Hoss

I'm more confident that Fasching, Bailey or Baptiste can turn into Wayne Simmonds (level of skill more than specific style) than I am that anybody we currently have in the system can turn into McCabe.

I still don't care about this. The Patriots don't have a monopoly on red jerseys. Nike and the NFL designed these jerseys, not the Bills. It's not a copycat by any stretch.

I do agree the negativity is surprising. I was happy with last night's game. Let it slip late, but they held on. That performance probably doesn't beat most teams, but it was a win. It's understandable to break down some deficiencies you saw individually. That's not being negative, it's being observant.

Dreger says there have been talks between Ottawa and Colorado for Duchene, but it's "unlikely" Samic would trade him. May be using his name to start other talks. Also says teams are interested in Malcolm Subban and Zane MacIntyre from Boston. http://www.tsn.ca/dreger-report-more-on-those-duchene-trade-rumours-1.393191

Aud - I'm as much of a "Whaley hater" as others, but this draft class of Darby, Williams and possibly Miller after not having a first is brilliant.

Everybody keeps saying this only because Phil Simms said it. And it's not true. Tyrod missed. https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/665183193197387776 Sammy slightly mistimed the jump but it wasn't going to be a catch anyways. He threw it behind Sammy which allowed Revis to catchup and get in position for the breakup.

Some thoughts: - Tyrod missed some easy ones last night. A few good plays, but I'm still hesitant to anoint him. Missed a TD to Sammy on the first play where he beat Revis. - The red grew on me but I want to see it with white pants. - Defense looked strong but it was a weak offense so that helps. - Shady has made the trade worth it. The contract? We'll see, but he's been much better. Glad he appears to be mostly healthy. - This team has Rex's back. I think that's pretty much standard for NFL players, but it's nice to be assured of it. - Sammy is a great receiver but his targets will be inconsistent until we have a QB that can consistently throw the ball. Right now Tyrod is still going to need to be in a run-heavy offense. - Ronald Darby might be the best player on this team. Easily a Pro Bowler right now. If he continues this he's a lock for DROY. And Gilmore is no slouch. Best CB tandem in the league.

Ennis and Zemgus are two guys I'd be willing to move in a Simmonds trade (not together, either or). But I'm not moving Pysyk or McCabe with them or individually.

Bogo back at practice

Lazar was another name I thought, but I would imagine Colorado wants to make sure they get good D in return. Not sure if he's too valuable to attach to a top dman.

The talk on Duchene to Ottawa seems hot this morning. I don't see anybody saying it's done or close, but it's being discussed. I have to think Colorado would want one of Stone/Hoffman plus a dman (Ceci, Cowen or Methot) and a prospect.

Woah, they are (according to reports) http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/11/12/welcome-matt-duchene-to-the-trade-rumor-mill/ TSN's insider trading said that Ottawa is very interested.

If Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds or Sean Couturier are available I'm absolutely interested. Giroux would take a MONSTER deal, though (one I'd probably be willing to do). Just taking a way-too-early at possible deadline deal candidates on expiring contracts... Some names I noticed that could be dealt if their teams slip by then or their team feels they won't re-sign: Eric Staal (C/LW - CAR) Brian Campbell (D - FLA) Cam Ward (G - CAR) Dustin Byfuglien (RHD - WPG) Dan Hamhuis (LHD - VAN) Shane Doan (RW - ARI) Radim Vrbata (RW - VAN) Jonas Hiller (G - CGY) Teddy Purcell (LW - EDM) Braydon Coburn (LHD - TBL) Andrew Ladd (LW - WPG) Loui Eriksson (RW - BOS) Jiri Hudler (RW - CGY) Mikkel Boedker (LW - ARI) Luke Schenn (RHD - PHI) Kyle Okposo (RW - NYI) Frans Nielsen (LW - NYI) There's a lot more. It's a pretty good list of guys on teams that either look bad or might need to make some tough decisions for cap reasons this year. http://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/2016/

That report was about Franson. They tried him on the left and he was bad so they decided he should play on the right forever.

I think they'll be playing together.

What a frantic finish. Wow.

That better be overturned. EDIT: Nevermind. McCabe pushed Huberdeau into Ullmark.

Buffalo Sabres @BuffaloSabres Just in: #Sabres Coach Dan Bylsma says Linus Ullmark starts in goal tonight. #BUFvsFLA

Against the Kings it better be "Jack be nimble, Jack beat Quick."

Maybe Campbell is trying to say he wants to make sure any tweaks made universally affect teams and can't be taken advantage of by certain types of players/play. That way EVERYBODY has a better chance to score more goals, even teams who get down in a game. I agree that taking games that were 4-1 and making them 7-4 is more exciting but not "better hockey."

No cups allowed for goalies. They'll just skate away every time a shot is coming. Goals go up or we get less goalie children.

The net doesn't change in size at all if you thin the posts. The opening gets slightly bigger, but it would, I imagine, be an easier transition. No need to resize the crease or change the peg holes.

What about just making the posts thinner? Keep the net size the exact same but make the posts thinner. Is there a reason the posts are so thick?

Last year the most goals scored by any team was 269. That is good enough for 19th 20 years ago (I used 1993-94 since 1994-95 was a shortened season). There was a total of 6,292 goals last season. There was a total of 7,081 goals in 1993-94. That's a decrease of 789 goals (or 13%) despite the league adding four teams (276 more games - yes, that's calculated using the 84 games each team played in 93-94). That's a difference of 1.4 goals per game in the NHL. I know that's a single year, but I'm willing to bet you'd get similar numbers any other year in those time frames. You've stated your position before. Why don't you think there's a problem when the eye test, the numbers, the officials, the media, the fans and the players all think otherwise?

I don't see any reason for the Jackets to unload Bob, but I could see them considering some other players. Hartnell is a guy I could see teams trying to acquire, but he's under contract through 2019.