...

I was complaining about Vlad. Vlad is bad. Paul Ham-Sammich said this morning that RK has pulled Victor late in the third when we're nursing a lead in prior games already. I suspected this was the case and agree that's probably the reason. The Angry Larry line is effectively the third line, maybe even the second line in TOI (haven't checked). I barely noticed Mitts line expect the one pass from Mitts that could have been a goal, and then Mitts following that with a no-look pass that resulted in another turn-over. skip, skip I think I agree with you on Tage. I don't want to, but I think I do.

I had this impression, too. It seemed MTL was doing something similar to what CBJ were doing. Something to the effect of pressuring the Sabres D at the same intensity the Sabres pressure the opponent's D. I think maybe the added pressure by the enemy causes panic and they break-down individually in various ways, so RK will have to fix it by addressing each player individually, not as a unit and then bring it back together. Just a guess - I think it's a pressure/panic thing.

I hear you. The game looked relatively even, except for he moments when the Sabres played like they did in the first two games, and the moments when they looked like the Sabres in February last season.

I like the thinking behind making that pass.

Yup, take it in.

Eh. This is all true. I am not sold, though. It could have been an ugly loss.

He almost shot it high.

Johansson deserved an OT winning goal.

Dahlin? Oh, Rick.

RK is pulling this out for the OT strategy scrum...

Yeesh.

Seriously, one minute to go and they dump it in?

Vesey, Eichel, Samson a line now?

It's not even the end of game four and Girgensons already has a shiner.

No let's take a look at Sabres' coach Ralph Krueger behind the bench...

Ugh. So much for our improved defense.

That there sums up Vlad's offensive potential.

No, I'm talking about the real no-look pass right after that.

KO needs a Red Bull.

Espresso is working for Hutton!

Miits' no-look passes = 90% probability of a give-away.

Turned into a fun game! The espresso apparently kicked in somewhere at the 30 minute mark. Someone needs to make an adjustment on the game-day schedule.

Risto is having a fine second period.

Okay, see, I LIKE that kind of Risto-shenanigans.

I think the data and eye test on Vlad are starting to validate the outrage before game 1.