JoeSchmoe

I played at a low level, but I have a good friend that played higher levels where goonery was much more prevalent than today's NHL. He was a middleweight and fought only when necessary. He'll tell you that even the biggest goons didn't stop him from doing what he was going to do. Back to yesterday... if a 5 minute major that was likely to cost his team the game and the fine / suspension doesn't deter him... having to tie up in a lousy circa 2025 NHL fight certainly won't.

It's idiotic to think the prospect of having to fight would deter a dirty hit. Even if we had prime Bob Probert on the ice what's the difference? You can turtle or back away.

Sabres. If they can beat Columbus on Tuesday, and then win the next two after that, they'll only be another three wins in a row from being back in the hunt.

Too bad it's such a pea shooter of a shot.

The vengeful side of me (and that side is strong) would have liked to see Noesen get his head pounded in, because it's kinda awesome. The cynical/analytical side of me (just as strong) says reacting does nothing. Seriously, who is actually deterred from doing anything by fighting?!?! Even if Bob Probert is on the other side of the ice you can always turtle. Scummy move, but so are hits like that.

He gets an A for effort, but Krebs is not a serviceable NHL player.

Power is too weak of a shooter to QB a PP.

Of players that have played 25 games or more, Vinnie Hinostroza is the AHL leader in PPG. In the NHL, he has 0G and 1A in 12 games for the Preds.

No idea either way, but I would think the costs for the non-hockey ops staff, travel costs, rink costs, marketing, etc would add up pretty quick. The flight budget alone seems like it would be significant.

Unless the rise in cap is accompanied by new TV money I'm not aware of, our this news will vastly accelerate our DEATH SPIRAL. Blow 1- Based on how poorly we're doing this year, it'll be a bad one financially. Now that winning multiple cups is no longer this franchise's reason for existence, Terry will tighten the purse strings further. Blow 2- With the have teams of the league ramping up spending and us cutting down towards the floor, we'll be worse next year. There'll be even less butts in seats than before. So you have a floor team, in a market no player wants to go to. We're in full on Oakland A's mode now. Franchise = gone.

I think it's sadder that most of us gave them the benefit of the doubt. The preseason "Do we make the playoffs poll" where the vast majority voted yes was largely centered around these guys and the fact we ditched Skinner.

Remember when their speed was going to be game changing? There's no substitute for hockey IQ.

He's still better than Lafferty. A lot better from what I've seen.

Next year I vote we sign Tonya Harding to a special consultant role with the team. Come playoff time, her skills would be very helpful vs the Chiefs.

Some players have been logging huge PP minutes despite very dismal results. Cozens, Power, Benson, Byram, Kulich, Krebs, and to a lessor extent Tuch are basically unserviceable as PP players. I know this will be unpopular, but losing Skinner really hurts us here. Him and Zucker have the knack for dirty PP goals... It'd be nice to have one of them on PP1 and PP2. I know Skinner has sucked in Edmonton, but if you put him with players that can get the puck to the net, he's going to produce. Hopefully Quinn will continue to develop into the role.

In all likelihood you'll have to package him. FWIW- McLeod hasn't been a complete write-off. He's above 0.5ppg. I think that's serviceable 3rd liner type production considering he's had 2 minutes total PP time.

I think there are two separate camps talking. For me, I see an undersized 22 year old that's behind Quinn and Peterka AHL level production when they were younger. If we did have a roster spot for a guy like him, he's not going to be good enough to help us make the playoffs for at least 2 or 3 more years. Trade him for a vet that can help us now.

Trade him (or package him) while he's hot for an established veteran. A slightly younger Zucker type player would have helped this team a lot this year.

Was reading an article today that Niagara Falls, NY wants an OHL team. This, in addition to two USHL wanting out of the league to join the OHL. As predicted, the new NCAA ruling seems to be the death knell for the lower tier leagues. https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/report-niagara-falls-n-y-wants-ohl-team-but-must-resolve-land-dispute/ https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/report-ushl-teams-hire-anti-trust-lawyer-in-battle-to-join-ohl/

Yep

I'm watching the Calgary feed. In the lead up to this game someone was saying how good the Calgary arena lighting is. It's really a pleasure to watch. Polar opposite of Seattle which is my least favourite. Must be an eco thing.

I hate the fact Samuelson dumped it in to give Calgary possession when he had way better options.

The Sabres need to vastly simplify the PP zone entry. I can't stand watching back pass after back pass only to see them lose it as they step across the line. It's such a time waste and never works.

What am I missing on NAK vs Lafferty? They're on opposite sides of the expected goal chart. In limited time my eye test shows NAK to be pretty good for a 4th liner while my extended view on Lafferty is he's the worst forward on the team. Why can't NAK get a regular spot in the lineup?