French Collection

Listened to Marty and Duffer on Sabres Live today. They have the same questions that we have here about who plays centre. Marty rhymed off Thompson, Krebs and Cozens and was unsure of 4C. He doesn’t feel Zemgus or Asplund should play there. He says Sheahan can do it but only if Quinn and Peterka don’t make the team. He did not mention Mittelstadt. Duffer floated the idea of going after Stastny but that it would be unlikely for him to come. Maybe I am on hopium here but would like to see Asplund given a real shot at it. Another option for me would be to try and get Krebs to embrace that role and also provide more offence than a guy like Larry did.

We like watching Alone, pushing themselves to the limit. I love the creativity in building shelters and the ability to get food.

Coaches say the same thing about parents. Every little decision is under a microscope and debated.

I’m a little disappointed in Rosen, he only got 11:00 last night and no points. His coach must feel the same way because he was on a better line and getting more ice time at the start of the tournament. There is still time for him to turn it around, Sweden should get at least two more games. He is 19, this is the year for him to show something at this tournament. Kulich has had some good moments. He is 18 and the Czechs only have one good line so opponents have shut them down. The USA is a great team and he will be challenged on every shift. The PP is their only chance to score IMO and Kulich is one of the keys on their unit.

I’m not an expert in the education field but from my perspective teacher’s roles have changed a lot. They used to be the ones that had the knowledge and would pass it on to the kids. Now, technology allows everyone to have the knowledge at their fingertips so the teachers IMHO, don’t have as much respect. As I have aged I find the changes comes faster. 40 years ago the methods used in my trade were the same as 20-30 years before that. Technology provided equipment and tools to make the work physically easier and safer. Over the years newer technologies, newer procedures and regulated training came at a faster pace and produced more of a streamlined, cookie cutter approach to getting the work done. I find there used to be more thinking and creativity involved, which got people in trouble sometimes, but led to more job satisfaction. Anyway, enough ranting, gotta get these kids off of my lawn.

Recency bias makes me change my opinion a little bit during this tournament but I try and avoid the roller coaster rides. Other examples on the optimistic side: Luke Hughes is the best player in his family. High bar but it is hard to say right now. How is Bergmanis not drafted? He hadn’t done much until now. McTavish will be a 1C and captain of the Ducks. Zegras would like to have a chat about 1C.

I recall Reinhart having a muffin of a shot in his first year, he worked at it and really improved. Reinhart is adept at tipping shots and was strong enough to hold his ground. He would also drop back behind the net on the PP and provide another look as a playmaker. I think Krebs may be quicker/faster than Sam but he has some ground to gain in most skills. This is a big year for him to show improvement and see if he can play C at this level.

USA looked awesome last night, forechecking like madmen and playing a great possession game. Sweden couldn’t get anything going and we’re basically playing dump and change to get fresh legs on. This turned out to be fun to watch in the last 5 minutes as Sweden got within 1 goal and kept pressing. US goaltender looked so so, but in his defense, he had not faced any real pressure. Rosen was not a factor but no one really did much from the Swedish side. Sjodin was elevated to play with Lysell on a scoring line but spent most of the game in their own end.

I’ve said it before but stylistically he can be a Doug Gilmour type. All heart, chippy, pass first, 200’ centre. His point ratio may end up similar to Joe Thornton, 1 goal for every 3 assists. I see him as a good 3C who can move up to the top 6 and can play both special teams.

Patrick has had injury trouble since his junior days. Vegas will have more guys on LTIR than the Sabres have making $750K.

Typo from me, it is Suchanek, like the vampire.

I’m sure they were all invited to return. I would say the most common reason for not going is summer preparation to make an NHL team, including avoiding injuries. Their NHL teams would have had a strong opinion on this summer tournament. I read somewhere that McTavish wanted to play at all costs and had to convince Anaheim in order to go. I would think most teams felt that way about their top prospects.

I want to watch the USA vs Sweden game, first real test for each team. Same for Canada vs Finland. They are the top four and they finally get a challenging opponent. The Finns have just found another gear in international tournaments the past 5 years or so.

Suchacek named player of the game for Czechia. Sabres may add him to the Czech Mafia if he has a good showing. He plays for the Tri City Americans in the WHL, and faced 35 shots a night last season.

TSN saying during broadcast that Czechia goalie Suchacek is invited to Buffalo’s prospect tournament. Playing well this game vs Canada, 53 shots, 5 goals allowed.

I go back to the Ryan Kessler comparisons with Cozens. I want him to become that type of player and have a solid career in Buffalo. I would wait another year before locking him up long term.

I think Lehner has issues with that organization as well. Maybe it was just the coach, but there were two stories going around about whether he could play down the stretch last season.

I got the same feeling around Canada Day. There were fewer flags than usual. People did not want to be associated with the protesters was my take on it.

I like the way Kulich plays, he could turn into a real good NHLer. It is very interesting how every team’s boards are so different. I guess it is why I remember Forton saying they make a list of around 120 guys, when there are 244 selected.

My uncle had a Plymouth Fury a bit older than that one. I slept on the back window during a few road trips.

One place I haven’t seen him slotted in is W onThompson’s line. He doesn’t deserve 1st line minutes yet but he may be a future set up man for TT.

Welcome to the 58 club, beat you by a month and a few days. Some days I feel like 68 while others seem like 48. Just do something, keep moving is my mantra.

They can alternate draws depending on who is hot, strong side/weak side, historical data vs opponents. Defensive zone responsibilities could be shared, first one back helps D.

Yes, players that had aged out were allowed to return.

Better than Bjork too. They know him and he must have been a positive influence in his first stint. Probably wanted to play there on his “last” contract.