Niagara Falls' Flynn a Wanted Man

Houston Rockets point guard and former Niagara Falls high school standout Johnny Flynn is rumored to be wanted by both the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Flynn who played his college basketball at Syracuse played alongside Paul Harris here in Niagara Falls. Flynn went on to be the sixth overall player taken in the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was traded to Houston last summer.

In his rookie year, he averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Since then, Flynn has seen his production as well as his minutes fall. He has only appeared in 7 games this year, averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 assists per game.

A fresh start in New York or Los Angeles is something that Flynn may need in order for his talents to be used to their best.

Sabres Light up Scoreboard Against Bruins

Game 53, Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres, 2/8/2012

When I rolled into the First Niagara Center on Wednesday night I was hoping to see a very good effort out of a desperate hockey club. Well not only did I see a desperate hockey club give a lot of effort, I saw a machine. The Buffalo Sabres had their biggest win in recent memory in a 6-0 bashing of their rival Boston Bruins. It was ugly and it was on national television. Just what the doctor ordered in this season of craziness in Buffalo.

When the puck dropped it seemed like both hockey clubs came to play. Both teams were skating and moving the puck well. Then all hell broke loose. Cody McCormick fought Bruins “tough-guy” Shawn Thornton. Not too long after Christian Ehrhoff ripped a wrist shot from the point, which deflected off of Bruins forward Gregory Campbell, and then went right passed the Bruin net-minder Tuukka Rask. Not long after the Bruins scored a goal that looked like it would tie the game up. However, a ruling of “incidental contact” on the play cancelled out the goal causing the Bruins bench to get frustrated. The Sabres finally had something go their way. Hey the City of Buffalo had something go their way!

The first period action wasn’t over yet. Patrick Kaleta and hated Bruin Milan Lucic battled in a fight that really got the crowd going. As big a size advantage as Lucic has on Kaleta, Kaleta still held his own, and pumped up the crowd with his arms, much to the dismay of the Bruins. Also during the action, Bruins forward Brad Marchand was noticeably chirping at Sabres the entire game. He was really focusing in on forward Ville Leino. With just a few minutes left in the first, Ville Leino answered back with a very creative pass to Captain Jason Pominville putting the Sabres ahead by two.

The second period opened with another Sabres goal, this one by Tyler Ennis. Rask’s night was over. Tim Thomas was in. The Sabres had numerous chances on a power play to make it 4-0 but Thomas looked sharp. Another incident that happened during the second period was when Ville Leino “snowed” goaltender Tim Thomas after a save. That isn’t something the Bruins liked very much but it is those "little things" that will bring the Sabres together better as this season goes on. I liked what I was seeing. Just when the game couldn’t get any better for the Sabres, Pat Kaleta put a weird angled shot by Thomas.

The third period was more of the same; pure domination by Ryan Miller and the Sabres. Leino set up Pominville again. Drew Stafford made the game an even more laughable 6-0. The third period was the highlight of the game.

When Milan Lucic hit Ryan Miller the entire hockey world focused on the Sabres lack of response. Frankly it was embarrassing. This time it was the Sabres time to embarrass the Bruins. This time on national television. This time on the scoreboard and then it was a brawl. Lucic lost his mind during the brawl. Buffalo got in his head. He was tossed. As the referees were sorting things out, a “Boston Sucks” chant broke out. Then there was a little “Sweet Caroline.” Boston was pay-backed and the entire hockey world saw it. This time the embarrassment was on Boston.

Notes: The Sabres play a Friday home game against the Dallas Stars. Thomas Vanek will be back in the line-up. If you take the first period of the Islanders game away from Ryan Miller, he has let in 0 goals in 10 periods! Allowing just 2 in 14 periods and all together 5 in the last 5 games. He moved to 14-1-2 against Boston at home in his career. The Sabres haven’t lost in regulation at home since Dec. 13th, going 5-0-4 during that time. James Patrick will be behind the bench once again Friday night.

Keeping It Going

Game 52, Buffalo Sabres @ New York Islanders, 2/4/12

It looked as though the Buffalo Sabres would really put a damper on any revival of their season Saturday night when the New York Islanders took a 3-1 lead in the first period. The Sabres weren’t playing a bad game but they couldn’t bury their opportunities. Led by two goals from Frans Nielsen and one from Josh Bailey, it was the Islanders game to lose in the final two periods.

