...

That's the best thing I have read on the internetz today!

...and one and half years left as the number one.

FWIW, I said he'll be ready when...insinuating that he'll work out the bugs and, ideally, learn a lot more from Hutton, by the time he takes over as number one. We have at least a season and half before that happens I think. Ullmark will be fine.

I think your analysis of how Samson affects the Eichel line is correct, but I don't agree on moving him from it. Samson took some time to work up into his role on that line, but he's doing very well and there's no reason to change it. If JBotts has anything to do, it's to leave the Eichel line alone and figure out what to do with the second and third lines. I know this is about the top lines, but if we're talking about priorities in offense, I would say lines 1 and 4 should be left alone, they are working perfectly fine.

Totally. I think Ullmark showed us that when Hutton is ready to not be our number one he will be ready to take over.

So, I think after these past two games I'm going to allow myself to believe this team is legit.

And wants the letter M removed from the English language.

I think it's important to keep some things in mind: It didn't look to me like the Caps took this game lightly. That third had a playoff vibe to it. The Caps are an experienced group, and are used to playing at a high level like they were tonight. The Sabres core are inexperienced playing at such a high level. There's as much group growth as there is individual growth going on right before our eyes. The Sabres, playing at a high level against a team with far more experience than they, hung with the Caps and, maybe after this season win this game. I think we're in good shape.

He's not OT or, especially, SO. He's just not.

Are you kidding?

Mitts!

Thompson needs to sit for that s...garbage.

Samson needs glasses.

What's funny is that the Cap's crowd seems bored with it.

Hutton.

Just got home. From what I can tell the game has been fun, yes?

This is where I'm at.

Agreed. I can't see how Berglund being suspended is indicative of a "culture" problem within the group. An individual problem, totally, but a culture problem, no. Of course, I'm willing to read brief explanations on how this could be a group-wide culture problem.

What's the appropriate language when one is pissed? "You scoundrel you!" "You rascal! I'll get even with you!" "You cad, you rogue!" "How dare you, sir, offend my dignity?" "Is your brain function impaired?"

16-5-4 in the last 25. What a stat.

Okay, so they're going to be streaky this year. That's cool.