DarthEbriate

Wow. What a workday. I'll just unwind with a Sabres game and some solid hockey entertainment. I'll tune in... and... huh.

I know at the end of last season there was a lot of talk on this board about Tage as a top 10 center, or at least -- where does he fit in the top centers in the NHL? Sadly, I just don't see it. A true 1C is capable of going out against every other team's top line and their top defensive pairing (and alternately, their best checking line) in all 3 zones for a 7-game series and being even or better in those matchups. I don't care about salary, term, or age. To me, it's "who can win a 7-game series that starts tonight?". He's... maybe in the 15-20 range? His game is blistering powerplay goals from the circle and 5-on-5 scoring on rushes. But the jam, the undeniable overwhelming force being imposed on the opposition, any defensive prowess, the after-the-whistle unfazed bravado, even the ability to win a faceoff... those aren't TNT. There are a host of centers I'd take before him.

Any GM you hire is going to sell the owner on a minimum 2-year window to get "his/her team" on the ice via trade/UFA (and likely 3 years). If the owner counters that the GM has one year to make the playoffs, the GM will walk away from the job offer. Flip-flopping GM directions too quickly is how you get a heavy GMTM lineup replaced by an all-speed puck-moving defense JBott lineup with no continuity and another hard reset.

He's totally capable. That was his very first act as GM. I'll say yes just to be a contrarian. UPL/Levi, healthy Quinn, Muel on the 3rd pair with Clifton. Replace Jost and VO with energy/attitude guys.

GM Sheevyn tossing prospects and draft picks into trades? ...Nay. Into the Sabres lineup.

The important thing for the players is to have them brush off the 3rd period. Yes, the season is over (and has been over since the Sabres let Detroit break their losing streak). Go play a great game in Calgary anyway. Play for UPL and get him on track with another 2-goal, +.900% quality start.

Was this because of the non-blocking approach? Kulich and Rosen are 19 and 20, respectively, this season. The Sabres have had so many top picks and rushed prospects that we are accustomed to it. There's nothing wrong with them filling out a bit as adults and showing up more ready to go at 20-21, even 22. They'll both see some NHL time next season in Buffalo or elsewhere. The age-related coincidence is that this season 18 year-old Benson is the one who blocked them.

Get on a heater... they could still draft as late as 13th!

He was a bit messy tonight; like last season with a some easy big rebounds and dribblers rolling around on him. But the skaters quit in the third.

It was probably mentioned somewhere in the pages I missed. Edmonton is now the oldest team in the NHL. They crashed the net over and over opening up all the ice for their speed. Then, it was the proverbial double-tap to the head. Then, kick 'em while they're down. Stop, they're already dead!

Edmonton able to just step into each shot at full speed while the Sabres act as pylons. There go UPL's good numbers on the second half.

Didn't challenge it? Didn't request a no-nonsense-go-to-the-net-veteran like Hyman instead of Jost/VO going into the season?

Benson with perfect forecheck was waiting for the wraparound, so the Edm D spins and ices it instead. Let's do something with this. Finish the period up 4-2.

(And the music cue in the building when JJP scores makes me happy.)

Clifton with the killer pinch! JJP with the mitts.

Mask manufacturers: fix the dang straps! If a puck is capable of knocking the strap off everytime (and the goalie are tinkering to give it a hair-trigger release, then the manufacturer needs to make it stronger). Because if the mask pops that easily, it's not secure and your goalie is going to get concussed or worse in a collision.

RJ has been screaming, "Not out!" the last 5 minutes. Fogele and Hyman dominating the boards. But Bryson forecheck for the counter. Good shift.

At least the PP is moving the puck quickly tonight. A couple good shots. Dahlin almost got his lost goal back.

Byram with a perfect screen instead of a good block.

It's been fine for me. Luukkonen another fine save.

Good job, 4th line! VO!

Greenway got turned around, I think because of the forward who went for a change, but Dahlin engaged the thrusters getting back.

It's against Dahlin's programming to impersonate a deity. No goal.

Have you noticed UPL's shields are still up? Need Benson to get just that bit quicker and know that the backchecker is going to be there at the NHL level.

JJP!