Taro T

7 more wins boys.

The Ducks in 1 of their myriad permutations would like to have a word.

Yes, and every single one of us has been saying that. Personally, expect the Sabres can lose to the Canes (they'd better be able to lose that one, as it's extremely likely that's an L). 93 will likely be enough to get in. If everything breaks their way, 91 might get them there. They can still get to 95 and that could be what it takes as Pittsburgh doesn't have much in their way after Filly & Joisey.

Bandits are in Hamilton taking on the Toronto Rock at 7PM. Game is on ESPN News.

At least it isn't Anderson. (Realize he's still hurt. Even if he wasn't don't want him anywhere near this game.) Would rather have had Comrie if Levi isn't getting the start. Granato - pull him quick if necessary. This is a must win.

A win tonight and they at minimum this year tie their best post-tank finish. They'd be at 81 for the 1st time since Bylsma'a 1st season behind the bench. Start Levi and let's have fun with this run.

D*mn it's early.

D pairings: Samuelsson Dahlin Power Jokiharju Bryson Lyubushkin F's Mittelstadt is in Thimpson's place & Greenway where Mitts normally is.

Samuelsson and Greenway are on the ice. No Thompson.

Why'd you think he keeps getting referred to as Mr. Blue Jeans?

Would also say it would take a really good offer to move one of the 3 Russians.

That's my understanding. Someone that follows the AHL closer could say for certain.

Pretty sure that can't happen. If he plays in Buffalo, he'd've needed to be on the Amerks roster on trade deadline day.

This team is on the exact same timeline as the '03-'06 Canes were on. Have been pointing that out for a while. He said playoffs are the goal next year but he wants to be 10 points into the playoffs at this point next year so they aren't scrambling. He's never waivered that his long term goal is perennial Stanley Cup contender. (Too much luck involved in any given year with only 1 team actually winning it all to make winning the Cup in a particular year the goal. But, if you're always a contender you should actually be able to win it once or twice.) This team is MUCH younger than that team was which might push being a true contender back a year or 2 as the kids season, but it also should keep the window open much longer once it does open. Have said many times the moves that IMHO need to be made. We are close to agreement upon those. And am pretty sure that if Rosen needs to go to bring in one of those pieces, he's out of here. Rosen wasn't mentioned as one of the prospects. Östlund was. Take whatever inferences you wish out of that.

C'mon Mr. Blue Jeans. 9 W's gets this done. Starts tonight.

Thought since covid that more than 1/2 of them make it.

It isn't ALL about the goalie. But there's pretty much no chance of them making the dance continuing to throw out who they've been putting out between the pipes. Really want to see these last 9 games being Levi's predominantly and when he can't go / needs a break / has shown he can't get it done at this point then play Comrie to find out what he is.

While UPL probably doesn't come around, he's 23 and can be far from a finished product. He's cleaned up a lot of his game this past year or so, but still leaves quite a bit to be hoped for. Still say a big part of (of not the biggest part of) his issues is the mental side of the game. He doesn't expect to make the save. He's gotten better at things like he is no longer afraid he's going to leave the 5 hole open so he leaves over his shoulders open. Those goals have in large part gone away. And those were IMHO a vestige of the strangeness of how his legs felt post double hip surgeries oh so many years ago. He reacts well, but doesn't read the play as well as he should. Meaning, he seems to have to always expect the shot is coming from the player with the puck on his stick even though it's obvious the puck will get passed before the shot. Which would be an indication that he doesn't have full confidence yet that he'll be where he needs to be to make the save. If that is his issue, it also would explain why his rebound control is bad. Guys that aren't confident they'll make the save can't be worrying about where they're putting the rebound. And if it is largely in his head, he could have the light switch go off and be significantly better pretty much overnight. As said above, he probably doesn't come around and become more than just a backup or an AHLer. But he has the physical tools to be able to do it. He isn't Ray Emery who was never going to be able to stop a shot when he has to go across the crease because his side to side movement was horrible.

Are they allowed to wear thirds more than 12 times? If not, it isn't happening as they're scheduled for the B&R Goatheads against the Otters. If they can wear them more often, then sure, why not. What is there to lose. (But please stop this B&R madness on more than a gimmick basis next year. This team's colors are B&G.)

That 2.8% chance has already incorporated that the other 3 teams the Sabres are chasing will likely play at their season averages (or close to it, depending upon the individual opponents). If those 3 all play at their pace through 73+ games, the Aisles end with 94, the Pens 91, and the Swamp Cats 89. The Sabres would likely have the tiebreak with the Pens, so they need to get to 91 at a minimum. But figure they realistically have to get to 92 or 93. That means 7-1-1 or 8-1-0. They play the Canes in Buffalo, so we almost definitely know where the 1 L comes. To make the playoffs they can at most lose 1 other game in OT/SO. Can't see any way the Sabres get to 93 (or even 91) using the goalies they've used to date. So, the effective chance to get in without playing Levi is 0.0%. Playing Levi isn't high risk, it's the only way to even get to that 2.8% chance of getting in.

eAnd again, the 3-5 year timeline is for becoming and remaining a Stanley Cup contender. That is the overarching goal. Would also point out that Adams did not state what year 1 was in that 3-5 year timeline. You can assume it was next year, but don't believe that is necessarily so. He actually said publicly that yes, they are shooting for the playoffs next season. (He also actually said, he wants to be in by 10 points so they aren't scrambling like they are this season.) This is new and different.

He was one of the prospects that Adams mentioned on Tuesday. Of course, he ended the comment with a statement of "it's his decision" whether to sign with the Sabres or not. Expecting that yes he will sign.

####. We're doomed.

In Monday's Habs game, the Sabres held the puck in the Habs zone for well over a minute on at least 3 occassions in the 2nd period. And yet they were outshot 18-9 for the period. THAT is a problem.

Looking forward to it. Too bad Rags fans have most likely already bought most of the seats.