French Collection

RIP Guy. He was a joy to watch, so skilled. I saw him play an old timers game after his first retirement. It was vs our local guys and he was toying with them but not in a show off-ish way. He probably could have scored at will but played at about 50% effort. He made his comeback with the Rangers the following year, so he still had it.

Craig MacTavish was the last player without a helmet.

Vasilevskyi has not been himself lately. His team made sure to provide support tonight. I don’t think it is a switch they can turn on but they know it is a marathon not a sprint. They are pacing themselves and don’t want to expend all of their energy on 1st place or seeding.

Leaf Blowers saying it’s a different result with Matthews in the lineup, yeah, 8-3. Brayden Point not playing for Tampa so that negates some of the Matthews bs.

Thanks for the tip. I will look at Nazar, I am intrigued. I have a premium account at eliteprospects but I don’t access it all that much.

I haven’t watched a lot of Nazar but a lot of reports rave about his skill. Many lists have him7-10 yet his skill set sounds better than that level. I’ve seen him listed as as a C and RW. Being able to play C would make him a versatile pick. The clips of Jiricek since his return look good. I hope he plays the World’s Championship so I can watch a few games.

Playing “big” messes up your hair. I am targeting all 3 Nylanders with this.

Devils just beat the vaunted Knights of Las Vegas. Thanks boys. Let’s whoop them in their own barn and send their fans home knowing our rebuild is bearing fruit. I want 2 more points from Dahlin and Power’s first goal. Maybe Tage can tease 40. Let’s go Buffalo.

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.