nfreeman

Glad Allen slid on that one. O-line injuries are having an effect.

Was Nsheke inactive?

Calling the TD to Lee Smith, in his return to his home state, is exactly the kind of move that gets the players to buy in to McD and The Process. And great touch and accuracy by Josh on the entire drive. Duke Williams is about a million times better than Zay Jones.

So my wife and I saw "Dolemite is my name" last night. It's the new Eddie Murphy movie, based on a true story of a 1970s blaxsploitation actor/producer trying to get his movie made. (It's going to be on Netflix in a few weeks and is in a few theaters now.) We really enjoyed it. Very funny and with some good, intelligent, adult stuff too. If you liked Eddie Murphy during his SNL/Beverly Hills Cop years, you will like this movie. It will probably get some Oscar nominations. Solid A-minus and maybe an A.

2 drops by the TEs so far.

But but but the refs! The refs! Rob Johnson was concussed on a QB sneak. And I love Allen's potential, but it will not be realized if he doesn't start sliding when he gets into traffic. That was another huge hit he just caught.

I don't like QB sneaks in short yardage. Too much concussion risk.

My game notes: - Is this really happening? - MoJo and VO have completely changed the complexion of the offensive rotation. Now there are 2 strong top lines, and Mitts and Sheary have been pushed down the rotation to a more sheltered role where they can act, with Vesey, as a poor man's Roy-Max-Vanek 3rd line to keep the offensive pressure coming. - Here's another possibility for the unnamed vet who was ready to storm the beach after meeting with RK this summer: Scandella. He has been terrific. And his partner, Joker, has held up quite well too. - Speaking of the D -- pretty even ice time distribution last night, with everyone getting at least 17 min. Risto led with 23.5, which, as everyone has wanted, is down from his average of 24:38 last year and 26:30 the previous 2 years. - Reino's goals didn't demonstrate speed, as much as certain people would like to pretend otherwise, but they were both high-end skill plays. He also made a perfect pass to spring Eichel on that breakaway. - Skinner's goal was also gorgeous, both the pass from MoJo and the snipe by Skinner. - Another strong game for Hutton, although I think all 3 of the goals he's given up this year have been short-side misplays by him. - As noted upthread, VO has much more game than just his shot. He's a good passer and has good hockey IQ. - There's another winnable game coming up on Monday vs CBJ. Bank those points! Go Sabres.

Well, to be fair, RK's lineup is much improved. But it really does look like RK himself has made a big difference.

A lot of kids had these — my brother and I each had one. I feel like it was 20 post cereal box tops plus $10 or something at JC Penney or Hengerers.

Me too.

Mine isn’t that great!

Awesome.

Gusev is an interesting story. He’s 5’9”, 163 lbs, making his NHL debut at age 27 and led the KHL in scoring last year. Separately, I think Hutton will and should get the start tonight. Go Sabres.

Those critters were kinda portly, innit?

2 more observations from the Chicago-Philly game: 1. It was played in Prague in front of a 17K+ sellout crowd. 2. Chicago has a defenseman whose last name is Koekkoek. And one from the Toronto game: that was a Mike Bossy goal that Matthews scored.

I saw Ralph Kruger drinkin' a piña colada at Trader Vic's. His hair was perfect.

Alrighty, Mr. Poopy-pants, we're trying to enjoy our day here.

So far it's a pretty good Friday -- still happy from that win last night. It occurred to me as I was arriving at work this morning that for the first time this millenium (literally!), all of my sports teams might be good this year.

Serious question: shouldn't this be the song that is played in the arena at the end of a home win? Either when the final horn sounds or when the game has been locked up (e.g. via ENG)? With the crowd joining in for "RaaaKruuuuuuuuu"? It would be awesome.

My only concern about the ice time last night is that I am skeptical that McCabe’s body can handle consistent high-minute usage given his injury history. I am fine with sheltering Dahlin a bit and am totally on board with him not playing on the PK. Your Ferrari might be able to pull the tree stump out, but others are better suited for that job. I was pleasantly surprised by how well and in control the Scandy-Joker pairing played and if they keep that up I am fine with them getting plenty of ice time. Go Sabres.

Great game tonight and great GDT boys. Hutton was terrific and made a huge save on the PK that was discussed up thread and another with about 1:10 to go in the 3rd that was also critical. They looked balanced, fast, much more skilled on D and in the middle 6 and well coached. If they keep it up at home against another young fast team looking to move up the excitement will start to build. Go Sabres.

JB should be fired immediately for this.

I like the choices.