However, the lone goal in the first period by Nathan Gerbe was not the only goal the Sabres would score. The Sabres down 3-1 would need four goals in the game for the first time since they did so over a month ago at home against Edmonton. The second period helped the Sabres inch one goal closer as Derek Roy netted a big goal with just under two minutes to go, putting the team in good position to come back in the third.

With just over eight minutes left in the game, one of the best players in recent games for the Buffalo Sabres Paul Gaustad put the tying goal behind goaltender Al Montoya, and the game was tied up.

Overtime was about as crazy a five minutes as you could have asked for. A Sabres penalty for too-many men on the ice put the game in jeopardy. However, just as the Sabres killed off an over-time penalty against the Rangers last Wednesday, the Sabres killed off the Islanders power play blocking shot after shot, refusing to lose. Ryan Miller was very good as well making a few monster saves.

For the third time in the last four games the Sabres were going to a shootout. Ryan Miller stopped the first shooter, Brad Boyes scored, Miller made stopped the second shooter, and then the clutch captain of Buffalo Jason Pominville said goodnight to the Islanders as Buffalo won 4-3.
The team has life. They have hope. The team will have a huge game on Wednesday against the Boston Bruins at First Niagra. Expect the Sabres to play an intense game and expect the energy level to be very exciting in the building. It should be a dandy.

Notes: Thomas Vanek status for the game is looking shaky right now. The Sabres could use their forward as they race toward on a late playoff run.

Classic Miller, Lundqvist Battle Decided in SO

Game 51, New York Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres, 2/1/12

The Buffalo Sabres looked to keep their momentum going after winning back-to-back games for the first time since early November. The Sabres once again came out flying. Every line was working hard. Both goalies were sharp. It was a classic Lundqvist, Miller battle. The Sabres had many chances, including 5 power plays but without two of their most important scorers in Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford out of the line-up, the Sabres couldn’t bury one past Lundqvist.

The first two periods were entertaining; however the third period was incredible. The energy at the First Niagara Center was there and the Sabres fed off the energy. The Sabres killed off a Tyler Ennis penalty mid-way through the third period, where the puck was in the Rangers zone for the majority of the time. The team was refusing to back down. They didn’t care about any standings, it was just about this individual game. A late power play opportunity for the Sabres nearly put the game away. But the game was destined for overtime.

In overtime, the Sabres still had some time on the power play. They couldn’t bury the puck past Henrik Lundqvist though. A penalty mid-way through the overtime on Tyler Ennis for boarding put the game in jeopardy. The call was very, very questionable and Lindy Ruff wasn’t very happy about it from the bench. The Sabres showed that they weren’t going to lose the game on a bad call. Blocked shot after blocked shot, the Sabres were unbelievable. When Ryan Miller plays like he did, you just get the sense that the team in front of him has so much confidence and “will.” The Sabres killed off the penalty and after a brilliant chance for Derek Roy, the game was headed to a shootout.

In the shootout, All-Star MVP Marion Gaborik scored first to put the pressure on the Sabres. Brad Boyes got absolutely robbed by Lundqvist on his opportunity. My jaw literally dropped. What a great save. The Sabres captain, Jason Pominville was the last chance for the Sabres. He had to be clutch once again. Pominville came through again and gave Buffalo another chance. What a great job by the captain. In round five, Ryan Callahan ended the game, giving the Rangers the two points.

The Sabres played a very good game and they still haven’t lost in regulation at home since December 13th. A sign that every player played well once again… Every player had double-digit ice time numbers. Ennis had a 2 minute and 32 second shift in between. Paul Gaustad nearly played an entire penalty kill. If Vanek is healthy for this game, the Buffalo Sabres win, plain and simple, but all is not lost. The Sabres play the Islanders Saturday night. If they can keep up the effort from the last three games for the rest of the season, the playoffs will be possible.

Also: Zach Kassian and Luke Adam played well for the Sabres. Miller gets the shutout for the game. The shootout goal isn’t a goal against for Miller. Stafford should return Saturday. Vanek is hoping to return for the highly anticipated Bruins game next Wednesday.

