...

Best trade available?

He got peppered. Holy moly.

Also, since this is a feel-good Friday:

On heavy players, Tage will not, nor ever be, a heavy player. He is the offensive version of Tyler Myers. Cozens, though, I can see that kid bringing the heavy. Not like a mean, or dirty player, but in a Risto kind of way. And, speaking of Risto and heavy games, FWIW, I think having Risto around is good for Dahlin, because I think Risto, for all of his faults otherwise, plays the modern heavy game properly and Dahlin can pick that up from him, at least.

Glad Hutton got his shut-out, from the narrative here he apparently put on a show in the first part of the third. I knew he was dialed in when he had a leg over to prevent a wrap-around before the player trying the wrap-around thought about doing it. Haven't read or seen anything from the players or RK, but will say that I think this game is its own built-in excuse for the play we saw. @PASabreFan had it earlier that this is 3 games in 4 nights, on a west-coast swing with the first game being home. That is a crazy frickin' schedule that takes a toll. The Ducks took advantage of that by laying on the heavy, and the Sabres, God bless 'em, last night were simply pooped. I wouldn't have blamed them if it had gone to a tie, but a shut-out? Thank you , sirs and madams. If RK was throwing the Eichel line out there too much when all of the above is true, he's not going to complain about the output of that line, I think. He might want them to be able to provide hockey under such circumstances, but RK strikes me as a realist. Another thing, too, is that now that the third line showed up, I wouldn't suspect RK will be too concerned with the production of the top line - given the circumstances above, especially - because that's how it should work. Not all lines will be operating at peak performance all of the time, but so long as at least a line is able to provide offense, we stand a chance each game. This is reductionist philosophy I have no doubt RK would apply to the situation, at least publickly.

Good night, y'all.

Ugh. Second night of the back to back, after being punished last night.

There was a period during the first where LA had what looked liked high-danger shots, but otherwise the Sabres have kept the shots to the outside and have kept rebounds under control.

Samson, shoot that puck, don't pass.

Oh, I forgot to tell you all, I have spy pics of the Kings new jerseys...

LA looks like us from three years ago.

McCabe has turned up the physical for this game.

Risto to Mitts. Who would have thunk it?

Shots already 10 - 7, LA.

What is this, Lacrosse?

Based on last night's game, they need another 3 this period for the fans to feel comfortable.

This season's Sheary can stay if he averages 2 points a night or more.

That line is ON FIRE!

He was clothes-lined!

STOP THE PRESSES - VESEY GETS A POINT!

So, here I am bitchin' about Mitts...

Mitts + no look = giveaway every frickin' time.