French Collection

Those Canes uniforms give me the old CCCP vibe.

Canada just added a third goalie. Joel Hofer from the Blues. Levi can take the net from him and Montenbeault.

Doesn’t hurt to have MacKinnon and Crosby on your team. Any relation?

I believe this game is for all of the marbles, best of 5.

That is surprising for a fragile fanbase like that. They were much more up and down like a yo-yo vs Tampa. Maybe finally overcoming the first round hurdle makes them feel invincible. I think they still underestimate Florida as well.

That’s a solid offer for one year of Hellebuyck. DeMelo is from around London so he may want to be in Buffalo. If you re-sign Hellebuyck, you are essentially blocking Levi. However, Helle can be moved later when Levi is 100% ready.

There will be flaws for sure. I’m just of the opinion that I don’t care at all about a guy’s offense from the third pairing. I just want a stay at home nasty vet, like a Gudas.

I know what you mean but I would like a guy with a better defensive game and IQ. I would sacrifice most of the offense a guy like that brings. I want the size to push people around, a willingness to block shots, PK expertise and the ability to get the puck up the ice.

From what I have watched in the past it is a “fun” tournament, especially the round robin part of it. Players sitting in outdoor cafes enjoying the European scenery and fine beverages. Agree on Tuch, playing with his brother was a huge motivation. Luke may not have been invited without Alex joining up.

This is more draft related but I was reading on Sportsnet about the Bruins issues this summer. They have $4.5M to their 23/24 cap because of bonuses to Bergeron and Krejci. Swayman and Debrusk are RFAs and due raises. They probably can’t keep their deadline acquisitions, Orlov Bertuzzi and Hathaway due to cap constraints. Those guys probably don’t take team friendly deals there as they have no history with the team and they want to cash in being UFAs. Their only draft pick in the first 3 rounds of the next two drafts is a 3rd rounder ‘23. Can they struggle to make the playoffs next year? I know good organizations find a way but this sounds like a team the Sabres can overtake.

Maybe we will meet them in the Memorial Cup, it’s getting closer.

Yes, there is quite a bit of information in there. Bukala was director of amateur scouting for the Panthers, so he has done this stuff in real life. Sam Cosentino is another draft junkie from Sportsnet who should be putting a list out shortly.

The Leafs talk core 4, because half of their cap goes to 4 guys. Hopefully the Sabres have some guy(s) in the pipeline that add to the core. Savoie, Kulich, Östlund…

Plus he will drop the gloves if that is required.

My Battalion over here are up 3-2 in the OHL semifinals vs Peterborough. Quebec Remparts are a wagon in the Q, 12-0 in the playoffs.

The Sabres on Team Canada should get a confidence boost playing powerhouse teams like Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Norway and Latvia. Slovakia, Switzerland and Czechia make up the stronger competition. I don’t want to get too overconfident because there are often upsets at this tournament. This is nowhere near an elite team but they should easily qualify for the playoff round. A few reinforcements will join after a few more NHL teams are eliminated so the boys need to show well to keep their roster spots. I have heard a few stories over the years that this is a pretty laid back tournament for the NHLers, enjoying the European hospitality. I will try to watch a lot of Canada’s games to see how the Sabres are doing. I hope Levi does well and gets the net for the playoffs.

Stella Artois in a frosted glass.

Carolina taking it to the Devils tonight, 4-0 after two periods.

Well that settles it, I was a no for Kane but now I’m afraid to attend high school reunions.

A great goalie can save your butt many times a game.

I’m glad the Sabres picked first in the Dahlin and Power drafts and not that one. Chytil and Kakko are making that line work. I think he’s needing a change of scenery and a wake up call that he’s not that good and will have to work hard to find a role.

Rhino is not gritty by any measure but his assist was outstanding. He is tough enough to hold up and his IQ is shining through. Bob has been fantastic, stoning some good scorers on high quality chances. Tkachuk is made for playoff hockey, that is such a good tradeoff for Huberdeau. Sweep the leaves, get it over with.

The only boxes he checks off are playoff experience and MAYBE wants to be in Buffalo. Not enough.

Without looking at past draft list articles it is hard to not look at this without some bias. McJesus and Bedard have had the most hype by far. I think Matthews and Dahlin are interchangeable. Hughes, Power and Lafreniere are in the next tier. Hischier, Eklblad and Slafkovsky were not unanimous #1 by any means.

Good for Krebs, this will be a great experience for him. Maybe he gets paired with Quinn. Both goalies are from Quebec and drafted by the Panthers. Krebs can get some fighting tips from Lucic, lol.