carpandean

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:

Thanks. Here's last year's so you can see what a whole season looks like.

For whatever it's worth at this point, I've added the Eastern Conference chart.

Back by surprisingly quick requests. As usual, I'll update them as often as possible. Sabres Historical: Northeast Division: Eastern Conference: Playoffs (axis is 8th place): Updated 4/7 (final)

Sometimes, it helps to be good and lucky.

They're 3-0; what could possibly go wrong? ;)

I don't know ... can't imagine anything more realistic than something that is guaranteed. :nana:

:blink: What ... is ... going ... on ... ???

I've said to my wife, three times already, that I can't believe they won that f***ing game!

If you're going to ride, then assume that nobody else on the road has any clue that you are there (most really don't), that every car at an intersection is going to pull out in front of you (lost a grade school classmate that way*), and assume every car that you're in traffic with is about to swerve, slam on the brakes, or do something else that makes no sense. Basically, you need to be the most defensive driver on the road. It doesn't matter who's at fault; the motorcyclist always loses. * not while in grade school, of course, but rather 15 years later.

I have to admit that I'm more of beer snob in the cold months than in the summer. Don't get me wrong, I like the higher quality summer brews (mostly from Germany and Belgium), but when it's hot, as long as it's in a bottle (I generally hate beer from a can), my standards are a lot lower. Genny Cream Ale is a very good example of that. I've also recently tried some cold Genny Light bottles and was pleasantly surprised. It definitely has a better flavor than most mass-market lights. Another favorite in the summer is Session Lager. Tastes pretty good an stubby bottles are always fun ... did somebody say Red Stripe? In the winter, I'm generally drinking German dunkel (hefe) weiss (a.k.a. Dunkelweizne), porters, or occasionally stouts. There are several brands in each category that I will rotate through. Another category that I like or Schwarzbiers (black beers); dark color but with a light body and flavor characterized by more of hint of malt than an overwhelmingly heavy amount.

Aw, I was going to recommend Talisker, too. It burns so good. :thumbsup: (I also have a bottle of Bruichladdich Infinity, which is quite nice.) @ Orange Seats: a blend could actually be a good place to start as they tend to be more balanced. JW makes some very good blends; not Red Label, but Black Label is OK, Gold Label is very good, and Blue Label is just amazing.

Oh, come on now. It was pure skill to redirect that McCormick shot with his ankle off of the defenseman's face and over Niemi's head, all while wrestling with another Sharks player. Brilliant!

Get to see the current Calder favorite, Logan Couture. He had a nice game yesterday.