DarthEbriate

Keep Doan-TNT-Tuch together for a few games, even if Norris returns to the lineup. With the way Thompson is playing the last 5 periods of hockey, you'll get some point production out of Doan.

I agree. But we do have a 3rd goalie, a 7th defenseman, and a Geertsen on the roster. If everyone's healthy and you need ALL 3 of them... Danforth is my next to go as he's the grownup version of Kozak. But you never know.

I still need to see Kozak stay healthy, but I'm on the train of him taking Krebs' role by New Year's. However, that just puts Krebs in his right spot -- he becomes the 13th F. He can mostly move up and down the lineup for spot duty. He won't wow you, but he won't be a terrible drain you and he brings energy. If someone is out long-term, then you've got Östlund & Rosén ready in the wings.

Good to see the progression. It's not surprising he's now a top 6 center and the Amerks lineup no longer has Rousek, Dunne, Jobst, and partial seasons of Östlund/Rosén getting big minutes and PP time.

Dunne is not waiver exempt. But he's much more likely to clear waivers than Kozak -- you're 50/50 at best if you waive Kozak at this point. Look to move Luukkonen or waive him (no one will pick him up, no worries there. He could decide to not report, I suppose [but incredibly doubtful because $$$$], and then you save your money that way.) Among the forwards: in order: waive Geertsen (auto-clears), Rosén (exempt), Östlund (exempt), then Dunne as the final piece.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to bring another playmaking center, probable winger if he ever makes it to the NHL, into the Rochester lineup. Östlund still feels like the only pass-first playmaker with the Amerks.

If Ruff trusts TNT at center (and Thompson plays well in his own zone at center), it frees up the line construction tremendously. TNT as 1C (the offensive guy) and Norris as 2C (d-zone, much better at face offs --- don't get hurt!) would be a good combination. McLeod is a very solid 3C and Kozak gives you responsible 4C play. Krebs and Östlund shift to the wing until more folks are healthy. As the veteran forwards pieces return to health, you definitely send the kids back to Rochester for more minutes. Benson does everything Rosén does and better and Norris is an upgrade over Östlund.

It's good to have faith in your goalie. And to have your 1D back in the lineup.

TNT sniping from 12 parsecs away.

Great save!

Timmins good in front of the net, nice little tug to help Ellis get an easy look at the shot.

This team is simply better with (Kozak, Dahlin, and a goalie not named Luukkonen) in the lineup.

Kozak picked off the McDavid pass, and then McDavid injures himself trying to make a check in retribution.

4 firsts to make up for Vanek?

Rosen almost had it, but Nurse got his stick. Dang. Check that, Ekholm.

You're all clear kid! Now let's blow this thing and go home.

Need to weather the initial storm in the third period, then score in the 4th minute to break their spirit. Because we know Edmonton is going to earn a PP opportunity or two.

Greenway just saved a goal? 'Twas Greenway. Good to be that tall and be defensively mindful.

Hmmm. Difficult to see. But I really want that 2nd round pick to be worth it for a 4th-line who blossoms into a playoff stud.

Beck - deflector shields at maximum!

Kozak line outworking the McDavid line and top Edmonton D-pairing. Great goal.

They're good little movies. Like anything popular they can be a bit annoying. Especially, when you have punks quoting it all time.

They had a quiet period from '67-'82 with only two appearances. And then... 30 playoffs in 32 years. 4 Stanley Cups. They can go pound... um... octopus.

It started fine with Zucker and the Benson rejoining the lineup, but since they've been out -- it disappeared until Rosén and Östlund got onto the top unit. Not many points from them, but they at least had possession in the zone and generated shots with movement.

Just got the game on in time for Östlund to show off his mitts. Beautiful! In the 19th minute, look to the Ost...