the team that he was on the ice more often but more guys war in less guys who need to be on the ice. We're not the guys helping out now though they're playing good hockey they're making the play out bush and joining us right now is Paul Hamilton. Paul this team has really. -- and again I mean they they they were inane. What 1213 type of place about two months ago in this run is pretty remarkable and all starts with a Brian Moehler what do you think. Yeah I mean actually -- was fourteen points a month ago. That February 17. They were sent correspondent fourteenth place in. It's it's it's kind of amazing this isn't the first time. But there -- route that what is seen as one of the best records in the National Hockey League in the second half eaten. I think three times at least and maybe even more. The Pittsburgh Penguins with the only team that has a better record Buffalo Sabres after the all star break and and buffalo beat Pittsburgh -- -- sources seventeen of them. Buffalo beat Pittsburgh right -- that he has -- nineteen -- -- will be -- Get that was that last Sunday afternoon game. -- one of the penguins losses was to buffalo. So you know they've just straight to the ground and yeah. There's something to be set about getting your team back. I think there's something to be said about what you were just saying not that I would if Paul brought that focus you probably. Was playing his best talking two years were black and fifteen games involved while. But it was the courtroom that you've heard me say many many times before. For four years now just didn't work together and I'll put -- probably in the that picture also he was the first one believe now cost status last. And -- it's it's starting not to be the same team anymore you know whether they've. We've done to a little bit of a different team and it's something -- talked about a lot that. You need to be blown up but it certainly needed to between. Why has markets we don't fit in so well what what is it about him. It really has kind of help this team progressed as a team -- also individually mean what why is he playing such good hockey. Well I. And part of that is that people think that these guys just come in ready in the nodded. I think a lot of it has to do with the trainees got at the American hockey league for three quarters of the season. You know he wasn't ready for awfully consult the pre season just wasn't wasn't there at all leaders -- And I think going down helping excessive playing in all situations and Rochester. If being successful I had it gives you confidence it improve your game is the guy that also. Mean he's always -- trying to find out how to like it better otherwise improve he's done that since few here. And that's why he went when he was drafted there -- like well. What would acquire him. Maybe he might be able to make it. He was not sure fire prospect when he was drafted is not supposed to make in Canada for the world junior tournament you want to being one of the better players. And you know he was I don't think he was supposed to show up -- Rochester and start having -- -- in the down there and it certainly wasn't expected to come up here once he got here that have the first you know go on a six or seven games streak and only got. Yeah -- and every game but want. So you know that's -- I think the biggest thing is he. He's always looking how to like you better what do I have to do to get better. And he also has that not a dad who was not always a former national Utley delivered it was also his coach. In junior. And continues kind of beat duke coach. -- he'll tell you that is that. You know will let him know when things aren't going well on the place. You know last night they did they come back from New York there are back home have to travel to the play them back to back nights. Yeah that's not always easy task in the NHL what you expect out of this team tonight and I know you're gonna say it probably net you never know with Lindy -- but I would assume lead that we would assume that Ryan Miller would start correct. You'd think Obama yesterday he said he is doctor was opening schedule which. At the time we made it it's only been one start for your side -- so far. That would. My educated guess than he has not deviated from his schedule that had -- probably has won more games coming. This might be. That if they used to it now is about what you're back to back in Minnesota they stop at Minnesota up. Yes yes. Great point yeah they're going to be they're going to be on their back to back against Washington so. If the sabres the sabres need to win tonight because it looks like Washington should -- Minnesota that sets up. That big game obviously Tuesday night between buffalo and Washington but on the back to backs. The sabres -- we do expect anything different I mean -- when -- approach this game with everybody involved not just the goalie situation. He likes to roll four lines and back to back let. You know terrible but okay accorsi got its first National Hockey League goal last night. You know he doesn't play a whole lot you saw. The confusion. On the goal that the Rangers scored who lost the drop and -- took a peek over shoulder Cody McCormick was collapsing. So he thought Cody McCormick was going to the -- So he didn't and recorded McCormick thought he was going to that he didn't have boil water standard by himself. -- and the other the other thing about that quote there was a book about the bond that. So. -- -- just you know the little but the confusion out there so I don't know how comfortable would be -- his -- that fourth line up there on a regular shift right now. And let out -- back to back is something that he really likes to do so obvious is it to see how -- our -- What are your thoughts on ball the right Miller interview with -- LeBron and also on the Duncan -- suspension can you just give us your thoughts on both those. In Britain abroad will be talking about with you Ali well you. Things usually doors he let the media to arguments or whatever it was being traded. And he talked about that November 30 -- we also want talk with a man and if that's what he understood the question. That we had been out there he would never got a chance to address that. So he was you know very good with the questions -- everybody's question although everybody is no. Desire whatsoever to be traded -- you know he's he's that we have unfinished business here. This is well liked the idea because I want to win the Stanley Cup here and I still do what I'm not just gonna. -- believe just because things are going well for half the season goes that's not how I operate. Because if they were to come to me. And yeah that's the bird you know the eighteen they would have to ask them for portrayed. He goes my first question be why you're trading. So you know he made it very very clear that -- rumor out there that he wants to be -- -- to be traded is just absolutely not true. So for in his mind that's been taking -- What keeps then it kept popping up and even a credible source like the F thinks they have some sort of story that that. Miller still wants to be traded this is barely visible ways into the -- now. All right we're talking about January. And you know he's got other -- who's got very upset with that because it was making him look like he wanted the bail on our situation. Today does that exact opposite. So what he wants to do that he doesn't -- want situations he wants to work through it together with well. A poll about ten seconds Duncan -- suspension. -- I think I think that could've gone to the end of the year. By the honest with you I don't think that would have been on the line. -- things like that I -- and and so they start being a little tougher on the. Yeah he absolutely -- drilled an elbow up in the head area okay Paul Emily good stuff my man and we'll be sure to catch it's nice to be -- IPT dot com and your game blog. I that is Paul Hamilton tonight -- 6 o'clock pregame. 7 o'clock puck drops Matt Keller got sports another mat with me at the other side of the break -- shift our attention to the elite eight. Syracuse Ohio State big game tonight. Beyond that we began the voice of the orange Matt park joins me and sports talk Saturday necks and WGR.