Play-Action Sports: February 1st 2012

Men's Basketball:

Buffalo 73 Ball St. 57: Make it five in a row for the UB Bulls as they were able to pick up their sixth conference win and 13th overall on the year with a 73-57 win over Ball State in Alumni Arena. Mitchell Watt loaded up the stat sheet for the Bulls as he racked up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists. Zach Filzen added 14 and Javon McCrea 10 as the Bulls were able to shoot 54% from the floor (52.6% from three). They also out-rebounded the Cardinals 35-20.

St Bonaventure 62 St Louis 86: The Bonnies suffered a setback Wednesday night as they suffered a 24 point loss at the hands of the Saint Louis Billikens. The team lost their grasp on first place in the conference and dropped to 12-8 (5-3). Andrew Nicholson was a non-factor in the game as he was constantly in foul trouble, playing only ten minutes and scoring just two points. Saint Louis had five players in double figures and were led by Kwamain Mitchell who had 22. Dwayne Evans added a double-double as well with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Sabres Play to Perfection

Game 50, Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens, 1/31/12

The Buffalo Sabres came back after the All-Star break with two options. One option was to continue to build off their win in New Jersey and make the last half of the year something worthwhile. The other option was to play rusty and continue the poor play that has put the Sabres near the basement of the Eastern Conference. The Buffalo Sabres decided to go with option one and what a good decision it was.

The Sabres played their best game of the season Tuesday night at the Belle Centre in Montreal for a 3-1 victory. It was an enjoyable game for a Sabres fan to watch. For one night this team lived up to their pre-season expectations.

The Sabres dominated the Canadiens in the first, outshooting them, 11-8. But they found themselves trailing the Habs by 1 and their start winger Thomas Vanek was out for the rest of the game with an upper-body injury. That didn’t discourage the Sabres at all though. The second period came and Ville Leino made a great move and ripped a shot top-shelf over All-Star goalie Carey Price. For once Leino was living up to the expectations. Was this real? Every line was playing well. The defense was solid. For the second straight game, the back-checking was superb. The Sabres outshoot the Habs, 19-7!

Tyler Ennis came back from injury and was simply excellent playing center for the first time this season. He was everywhere on the ice. Winning 8 of 15 face-offs and making some key defense plays along the way, Ennis was huge for the Sabres forward group even though he didn’t get on the score sheet. The Sabres are now 9-3-2 this season when Ennis plays a full game. In the third period some nice hard work by Brad Boyes, down low, allowed for a tap-in goal by Paul Gaustad. The Sabres finished the game off with a Patrick Kaleta empty netter.

In between, Ryan Miller was awesome, making some really big saves. That’s back to back games now where the Sabres have let in 1 goal. That’s how this team is going to win games. Gaustad finished with 3 points. Ehrhoff had 2 points. Tyler Myers was very good. Nathan Gerbe and Kaleta provided a ton of heart. Once again Brad Boyes was excellent down low. The Sabres played a complete hockey game. Tonight they will go for their third win in a row and again they will need to be excellent against their first place opponent, the New York Rangers.
The Sabres are 4-0-3 in their last 7 home games. Their last home loss in regulation?... Was against the Rangers. Should be a good one at the FNC.

The Week Ahead : 1/29-2/4

Another new segment to Downtown Sports! In this part I will be giving everyone a look ahead at the games on tap for all area teams.

Make sure you check back for updates, reviews, recaps, and interviews.

Hockey:

Buffalo Sabres
Tuesday Jan 31st: @ Montreal Canadiens 7:30pm (MSG)
Wednesday Feb 1st: New York Rangers 7:30pm (NBCSN)
Saturday Feb 4th: @ New York Islanders 7:00pm (MSG)

Men's Basketball:

Saint Bonaventure Bonnies
Wednesday Feb 1st: @ St. Louis 8:00pm

Syracuse Orange
Saturday Feb 4th: @ St. John's 12:00pm

Buffalo Bulls
Wednesday Feb 1st: Ball State 7:00pm
Saturday Feb 4th" @ Toledo 7:00pm

Niagara Purple Eagles
Friday Feb 3rd: @ Fairfield 7:30pm

Canisius Golden Griffins
Thursday Feb 2nd: @ Iona 7:00pm
Saturday Feb 4th: @ Marist 7:00pm

Sabres Return to Action Tonight vs. Canadiens

The much needed break for the Sabres is over and it is time to start playing competitive hockey again.

