DarthEbriate

NHL .500! Pour the Champagne of Beers. Sheevyn would've hung the Mission Accomplished banner.

I never knew I had it in me.

The Sabres pull ahead of the Canucks in the leaguewide standings.

Zucker was great until he hurt his shoulder, even before his illness. Great bump to the lineup and good play all around (even the penalty was fine). Hopefully, Benson gives them a similar bump when he gets back. They can play at a higher level. They just need to lose horribly once a week to re-stoke the fire. But winning 2 of 3 for the rest of the season will get them to the playoffs.

Working up the trade value!

I want the Blackhawks version of Paul Hamilton to ask them after the game: "Did you take the Sabres lightly? Did you not respect the game tonight?"

Remember one of UPL's victories over the Hawks is probably the one where TNT broke his stick on his shot, turned back toward the bench, and the puck hit the backboards, then caromed off the goalie's skate and in.

Several minutes behind now. Quinn... thanks to Zucker crossing the face of the goalie. Luukkonen: 3 on 17 is bad. Soderblom: 8 on 26 is... also bad.

But... Son of Ben... probably needs to be playing instead of being the 3rd broadcaster.

Was making dinner... Muel-PO!

14 years of Post-Traumatic Sabres Disorder

Power guilty of a soft pass in his own zone. Get it out, or pass it hard. Don't mess around inside your blue line.

Bah! Good rebound goal. Muel couldn't find it fast enough, but that's how pucks bounce. It was contested, just got turned the wrong way.

Byram sneaks in. BB-4 for Four (on the season)! Ray actually makes a good point: Tuch didn't baby that pass, which the Sabres are guilty of way too many times each game. You're playing with the best in the world. Pass it with mustard. Make a sandwich.

They didn't do a drop pass!

Glad Zucker's shoulder also looks better again, in addition to the new 'stache, and assumedly some regained weight. Sir, so good to see you fully functional again!

Great feed, Quinn (Solo). Don't get cocky! Zucker, sweet.

Hypothetically, if TNT remains at center, and TNT-Tuch remains a tandem (and Doan). And Benson-Norris both get healthy and stay healthy... who "completes" a Benson-Norris line? Someone to win board battles....

Wooo! TNT and Tuch look so much better when they're moving their feet and going to the net. (Like that Skinner season.)

The way that puck was spinning, and given Luukkonen's puck-luck and losing sight of it, Tuch probably saved a goal.

Did Malenstyn tweak something last game? I'm surprised with his speed that he's the first one sitting.

Yes, if you waive Kozak at this point, he won't make it to Rochester. Heck, he wouldn't make it past Edmonton. They could use a player like him in their bottom six.

I’ve got Bib Fortona ready to go. Dey wanna wanga?

And to the topic of the post: I don't keep either long term. As long as I can keep Dahlin, I'm good. I have my 1D/PP1, franchise guy who can compete for Norris' and can take over games. Moving Power can get me 3 building blocks (1st rounder, player, + something). Moving Byram, who is fine as a complimentary piece to Dahlin but to no one else... might get me a 1st or a player. Either way, I can rebuild my D-corp for balance and get a 3rd pair guy who is a PP QB, get a forward, and picks. Now, if losing Tuch causes Dahlin to say, "Enough!" --- then I go with Power over Byram. But that's worst-case scenario.

Easy. Quinn Hughes is UFA in 2027. Dougie Hamilton is UFA in 2028. Trade Dougie Hamilton in 2027 and sign Quinn to a good deal. Upgrade and get younger. Let the Hughes triumvirate (unless there are more coming) be their inexpensive core (by production) for the next 5 seasons. It requires Jack Hughes to stay healthy, but the talent is there at 1C and 1D.