...

Ullmark = rebounds.

I wouldn't mind seeing an experiment with a Skinner, Eichel and Sheary line to see what that does. However, I think it's pretty obvious that first line as it is already has some chemistry. I am in no way disappointed with Sheary being on the top line. I have to say Skinner has left me underwhelmed, but I do have to recognize he's playing with a total noob (but is a good match, I think) and an old guy who really isn't a good match.

Larsson is a vet and needs to played. He'll add to the PK and maybe add some points on the board.

So much for the PK.

You're not understanding. Both ROR and Larsson were here last year. Larsson has had the same amount of "chances" that ROR had per your analogy. As you noted, ROR isn't here. Why is Larsson? Why does he get more "chances" to prove himself valuable than ROR?

The analogy is weak in the face of the other people who are gone. Larsson has had the same amount of time with HCPH's system as ROR did.

That's because we've tasted winning again, and seen the Sabres field a roster that can "compete". We'd like that to keep up and actions to the contrary cause...angst. Or, at least, that's how I see it.

I don't know how coaching shenanigans are acceptable when we're defending a playoff slot. ?

This is what I'm talking about. Someone said on Twitter "Larsson is to Housley what Peterman is to McDermott". I agree and it's stupid.

wooo.

So, playing Larsson and losing is more important to the team than not playing Larsson and winning? ?

None of this matters. Elie was put in and they played better than they have played in years. Is Elie the sole reason for that? Of course not, can we not be slightly more sophisticated than this? If the line-up is winning games, handily, you don't change them. This is the same argument for not starting the backup even though it's his turn on the calendar. Why are there stats that follow when such-and-such a player is on a line or on the ice the team does X? If old school coaching practices matter more, then what's the use of stats like that? I'd like to see a good reason for starting Larsson other than he's been around and can win half of his faceoffs. Seems to me they did better without him (and with Elie in the lineup) and faceoffs weren't a particular issue in the last two wins.

I've heard that from my wife.

I generally agree with the tenor of your post, except for this. It doesn't matter how a player is acquired, what matters is how they play and what they bring. Elie was doing very well, I thought, and the only thing Larsson brings is face-offs. This move really does shine a light on HCPH, again, which, it looked like we were happy to accept the past two games. Put simply, if it's working, don't mess with it, yet, here we are pulling line changes a la Disco Dan.

What's the typical ratio of games for starter/backup?

I guess we don't know the lines, yet, but we do know Bogo won't be playing. Curious to know if Larsson is playing and who might sit if he is. I also wonder if Ullmark will get to start at home before their trip.

I think I passed Hank in the parking lot of the Pepsi Arena, once. Good luck to him outside of hockey, but, honestly, I thought he had long been retired.

If memory serves, you can use multiple photos to process an HDR image in PS. But, you're right, the PS filter will approximate the effect with just a single image.

Can be. Depends on how it's applied. In this image it's pretty subtle but definitely there. If you search, you'll find examples that range from subtle to grotesque.

It's HDR imaging. High Dynamic Range. It's a combination of processes, these days accomplished by one filter in PS or built into cameras.

LOVE THIS! ?

I think I had poked fun at him over it, which I kind of regret because RF's posts are generally well-measured. Not unlike you, he tends to be cautious in his evaluations. On that note, I would like to suggest that while we shouldn't ignore the stats, because they do indeed tell us a story, I think right now the bigger picture is more important to the team. That is winning, learning how to do it, no matter how sloppy, and learning how to enjoy the feeling and learning how to keep it up. All of the visceral things. The coaches and GMJBotts can take a look at the stats to see what is working, figure out how they're working together, and use those to help make adjustments. I think "help" is an important word, here, because you can't quantify chemistry completely - as in the stuff that happens off the ice and that is not accounted for in stats collection. If the Sabres continue to trend this way, I think the importance of non-stats operators becomes self-evident.

Sean McDermott chortles like the stereotyped George Bushes. See 00:14

With the offensive talent on this team, isn't it about time? 11.43% shot success is pretty good.