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I think that as the game progressed, the Sabres became more physical. It seemed the most intense during the latter half of the second. The problem for them tonight was that despite the skill-style game Nashville plays, with all of their playoff experience they can play the physical game, too, so what the Sabres had really didn't affect the outcome. The Sabres need to bring the physical every night. They especially need to do it tomorrow in the first period and establish the tone - and I think they will. I got the impression they weren't frustrated, they were pissed. Tired from travel and angry they weren't able to "do more". Let 'em sleep on it and think about it. I know we keep saying every game is a test, and they each are to a degree, but tomorrow's game with TO is a real test in my book. Do they sulk? Do they give in to the losses? Do they lose the belief that they're good? Or do they get angry and allow themselves to express that on the ice? Do they decide to take no prisoners? What kind of team are they now? Tomorrow's game will answer that for the season, I think.

MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............. Risto, Risto, Risto.

Yes. It's fun. Not like the last two. Nashville is an elite team, what are some of you expecting? Is Eichel suppose to transform into some powerful hero?

I can't see how Allen is even on the radar of the critics of this team. If the OL was real and even just a middling NFL one, maybe I could see how a person can imagine what Allen would be like with a complete middling offense to work with. But right now it's like trying to perceive Millet-like realism in a Jackson Pollock piece. Sorry, there isn't any sexual innuendo in this post. Here, let me add this...

Interesting observations on Skinner and I don't believe you're off the mark. Yeah, good thing JBotts didn't succumb to the pressure during the 10-game-streak. I'm sure somewhere on this site comparables have been brought up, but I am right now wondering what they are. There are so many narratives with this team right now, dudacek jogged my memory that I thought something was odd about Skinner during the last two losses. Was he hit too hard? Maybe. But I recall noticing he was definitely being squeezed along the boards more and the rest of his play was noticeably meh. Anyway, his scoring obviously is exciting, but a comprehensive look at the rest of his game measured against that ought to give us a better handle on what he's worth and the comparables will tell us what he's likely to want. This is a long-winded way of getting at I agree, again, RF on your point. I am wondering what the high and low ranges are, though. I think the rest of the NHL recognizes he has a thing with Eichel and Phil's system, and this is likely not to be replicated on too many teams around the league, if any. A desperate team looking to make a splash signing might offer him more than he's worth, but will he take it? Ugh, all of this is for another thread, though. Sorry!

@Taro T no Dahlin? Also, a C for Larsson? Were your expectations for him higher? You're a tough grader!

Okay, this is really good. I agree pretty much entirely with your assessments except for two grades: I'd give Mitts at least a C+ because he has indeed shown improvement game-to-game. He may have taken more time to adjust, unlike Dahlin, but Dahlin had the benefit of Euro pro experience where Mitts did not. I also think we've seen Mitts neck size enlarge right before our eyes. Also, Dahlin probably deserves a B to B+ IMHO. The grade, like Mitts', needs to be weighted because of age and inexperience. He does have Sabres style brain farts (ala Bogo or Risto), but unlike most Sabres d-men, he generally recovers. Again, like Mitts', but reasonably advanced and accelerated, we have watched him develop right before our eyes in a near-dramatic fashion. I think it's safe to say the aforementioned brain farts will become far fewer as he gains experience. To this point, though, his mistakes are definitely outweighed by his contribution in-game.

The best summary of the game.

Stats-wise or eye test?

You're absolutely right. Hopefully it's the stuff that gets us more regulation wins.

I would have liked Sam to turn on the jets there.

I love watching Dahlin skate.

The camera guy for this game...OMG...

Tsk tsk Pilut.

That's as good a theory as any. Whatever the reason this is two seasons' ago lack of urgency play.

Yeah, he probably could stand a night off. Not because the spirit isn't willing. HCPH won't let that happen.

Is it asking too much to want to see them be a little more dominate? The chemistry betwixt Mitts and Tage definitely seems to be growing.

Every time i watch a game from this rink I feel like it's being broadcast from Blood Butte, Missouri.

You'll anger people, though. You know...people...by enjoying yourself too much. So, you might not have been warned, but, you've been warned. Let that be a warning to you.

This is really bad to say, and, obviously, it's not intended to come off as it will read, but, I've been looking forward to testing our depth. There is no way the opening night roster is set in stone for the season, I think the TB game last night put the feather in that cap, so this gives us a chance to see who on that roster is truly replaceable by the kids in the AHL.

Double fun!