GrassValleyGreg

He was on 11 game point streak that ended a week ago after a disappointing start and trade.

Welcome back. This year has certainly reinvigorated my interest in watching 16 and 17-year olds skate! I don't remember another draft where the top two were such sure things. There is no doubt broad consensus that McDavid is number one, and most other years Eichel would be. Not sure which "strange things" you've heard, other than freshman college kid enjoying campus life a bit, but both are praised for their mental game (both on and off-ice) just as much as physical.

I'm with you PhD. No way he stays this hot when team is getting outshot and outcorsied as bad as they were today. If he stays then, I wonder if priority for TM will be to sign him during final two months. Get a good price on him and have that position settled going into next year - at least in theory. Agree 100% goalies are easier to find than top 6ers. Like PhD said though, just don't think Neuv is as big of a tank killer as he's been in last couple weeks. I think it's good he's taken the reigns. Now tank on and get best of both worlds. A gamble indeed, but one I think worth taking.

I understand the prideful sentiment I guess yes. Although losing on purpose is different from losing. And in typing that sentence, I realize my error and apologize for the leading question (considering tank intends purpose). What I really wondered is if there were people honestly disappointed with a loss with 20 games left. But I understand if this has been beaten to death. I think we can agree that almost an entire year of this can make a fanbase act in peculiar ways.

Was truly curious. No insults from me. Just an exploration of psyche.

Is there still an anti-tank on board? Would you explain yourself??

Corey Crawford of the Blackhawks? He's their franchise goalie. And I wouldn't feel comfortable with Dubnyk or Halak in the playoffs. You can't react to things only once they are an issue. You need some sort of plan. Proactive, not reactive. If we get McEichel next year plus free agents, we could very well make the playoffs. I'm not saying it's likely, but there is a possibility. TM has high opinion of talent that was selected in the first round. He obviously felt Neuv could develop into a quality tender if his mental game matured. Maybe TM bet on the right time in the kids development. I guess the broader question is: does the benefit of additional negotiating time with a guy who might be the goalie for this turnaround outweigh a possible tank killer?

<<<< BREATHE >>>>

Anybody else starting to think that keeping Neuvirth might be the move? Obviously he is the only thing keeping this tank from finishing strong. And the tank should remain the number one priority. But we also need a backstop moving forward, and he is really starting to look like a NHL goaltender. Maybe his handling this year, the confidence instilled by Murray, and the realization now that he's a true number 1, has honed his mental game. He's always had the physical tools. Similar arc to his ex teammate Varlamov. I know he's a FA, but there is an advantage to having a window of contract negotiations for the remainder of the year.

Yea. I really don't understand the motivation of non-tankers. Defies logic. But I always thought the purpose of the gameday thread was to focus on some positives or negatives of that single game (for the most part). A place to come to escape from the misery of the current tank, and comment on the daily state of our roster. Couldn't tell the difference between this thread and Carrion.

Praying your hope isn't naive. I understand we'll be trading off a couple more players. I understand we have a favorable schedule coming up in March. I understand analytics are on our side. But this is Buffalo. And this may just be a new form of heart break we have yet to experience.

Risto! Clearing out the front of the net with authority.

Who's this cursed moron??

Yotes need another 2 and I'll start to become a little more comfortable. Could be big 4 point swing tonight.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but he was raised middle upper-class in Moscow.

Some positives to come out of a victory. That's the best we can ask for.

One of best offensive possessions I've seen from Risto.

Whoops. Le Homme Nikita.

Even if Stewart is moved, I can see him being a FA target for next year. Kane-McDavid-Stewart top line? Nakita now one goal and six assists in last 7.

Can we at least wait a full game to evaluate Bogo? Dear God, it's been a period. Can you imagine what Jets fans are saying about Tyler after his 2 assist, offensively dominant performance? Agree, he is definitely a TM player. Top draft pick too. Post trade, our roster is packed with even more early first rounders.

Myers with a very strong game but Jets fans got a decent dose of his indecisiveness on a crucial 4 on 3 in OT. Both him an Staff were noticeable on the ice, and I'm sure a welcome sight to Jets fans.

Thank you!

Yea I get that. I asked why and nobody has given me a legitimate answer. Is he a Panthers fan who has seriously posted over 5000 times in a Sabres forum? That's a little odd. And not only is he posting, he's pissing on our potentially franchise changing parade. I get it, I just started posting. And if you approach this board like some high school/frat boy hierarchy, I guess I understand where you would give a new poster a hard time. But dear God, check your priorities and allegiances if you're constantly sticking up for a FLORIDA PANTHERS fan.

Expand beyond Arrested! This is David Cross, just as one of his many much funnier Mr. Show characters.

Cool! Big fan guys. Been reading on here for a while. Became more engaged this year in search of some support for what was going to be a painful yet fruitful season. Thanks for the commiseration!