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I'm with you on not giving up on Samuelsson. There's no question that he has struggled and not played up to his prematurely rewarded contract. But as you point out, it's not unusual for it to take time for defenseman to find their game. He's had to contend with a series of injuries that have set him back. I thought when paired with Dahlin at the end of the season that he played solidly and consistently. He's a target of scorn because he didn't intervene on a Dahlin hit. He was internally held to account and seemed to be chastened after that. I'm not sure what pairing he will be slotted in but I do see him maturing and finding a role suitable for his style of play that relies on skating and moving the puck forward. He's not a banger and never will be. He needs to be placed in a role that is in accordance to his best assets, not his worst assets.

Here is Dahlin giving a tour of the Sabres Facility to a member of the Swedish Media https://youtu.be/s86np1JWqww?si=wO_nAF_DjkV90A1j

That’s actually kind of funny. You’re facing a hot goalie, try to break his routine any way you can. And at least that one’s not in any way dirty.

Really liked what I saw from him in game 1. Seemed to do it all and has some attitude as well.

They were sending their defenseman to stand in the places where Levi goes to meditate or whatever he does during stoppage of play a few times in the first game. Screw them.

Yes. And it's impossible to renovate every year and remain the best. Anyone who's watched the Dahlin tour video knows that the facility is hardly subpar even today.

I’m fine with trading Power and/or Samuelsson and trying to bring in a physical defender with size and quality defensive metrics. We need a culture change there. I’d be good with keeping Byram over Power. If we can add a top 4 defender who actually defends I’d also like to see Novikov get a full chance to compete for a top 6 spot. If he works this off season like he did last - he should be improved even more and close to ready. I’d also like to see Komarov get a shot - another solid young defender. But I think he’s a year a way. Still I think he has Novikov could be two important defensive cogs for the future. Possibly one this next year.

But even without the losing that was the good old days as you say. Now with teams with tons of money in places like Tampa and Miami, and even Carolina, Dallas, etc., and with state of the art facilities, those are no longer vacation spots but where players are able to live. Add to that the fact that Florida (Texas is the same deal) has no state income tax and if you are signing a quality player he’s going to be in the 10% state tax range for NY. So at minimum you are going to have to beat an offer from teams in those states over 10% higher just to be even. To say nothing of the facilities and lifestyle. There is just no way to compete unless Pegula puts the kind of effort into the Sabres org that he has into the Bills org. Both facilities and management. As it is he treats the Sabres like a step child he has to tolerate.

Oh yeah, I definitley drive. I've driven in so many left hand drive countries. Last week in Grenada it was left drive, but also chaos 😂 When I went last time, I took a train to bath and rented a car there, which involved me getting off the train and walking through a sheep pasture to the rental car place lol. I wanted to avoid London traffic. This time I'm going to get a car at Heathrow and just head west away from the city. I also don't usually book any lodging in advance, I can't tell you how many countries I've just flown to with a car rental paid for in advance and just started driving and exploring. Once I'm tired or feel like stopping I will get an Airbnb or local little place, makes for better stories 😂

And how about that play by Novikov? If we can get Novikov (+28 for the regular season) and Komarov to continue to develop we might actually have some quality defenders. With size and length. Add in Helenius and we can develop into a better all around and feistier team. But those guys have to come on fast. I still would be willing to trade Power & Samuelsson (feel like we need to for a culture change) and try to add a physical defenseman. Who plays strong defense.

Bath and the Cotswolds are nice. You are close to Wales once there, Stonehenge as well. Do you drive once there? I didn’t attempt it, looks too “wrong” to my eye and I thought I might crack under the pressure of traffic. Thank goodness the train and bus routes are good and on time. I want to see more of Ireland.

Climbing over Bryson is an Everest sized block of granite, just ask KA.

But he's another small skill player!?!? He's only 5'11" woe is us!

I've been to the UK (England, once) Ireland and Scotland once each. Never Wales. I may hit some of the countryside from. Bath before hitting north towards the venue. Such beautiful places out that way. I'm def skipping London, We also love the country side and less busy areas in general. Plus I'm a sucker for Bangers and Mash and British treats lol. Doesn't hurt that there are so many direct flights from Toronto

1-1 “series over” lol Connor McMouthguard still has a ways to go

Probably heading to that. Goaltending the x factor for Edmonton so I wouldn't count Dallas out just yet though. They don't really care if it's home or road the way they play.

Not too early for the third pair, imo. But I think he’s destined for a top four spot sooner than later. His trajectory is everything you’d want for a young Russia prospect acclimating to the smaller North American ice. All that said, I’m not opposed to him playing another year in the A, either.

Helenuis is such a prick in the best way possible.😁

It's a myth. Players wanted to be here in the good old days. It was a good hockey market. The losing started after Lucic broke the franchise and it's never recovered. Now it's a joke.

Florida v Oilers will be fun.

Over the course of 7 games I think he's been my favourite. Plays like a man and a leader.

Man, I just can not get into this Oilers/Stars series. Especially tonight with the Stars clearly thinking about other things. I could never stand to watch the Oilers, generally, regardless of McDavid and Draisaitl on that team. I think we already had the best series of these playoffs with Florida vs. Toronto.

Nope. Wishing him a great camp. Stick around, kid.

That's fair. Levi has now given up 15 goals in 7 playoff games. I want to believe in him, but I am a broken Sabres fan.