LTS

They mentioned on one of the broadcasts that Housley went to the players and straight up asked them who they thought they would play best with. I can't say that Bylsma never did that but I don't recall that ever being brought up. It was mentioned that he really didn't talk to players except to coach them. You have to think that if enough players are there telling him the same thing and it make sense then he's going to rely on that feedback and then see where it goes. It seems to be going somewhere!

Jack's magic is that ridiculously stupid shot. He shoots out of his end on a cannon... begins glide mode and then because his hands are so good he basically just flips the puck over the goalie to score. My take on it is that where almost every player is going to rip a hard wrister on something like that he's throwing the equivalent of a change up. The goalie expects the fast shot and the next thing you know there's this floater sailing by you because you reacted to something that was never there. Changing the direction/speed of the shot at the last second makes a big difference. Man that was beautiful.. And I will keep saying it.. Eichel's game is like Jagr's game.

And everyone was upset that Casey couldn't do a pull up. He's super thin though!

Still working for me just so you know.

Rob Ray stuck on the Bills game. "The Carolina Panthers just took a penalty". He's couldn't let Koziol take his crown.

As much as he gets ripped for that I have to hear Mike Emrick say the same thing in the EA NHL series too.

Oh well that's the criteria then most people on this board have no credibility.

Tunein running on the xbox. Game on. Brian Koziol will never not be in preseason form. "A full sheet of ice on the ice". He makes Rob Ray sound like a thespian.

Well, not sure how he can choose not to appeal his case now that he opened his mouth. Well, not without pretty much putting everything he ever says again into the suspect category.

Read the article.. you're initial wording didn't quite say it but I think it's safe to assume the intermission show will also be those two with the Sabres throwing things out to a production assistant or Dunleavy to do the interviews?

Independent from the Leafs... but from the NHL? :) In short, is it a physician in the Toronto area that would do it?

I believe an underground, bare knuckles fight in the heart of Thailand would be a more family friendly atmosphere than the Ralph. I refuse to go to Bills games anymore, even when offered free tickets, a limo ride, a gourmet lunch spread, and all you can drink top shelf booze in a suite. I know there are those here who go... if you are finding a good experience all the power to you. My last few attempts have left me with nothing but contempt for the state of society.

Last year did the Sabres announce some streaming options right before game time? Either way, I am going to listen. Should be able to do it. Make or break for a few players tonight I am sure.. I have to think Housley will pare down the roster a bit earlier just to provide some time for the opening night lineup to get some extra time. Might not happen... but I hope.

Not too much else really. This year I won't have the same connection although I believe we're playing one of the Basil kids next weekend. Oh Pi. It's very true. I'm good friends with a regional GM of Cadillac and I coached his kid for a few years. He's good friends with members of the Basil family (naturally). We play against one of the Basil children each year. When we would play them we would go out to lunch/dinner after the games and I've talked to his father numerous times. He has relayed the story about Jack a few times in a few different settings during family gatherings. He's extremely gracious, unassuming, and hanging out with the kids most of the time. He loves them. Point is... he's the right kind of guy. But you don't have to believe me, that's fine.

You're the guy with the drink? ;) Okay, so she's too tall and too old for you? Interesting... :)

No more analysis needed. He'll be signed. Eichel's benchmark for success if leading the league and his team to a championship. He's driven at the same level that every other generational great has been driven. He's also a really down to Earth dude who separates hockey and outside of hockey really well. I've spoken to members of the Basil family and their information on Jack is incredible. I've said it before but during family holidays he's likely to be found more with the young kids, hanging out, than he is with the adults. They heap massive praise on him as a person before they even speak about him as a hockey player. He's the guy. I'm sure he's all but signed already. He's the C. Feel free to lock the thread. <<Yes, I've had a cold this entire past week and I got back on the drinking wagon tonight>> <<No, I am not making up the Basil family information.>> Believe in Jack. He is what's needed.

Cody Hodsgon Michal Grosek Taro Tsujimoto

There are 71 others with his name?

Using the toxic environment when comparing to the Sabres doesn't work. The Sabres environment was clearly not rainbows, unicorns, and cupcakes. Both teams were bad, had bad problems, etc. Blaming zone entry problems on players when the coach wanted players to dump it in is a bit out of place isn't it? Very few possession zone entries are created by a single player being elusive enough to get around the defender. It's caused more by puck movement to isolate a lane in which an attacking player can gain the zone.

I'm not a fan of a customized sweater unless it's going on display. I am not that player and therefore I don't want to wear the sweater. Wearing a blank sweater is much like wearing a jacket with the logo on it, or a t-shirt, etc. It's a generic way of supporting the team. A customized sweater on display is like a photo of a player, etc. It's the representation of the the player contributions to the team for whom you root.

This is great to hear. The game is to fluid to over analyze positioning on the ice. The concepts of positional analytics need to be taught to players so they learn tendencies but given the fluidity of the game they are hardly the mandates of how to play. Once you venture down the path of your system requiring each player to complete a choose your own adventure book just to complete the breakout you are screwed. Basically, it's more like. Look for this, try to make this happen, and use your damn brains to adjust as needed. Be creative, but not stupid. Should work much better.

No reason to think it's not the players they sent to the WInter Classic Announcement. Eichel - C O'Reilly - A Pommer - A

I don't think people will just clog the middle any more than they do today... if could happen. The question is how effective is that defense if you allow the point men to have shots that are uncontested repeatedly by not moving your forwards up to defend them. Right now the zone speed of players allows them to reduce shot angles and also get in the shot lane. If the defender is a few more feet away the space is more open and thus harder to close off. As such you are left with a pressure the point further out and thus have less legs to block shots or collapse and become ducks in a shooting gallery. ANything that tries to regulate the space in which a team can play defense will fail horribly given the speed and fluidity of the game.

I see it now. I don't like it... but i see it. :)