carpandean

I was going to fix the axis, but it seems fitting this way ...

And there it is ... 2011-12 officially stands alone as the worst season since the lockout (to this point, obviously.) I'll update the other charts later.

Double :lol:

They'll have to be at a higher than "playoff pace" (my 93 points/82 games pace) in the remaining games just to keep the season from being the worst post-lockout. Imagine if the first season under TPegs is worse than any season under Golisano (including 2003-04.) :sick:

And there it is. Through 41GP: 2010-11: 18-18-5 2011-12: 18-18-5

Just two points ahead of last season, now.

Panthers are reportedly looking for second-line scoring. Perhaps, if they Sabres continue to fall, they should look at a deal like Stafford and a 1st or 2nd for one of their prospect centers like Jonathan Huberdeau or Nick Bjugstad. Huberdeau's got great skill, while Bjugstad is a big two-way center. Probably won't get Huberdeau's, even if the Sabres are looking like they'll have a high 1st-round pick this summer, but I wouldn't hurt to ask. He'll be NHL-ready next season.

36GP was the low point last season, as the Sabres were 10 points out of 8th place. A win tonight would put them tied for 8th through 36GP; a loss would leave them 2 points out. However, either way, they have still had the second worst start since the lockout.

I actually said out loud "what are you doing there Mag; who are you covering?!"

(Charts back in 1st post. Thanks SDS.) We're back with 2007-08 and 2008-09, and heading toward 2010-11. Just 5 games from when last year's turnaround started.

This. And this. I'll throw out a related question to fuel the conversation: size or shape, which is more important to you? (If it were a poll, you'd see one for shape already.)

Brian? Shane? Wayne?

Still waiting for my cut GoDD ... :thumbsup:

We're far enough into the season to make a "Playoffs" chart. The axis is the 8th-place team. So, it really lets you know how many points out of the playoffs the teams below it are. If there are two (or more) on the axis, then it's also how many the teams above it are in by; otherwise, look where #9 falls. For example, right now NJ is 9th at -1, so the Sabres are actually in by 3 points (+2 minus -1) through 17GP (unfortunately, that's going down to 1 or 2 through 18GP, depending on how Boston does in their next game.)

Well, they did start out 6-2-0, but then dropped fast, going 2-6-0. They actually never went below .500, though.

Other than his frequent bad penalties, Mair was a great role player on the Sabres. He was a decent fighter, especially for his size, and there was no delay in his response, regardless of who was on the other side. He also had just enough skill to fill in on a higher line for a period without being totally useless. I like what Cody brings, too, and he generally doesn't hesitate to fight anyone either (and actually does quite well.) I can only assume (hope) that it was his wound (above/around the eye) from his previous fight that kept him from doing anything in Boston. He doesn't take the bad penalties that Mair did, but I'd actually say that he's a step down in raw hockey skill.

The response was sickening, but even if they had responded, I would have wanted the league to suspend Lucic. He made an illegal and dangerous hit, which resulted in injury. The league doesn't want goaltenders targeted, so they have to send that message. I hope there was sarcasm in that response.

It wasn't just charging that made it illegal, as it would have had Miller been a normal skater. Goaltenders are granted a higher level of protection under the NHL rules and make decisions accordingly. Miller put himself in a vulnerable position because the rules said that Lucic can't hit him without consequences. Milan knowing violated that rule and, thus, should be held accountable by the league. As Bmwolf21 said, I think that and think the response was gutless. However, thankfully, Shanny can't list "lack of a response from teammates" as a reason for a lesser suspension.

Nope.

Nah, the Cheering Charm (yes, I looked that up) he placed on us early this season finally wore off.

Easy to say when it's not your paycheck. Patty's not highly paid (by hockey standards) and has a very short career lifespan. You're tossing aside a good 10%+ of his salary if he gets a long suspension. Maybe Miller would toss him a few $$'s.

The Bills may want to actually play defense in the second half, because just letting the Cowboys score doesn't seem to be a good strategy. :death:

Has nobody noticed that it was Matt Kassian, not Zack, who fought Lucic? Zack played Juniors in the OHL, starting in 2007-08; Lucic played Juniors in the WHL, finishing in 2006-07.

Hey, a win in Toronto. That was pretty much the least stressful Bills game I have ever watched. The Skins had nothing on offense; too many injuries.

It takes me longer to update them when they lose. :thumbdown: