DarthEbriate

Hinostroza to Eakin for the best zone entry in awhile

LAK is a good-looking team. Lots of speed. Much better test than Toronto (who doesn't play defense) and Minnesota (which is currently struggling on defense).

Man... missed the pass to Dahlin up ice and it's like everyone started floating for the next minute until the goal was scored.

I mean... it's a long interview... but it's a lot more in-depth and better than any other intermission interview.

Damn. Great save.

Re-wake up, here, gents!

Super-aggressive PK.

Victor's watching his targeting computer. Almost there....

Last time these teams played, VO and Asplund had the Sabres up 2-0. Then VO got hurt... and the West Coast trip fell apart. Victor... today would be a great day to release the Slapper!

Depends on what the playoff team needs. If they want a scorer, Girgs is not for them. But if they need a shot suppressor they can trust against an opposition's top line and might bang home a rebound or two, Girgs could be a great option.

Sometimes he was the entire offense, but I'm not sure if the dead puck era allowed him enough open ice... What about Satan?

Interesting, interesting. In his age 31 season he's a UFA... when the cap might just begin to bloom again. I could see a team throwing $8M+ at a top-flight goalie for age 31-37 seasons (MAF- or Price-style). It shouldn't be the Sabres, of course, as any of UPL, Portillo, or Levi would only just be coming into their RFA contract of 1st UFA contract.

No. Goalies are notoriously tricky from one year to the next, but Hellebuyck has been good-to-great since coming into the league. You don't trade a franchise goalie who is only now coming into his prime in his late 20s. And he's not even all that expensive.

I don't know. I'd bet Girgensons would look great as 4W on Tampa, especially since he does have the versatility to play center in a pinch. Sure, he's miscast as the LW with Eichel-Reinhart on a top line, but as a role player who kills penalties and is very often in the right spot, he's not a bad trade deadline pickup. And it wouldn't cost too much to acquire him.

Egads! As the Flying Pig would say, "What a lineup!" Malone, Mersch, Biro all hurt. Krebs, Muel, Fitz all contributing in the NHL. And Jankowski wallowing on the bench instead of playing for Bjork or Eakin. You know Bjork would pass through waivers, GM Sheevyn. Get it done. Although we probably can't waive him for cap reasons.

Actually... my previous post was more in response to this post. Edit: This post goes here: I have a Dominic Zombo Toledo Walleye "Don Cherry Night" jersey for exactly this reason.

I have a Dominic Zombo Toledo Walleye "Don Cherry Night" jersey for exactly this reason.

When Skinner scores... remind me to post this:

It's where you realize that, yes, the GLO line was great and scored a tiny bit. But Okposo is capable of more, and if you take the Girgs-Larry and make them a 4, and bring Okposo up for more minutes it will all work out. Mitts-Cozens-Okposo as a 2nd line isn't great, but it's a line capable of playing against the opposition's top line and winning the battle. Then you get a dynamic 3rd (Asp-Krebs-VO) and an energy 4th (Hayden-Girgs-Hinostroza to end this year, for example... although it's more likely Girgs-Eakin-Hino/Hayden) and you can see the progress being made. If ex-HCRaKru is reading this thread... you done messed up, RK. You were as inept as any Imperial Star Destroyer Captain. Never regret a bit of Cyrus. They say Cyrus is the one and only. Can you dig it!

That Mitts shift with 2:30 to go where he braced for the Spurgeon hit and sent him sprawling... then stuck with the puck, then absorbed a retalitory charge from Kaprizov, then another crosscheck attempt from Spurgeon.... That was beautiful. That's the Mitts we love and need. Totally wish he'd have buried the empty-net chance he had. If Mitts and VO get back to what they can be, this is a legit up-and-coming team next season.

As an RFA who should get a good paycheck but probably won't break the bank... If you get a 1st? maybe. Plus, his salary is going to be necessary for the floor after Boychuk's contract expires. But I think a third line next season of Asplund-Krebs-Olofsson, with all three on special teams, isn't necessary a bad thing. The good Stafford. The one who was the first at Neil after his hit on Drury, and who was occasionally capable of a hat trick. But... more consistent than Stafford.

Re-watching my dinnertime: Shaw should never have gone for a fight after a raised elbow from Fitz. Terrible undisciplined penalty to take with a 1-goal lead. Then Fitz took him down and the Sabres were all over the Wild from that point forward.

Nor should they. We're still 2 easy points for any team out there. Or so their overconfidence will tell them. Great comeback. The lead going into the 3rd is something that really needs working on. Good teams are like 20-2-2 going into the 3rd with a lead. The Sabres are like 12-10 this year leading after two. With 8 more wins? We'd be saying the Sabres are on their way.

I like Hartman as a player. But it's time for you to go home now. And I'm ecstatic that Cozens was under his skin at the end.

Great game. And now giving them some extra business.