French Collection

Me too, but he’s a 7th rounder who wasn’t exactly dominating the AHL. Embracing the role and giving 100% could get him some NHL games. You never know.

Islanders played last night as well, so there is an level playing field in that regard. Sorokin should be in net for them so the Sabres don’t go vs a backup. This will be a good test.

I know Lafferty is a 4th liner, but I expected more in the way of speed, forechecking and grit. Maybe Kozak can be the next Matt Ellis.

Dustin Wolf dominated at the AHL level for a few years and has finally become an NHL goalie. It can take time.

Another smothering team with a good goalie. Get that PP going and get a lead. Reimer probably starts and needs an effort like his last one.

Went to the Daily Faceoff site to check out the confirmed and projected starting goalies for tonight. Starting goalie for the Oilers was Jeff Skinner! This has since been corrected to Stuart Skinner, lol.

Excellent. He’s getting way more games than backing up UPL. Rosen with 2G and an A is a good game too.

I just feel that they are overachieving. They can’t be that good if the Sabres outplayed them and got nearly 40 shots. I know what their record is, they do not look like a Cup contender to me.

I disagree with comments that the Wild are a really good team. The Sabres outplayed them, by a good margin. Gustavsson is average but is having a good season and despite his shaky start to this one he found his groove and was solid. They have a good record but are not a powerhouse by any means. This same team did not make the playoffs last year in a weak western conference. It was a game the Sabres should have won, making it frustrating for us. Carry on.

I hate when guys have a chance to hit Kaprizov and let up.

He’s showing glimpses tonight, they need him to come back to life.

UPL making saves that he has too. It’s time for the rest to step up.

He’s cost them 2 plays like that. 4th line IQ.

Gustavsson saved a lot but looked like he was fighting the puck. Keep firing.

Lucky break for them, it means they were out manned in their end but Sabres had a bad turnover.

McLeod getting a drastic downgrade in wingers. I would try him between Cozens and Benson. Promote Krebs while McLeod drops. McLeod did a good job out west.

Peterka has moved beyond prospect status. He is a player other teams give us multiple pieces for. NO. I really like Quinn because he can get to the level I am talking about, but he has regressed. Jiricek and Quinn are of similar value at the moment imo. If Jiricek pans out, top 4 RHD is set for a long time. Kulich can be Quinn’s replacement in the top 9. His added value is he can play C. NO. Columbus is disappointed in Jiricek’s development, if they are looking to move him. He is probably frustrated at being held back and would like a fresh start. I hope he’s not a prima donna that would balk at a stint in Rochester if acquired. Jokiharju for immediate help and RyJo for a tweener who can become a 4-5 D. Both former 1st rounders.

If Power won’t hit humans then he needs to focus on hitting rubber discs harder. Working on his muffin is a huge area of growth and would increase his offensive ability. Byram finding his groove makes this unit a “big three” that other teams will fear. The 70’s Habs big three has been mentioned before and they were a force. At least one of them was on the ice for almost the entire game. The Sabres need to find their “Engblom” as a #4 who complements the trio. That big three also spawned 2 time Norris winner Rod Langway.

Matthews coming back will slow them down.

14 years as a Ranger, part of their leadership group. Trouba hasn’t been there as long, but he is their captain. Their salaries are above their production and value, so Drury wants someone else. A change in leadership because these guys haven’t got it done on some good teams. In my mind Drury is not dealing from a position of power because this is out and most teams are up against the cap. Buffalo is in a position of power, but has not utilized their “mountain” of cap space forever.

Sabres need to break that string.

Why is Kreider available? My take is he is nearly done. However, he can provide immediate help and much needed experience. I’ll take him and deal with the remaining 2x $6.5 later. The Rangers need to be told he is a cap dump and you are helping them get younger and cheaper reinforcements, pure and simple. They are not throwing in the towel and going full rebuild. They will keep maxing out their cap and will be going after talent in another deal if his return is picks and prospects. He is not worth his 39 goal 75 point self of 23/24. He is heading for around 40 points on a good team and playing PP1. He is 33 and a cap dump. Jokiharju and Rosen is my max. The offer can be leveled up with a swap of picks, 2nd for a 3rd or some such thing if one team’s feelings are getting hurt.

Sounds like he stood up to the rowdy crew to help and got pounded by the group. Drunk pack mentality.

Reimer is used to being the backup so he would be mentally strong in this role. His journeyman career would have exposed him to a lot of coaches and I am sure some nuggets of knowledge could be passed along. Another veteran presence in the room is always welcome, until he becomes a liability on the ice, see EJ, KO.

It is just fun to be in this position as the calendar flips pages. That legwork KA is supposed to be doing needs to bring in support by the deadline. If they are in this position in the New Year, TP needs to believe and loosen the purse strings. Once again there is tons of cap space to make something(s) happen.