...

Anyone else recognize the irony in saying things like: "this team was a lot better than expected," "I didn't expect them to get as good as they are so fast," and "no one expected us to be in the race" and after that "KA should have recognized their needs and done something sooner/over the summer". These are the threads that make me want to take a long time away from the forum and sports-fans generally. One or two keyboard GMs drive a caustic, logic-and-reason-flawed narrative that persists at least until opening night.

This is an Okposo who knows he's not coming back. Kind of sad. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/kyle-okposo-postgame-41123/t-277437090/c-16563692

NJ is a tough team and had several motivations behind this game. Buffalo second of a back-to-back also with a lot to play for. A pity. Anyway, was watching the NJ feed - if I hear the name "Hughes" again for several days I'm going to lose it.

Depends.

Wait, is the game over? I couid swear I just watched the end of the second period.

He's 21. He can sleep Wednesday.

Mitts is the hero of the night! What a game. Are we equal to the Rangers with Levi?

I have to mention Greenway, separately, has looked really good so far tonight.

Wow, such an impressive goal by Quinn, JJ, and Jost. Simply great, heady offensive work by all three.

One man's pain is another's pleasure.

The ability to move around players across lines and in different positions is a major asset. It allows Meatballs to match or neutralize opponent line strengths and exploit the individual strengths of our players. I guess that makes Mitts' progress even more important.

So, given the last responses, it's safe to categorize this guy as a more typical D prospect and the real point of this thread is simply to pivot off the title "Johnson watch".

What's all the hubbub about? Is this guy good, like the D version of Levi good?

Greenway has been a good pickup. He's exceeded my expectations. Well, I was expecting little but maybe I should reconsider my trust in the team's ability to judge talent.

His decisions are typically subtle but he did put on his icy-heart coaching hat for this game. Without reviewing the other games none stand out for coaching quite like this one - except for the defensive break downs that seem hitherto unaddressed.

Fantastic game. I'll prolly repeat a lot that's already been said, but obviously this was one of Dahlin's best games and biggest moments. We needed that Dahlin and we got it. Good to see Tage getting the ol' shot going again and especially good to see Mitts net one - maybe of all the players he's earned a goal. Funny, some teams neutralize our top line but can't do the same to our second line at the same time while other teams can neutralize the second line but can't the top. Anyway, good to see a solution for defense which wasn't totally reliant on Levi but, of course, Levi was a huge part of our defense today. Speaking of D, looks like our D was more mindful of their positioning near the crease as I didn't detect a scary moment like some of the ones that have bit Levi the prior few games. Glad to see the arena alive and pumping - the area needs that as well as the team. Carolina is a tough team so this win ain't a nothing win by a long shot.

Oh, Doug, where have ye gone?

We have four goalies and all off them get scored on in the same manner. Conclusion: we need a coach who knows how to teach defense.

Man, for a non-talent, unimpressive pickup the dude keeps scoring goals.

That two-way street is the way it's supposed to work so we have achieved a balance.

Not collapsing under the weight of Florida's desperate brand of hockey. We'll see if the Sabres can turn it up in the third.

I think none of it matters. It's not like Ullmark would be today's Ullmark had he signed here.

Okay, well that's interesting given the Tweet that says Levi wanted some assurance he could start as soon as possible.

I don't follow. In what way is it manufactured so KA can do that?

This last third of the season there have been games where we would not have won if he weren't in the lineup; tonight is an example. Coming from someone who wanted him traded halfway through the season I now think Mitts has made himself nearly essential. The guy is out there exerting his will on the game and making good things happen. Have recent fancy stats been posted in this thread? Anyone who has watched the behind-the-scenes content should clearly discern he has that older brother thing going on with the younger players. If you pay attention to the interviews with the players now they all have a very similar positive, team-is-family, work hard mentality - you might find a player with slightly better stats than Mitts to play regularly in the middle six but you're likely not going to find one who so fluidly allows the nurturing of that mindset while being a good model for the younger players.