Buffalo will take to the ice tonight in Montreal against the Canadiens after the all-star break this past weekend.

The team currently sits in 14th place in the eastern conference with 45 points. They did win their last game before the break in a shootout, 2-1 against the New Jersey Devils in a game that saw the Sabres only get 14 shots on net.

That is the only thing positive the Sabres have going for them right now as they have lost 16 of their last 21 games and have been outscored nearly three to one on the road since back in mid-December. They will wrap up their current road trip tonight and head home to play host to the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

Buffalo did receive a bit of good news as head coach Lindy Ruff said on WGR 550 radio this morning with Howard Simon that Tyler Ennis will play tonight and Brayden McNabb passed his concussion test and is now day-to-day.

The Sabres currently sit ten points away from the final playoff spot and will need a run similar to last year which included wins in 16 of their last 24 games, and some help to make it to the postseason this year.

Greyhounds too much for Griffs to Handle

The Loyola (MD) Greyhounds came into the Koessler Athletic Center Sunday afternoon in a tie for first in the MAAC and left with a half game lead.

The Griffs continued their awful shooting as they were only able to convert on 22 of 54 shots (40.7%).

Canisius started the game with the lead and led by as many as 7 but saw that dwindle down as the poor shooting started to kick in. The Griffs were held scoreless for the final 8:02 of the first half and saw their once seven point lead turn into a six point deficit. Loyola was able to close the half on a 12-0 run.

For a stretch of 12:04 Canisius was only able to score two points and allowed a 24-2 Greyhound run. During this run, the Griffs looked frustrated and visibly so. The poor shooting seemed to wear on them.

Shane Walker was a force on the floor for Loyola as he scored 17 to lead all scorers. He also had 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. The glass was controlled by Loyola all day and especially in the second half as they were able to out-rebound the blue and gold 43-27 and 22-14 on the offensive glass. "It's frustrating for the fellas I know, because they give such an effort defensively that is" said Tom Parrotta. "When we had really good possessions defensively, the shot was up and the rebound was up in the air, they're just bigger and more athletic than us and they came down with it and they make you pay. That's absolutely demoralizing for a defensive possession."

Loyola had four players in double figures as Walker had 17, Robert Olson had 13, Erik Etherly had 15, and Justin Drummond had 14 off the bench.

Cansius once again started four guards as Franklin Milian received his second career start and he did take advantage of it. In 25 minutes he had 7 points and 4 rebounds. The guards for the Griffs shot the ball very poorly as Harold Washington, Alshwan Hymes, and Gaby Belardo combined to go 11-38 from the floor including 4-16 from beyond the arch.

"I can't fault the effort outside 30 minutes" "The first half is not the issue" said Parrotta. "It certainly starts to wain in the second half and deep into the second half."

Canisius obviously is not having the season they would have liked but it shouldn't come as a complete shock. The lack of depth is something that everyone always talks about and Parrotta honestly addressed that issue today. "We knew one hundred percent that depth was going to be an issue because I have three guys I chose to do it this year to bring in next year... (Others) are getting so much experience."

Parrotta is obviously speaking of the three transfer players that have to sit out this year due to NCAA eligibility rules. Freddy Asprilla is a 6-10 senior from Kansas State. Isaac Sosa is a 6-3 senior as well from Central Florida; and Jordan Heath, brother of freshman center Josiah Heath is a 6-10 junior from NAIA Roberts Wesleyan. "We could have brought in three more players that would have helped with depth, but not the level of player that is sitting out; But we don't fold up the season and just look forward to next year."

Play-Action Sports: January 28th 2012

Here is a new segment to Downtown Sports. In this section I will be having multiple recaps and scores from nights when multiple teams in the area play.

Men's Basketball:

Buffalo 74 Northern Illinois 59: The UB men (12-6, 5-2) picked up their 4th straight win Saturday night by taking care of business on the road against Illinois 74-59. Javon McCrea had a double-double for the Bulls with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Zach Filzen had 12 and Mitchell Watt also added 10 in a collective effort. Ten different Bulls scored in the game as they were able to close to within a half-game of conference leading Akron.

St. Bonaventure 62 Richmond 47: Andrew Nicholson 14 points (6-7 FG) and 8 rebounds for St. Bomaventure as they were able to stay in first place in the Atlantic 10 with a 62-47 home win against the Spiders of Richmond. They improved to 12-7 and 5-2 in conference play. The Bonnies out rebounded Richmond 39-23 and had four players total in double figures.

