Cheektorado

A standard deviation is not even in the conversation as you pointed out. Actually, if you look at the Sabres playoff run in the pressure packed month of March it has been pretty weak if you look at from a goalie win/loss record. I know there is more to the story that that, but these are the facts. Taking Lev's game out, the Sabres record in March was 4-7-3, with 2 shootout losses. If you add in that both UPL and Comrie have never played in a game with as much "importance" as this game presents, it doesn't give a vet advantage by either over Levi. I also do not take the Skinner comment lightly. Players in any sport are emotionally charged with emotions, superstitions and all other kinds of non-statistical feelings. If they play a little harder in front of the kid, it sure isn't a negative! I'd love to hear what thoughts guys like Okposo and Girgs have on this. Neither of them has ever played a playoff game and their opinion would carry a lot more weight than a fan like me.

First let me say that no other goalie has proven they are consistent enough to lock the Florida game up as starter. Levi played well in his debut and unless he is stinking it up in daily practice, he should get the call. It's a small window to see his play versus NHL playoff type hockey and it could be a factor in next year's decision making. So, if he is practicing well, he should start. Hype is an emotion. It can result in good things or bad. Taking out the fan's emotions for a moment, I see only a positive from a player's desire to show his former team that they may not have given him his due. It adds a bit more of emotion to an already important game. It's a great yardstick to measure the young man's character and fortitude. IMO.

You got to give the young man the chance against his drafting team. None of the other goalies move the needle one way or the other.

Agree. Personally, I thought VO would stay another year and Casey would be gone. I now feel the reverse should be done.

You don't need a lot of algorithmic math to see that the Sabres have to beat the Panthers Tuesday and Red Wings on Thursday. If the Devils beat the Penguins on Tuesday, it tightens things up. The algorithm is skewed due to the Sabres playing the Hurricanes, Rangers and Devils. Those are tough games, but..................................

Captain OK!

Goes to say the 5 guys in front need to do something.

Looks like Carter Hart is still out. Anyone know who's in net for the Flyers tonight? Flyers' Carter Hart: Not in Saturday's lineup Rotowire 8 HRS AGO Hart (lower body) will not be in the lineup versus Buffalo on Saturday, Bill Meltzer of NHL.com reports. The Flyers recalled Samuel Ersson on an emergency basis to back up Felix Sandstrom. Hart missed the last two games with the injury. He is 21-21-10 with a 2.90 GAA and .909 save percentage this season. Consider him day-to-day.

Agree, not sure about tonight. That is up to HCDG. But going forward he deserves as much "on the bench" time with the guys as possible.

Yes. Also, he has not played the Flyers this year, so he needs to put on the big boy pants after Levi's debut and get the win. Give Levi the Florida game on the road against his drafting team. See where the Sabres stand after that. Sabres will have 6 games left and the Penguins 4 games left. Evaluate then what to do.

Agree. By the end of the Florida game the Sabres will know how the Penguins played against Boston (today) and the Flyers and Devils. Sabres will have 6 games left and Penguins 4. Wait until that is over with to decide who is goaltending and what to do with Levi. In the meantime, Bales and Anderson need to discuss what best mentor role Craig can play before he is gone.

Next year's roster is a long way away. Let's get him a reasonably good look for the rest of this year. I have to say you don't go back-to-back with him tonight. Let me have the road game in Florida and see how he handles playing against his drafting team. Evaluate where he is after that. Treat him like any other goalie in this situation. If he's hot you play him until the playoff spots are decided. Then you play him for the experience after that.

yep.

Sabre shooters can beat Allen.

He IS a Beast!

I just texted that to the brothers and nephews!

JJP!

NET THAT!

OTT up on the swamp cats 1-0.

HOW ABOUT THAT!

I got to admit that was not what I thought the OP would be for tonight's GDT. Well Done! Tonight's game is a Yoda one, Do or Do Not, There is No Try. Sounds funny, but I bet he is not the only one of these players feeling this. That includes guys like Skinner too, who never seen a playoff game. Need 2 vets with playoff experience next year one on both sides of the blue line. I'm a broken record on this.

Skin 'em baby.

Thank you.

LOL, I know that has sarcasm in it, but it's what I think is missing. For the forwards it can be an experienced guy for the bottom 6. For the D, I am going to hope it's a 2nd paired D-man that would cost some decent money. Be great if both had some good PK experience! I can HOPE, even at my age!