DarthEbriate

Good work by Krebs to stop Nichuskin at the blue line, but then a turnover gives it right back for a chance.

It's good for this young team to not look past anyone ever. Arizona played a really solid game and the goalie was white-hot for a big stretch in November. Meul also missed that game. Next time around it'll be different. But... let's kick Colorado's wampa first.

Sometimes he amazes even himself.

Now... the Avs have to open up. And that's where we'll crush them.

Jost on the forecheck! Dahlin on the dial.

Definitely. Wondering if he did something to draw Colorado's ire last game. They're stepping up and going after him at ever opportunity.

Excellent PK, gents! Keep it going.

Pilut... on target to the crest.

Baby steps. The 4th line worked a good shift with some cycle and possession, got the change to the top line, and then Tage rushes a shot without anyone going toward the net. He's got a good shot, but he could have held for a better shot and worn those Avs guys down even more.

It's a Super Mario Bros. mushroom power-up when Avs get the guy back from the box.

Gahhh... Quinn didn't need to try for JJP there. Close to 3.

Krebs can't pass anymore!

Good to see Krebs shoot. Nichuskin back in the Avs lineup is noticeable. I'd feel much better with some Uncle Owen in the lineup, but the Sabres can still wildly outscore this team without MacKinnon, Byram, Manson, and Landeskog.

It's not always who you play, it's when you play them. The Avalanche haven't scored more than 3 goals in a game since being in Buffalo (when they had MacKinnon and Manson also in the lineup). Pressure Rantanen and Makar, stay on the attack, and go get a win.

I caught a tiny bit of the 1st while prepping dinner... the Sabres weren't skating, had no active sticks defensively, the Kings clogged up every lane... the script was flipped in the 3rd and the goal onslaught was on.

I was just thinking... the Sabres are going to have to score 3 in a hurry to keep that whole "always scoring 3 to win" thing going. And that didn't take long.

Stupid TNT. The channel and its complete unaffiliation with any of my streaming options, and not the player, obviously. CLB forwards: Our netminders can’t repel firepower of that magnitude. CLB coach: Their UPL will have his shield down, we’ve got to give you more time. <scene cuts to another Tagerblast>

and also @Curt I'll take you back to 2016-17. This is the year after the Eichel/Reinhart's rookie season of 81 points. Why this 78-point season? This is GM Murrray's preferred roster and has some "we're on the way up" vibes like we had coming into this season after finishing last year strong and adding some top-end kids (Power, Quinn). Likewise, the 2016-17 squad had come off a positive rookie season for Eichel. They'd just landed the big UFA in Okposo, they'd dealt smallish Pysyk for gritty vet Kulikov and locked up Risto long-term. Moulson hadn't fallen off the X-wing yet. The only meaningful losses were the backup goalie (Johnson, replaced by Anders Nilsson) and a retired Legwand (replaced by Derek Grant). Then --- right before opening day Eichel got a high ankle sprain. The injuries never really let up. I'm cobbling together their forward lineup from 12/5/2016 lineup v. Washington with Ennis re-inserted to the top line (instead of William Carrier) where Ennis would play when he returned from injury a month later and their 10/16/2016 defense against Edmonton (Gorges negates McDavid) where all the top-6 D skated together (instead of the other Justin Falk or Burgdoerfer, etc.). Ennis (inj) - R.O'Reilly - Okposo Kane - Eichel - Reinhart Foligno - Larsson - Gionta Moulson - Grant - Girgensons SCR: Carrier; INJ: Deslauriers, Fasching (D-Lo would be in first over call-ups Fasching or Carrier) Gorges - Ristolainen McCabe - Bogosian Kulikov - Franson SCR: Nelson Lehner Nilsson

The pass for a primary assist is not always there. Sometimes it's a shot, sometimes it's a dump to get a change, sometimes it's just a pass to space in the corner. He really could use some heavy minutes. Which he'll get if he sticks with Girgs and Okposo.

Ok. Ras is back. You can't shoot that. Where is VO when we need him?

Dahlin not out there.... Joker double-shifted with Muel and now Power.

This is why we score 5+ every game. It'll be OK. This is why we score 5+ every game. It'll be OK.

Quinner, Quinner, womp rat dinner! (bulls eye!)

Everytime the kids line is on the ice it's a couple good chances.

Remember the Alamo Death Star! Do not go into said Mode.