Griffs Can't Survive Poor Shooting in Loss to Jaspers

Canisius found themselves with a rare halftime lead Friday night against the visiting Manhattan Jaspers but were unable to close the deal as a dismal second half shooting performance dropped the Griffs to 4-16 (1-9) on the year.

Canisius, who usually shoots under 40% per game was at 41% from the floor which included 46% from beyond the arch in the first half. They took a 35-33 lead into the break as they lead by as many 9 in the half.

They maintained that lead early in the second half but a 10-0 Manhattan run opened the flood gates as the Japsers gained and never relinquished the lead. Their 10-0 run bumped them into the lead by 8, 47-39 and they lead by as many as 16.

Canisius finished the game shooting just 35.5% in the second half and 12.5% from downtown. Gaby Belardo lead the way for Canisius with 18 but was just 6-15 from the floor. Harold Washington and Alshwan Hymes both had 16 but combined to go 11-31 (35.5%) from the floor. Washington also turned the ball over 7 times.

Manhattan was lead by standout guard George Beamon who was 14-24 shooting on the night for 33 points. He also added 8 rebounds and 2 assists. After the game, his coach called him the best player in the MAAC. "He takes coaching so well. I was on him. He came out and he responded (in the second half)." Steve Masiallo said. "This league is very good, there is a lot of great players. There are players that are terrific in this league. What he means to us is more than any other player means to their team... There is no one even close."

Beamon, although scoring 33 points wants to continue to get better heading down the final stretch of the season and into the conference tournament. "I'm just trying to play. My teammates found me out there. It's a collective effort."

Manhattan doubled up the Griffs in the paint as they scored 36 points compared to Canisius' 18. "Our mentality every game is to go inside and take you off the bounce and throw it into our big's" said Masiallo.

The Griffs were only able to generate 4 points from the forwards in the contest, all coming from Chris Manhertz who added just 4 rebounds, down from his average of 7.4.

"We went small tonight. We really wanted to keep Manhattan off balance tonight" said Canisius coach Tom Parrotta. "We had some careless turnovers. We have to continue to grind it out and knock down shots when they present themselves."

Game notes: Guard Reggie Groves will be away from the team "for a while" as he will spend time on "academics" says coach Parrotta. Groves is eligible butParrotta feels that Groves needs to "nip a small problem before it turns into a big one."... Canisius started four guards today as Franklin Milian got his first career start. He had 3 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes... David Santiago had 9 points off the bench on 4-4 shooting in 18 minutes... Canisius has now lost 4 straight and will host Loyola (MD) Sunday at 2:15... Manhattan has now won 6 straight and will travel to Niagara on Sunday at 4:00.

Playoff run for the Sabres?

With the Sabres victory over the Devils Tuesday night, the Sabres are tied for 13th in the Eastern Conference.

The All Star Break starts today, so the team will not play again until February 1st, against the New York Rangers at the First Niagara Center.

The Sabres have 33 games remaining until the playoffs begin, and they need a lot of help. There are many key division match-ups remaining which include four games against the Bruins (1 Home, 3 Road), two games against the Maple Leafs (0 Home, 2 Away), three home stints with the Canadians.

Their longest home stand is 4 games which will happen twice in February.(Feb 8th- Bruins, Feb 10th-Stars, Feb 11th-Lightning, and Feb 14th-Devils) (Feb-17th- Canadians, Feb 19th- Penguins, 21st- Islanders, Feb 24th- Bruins).

Their longest road trip is four games as well with all of them taking place on the west coast. (Feb 29th- Ducks, Mar 1st- Sharks, Mar 3rd- Canucks, and Mar 4th- Jets).

Five times the Sabres will play back to back games (Feb 10 & 11th Stars and Lightning, Feb 16 & 17th Flyers and Canadiens, Feb 29th & Mar 1st Ducks and Sharks, Mar 7 & 8th Hurricanes and Bruins, and 30 & 31st Penguins and Maple Leafs).

The Sabres are 10 points out of the 8th and final spot for the Eastern Conference playoffs. They have a lot of ground to make up, and they need a lot of help. They will need a run similar to last years' and some luck to find it into the top six.