DarthEbriate

Tuch and Okposo returning to the lineup settled down the entire operation in Nashville. As to the thread... Talent and consistency are linked. You have a talent when you consistently do something well. This team needs talented and consistent goaltending. And it needs it soon so that the skaters have something to show for their efforts.

Per CapFriendly, the only two emergency loan status players are Dell and UPL. Krebs could stay up. However, I'm all for Krebs going down to Rochester with Malone out until March. Thompson is coming back. And although Jankowski isn't going to score, he's also not being caved in 5-on-5. Let Krebs reunite with JJP and Quinn and go work on the all phases of the game in big minutes.

My criteria: It's game 81 at Boston at the end of this 2021-22 season. A win and the Sabres are in the playoffs and Boston is eliminated from playoff contention. (Right now) whom do I trust to play the most minutes and give the Sabres a chance at victory? Dahlin - Pysyk; Hagg - Jokiharju; Bryson - Miller; // Samuelsson - Fitzgerald; Power - Johnson; Butcher - Prow; Laaksonen And by the end of the season I would hope that Samuelsson supplants Hagg and that Power replaces Miller (Bryson switches to play on the right side).

That's a key thing to watch the rest of the season. Does he return to full health? If so, does he return to the right side on the PP and begin shooting one-timers again? Victor's become a solid player all around. But that in itself just makes him a Hinostroza/Bjork/Vesey type. He's only worth building around if his elite shot returns. If it doesn't, then VO has to move on. I believe the shot returns by the end of the year and VO comes back next season.

And 6'3 208. Someone to fill out the bottom 6 in a few years as the playoffs become reality ala a Primeau, Rasmussen, or Gaustad. I can dig that with a Panthers/Vegas pick.

Honestly, I'm more down on Joker for his weak push there than Dahlin, who is trying guard the side of the net from the winger coming across and potential rebound. Either way, that's a bang-bang play by a skilled center who's having a resurgent season. You can't just wail on people. But Cozens was being taken down at every opportunity in the 3rd with no call, and if the Sabres were to do the same consistently they wouldn't get called for it either. It'd become accepted and expected.

Joker is still a kid, but when does get some muscle on him he could become a great mid-pairing guy for years -- or a really solid assistant to a #1. Right now, though... yup, a work in progress. He can get in the right position with smarts and skating, but isn't strong enough to stay there.

Ha-hey! I've got my parents' one from 1975. Still works like a charm.

That's the spirit!

Cozens is getting mugged constantly and no call for the kid. Please, score the PP goal and then jump that guy. Someone please stand up for your goalie. It doesn't matter who it is. He's your goalie!

Cozens tackled. Then Cozens crosschecked in the back. But Skinner wheels at center ice and snipes!

Sabres know they're going to get hit and are aren't making the good pass to take the hit. This is where checking is important.

PP got outworked there.

Gotta avoid getting thrown into Dell.

Thai carryout carried out and consumed. And still winning! Remember the Alamo Death Star! Don't fear to carry play and bury these giant overbiters!

I'll make it legal.

Good period. Nashville will push in the 2nd. Gotta elevate your own game, gents.

Cozens with Skinner and Tuch allows for Asplund-Tage-VO to be reunited. Ach. Bad penalty in the offensive zone, Skinner.

Seemed like a good time to call interference on Girgs. Even the Nashville announcers were expecting the call.

Nashville's first time trailing in 2022.

The Predators play heavy. They're going to wear this Sabres team.... Pysser + Jankowski! ...down.

Nashville's broadcast goes to commercial during their anthem(s). This is common throughout the league. Interesting which teams do which approach.

Tuch and Okposo back in the lineup will be an enormous lift for the forwards. Control the puck. Battle. They'll also respond if someone touches Dell/Houser (although I'll hope Okposo stays clear of any rough stuff). However... Dell instead of UPL sort of undoes the return of the some of the skaters.

The Sabres are going to ice about 1/3 of the roster next season of 23 year-olds and under who still need massive amounts of physical maturation, adaptation to NHL game speed and savvy vets, as well as the adjustment to full NHL salaries and living as an adult. If the Sabres pick Wright, he can get 9 games spread out over October and into November with plenty of press box time, then be given a laundry list of things to work on down in Kingston. No need to rush anything.

Asplund has struggled. He's a complementary player and has been bounced through every possible permutation of line since Olofsson got hurt. What he needs most is for Tage to get back and VO to get healthy and regain the ability to shoot the puck. Reunite that line. Then, Rasmus the Young can relax, play his role, and get back to being a solid player. Or -- let Asplund join another established pair (Girgs-Okposo, for example). But some stability would do him wonders, methinks.