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The reaction was fine overall. Some worry initially because the numbers weren't available right away and we figured that Adams had given him a bit too much money/term. But most folks were pretty good with a guy who had a high high (Panthers run) and was generally a stable average goalie --- which thus far is better than UPL can claim.

They need to prove to him that they're not a floundering mess that might lead him to want out like JJP. Part of not being a floundering mess could be a Tuch extension.... Another way to show you're not a mess would be to not have a lame duck head coach and coaching staff (minus Appert) and to get a real GM who players are willing to give a hometown discount because they know he can get things done. The palm trees and taxes Sabres tax is partially an Adams tax because he's been inept.

I'm more impressed with the PK. This actually looks like some of the players they have gotten to understand their roles and how to be good PK players and seems like we might be pretty good...obviously no way we maintain this pace but mid to upper 80s would be miles better than where we have been.

That is the question of the day. It's time for Colten to get a start. But who do you feel comfortable starting him against? At MTL? Home vs DET? The Leafs home n home will force Lindy's hand but do we want to wait that long?

There is a tendency to assume whatever you were is what you will always be. Lyon was actually the perfect candidate to elevate to a starter's role. Peak age, experienced, shown flashes of greatness over his career. Let's also not forget my mantra about defense: it makes goalies play better. And the Sabres are playing mostly good defense now. In these 5 games how many jailbreak rushes have the Sabres given up? Now think about the past two years? Even in the first 3 games we have reduced the number of high danger chances by the opposing team. Penalty kill, while still early, is the best in the league. That's a huge corner we've turned.

Oh, no doubt. But is Ellis better as a backup?

This team 100% needs to lock up Zach Benson before July 1 so they can do an 8yr deal.

Honestly, I don't think the pp is fixed or will maintain this pace. Teams will start fronting Doan more and there's still too much stand around and pass. You have to have players move because that gets the defenders to react. The PK though, that looks good.

Right now, I would be more excited to sign Benson to an 8 year extension than Tuch. And I like Tuch.

I just watched a podcast they Lindy did on Friday and said they ma send him to ROC for conditioning. 🤷‍♂️ plus in think UPL lost his starting job IMO

And his willingness to do it. I brought this up in a previous thread but watch the replay of his 2nd PP goal last night. Right off the faceoff he goes immediatly to the net. He doesn't look around, he doesn't skate to the slot and wait for to get his hands on the puck there. Nothing fancy. Its like right before the faceoff he is repeating in his head over and over "get to the front of the net, get to the front of the net" and when the puck drops that is the only action he takes.

exactly agree. A short term extension for Tuch is a dream scenario for the team.

Once a league is finalized and ready to draft, you can’t delete your team. I ended up with 2 additional basketball fantasy teams because Yahoo is wacky when I use my iPad.

Probably gives KA some false sense of security.

I find this very odd. Sign him up for 3 years and everyone will be happy. Maybe 4 years. I don’t understand why we would want him under contract at the age of 35+.

What I really think he tried to impress on his players is how not to run an NHL PP. Really got his hands dirty to make it as horrible as possible. Once the players understood the ins and outs of truly sucking, he then told them to do the exact opposite. It became very clear to the players what they shouldn’t be doing.

I know the reaction to acquiring Lyon wasn't too strong/favorable, but when I heard we got him I was pretty excited. I'm not sure he's a long term answer but he certainly has shored up the position for now.

Paraphrasing his remarks at the end of the interview: "JJ who?"

I think the players that deserve letters, thinking of guys like Benson and Zucker, are just as effective as leaders without an extra jersey patch. I think some day it will naturally fall on Benson, but as has been said in the past about other recent captains/assistants, let him grow into it; don't thrust it on him.

I hope your assessment is right. I would love for them to be the veteran leaders of this young team. I'm just not seeing it so far this season. I heard the problem with Tuch's signing is length of contract. They want to lock him up for as long as possible and he wants a shorter term.

Look who the poster children are for that tweet. No surprise. Among the forward ranks this will soon be their team.

The difference is Doan knows how to play net front. No more no less, but it changes everything.

I'm just happy it was one of our guys.

Oh hell no. Barkov is the best 2 way center in the league. You don't replace that and they are not anywhere near the same team without him. Norris? Well it's hard to comment since he can't finish a game. He's basically just dead cap.

5 games in and we are all feeling better about the start. 0-3 w a -8 after 3 games has given way to 2-3 w a -1 after 5 games. Benson coupled with Doan seems to have raised the team’s competitiveness. Lyon is hanging in there in goal, the PK has been improved since game 1, while the PP was executed the last two games after a terrible start. I’m glad the team is showing some backbone and climbing out of the pit of despair. Now go 4-1 in the next 5 and prove to the fans there is some there there.