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Even Matt Ellis would skate circles around anyone that posts on this forum.

One thing that was discussed in the JJP trade was whether Jack Quinn could help fill the scoring void when JJP was traded. It's a relatively small sample size, but Quinn has been playing better of late. I think it's particularly relevant to note that since Zucker's return, Quinn has had a couple of very good games. I think Zucker is leading that line, ensuring that there are no passengers, and teaching the kid how NHL hockey should be played. And Quinn is a willing student. So Doan is already filling in for JJP's scoring, but Quinn is rounding into form, which also helps.

Often hear people who are great at pickup basketball say they could take NBA players who are bench players that never play, but then get absolutely crushed by them in a "no-contest" type way when they get a chance to play them. That reminded me of Malenstyn scoring on that play...while there are probably a lot of people that think they are way better players and scorers in their leagues than someone like Malenstyn who is a 4th line player, the truth is he would dominate them and their league and score at will, like 5-10 goals a game any game he wanted. The difference in offensive skill between the best "pickup" hockey players and NHL 4th liners is still night and day and I think we forget that sometimes.

Follow up.... What do you think happened 😉 I guess I'll throw it out there, I live not to far from holiday valley and I was chatting with our Canadian brethren at the meet up. If anyone is interested, I have a spare room or at least a nice place for apres-ski if anyone comes down to ski this area. Just let me know 😊

When we acquired Kesselring and Doan it was all abut Kesselring being the guy that could play with Power. Due to injuries we have not seen that, I first commented on Doan who was establishing a reputation as a hard worker, but mostly because I saw his father play quite a bit, and thought if his kid matures into a player like that it would really help the team. I was thinking solid 3rd liner that works his way to middle 6, and brings in a work ethic that we need in Buffalo. Seeing Doan earn his way to first line minutes is a pleasant surprise and that is the Doan work ethic I was hoping to see. I am told that Papa Doan comes down from Toronto every chance he gets to watch his kid so that is a nice bonus. Papa Doan was no slouch when the gloves came off either, a team captain and a willing combatant, but that part of the game is all but ended. Peterka is probably going to be the better natural scorer but Doan is the type of player Buffalo fans love and he will bring positive things that do not make the score sheet. Peterka seems thrilled with the fancy digs in Utah and the beauty of the American West - good for him. Doan simply wants ice time, opportunity, and to play with a good group of guys. Ruff is giving him that. Maybe someday Doan can win Cups in Buffalo, with knowledgeable fans from both sides of the boarder cheering him on.

The Sabres SEEM to have fixed their play at home, PROVIDED they aren't playing a team they are too immature to take seriously prior to puckdrop. Fixing that taking opponents lightly thing is the next thing that needs to be fixed in their home play. On the road, they've still had too many stretches where opponents get the matchups they want and eventually get the goals they need to keep the Sabres road records one of the worst in the NHL and so bad even playing 0.750 at home since the 3rd home game and better than 0.64 there overall can't get them over NHL 0.500 which is a low bar to cross. MAYBE getting healthy will allow them to be better at avoiding the killer matchups against. Pittsburgh would be a good place to start that. They need to continue getting strong goaltending on the road or even better matchups won't help them enough.

Thanks much guys. OK. I'm getting hosed. 😳 Time to make some phone calls. P.S. - @shrader, yes I have the commercial-free version.

Update: Kesselring - DNP That part is still killing me. Any return from him at all and the talking heads would have to eat even more crow from their post-trade reactions this summer.

Tynan Lawrence needs to get back from injury already. He has only played 2 games this year because of an injury suffered in camp and then they shut him down again. In those two games, sounds like he did really well and everywhere talks about his pace and detail. He's a 6' tall center with an August bday playing in the USHL. He will go top 5 in all likelihood and is someone I want to see more of.

Update JJ Peterka: 9g, 7a, 16pts, +2 in 22games Josh Doan: 7g, 8a, 15pts, -3 in 22games

I will guess... A is Risto and B is Power? I feel like Power has fewer goals but makes nicer passes. Except you know, Rasmus Dahlin.

Power is B. You completely ignored that Risto played 34 games prior to his first "full season" and Power played only 8 games. Also, Risto was -62 in that 3 season span, Power was +5 over his first 3 "full" season. Risto proceeded to play at a stellar -128 over his first 5 seasons. Power is the better player, and it is not even close.

Obviously power is B however. Power is on the second power play unit, Was at least a year younger starting in the NHL and is a positive plus 5 in +/- Risto was a minus 62.

At the (just past) quarter mark, the Sabres are at 0.500. to get to 0.600 over the next 20 games, they'd have to play 7-3-0 or 7-1-2 hockey for two 10-game stretches. That seems fairly unlikely. Even spreading out over the rest of the season, they'd need to play ~0.633 hockey, averaging between 6-4-0 and 6-3-1 per 10-game stretch. Maybe a switch flips and they suddenly become that team, maybe not. They're not that team now. Too soon, lol.

Title change? Or to soon?

Power has his flaws but no one on the team can carry the puck up ice on his stick better than he can. Might be one of the best in the NHL at doing that.

If Sabres can't win on the road they're doomed. They're not good enough at home to carry a losing road record.

I think everyone is recognizing what I was seeing last year. He was an NHLer then, just not enough roster spots. I think we're going to see the same thing this year with Rosén and Östlund: Looking like they're ready, just figuring out how and where they fit in. This is what normal depth development looks like.

I got a good laugh out of this thread. You guys picked a great game to see and that is no small feat. Any good follow up stories?

But the "fools" were right to have hope.

Yeah I can't see him going anywhere...he plays his role very well and it's very much needed.

If he keeps up this level of play through the rest of the season he’ll have the second best contract on the team.

So your saying we are doomed?

I would investigate the $79 fee. I pay around $20/month for the Disney/Hulu/Espn bundle, but as I stated, I loaded a cable account on the APP to access the ESPN, ESPN 2, etc live channels. Google search below, which I assume ESPN unlimited includes the aforementioned channels I access with a cable subscription. Standard and Premium plans Plan Name PricingInclusions Disney+, Hulu, ESPN UnlimitedStarts at $29.99/month (first 12 months)• Disney+ (With Ads) • Hulu (With Ads) • ESPN Unlimited (With Ads) Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited PremiumStarts at $38.99/month (first 12 months)• Disney+ (No Ads) • Hulu (No Ads) • ESPN Unlimited (With Ads)