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Who is 1C versus who is 2C and this team doesn't really matter to me. I'm sure they'll both play in the power play, and it's not like you are going to put two All-Star wingers with one of them and not with the other. The lines are always changing anyway. If you want to call one of them 1C and one of them 2C then fine... But to me when they're both in the lineup, theuir lines will pretty much be interchangeable. I'd expect if or when Norris is fully up to speed, there might be some days where Tage at center and his line would get more ice time, and other days where Norris would. Maybe you simply say Norris is 2c because you want to bring him back slowly, and maybe even for the rest of the year, You don't want him getting the most ice time simply to reduce wear and tear on the body/injury chance.

How much does the poor play in front of these goalies affect the stats ? Sabres still give up a lot of shots where the team D was absolutely terrible. Last night, the only goal allowed was being caught on a line change. Other games, getting back on D was too often optional and killed us. Much better last night.

Krebs and Malenstyn don't offer anything that can't be supplied by Kozak and Greenway. If I'm in charge, I'm chopping Malenstyn first, Krebs 2nd.

Would be nice to know before the draft if this team actually has center depth because the draft is wing and defense heavy.

Players get singled out to become the symbols for the frustration (understandably) of this team. Samuelsson is a classic example of that where he became vilified and demonized. Now look at him! I would say he is playing very well and more importantly has become one of our consistent performers on the unit. I, like you, have been disappointed in Quinn relative to my expectations for him. But let's put things in context when evaluating any young Sabre. Usually, they are rushed in their roles. Instead of playing on a lower line and working their way up, they often are prematurely elevated for a higher line playing against the better players on other teams. That's a franchise failure in the handling of players. I do see Quinn getting better. It's not a grand leap but from what I have seen there is an incremental progression. I'll gladly accept that steady improvement which is more of the norm on how young players develop in comparison to the few who almost right from the start demonstrate that they are high-end players. I recommend more patience when evaluating him.

One last thought: This is why teams want centers over wingers. Centers can shift over to the wing and shift back to center; it seems like this is the way Tage operates best- moving back and forth. I think the change in responsibilities sharpens his focus. And having Norris (maybe eventually) and McCleod, and Kozak and Krebs and Östlund all ready to play C, but filling in at wing if need be, makes the team stronger. If one of the center spine has a rough game, you and push him out to the wing and take the pressure off; there are other centers that can step in.

Is Dunne waiver exempt? Don't forget Metsa is up with the Sabres now too.

Don’t harsh my vibe. Outstanding.

They're kind of where Kozak was last year: You know they're gonna be roster regulars, but right now they're tweeners. I as especially impressed by the work Östlund put in last night on a checking line that chipped in offensively. And Kozak looked great at 3C. He's really starting to control play out there.

But they're gonna need several rosters spots soon.

On the other hand, do you want Östlund and Rosén riding the pine if everyone else is healthy and they have to be scratched? Would it be better to give them reps in Rochester? I'm not making any implications either way, just asking the question. Thought the same. Can they maintain that level of fight every game? I hope. Wasn't that the game where Dahlin said, "This is the way we play every night from now on" or words to that effect?

Shavers again showed some potential. He at least got separation regularly.

I’m not sure how many times you can spam a GDT with anti Kevyn Adams rhetoric before you get put on everyone’s ignore list. We all hate him. Terry doesn’t. End of story.

Thought the same. Can they maintain that level of fight every game? I hope.

Rosen and Östlund are playing pretty good as well. I hope they stay in the line up.

Between the Detroit game, last night and the Bills game, I'm giddy. Now don't harsh my vibe by stubbing your toe on the Calgary Flames. There might be a paper move just for roster gymnastics.

Ruff on wgr talked about how good Thompson has played the last few games and that if he keeps that up, when Norris comes back, they will play Norris at 2c and Thompson as 1c. He also said Zucker may play tomorrow, Norris and then Benson will be the next back but aren't ready yet.

But ask yourself why is there this deadline? If you are trying to move UPL haste only makes waste. Take the time to get the most value for him. If you need a roster spot you can waive Geertsen first.

Elliotte Friedman said UPLs deal is at par with a backup salary. Hardly a deal buster.

Of course, but how is he still around when he can’t even get on the ice when they’re down 15 forwards?

Davis seemed like he was pivotal when he was in. His connection with Josh gave me Cole Beasley vibes- the reliable guy who ran the route predictably and caught the ball when targeted. Previously he was the Deep Threat Guy. Possibly he's in a new role now?

If no takers with retention, waive UPL and send him to Rochester when the roster gets tight. If he there's no interest with retention, no one is going to snap him up off waivers. And if they do, waive bye bye to his whole salary for this year and the next three years. I want to say "What was Kevyn thinking???" But we all know what he was thinking. He was looking back at losing Ullmark and didn't want that to happen again.

I don’t need Terry to sell. I need him to stop Jerry Jonesing the team. Step back and let a qualified hockey guy make the decisions on building the front office

Lose him. Don't care.

It’s kind of funny to read these projected lineup changes when you realize that Geertsen still hidden away on the roster.