pastajoe

I don't think the PK problem is with the forwards, it's with the D. ROR, Zemgus, Kane, and Gionta can do the job. I'd like to see Eichel get more chances given his speed and long stick, but perhaps they don't want to tire him out. Most of the goals are scored because the D isn't clearing out the slot, so the goalies are screened or the scorer's stick is left free to get a rebound or deflection. And when they chase the puck in the corner or below the goal line and lose the battle, it allows the pass out to a shooter. For 4th line, that's not the proper role for Moulson. He's too slow and not physical enough, but his performance doesn't warrant top line minutes. If it wasn't for his contract, I believe he would be sitting or waived. DLo is a fine 4th liner, a physical forechecker who needs fast line mates to complement him. Maybe try Tim Kennedy at C with DLo and Carrier. He could also play the PK and 2nd PP if needed.

Have the goalies wear white pants.

I had that since Christmas. Felt like I had fluid in my lungs; coughing and out of breath. It finally went away this week.

Brendan Guhle snagged a pair of first-period goals (10, 11) before leaving the game in the second period due to injury. @KrisBaker

I've said for awhile that Zemgus was being underutilized and a better all around player than Larsson. Now he's getting a chance to prove it to DD.

Announced that Risto is being paired with Falk, so probably Nelson with Fedun.

Deadpool 2, it's a work in progress that won't be ready until 2018.

They won't bring Guhle up until near the end of the season. They don't want to use up a year of his contract if he plays more than 9 games.

Remember when they won in Edmonton without Eichel when we thought they'd get killed. But without 3 D and against a rested Carey Price, I would expect losing 5-1.

I liked Al Smith's mask, it had the logos of all the teams he played for.

He's the youngest player in the AHL. After the season is over he'll have the knowledge of what he needs to work on to play in the North American pros, and how he needs to improve his physicality. He wouldn't get that in other leagues. It will put him ahead of his contemporaries.

I expect that if Bylsma was fired, they would just promote Terry Murray as interim coach.

Sorry, but Franson worries me more than any other D when he's on the ice. He's just not good in the D zone. The dump and chase beats him, and he's not physical on the boards or in the slot. His 9 points in 41 games don't make up for his D-ficiencies. Fedun has 6 in 16 and is faster. I'd rather they brought up and played Nelson.

If the Sabres are out of the playoff hunt by the draft deadline, or even if they have a long shot, I would rather they become sellers and see if they can move some of the veterans to playoff teams (Franson, Gorges, Gionta, Ennis, Moulson (might have to retain salary)) for prospects or draft picks, and let the younger players finish the season in Buffalo (Nelson, Bailey, Baptiste, Fasching, and/or Nylander). Make ROR the new captain. Then next year they add in Guhle, and either trade for or sign another decent 5-6 D. Watching the games, I think the biggest consistent problem is the bottom 4 D losing puck battles in the D zone and not breaking out quickly. So I have to give it another year before I change my mind on GMTM.

You said "GMTM built (is building) a "heavy" team when the rest of the league is going to small, fast, and skilled. " I listed the players he's recently drafted that are small, fast , and skilled. The key word is "building", which is still a work in progress. William Nylander spent 2 years in the AHL. Nazem Kadri 3 years. Many of the young Leafs people are admiring have spent time in the AHL.

The jury is still out, we haven't seen Fasching enough. He certainly was a force as scoring power forward in college, which has been lacking on the Sabres. McNabb has more years and has been playing with a better group of D on the Kings. But as Murray has said, it's not a bad thing if both teams benefit from a trade. Defense: Guhle (2nd round), Borgen (4th), Fitzgerald (3rd). Smaller fast skilled forwards: Nylander (1st), Asplund (2nd), Pu (3rd), Karabacek (4th).

GMTM has a long term plan and is unapologetically sticking to it. Draft and acquire young talent so that they all mature around the same time, and until then fill in with veterans for the short term. He's so refreshing compared to Doug Whaley who is evasive and confused when questioned, and has yet to acquire a long-term QB solution to build the team around. I expected a better result this season, but they took the worst hit possible with Eichel getting hurt to start the season, then Kane and Lehner right after. And the ongoing rash of injuries that have occurred throughout have prevented them from seeing how a full lineup would perform. I do think that the coach has shuffled the lines too much. He should always have the faster forwards with Eichel (except Kane who would carry the puck too much). I think the worst move GMTM made was signing Moulson for 5 for $5 million. He's slow and his play really fell off. But perhaps it was worth it if his year of billiting Eichel helped Jack mature into a long term success. It will be another 2 years before we see all the assets acquired making a contribution (Guhle, Borgen, Fasching, Nylander, Peterson, Pu) and the short term veterans are cleaned out.

Syracuse Crunch also have a 1pm game today. How do white people celebrate MLK day? By going to a hockey game.

There was definitely booing. The dildos were in the crowd wearing red.

Nothing better than beating Canada in Canada.

#Billsy

I've been sick all week with a chest cold, it feels like I have something in my upper lungs. They make a girgling sound. And I've been on vacation all week but feel too tired to do anything.

You have to give him another 2 years for the recent draft picks and prospects (Guhle, Borgan, Nylander, Asplund, Pu, Fasching, Peterson, Bailey, Baptiste) to join the core (Eichel, ROR, Reinhart, Reiso, McCabe, Orkposo) and some of the contracted bridge veterans to leave/retire (Moulson, Gorges, Gionta, Franson). And unlike Whaley, GMTM will give honest answers. Girgensons is a better all around player than Larsson and improves the 3rd line. Paul Hamilton is a good play-by-play announcer as shown when he did exhibition games and would be a better replacement for Rick than Dan Dunlevey. The Wild have the most creative logo.

Girgensons with a strong game. When he's at center he's a more effective all around player than Larsson. Glad he's finally getting the chance again.

FYI this game is on NBCSN.