K-9

The ONLY criticism I have of Liger's criticism is that he prefaced it with the diatribe about how much he suffered during the tank (something Eichel had nothing to do with), and because of that suffering, he demands that Eichel be all world all the time; like Eichel owes us that or something. News flash: Eichel doesn't owe anyone here a darn thing. You are only setting yourself up for disappointment if you think otherwise.

Again, the consensus was he had a great tournament. He made some head spinning plays, too. And had his way against Malkin vs. the Russians. To suggest he didn't have a good IIHF tourney in '15, is simply not accurate.

Lesser competition? Team Europe is lesser competition? Wow. Sorry, now I'm REALLY out.

Did you miss the part I said about criticism of Eichel being OK? That is not what I'm railing against. He played a good game last night against a team of more experienced all stars and looked quite at home doing it. He was a force on the ice the majority of time he spent on it. That is the consensus of those reporting on the game. Played great defensively, hustled, led the team in shots, and made a great play out of his zone to start the play on the Gaudreau goal. But because he wasn't the fastest, had more goals than MacKinnon, or doesn't look as dynamic as McDavid, I have to read how he floated and OWES us because we SUFFERED? That is objectionable in light of the good game he actually had last night. I think I've heard enough and have said all I can on the matter. I hope Eichel can realize the standards you set for him. Did you miss the commentary of the TV guys on that play? Did you see the play Jack made to start that goal? Yeah, it was secondary. Like all good plays show up on the stat line. OK, much to your satisfaction I'm sure, I really have said enough in response to your posts. Have a good one. :beer: thank you.

You're catching on.

How's this for oversimplification: If Eichel could only be a point and a half player every game, we all might be satisfied.

Hard to tell around here sometimes. Especially with my penchant to "oversimplify."

How many first line centers are on that team? I don't blame McClellan AT ALL for seeing what Jack looks like flanking McDavid with Johnny Hockey on the other wing. That may be the fastest line in the world. Seriously. Sorry, I'll let the nit pickers look down upon the move, but I don't see it as a demotion at all. Not in the least. Jack Eichel owes you. I get it. But this crap about his effort last night is bullschit and uninformed to boot.

Criticism is fine. Saying that we suffered to get Eichel and he better be great as a result is quite another animal entirely.

No worries, Randall. It's all good, but when I read posts like Liger's earlier, mentioning suffering and what he expects in return for that suffering, I gotta wonder if anything short of HOF performances by Eichel will be enough. Not one bit of those tank years is Eichel's fault and he shouldn't be held accountable for them.

Syria and Aleppo are hugely significant in Christian history. While it's shocking that more people aren't aware of that significance, I'm not surprised. Not in the least. There are just as many people who can't draw a map of the US, let alone be aware of Middle Eastern history.

I noticed McClellan did some experimenting in the later stages of the game last night. He flipped Eichel and McDavid. And I think that's because Eichel between Johnny Hockey and Saad was more of a force that got the better chances all night vs. the McDavid, Scheifele, Drouin line. McDavid, as good on his skates as he was, didn't generate a shot until the third period. And when Jack centered for Drouin and Scheifele, the ended up getting some quality chances. So Jack ends up centering two lines that got great chances all night, is being lauded for his hustle and solid two way play all night, and he floated. Got it.

Well yeah cuz, you know, they SUFFERED for Eichel!! And he OWES them!! GO SABRES!!!

Yep, Jack is in for a rough year. When you are held to the standard of "savior" as the manifestation of the debt owed for having to suffer through past failures, there is absolutely zero tolerance for anything less than full payment; every second of every shift of every game. We will have our pound of flesh !

I concur with these reports. No way Eichel switches to a shorter stick. It's what he's used to and it is a key to his ability to create space and generate such velocity on his wristers.. We have to accept that fancy stick handling is not his game and probably never will be. GO SABRES!!!

Eichel looked like he belonged all night. Not disappointed in the least as he and his linemates spent most of the night pressing the issue in the offensive zone as did the entire Team NA. Speed kills.

Factoid: the Matt Ellis of hockey forum rejoinders Seriously though, some good players have worn that number over the years and I had no idea it was as popular as you indicated.

37: the Matt Ellis of hockey numbers

You're thinking of Kujo.

This is pure comedy gold! Seriously funny stuff here, pi. GO SABRES!!!

Well, the Vikings certainly don't agree with that assessment. Makes it kind of a moot point. Of course they can be wrong and that remains to be seen.

I think what disproves your point is that Shaun Hill's own front office was willing to pay a steep price to get another QB to start instead.

They weren't referring to Bradford, they were referring to the talent the Vikings had before they acquired him. That said, Shaun Hill is not as good a QB, regardless of your requirement for statistical proof otherwise. And the Vikings front office knows it or they wouldn't have considered the deal in the first place.

Pre- tournament games, yes. Team NA vs. Team Europe on ESPN 2 at 8pm. There's a schedule on the NHL site. I'd link it if I could figure out how from my android device.

Cant believe Buffalo wasn't selected to host a pre-tournament game. That said, I'm looking forward to seeing Eichel on TV Thursday night.