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ERod is on FIRE!

Are suggesting Samson is afraid of Risto's and Eichel's shot? Or is it that Samson figures either will shoot wide and standing off to the side gives him a better chance at a tip-in? Other?

Makes you wonder if whatever allowed Lehner to continue on like he was in Buffalo, but was dealt with after he left, is a Buffalo thing that perhaps affects the rest of the players in some way? Very broad and general question, but, not without some sort of foundation.

3 & 4 lines make sense. Crazy! I hope Tage is rotating in for 17.

My impression, too, although I watched the game.

Not frequently enough. I was at the Chicago game last and I wasn't terribly impressed with Samson at that game. A lot of my analysis is the eye-test vs. what is said about him. I know his numbers look okay. It's odd. I do like the person. The player I like on certain nights. My concern is that fans and the front office are hanging their hats on his presence when I don't think he rises to those expectations consistently enough. Like I said in the GDT yesterday, if he played consistently like he did last night, I would love him like the rest.

Stepping in to the den of Samson lovers. Do I tread lightly? Nay. The truth must be had. So, last night was the first time since the 10 game streak that I noticed Samson standing in the front the enemy goalie on the PP rather than off to the side. Did I not watch all of the games inbetween? FWIW, I do like Sam. I think when I see games like last night I wonder "where is this Samson all of the time?" and become sad for the team.

I think it's an interesting topic to bring up, though. Matthews has always come off, to me, as all about the money. If we contrast that to someone who doesn't seem that way (although we quite obviously don't know) who, in my view, is Skinner - which do you want on your team? Does it matter? I have no issue with guys that are all about the money, some who are when I discover that is their thing, it surprises me, but this is rare. I think I can usually spot a player who is motivated by their bank accounts. You can also add status/image to that. Kane is a fine of example of a money/status/image-motivated player. Many of these guys who don't have winning at the top of their list of motivations, though, combined with some sort of love-for-the-game or feel-it-in-my-bones type of motivation can have a reckless streak in them. Again, see Kane (actually, both Kanes). Who doesn't envision Matthews putting himself in a partying football-player-esque situation at least once? Might not be fair, but if it happens I wouldn't be shocked.

I agree with this. I know a lot of people don't value ERod, but he brings it every game and can float between the second and fourth lines effectively. Sobotka and Sheary are horrible and both need to sit. I almost think in both cases it'd be addition by subtraction.

Uhoh, Ullmark injured.

Yay, Sam.

Damn, that girl behind the Sabres' bench is pale.

Fun OT.

Sheary is awful.

That developed from a Tage boo-boo. Who had actually had a very nice shift coming out of the box.

Please get Sobotka off the ice. Scandella, too.

At least the crowd is into it.

Sam was a beast that last shift - if he played like that more consistently I would completely shut up about him.

That, Samson, was awesome.

Boudreau took a quick look on the book on the Sabres...oh, you get physical against them? Okay, and that's what they're trying to do.

Staal, picking on children.

Linus saved them, there.

Yeah, when he feels like it. The pressure's on, apparently.

Uh, offsides?