...

"Why not go back to Russia! Did you see? I score goal, entire team come out to celebrate? This is my team, I belong here..."

That has got to be a hell of a feeling for a young player, not to just get your first goal, but to have your entire team as happy for you as you are.

Nikita scores!

Credit Gionta with a nice shot. Monty has been hot tonight.

Halitosis.

Some here is sssssuuuuurrrrreee excited for a hockey game. Can anyone guess who? Huh?

It looked like it went off his stick to me, despite what the TV crew said. I believe Moulson said, afterward, he wasn't sure if it went off his stick. Regardless, it looked to me like an attempt to redirect the puck towards his stick. I would think that look is what made it a good goal.

I have to say that I'm impressed at that line's ability to execute their set plays. At least for this game.

Low compared to a(n) once-in-a-generational talent. The hype-train beckons us all...

I'm a thinker. And a do-er.

Two things: Can you just imagine what this team would be like with a real number one line? I think on a good team the Sabres' present number one is a number two line. Everything else remaining the same, including Weber, I think it could be one hell of team with this coaching staff and the mindset they're developing. Another thing, Ennis, damn, boy, I had him mis-cast a few seasons ago when I thought he was being tainted by the old core. He doesn't quit. I know Z is everyone's vote for captain, but I'm beginning to think that Ennis could just as well become captain material. This is true; they all come out of mommies.

I didn't think of it as a particularly boring game...I don't know why Hamilton keeps saying that. It wasn't flash and dash, but it wasn't boring, either. I find the tension and give and take interesting to watch.

BY THE PADDLE OF ETHRON! A SHUT OUT! A SHUT OUT!

Pull the goalie!

So, penalties aside, here we might get a measure of the talent deficit as LA will try and win this. Weber has been the "good" Weber tonight and is not a minus yet.

First goal, wut?

Are they booing at the arena? OMG, Foligno should be benched for being a slacker! Gionta fed him perfectly across the crease.

McCormick is such a good soldier.

Gorges got lit up. Amazing he stood up after that hit.

Sabres have to be, like, 80% in face offs.

These boys better play nice or someone is going to get hurt.

Something about rum and cokes not mixing with vodka chasers.

Z and Kopitar, they're going to throw down.

Bass you can DI and wear headphones, drums are an ordeal.

So far, I'm okay with my decision.