Skibum

Fair enough, but I think it's worth a try. What's really missing is a guy who can carry the play on the 2nd line, whether it's a center or a winger. Olofsson is showing that he may be able to do that, and there's only one way to find out. Another option would be to put Olofsson with Skinner on line 2, and (gasp) promote Vesey or Sheary to line 1. Between Eichel's dominance and Reinhart's awareness and slick passing, it's possible that any NHL forward with a modicum of skill could hold down that third spot. Bottom line is there are just not enough pieces present to put together two productive scoring lines. It's a real bummer when the above options are all you have to work with, and at the end of the day, the existing lines are probably as good as it's going to get for now. Last crazy suggestion before I give up: Try Dahlin at Center #2. That still leaves 7 NHL D-men, most of them at least decent.

We might also see some Swedish Black Metal Magic happen between MarJo and VO on line 2. I look at it this way: Skinner played out of his mind with Jack and Sam last year. With the way Jack is playing this year, that line could be making pure hockey porn right now. And again, the second line in its current state is going nowhere. Swapping Skinner for VO isn't going to cost much scoring, because there isn't any scoring to give up. If you don't have a legit #2 C, you might as well load up the top line with the best guys you've got.

I'd like to see Kruger figure out a way to get Skinner and Eichel back together on a line. Skinner with other dudes obviously isn't working out. Olofsson is showing that he can drive the play on his own - maybe put him on line #2 and see how it goes for a while. The secondary scoring can't get any worse than it is now. There, I fixed it. Season saved.

It goes to show you just never can tell. This kid was tearing it up at the Junior level - looked like the next Patrick Kane, and you can't say it was a dumb draft choice. I hope it works out in the long run, but it's definitely a 'wait and see' situation at this point.

I don't know that much about him as a player, but for me, there is a stink on those pre-McDavid #1 Oiler picks that will never wash off.

Bummer.

If history is any guide, we should all be stocking up the liquor cabinet about now.

Maybe I'm nuts, but I didn't think it was as bad as the score indicated. The Sabres had a ton of chances in the 1st, and 30 shots on the game, but they just couldn't put any of them home. It didn't seem like they were "on their heels" at any point. They just played atrocious defense for a grand total of about 40 seconds, and the Caps took full advantage of every little lapse.

It's hard to say we're loaded on defense watching tonight's game...

This doesn't look like a beat-down; the Sabres' forwards have been playing a good game and creating chances the whole period. Hard to believe it's 4-0, but all it takes is a few quick lapses on defense.

It’s probably a moot point because someone else is going to get hurt, in all likelihood.

Jeez, they win in a shutout with an extra insurance goal, second game of a back to back on the west coast, after losing the first game by 3, to take first place in the Eastern Conference, and we’re talking about how they can’t protect a 2-goal lead. A little perspective maybe???

I think the raw material for success is there, and you will see this line gel and start producing in a month or so, maybe sooner with Sheary back in the mix.

Ha, I just dropped in to post the same thing, and was wondering if someone would beat me to it!

It's three cagey veterans who know their roles extremely well, have played together a while, and are pretty good athletes, too. It's no surprise they are doing so well.

I would consider them the 4th line at this point.

The Sabres genuinely look like a good team from top to bottom. It's nice to see!

Oh whatever. The guy stood on his head for 8 seasons, often knowing that his team was never going to score.

It's a long season, and if you can still get a point on a night where you're not playing your best, you're doing OK.

It's a different roster, but on paper it's about the same as what Housley was working with, maybe even a little worse. Olofsson is playing great, but he has no resume in the NHL at all. None of the other new guys were superstars in their previous uniforms, either.

Oh well, one point is a good outcome for that game.

First big mistake of the game.

The Sabres are competent! The Sabres are competent!

This Power Play is en fuego!!!

That was a classic, maybe the sweetest goal of the tank/post tank-but-still-tank era. And if I had to vote, I would rank it a notch higher than Sinner's tonight, for the extra skate-around involved.