GrassValleyGreg

Had a friend play with Douggie for a year in Niagara and even at a young age called him "not very likable" and a "bit of a head case", whose early skill and success was already begin to inflate his ego. Take that for whatever it's worth, especially because it was when he was 17. But I'd say getting traded by two teams is definitely a red flag, maybe not for his watchable game play, but for his locker room character. I'd pass. Put me on the Kuli as a great backup plan and possibly more cost-effective decision. I've always liked his game - smooth and calm. if Risto continues developing and can be that #1, he'd be a fine complement. We say we need a PP QB, but I don't see it as make or break. I think Eich at one point and Risto at another will be just fine. Our issue was 5x5 last year, not PP.

FWIW, although not a common poster, the one argument I’ve repeated is that Fowler is overrated by many on this board. I watch Ducks games (live in LA) and have paid particular attention to Cam this year, particularly after rumors had it that he was a target of Murray. I mostly agree with the article posted by 3putt. He will be a strength and nice addition to our PP and it’s easy to imagine him and Eich easily gaining the zone with their speed. But the concerns about his mental lapses on D are real. And his shot is soft. We will be getting a dynamic, pass-first defenseman who will likely frustrate in his own end (don't want to say it but a less awkward Myers, who I am a fan of). It will be tolerable with his current contract, but not sure if the fan base could stomach much more. I also agree with dudacek’s scarcity argument among top defensemen in the league. In the end, I have faith in Murray. If he feels Fowler can mesh with Risto and bring that dynamism to our PP (the thought of his speed and EIch’s is certainly enticing), then full speed ahead. I would be surprised (and disappointed) if he gives up the 8th. Lastly, thank you all for carrying the conversation this offseason. All high quality insight. Excited to share the night with you tomorrow (today for some). EDIT: Missed your latest two posts duda. Like always, you are dead on. Also, I don't think Shatty v. Fowler is close with Shat being the far superior offensive playmaker. Both not strong defensively, but Shatty is a difference maker and top 2 guy when paired with sound d-man.

Sabres all over the ice today. Fasching looks like NHL power forward against top quality opponents. Reinhart getting all kinds of PT after not seeing the ice much in games prior. McCabe excelling at jumping down on weak side and was just robbed on the game tying goal. All good things. When does the season start? Also, I'm sure it's been discussed in this thread, but what's the feeling on Eich sitting this one out? Larkin is out there, as are other young players coming off long seasons. Too good for it? Plain exhaustion?

Clicking on all cylinders for sure but the Rangers are a mess right now led by a lost Hank who doesn't want to be there. I know there has been a lot of hope for Yandle on this board but the guy is brutal defensively and has been a disappointment manning the point all year. No way I want to invest the money he'll demand on market. Lets hope we can get lucky and snag an RFA. Vatanen is just what we are missing and would be my target.

Live in LA, go to about 10 Ducks games a year and watch most others. I really don't understand the obsession with Fowler on here. Enamored with speed? There is a reason he is often third on PP and not a factor on PK. Average shot and average in his own end. Good offensive player with speed and handle no doubt but not the player a bunch of you are making him out to be. Just my informed opinion.

Wow and a breakaway save on Compher! Showcasing incredible flexibility!

Peterson very impressive through the first two periods. First time I've seen a full game from him. Agile and quick when moving laterally. Quiet in his movement and very sound positionally.

I've accepted Kane. And once you do, it's wonderful.

The maturation and growing compete level of these kids is something to behold. :)

Reinhart so good at picking off passes on the forecheck. Tricking guys into coughing it up. He'll get a ton of assists like last night's over his career.

Surprised to see so much doom and gloom on here. We're winning the physical battle in an increasingly physical game. One of my favorite Kane games to date. We are missing our best player and just traded a bottom six guy who was playing on our one. There's going to be games when the skill isn't there.

A 3rd is a steal. Retaining half of the salary bumped it up from a 4th (I'm assuming) according to LeBrun.

Yes his goal calls are terrible in my opinion. And no that's not the point to RJ's calls. His may be simple but they have a sense of spontaneity that match the moment. And to compare where mama hides the cookies or someone call the cops to who needs batman when you have robin or big heart sam heart for their supposed endearing terribleness is pretty off. (the latter wasn't so awful but the play didn't warrant it. sam went to the net but was mostly untouched and flipped the puck over the glove.) The two issues with Dunleavy's calls are that they mostly consist of bad, unfunny puns and these bad, unfunny puns often seem overplanned and unnatural. It's all a bit awkward. Obviously, this is my opinion. I'm just surprised people enjoy it.

Dunleavy's strength is fitting his knowledge of the game into play by play. His glaring weakness is the laughably scripted and uncomfortable goal calls. Its like he's still trying them out in front of the mirror. Was surprised to see people appreciating the "big heart reinhart" or "who needs batman when you have robin?". So bad... McGinn understands its a business and really enjoys the locker room here. I think that is one thing we have going that we have not in the last few years. Players enjoy coming to work. The team is close and the coach is a player's coach. I think that bumps us up a few notches when he's evaluating his options next off-season. Get a second for him, leave on good terms, and begin discussions in the offseason.

Haha, not going to have a discussion about feminism with a guy who claimed the country is changing because people were offended by hidden camera pics of an unknowing woman at a bar. We'll just stick to hockey k?

Coming in late and it was probably said (I hope) but stopped reviewing at this point out of anger. The continuous posting of pics of an unsuspecting woman is beyond indefensible. It has nothing to do with a soft culture. My God man. Have some sense of decency. When someone says "this country has become softer than a...", take a look and you'll probably see a white male in a rapidly changing world. Update: the discussion of feminism that followed was comical. Thank you qwk and K-9 for providing the only substance in critical thought.

Hahaha.

Totally. Couldn't be happier. More a broad observation of the Board, especially for Lemmy.

Amazing that people evaluate trades period to period.

Lemmy keeping us in this.

Surprised the idea of keeping Johnson received a page of traction.

Phew. Doesn't seem like that long ago when people were clamoring for Mouls/Eich. Amen to that. A comment earlier mentioned how shallow the forwards are (and no doubt they are), but that is a lot of talent out (or maybe, hopefully not out). Would be pretty interesting if Ennis can return to form sometime this year.

Sarcasm right?

Good second. Growing pains. Positives in Lemmy's first very strong game as a Sabre. Sound positioning throughout (although flailing his 6'4 frame a bit in chaos). Hopefully, a couple more like these will start to turn the overwhelming pessimism on the Board. Eich continues to get more comfortable with smart puck possession (although still a number of lackadaisical turnovers followed by lazy attempts to get back to the puck). Looks dynamic on the PP (7 PPPs in last 10). Sound D until the shell. No doubt the group continues to get better. Good game from the 3rd line. Gionta with some good burst. Moulson sighting!

Don't think theres a bigger waste of space than Moulson.