nfreeman

Interesting question. Kulich’s ceiling IMHO is probably in the same ballpark as Peterka’s — ie a powerful, fast, goal-scoring forward who scores 30ish goals per year and sometimes 40, and pressures the opposing defense, although isn’t much of a playmaker or a defender. That is still a very valuable NHL player. Benson, OTOH, doesn’t strike me as having that kind of goal-scoring potential or speed or strength, but could become a great 200-foot “glue guy” who does everything well, and some things exceptionally well, and has a bit of an edge. A bit of Bergeron and a bit of Marchand. Also a very valuable player. if I have to pick one, Benson looks like the better bet, mostly because he’s already had a pretty solid rookie year and Kulich hasn’t been able to make the NHL roster yet. But the story is far from fully written.

Beach weekend with old friends upcoming!

2 years ago he definitely was, and probably better than top 15 for that matter. Last year? Not so much. He has a ton of skill and I think a pretty good attitude. He’s pretty fast once he gets going. Not sure about his hockey IQ either way. Durability is also an open question. We’ll find out this year.

I was never a fan of his, but he does seem like a good guy and a good family man. I'm glad he got to play a long time in the NHL, make a ton of cash and skate around the rink with the Cup. Enjoy the next phase KO and be well.

Here's a great story about Christian Benford, who evidently grew up in the environment depicted in the all-time great HBO show "The Wire": https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5699837/2024/09/19/christian-benford-bills-face-tattoo/

Donnie was one of my favorite Sabres. What a great tandem he and Sauve made.

JFC.

From the Athletic: I sure hope he feels better and is back at practice tomorrow. Jeez.

Well done TG. Good man.

Good. It's too soon IMHO to give up on Krebsie, although I don't think he has the hands to play in the top 6. I can still see a ceiling of a solid 3C. I definitely want to see how he develops under a real coach. He's 23 and has spent the bulk of his NHL career in a highly dysfunctional organization. The waiver discussion is interesting. If Krebsie isn't any better than he was last season then he's a definite candidate -- and although Darth makes a good point about CBJ, I think the 2nd year would scare away most teams and likely cause him to clear waivers. But at the start of the season, I'd expect Levi to get sent down and Rousek to be waived down to Rochester.

This is where I am too. I just wish I felt more confident about him staying healthy. But his game is terrific.

I too was disappointed in Rosen. I thought he was in the right place with the puck multiple times and gave it away needlessly. Much too cute and overall not effective.

Geez. Your presence ]is quite a breath of fresh air today. Maybe people can talk hockey on a hockey message board without being mocked?

I only watched the 2nd half of the game, but I was pretty impressed with Komarov. He looked highly skilled and confident and his skating seemed fine.

Will Kulich keep it going? Will Östlund or Rosen make a move? How 'bout one of the big Russian defensemen?

If anyone was at HarborCenter -- please give us a report!

https://x.com/LLysowski/status/1834718720201310222

Yeah baby! Yeah! https://t.co/J7iq213pVa

McD, BB and JA are magnificent gifts to WNY from the sports gods. If we are lucky and conduct ourselves in a deserving manner, we may have them for another decade. And if we are extremely lucky the same thing will happen with the Sabres.

Boom!

Ooooooooooooohhhh. Advantage @tom webster!!