tom webster

You didn’t see Giants game where Kelly got hurt before first Super Bowl?

I still expect Risto to be dealt to either Winnipeg or Florida.

I’m the good looking guy with a red and blue checked shirt. And I’m drinking volume 1.

What if he appears to be not trying it not driving those sacred possession numbers because he sees things differently and is finding the spots he needs to be in to maximize his goal production. Us old timers use to refer to that to being in the right place. And finally, before I leave for the best brewery anniversary party in Western New York, since when do power play goals count less then 5 on 5?

Hopefully you know that I know this but just to clarify, I was insinuating that Laine was analogous to Justin Verlander and not Roger Merritt.

I have to respond to all this analytics discussion about Laine. First, as a matter of perspective, I once was on a course of study to be an actuary. I understand numbers, can tell you every phone number I ever had, the birthday of every person at least casually in my life. I’m not bragging, just setting the table. Any system of analysis that devalues a thirty five goal snorer is flawed. The number one scoring team in this league will score three hundred goals. A player that can score ten percent of that while floating will win you more games then he’ll cost you. Again, in a league where the difference between playoffs and sitting home can be less then two games, a goal scorer can be that difference. He is like a twenty game winning pitcher. He might impact only twenty percent of the games but he could be the difference between champion and also ran. The most diehard numbers guys will tell you hockey is the most “luck controlled” sport. Who has the most likely chance of getting hot and taking over a game, a stretch of games, a playoff series? Finally, would I rather have Mark Stone? Of course. Like someone said upthread, I would rather have five guys simultaneously driving the play. Heck, I want eighteen along with two average goalies playing at an elite level. That, however, is video game stuff. Building a team can involve fitting round parts into square holes. That’s the general managers job. Creating the synergy that allows strong willed athletes to overlook their teammates shortcomings, that’s the coaches job. Hoping for players that create more positive then negatives, that’s this fans dream.

That’s exactly my point, actually. Teams are lucky to hit that jackpot once, let alone twice. Again, I’m not saying it can’t happen but if they hit Olofson, Pilut and this guy it will be quite the story line.

He is a very long shot at best. He was like the 25th prospect of all eligible free agents when Buffalo signed him. You never know but the odds are strongly against it.

Was told over lunch yesterday that it’s 50/50 if anything gets done. JBOT is sticking to his price after the ROR fiasco. I’ve been told they have two deals in place. It all really hinges on Marner and Laine.

If you search hard, you will find this reported by a few, less then reputable “reporters” all using same, exact verbiage.

I didn’t mean it to sound any different. I was just counter pointing those that think JBOT hasn’t been trying.

Exactly, The Patriots work the percentages, they acquire a ton of picks and cast offs and a few work out. Its actually exactly what Beane has been doing to an extent. He still trades up where they rarely do. They also have Brady and Belichick to cover up some mistakes.

This again verifies what I’ve been saying. There are trades in place that are contingent on RFA signings. No way Gardiner is still available if he doesn’t have assurances of a contract from two of the three teams listed.

It’s not hard to imagine 40,000 cars coming into downtown in the morning or exiting in the afternoon. Bumper to bumper the 33 can hold up to 10,000 cars alone. Im sure one our analytics experts can write an equation showing how many cars going roughly 30 miles per hour along an 8.6 mile stretch of highway for about one hour and fifteen minutes would equal to.

Actually I stated this earlier, do that would make two people. i defer to Taro regarding all things CBA, but I just don’t think the climate is right for either side to opt out at this time. The players major problems with current CBA(mostly escrow and hockey related revenue) are just not easy rallying cries for the general public to get behind and I don’t think there is a block of owners that think their plurality is strong enough to push forward.

Since we are talking tickets, i have six tickets for Calgary day before Thanksgiving. Aisle seats, row 20, on the blue line. Also, Minnesota game, 2 tickets, front row, by penalty box

Tickets secured for the eight people that paid me. Anyone that still wants to go and sit near these “select” eight, pm me and I’ll tell you how much I can get them for

Don’t forget, I would like money by Friday.

Okposo is going to be delicate. He is extremely respected, a free agent who wanted to come here and all that compounded by the what he went through with the concussions. He is more likely a candidate for the Nathan Horton treatment.

People are whispering about my appearance? You know I’m in a fragile state right now. What you mean? What are they saying? oh wait, you were kidding? me too?

$97.50 unless you are from Sweden. For some reason MODO sent an extra $1.75.

As of today, I have four tickets paid for. For those who haven’t yet paid, please do so by the 16th. Thank you all for always making this a smooth process.

1) Anyone that thinks they aren’t trying to improve the roster isn’t paying close enough attention 2) Thst said, none of us want another ROR trade were they just take the best offer 3) This is new territory for the NHL. RFA’s want short term, big money deals and they are not only holding up the process this year, they have GM’s re-evaluating their future contracts. 4) Mitch Marner deciding between an offer sheet and Toronto will likely send the market spinning. 5) JBOT isn’t going to go on radio and say OMG We are screwed if we have to go with Mitts. 6) While I think they will make one or two moves before the season, they do not have to. They have the flexibility to be cap compliant without using LTIR. 7) Since I’m feeling a little Wookie today, how about A) Winnipeg gets Risto and a MTL prospect plus a MTL first. B) Montreal gets Laine C) Buffalo gets Domi

I’ll let you know if any other tickets become available or someone drops out