...

Good question. Not having watched TB much, from what I've seen they don't seem to rely on a physical game, and their D isn't stacked with freakishly large skaters.

Someone got in before me, ruining the joke. Anyway, DDB is a trout fisherman; I smell opportunity.

That's a good group, right there, led by a good guy. Glad they're getting a shot at the Cup.

I love the handshake line.

Here we go, it boils down to these last 3:35....

Would "momentum" apply here?

Goon it up, NY, that'll win you this game, sure.

NY SHAKEN!

Three Lightning build a wall behind their goalie...I thought that was cool.

What. A. Save. Hank, pulling his weight.

Sorry, Aud, I wasn't expecting that to happen.

FWIW, Bylsma has apparently authored a few children's books on sports with his father, and isn't shy about being somewhat religious. I can't recall where I read this, but it was among the reports/bios I have read on him over the past few days. Big family guy. So, Pegula is being more than just complimentary (as far as he is concerned), he is being accurate.

Guys, guys...it's nearly the summer. You need more cowbell. Or take up smoking weed, or something, and not take all comments and discussion like we're dissecting chess strategies.

Only half-way through the interview, but thought I'd stop for a second and share some thoughts: So far, I stand by ascertain that I am more happy with DDB than I would have been with Babs. DDB is way more personable and seems very approachable and makes Babcock appear as a Neanderthal in comparison. The reason this is important is that, as we've seen, the heavy-handed authority figure coach is worn out in Buffalo. I think the players will take to Dan a lot easier than they have or would have a Ruff, Nolan, or a Babcock. I think his year off from NHL coaching may have been the best thing to happen to him. ...continuing on... I kind of wish everyone would stop talking about Eichel. I'm becoming concerned that Edmonton is going to latch onto the Eichel talk and take him, instead, in a panic. You know, DDB's demeanor, when he's telling stories, reminds me of Ruff's. I think that's one of the endearing factors in Ruff's personality and what kept him here so long, he could tell stories well. DDB has a similar quality and I bet you dollars to donuts that if his first few seasons go well, he might become very popular around here above and beyond the results he brings to the team. I agree. Murray looks like he's reacting to a dumb-ass or someone highly annoying to him, and Bylsma looks like he's Tim's buddy going "haha, yeah, what a dumb-ass!"

Dan comes off dry in the media, but I still got a good vibe from him during the presser. Murray seems to like him and Dan took his joke like they were old friends. He said the right things about learning from his experiences in Pittsburgh and learning more during his time off. He's young and will relate better with his young team and vice-versa. He's smart, not afraid of fancy stats, and is all-in with Murray's elusive plan. Sounds like he has the "freedom" and "power" he needs and wants, and the long-term security and trust from the organization to develop the team correctly. I can't see anyone better, right now, just different, maybe, but without the ring. So, I think the Sabres made the right choice here, and, in fact, I'm glad we have Disco Dan over Manipulative Babs.

I made them all.

No one cried. It's not a major Sabres presser without tears.

Bylsma already committed a faux pas: he forgot to mention Kane when he was talking about "star players" who will be under the microscope. Predicted results: coaching issue with Kane.

Yes, please.

The Pens don't have to accept a pick as part of releasing Bylsma, it's just that since there is a rule, they are probably trying to take advantage of it. If it were for a fourth or lower, my guess is Murray would have just said "whatever" and got this done. But since there is some sort of delay, it suggests the Pens and Sabres are disputing something of more significance than a really low pick.