Former Husky Mike Ryan makes NHL debut with Sabres

More news here at Northeastern University today, as former Husky winger Mike Ryan recently made his NHL debut with the NHL-leading Buffalo Sabres (19-3-2) and has now played in three games, recording six shots and averaging 9:07 of ice time. Nothing too impressive so far, although he did manage to find the back of his own net in his first game. Lucky for him, he plays for the NHL's best team, so his own-goal was soon forgotten by everyone else. Captain Daniel Briere even promised Ryan that he would make sure the Sabres won during the second intermission. Following Briere's third period tally, Ryan was quoted as saying "He did deliver on his promise. I think I jumped about four feet off the ground on the bench when he scored."



For more on that blooper, check out any of these articles: Briere bails out the new kid, Depth lifts Sabres to new heights, Ryan shakes off misfire in NHL debut.

On Wednesday, the day of Ryan's debut, my boss had heard rumors of the former Husky's promotion, but we waited on posting anything until we got a confirmation. Apparently, an article would have gone up immediately following his debut had he not scored on his own goal. Anyways, another highlight for NU, as both Jim Fahey (Devils) and Ryan have now played in the NHL this season.

I just did the writeup for the website, titled Former Husky Mike Ryan makes NHL debut. Here are Ryan's complete stats of his time at Northeastern.

On the blog BleedingBlueandGold, the blogger wrote, "I'm still feeling sorry for Michael Ryan's 'own-goal' that got the Leafs to within one near the end of the second period. Ryan was very impressive in the first half of the game, especially on the penalty kill. However, his play fell off a bit after that miscue and he carelessly iced the puck one time when he easily could have reached the centre line. However, my impressions of his game are mostly positive."

Coming from a Sabres fan, that sounds like a positive review. Hopefully, Ryan will start put one in the other team's net soon and get his +/- up a few points.

I'm hoping Ryan at least retains his spot on the roster for another week so I can catch a game on All-Access.

In other local news over Thanksgiving weekend, the Huskies were defeated 3-1 by UNH. After coming out fast and generating the first handful of great scoring chances, NU let up in the second and before long, the Wildcats held a commanding 3-0 lead. Morris eventually got the Huskies on the board, but it was evident from the time UNH added a third goal that there would be no comeback on the night. It's now or never for NU with a home-and-home series with Merrimack coming up this weekend.

I missed Saturday's Bruins game after watching the disgusting 5-1 whopping by the Hurricanes the day before, but I'm pretty happy with what I've seen as of late. The Chistov/Kessel/Tenkrat line is very appealing to me and I would imagine to the B's overall fan base. Any line with that kind of speed and creativity, albeit some defensive liability, helps us fans of the Black and Gold to forget the glory day of Samsonov and co. On that note, Savard and Jumbo Joe are currently tied with 27 points, but Joe is a -5 while Savard is a +4. I'm not holding my breath yet, but imagine if Savard outscores the big guy?

In College Hockey news, Minnesota claimed all 40 first place votes, while Northeastern's latest bully, UNH, climbed all the way to No. 2.

A big week in local hockey ahead -
Tuesday - choice of UMass at BU or Vermont at Harvard. I'll probably go with the less expensive admission (Harvard). Or, Bruins game at a local bar.
Wednesday - San Jose at Minnesota. Two former Boston middlemen, Joe Thornton and Brian Rolston, square off. The real questions remain: Who is better? And how good would the Bruins be with both of them?
Thursday - A date with Tampa at TD. My fourth trip and counting this season.
Friday - Merrimack here at Northeastern's Matthew's Arena. A must win for NU.
Saturday - At Merrimack. A must win. B's will get revenge at Carolina.
Sunday - My return after a week off.

Hobby News
Selanne's Stock Looking Up
Despite his nagging knee injuries a few seasons back and the drop in market for 90s cards, including his own singles, Selanne's issues could see some progression as the season moves on. He has six goals in his last six games. He leads the NHL's best team in points (29). He isn't far from the league leader in points. Just imagine if the Finnish Flash continued to lead the Ducks and eventually carried them to a Stanley Cup, while earning Conn Smyth and Art Ross honors. Very unlikely scenario, but it could happen. I would relish a Ducks/Sabres matchup, pitting Anaheim's D against the Sabres' high-powered offense.