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I have no idea. I’ve kinda given up on predicting bubble teams. Too much randomness in hockey. Utah seems to be much better coached and analytics liked them more than their record. Composition wise both teams look very similar up front after the Peterka trade. The Sabres have a far more talented D corps with the only franchise player on either team, but the Utes have more veterans back there. Also give them the edge in goal, although each is at a level there that seems impossible to predict. Both teams are relying on young players to improve to get into the playoff picture. Ten points difference in the standings is a pretty marginal gap for me. I’d say whichever team gets the better goaltending so probably Utah?

Management has said that Kulich is a center.

He's vindictive and is in bed with the party at large, he is rather hypocritical and overly shares his opinions on Twitter. So just a typical swarmy politician. I've met him twice as well as his Deputy and both give off a degree of "Holier than thou" energy in person. Like its all for show and they actually loathe you for daring to touch his hand. Granted I work in govt and can see some of his and the party's handiwork first hand. Let's just say the party's will is what really runs the County and not what any constituent wants (Just wanted to add the Republicans here are seldom much better)

Poloncarz is a competent, diligent elected official. I don't always agree with his policies, but I respect his work as county exec. As indicated above, I just find him to be a cringey goober. He's got more than a little Michael Scott (of The Office) in him.

The logic for Line 1 is experience while keeping the chemistry from Tage and Tuch. I know others like balance, hence Alex slotted on FL#2. I like prefer they stay together. FL2 is more defensive in nature, but certainly capable of scoring. FL#3 could be potent against other teams bottom six. Again, I know Kulich is slotted at Center for most, but I think he should focus on scoring goals. If he was sheltered slightly (3rd line wing vs Top line Center), I think he can score 30. And finally, the hope is Quinn could outperform against grinders. Based on what we saw from him in Rochester, he should be 25+. Especially against lesser talent.

It’s weird how much it transforms the on-paper perception of the lineup. I think the years condition us to look at that spot first when judging a roster.

So by this you mean he’s the guy most likely to make or break the forward corps? I can see this argument: Centre is the most important position and the Sabres weakest. Norris is an unreliable 2nd, McLeod a good three and Krebs just a guy So if Kulich can’t be a reasonable top 6 player, they’re hooped. I don’t agree with it, but I can see the reasoning.

I think he was just re-elected and his term runs through 2028. I don't know about term limits but he helped negotiate the Bills stadium deal which put all over-runs on Pegula instead of split with the county or state (not saying he did this himself but he helped in the process).

He gets elected so the majority does support him. I just saw an WIVB article that says Mark is not in favor of supporting KBC with county tax money in the long term. Take away the county, put all the tax burden on the city, and the arena will suffer.

I wrote in the lineup thread that there is about 50 ways to make this years forward combo since no one, including management, knows where to slot the centers and where to play them. If Kulich draws in with Thompson and plays well, he could be a 50 pt player. If he draws in with Greenway and Quinn, he could end up back in Rochester. I really like Kulich and I think he handles the moment well and produces. I think we’ll see more assists than goals this year in support of guys like Thompson. Something like 21g 27a. If Kulich can handle top 6 minutes successfully, the Sabres offense slots together so much easier and shouldn’t miss a beat 5 on 5.

It’s crazy to expect him to play 1C in a full time role. He is a young player with much promise that still learning his way. His skill gets him minutes at 2C but he will be sheltered at times and McLeod will likely get more minutes.

I'm out of town so not well informed in the local political scene. Is he going to run again for the Co. Ex position? Or is he term limited? Is he considering other offices? Just curious. Just my impression as an outsider that he seems to be a competent executive and can be tough when necessary.

Sure. It's not like I'm a fan. I think he's a cringey goober. But ... oil and slime out of every pore seems a bit much.

Lots of speculation here on SS. It’s the summer after 14 straight disappointing seasons.

Removed it entirely so we don't have to worry about it. Let's just say "Kulich is important to the offense and here's what the numbers look like..." Also it might have gotten buried but I put Kulich at 23g, 20a for the 2025 season.

No, but I am saying a Majority support him.

I think that is at least a very interesting question to think over. As for who will have more points? Probably Utah, they have better GT and better coaching. Which forward group will produce more? I'd give Buffalo the adv. What roles would you say are there for the forwards. How would you categorize Buffalo's?

Your first line with Tage on the middle is very appealing.

I don't understand where you are coming from. At the event, there is an announcement that a local bank will continue with its sponsorship in the naming rights to the arena. It's a standard event involving the business side of the franchise. In today's world of generating income all arenas and stadiums have income generating sponsorships. So why are you so upset with how this particular event was handled? Are you implying that a less vocal majority support Mark?

Not without a new coaching staff and a goalie, imo.

A vocal minority don't like Mark.

If you look closely you can see the oil and slime oozing out of every pore of Mark's body.

After 14 years of missing the playoffs it’s already on fire. As for Sparta IF is more possible with a capable top 6 forward added to the group than what appears to be right now

Oh in terms of that I have no idea. I haven't followed them so am not familiar with how they develop young players as a whole. Don't even know which AHL team is there's. What I do like is how they are constructing their roster. Seems a better balance and better defined roles. let me ask you this. Who will have more points end of next season? Utah or Buffalo?