French Collection

I would take Sam. His play making skills are better and he is a little more physical than VO. He can also play centre. VO’s all round game is improving and he got his shot back but I don’t think he is a point a game player like Sam has become.

Washington scores first over Vegas. Edmonton is beating Dallas 4-2 after 2.

Devils beat Vegas 3-2. Wow, the Devils were outshot badly but held on. Lehner was weak on the goals I saw.

Toronto Marlies won the Calder Cup in 2017-18, a few of those guys have been on the Leafs the last few years. Hasn’t led to deep runs in the playoffs for them.

I started out as a Habs fan, my family is French and we only had the CBC feed every Saturday. While visiting relatives that had cable, I watched some Sabres games and was hooked on The French Connection. The viewings were few and far between except during the playoffs. There are a lot of gaps for me as I have never seen most of the games. I haven’t missed many in the last 10-12 years, thanks to an NHL package. Unfortunately, that timespan has been bad.

This is almost exactly what I was going to say about Bloom. The only thing I’ll add is that 7 of his goals were shorthanded. Drafted as a winger, he has played C this year. In about 3 years he might be the 4C on the Sabres. The centre spine might change but there is some talent ahead of him. He may also move to the wing at the professional level and could become a middle six guy.

Eichel was drafted higher so the expectations are higher. He is an elite talent who I think tops out at 35 G and 65 A for 100 PTS. Health is a big concern and he may never get back to 100% and therefore would not hit those numbers. He turns 26 this fall and the next 2-3 years are probably the peak years for a forward. In my opinion, Tage is a better shooter and is bigger and stronger than Eichel. He is not as good of a stick handler or a playmaker so his assist totals will be lower. He is a year younger than Eichel so we may have not seen his ceiling which I think is 45G 40A. If he stays healthy he will have a solid career. Tage is exceeding expectations while the other guy doesn’t meet his.

Toker with a beauty of a save!

Even JAGs score once in a while. Nice shot, nice set up by Dahlin.

Exactly what we’ve come to expect from VO.

He is almost 30 points ahead of his next teammate, on one of the worst teams in the league. He is the real deal.

Can’t watch this one, at the Sens game vs the Leafs. My oldest lives in Ottawa and the family wanted to catch a game. Blow Leafs blow! C’mon Sabres, you can take those Flyers!

I still cannot wait for Butcher to leave on the same train as Eakin but he did OK yesterday and had flashes of offensive IQ for a few shifts. I feel Pysyk and Miller are better than Butcher.

Calling @pi2000, is your ear to the ground on this?

I like Asplund more than Larry as well. He skates better and seems to have more creativity, he just needs to bury a few more pucks. I would like to see him work on his draws and become a versatile 4th liner who can move up to fill in.

I think LA is the weakest link, they are playing like dog doo-doo.

If the Sabres can play like that they will win a lot of games. If they can hustle like that and create chances many teams can’t keep up. Good goaltending and continued development of the young group will have this team in the playoff picture.

In my opinion, the best goal scorer, ever. RIP Mike.

True, but he might provide an opinion on someone they are watching.

It’s nice for him to get some recognition. Just like players, this can be a great experience, learning new methods, intricacies etc… Networking with other good hockey people. Maybe he will spot a Euro goalie that is a free agent.

I feel these guys will be here until I hear different. KA needs to get their honest feelings on it and plan accordingly. They are not in the picture in Rochester let alone Buffalo next season so KA needs to make some moves to fill some nets. I am a fan of drafting a goalie this year. There are no highly ranked ones, so they can wait until the later rounds. The Sabres have to keep a steady stream in the pipeline until they find a long term solution.

I’m not saying these guys are the answers but there Euro goalies available to add depth. https://www.tsn.ca/detroit-red-wings-magnus-hellberg-one-year-contract-1.1785016

OMG, the looks I got around town today for wearing a Sabres hat. Sabres are on the upswing and the Leafs could be out early again this year. I think they will trade Matthews before he gets to UFA. No Leafs blowers want to talk about it but he will probably want to see what he can get as a UFA.

I’ve mentioned Price before. Many feel his contract is too long and too much. He wouldn’t be under the Montreal pressure and he could still be the go to while transitioning to backup and mentor to Levi. I doubt there is a deal to be made there but I don’t dislike the idea. The Sabres have cap space for Price and Bobrovsky in net. This is not feasible going forward, just saying.

That trophy was originally given to the Gainey, Ramsay types, who were known as top checkers and embraced that role. It has evolved into a consolation prize for top forwards who will never win an Art Ross or a Hart. The Norris is basically the defence version of the Art Ross. Rod Langway was the outlier I remember.