Two or less

The center position is very frightening for sure. And while I will not say this Sabres team should be good, but I feel like they can have an edge on many others and atleast make the playoffs. Regehr and Leopold should benefit from a short season. Much more rested. As should Ryan Miller. If our defense holds up, and Miller plays at the top of his game, we have a chance to beat anybody on any given night. Where will the secondary scoring come from remains a question.

I think no matter what, Brennan is in Buffalo for camp. Same goes to Foligno and Adam. I doubt they play any of the guys who are gearing up for camp even if some of these players may just be there short term and send back down in a week. Just guessing though.

Even if McNabb wasn't struggling in Rochester, he would have almost no chance at making this roster. Not a talent thing, but a numbers thing. There just ain't no room, and he doesn't need to pass waivers to play in Rochester. Decision much easier now though, with McNabb struggling a bit all season.

Per Bob McKenzie, Grigorenko will be at the Sabres training camp when it opens.

Well said!

Same. GAME ON!

You are right.

As posted in the CBA thread, Lockout is over. More details on training camps/schedules to be released sometime Sunday.

And Doug Marrone hired as Bills coach! What a wild sports night people will be waking up to!

Update for the night owls.... 2:14am ET and sides are still talking.

Most of it will be re-done, but, many of the games will remain the same... inner conference.

He's brutal at anything he ever has done. Not sure why NHL Network ever bought him from ESPN. As great as the tournament was, and i can proudly say I watched every USA game live, it would of been better if they had put ANYONE else there.

I know we're trying to remain from falling for it all over again like many of us have over the last few months, but try not to get overly excited over this.... Link-

LOL... both Canada and Russia came onto the ice wearing RED jerseys. https://twitter.com/rayferrarotsn/status/287477632604446721/photo/1 USA/Sweden few hours away. Few bars in Buffalo and Rochester are opening up at 730 to show the game. Thought that was cool. In Rochester- http://www.thirstysonline.com/ In Buffalo- http://www.colesbuffalo.com/

Sorry- i know this is going a bit off topic on what you guys are talking about, but felt this was interesting but also didn't need it's own thread- A bit of a controversy in Russia over this WJC team but it seems as if Grigorenko has handled it pretty well. Media/outsiders have blamed the team had partied all tournament and even one guy suggested Grigs was 2 years older then what he claims... Link- http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/04/russian-team-accused-of-partying-during-world-juniors-sabres-grigorenko-responds/

That's a bit harsh. Girgensons is a much more talented player then Paul Gaustad. The problem with Girgensons is that, with the way his birthdate lined up (he turns 19 today actually), he was one of the youngest players in the entire 2012 NHL draft. With rules protecting the CHL and college athletes, the AHL has very little players under the age of 20. Girgensons has been seeing ice time as a 18 year old. On top of that, he missed some time with an injury. I don't think he will see Buffalo any time soon, unless the lockout prolongs and the Amerks play there again. He's a very raw player but with loads of potential. With a huge emphasis on player development, this is a great value pick. If we were still owned by Golisano and were cheap on scouting/development, then i would worry.

Couple notes from tonights 5-2 Amerks win over Abbotsford that caught my attention - -Zemgus Girgensons scored his 3rd goal of the season, while Brian Flynn added his 10th. -Amerks now 3-1 since playing at the First Niagara Center. -Braydon McNabb was a healthy scratch. -David Leggio stopped 48 of 50 shots. -In the past 4 games, Leggio has stopped 145 of 150 shots.

I was told Russia was "saving" Makarov for the Final. Seems odd. He'll play vs. Canada now though.

McCabe 1-0 http://youtu.be/FqqyNoCFW0U McCabe 2-0 http://youtu.be/pnb8bExoIYU

Makarov will not be starting for Russia this morning.

Awesome game. Phil Housley seems like a heck of a coach. This team has improved so much since the start of the tournament.

Anyone up? USA Lines- Gaudrea - Miller - Vesey Galchenyuk - Kuraly - Barber Pietila - Bardreau - Hartman Grimaldi - Trocheck - Biggs Lucia McCabe - Jones Sieloff - Trouba Reilly - Murphy Gostisbehere Goalie: Gibson

Buzz kill... L.A. Lariviere ‏@L_A_theRiver From what I've heard this evening, there's more hype than true reason for optimism in NHLvsNHLPA discussions. Decertification still possible Pierre LeBrunVerified ‏@Real_ESPNLeBrun Hearing both sides disappointed with lack of true movement in each other's new positions today... Key is to keep talking though..

I am. Can't wait. Go USA!

From Dave Shoalts https://twitter.com/dshoalts