Broken Ankles

Bryson, Mitts, and Lyubushkin. Would have selected Asplund as my third but he has been resigned to a #13 forward.

If you break it down to Even Strength points, Bennett has a 17% edge in PPG (.299/game vs .254/game) over the same period measured (year 20-24). And more Goals per game ES. His Corsi and other advanced metrics are better, as are blocked shots, hits and take aways. His plus /minus is also better. (Can we still use that stat?? 👀 ). He brings a different element to a third line that Casey does not. To look at a singular overall PPG metric and declare victory is short sighted. I think almost all GM's if given the opportunity take Bennett 7 days a week, and twice on Sunday. That said, as one of those who clearly would not be considered for the Mitts fan club, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the progress he's shown in the last 7-9 games. Developing a synergy with Jost and seemingly skating faster, losing the puck less - especially along the boards. Prior to today he was even in +/- during January and I think on the ice for the most goals (ES) of any skater except Dahlin, which says a lot. But the progress needs to continue. As I noted earlier in the thread, I'm firmly in the camp he will be traded, but it doesn't have to be this year, as he still has another year at a very reasonable number to prove himself.

Casey has to be player 2 based on games played. Question is who is player 1?

Good call out. I had to look at the winning streak in January for the Kraken. They are the first team in NHL history to sweep a seven game road trip, and three of the six teams that swept 6 games went on to win the cup (according to On the Fly/NHL). They also have a goal difference of +25 month to date. That was one hot team, and the Sabres were ultra competitive.

Questionable penalty; weak goal.

Agree. Their line had only 12 minute ES over two games with a 34% Corsi and 12/1 high danger chances against/for. Cozens played better in his two previous with JJ and Quinn despite them struggling. Neither Vinnie or Rasmus have played much recently so we can give some latitude but both need to step up their game today on a new line. Musical Walkover.

Latin lesson today. Ty!

Winning, and having the #2 seed is awesome, but sending the Hoody/Pats home with a losing record and no playoffs is just so comforting.

Tell us what you really think!

Recent history I suppose. For every top 10 draftee that takes 2+ years to develop (Quinn, Suziki, Glass) there are multiples who are contributing in D+1 - Necas, McTavish, Berniers, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger, L Raymond, Cole P, Lundell, Jarvis, Zegras, Dach, Cozens, Elias Petersson, etc. Even Mitts made the squad in 2018. So if there is talent in the bottom six keeping him out, he would most assuredly will see a top 9 role by 2024. If Mitts is truly finding his game as a forward on the RW, and Jost continues to contribute in his role, then both contract situations strengthens the Sabres ability to develop Savoie another year with no risk. This also assume Krebs continues to develop with a grinder line this year and next. But history says many of these kids are ready D+1.

Of course you did, Debbi.

Tage

Wow. Great save.

Just thinking the same. Saying if the Sabres can keep it behind the Blue Line and limit turnovers, “they can’t play with us” shows confidence. Well received.

Just read this to my father, who is visiting from Buffalo. He recalled seeing Pete multiple times back in the day at a breakfast place on Hertel Ave and he always had time to chat up the boys about the Bills/Sabres/Bisons. 🙏

Aka, The Minority Report.

Not that this tournament is the end all, be all, but six goals in six games, and chosen as player of the game is anything but “inconsistent”. Coupled with his playing in the AHL at 18, I would say his development is on 🎯.

Do you sleep? Ever?

Curious about the shift away from Def zone face-offs for this line, and specifically Mitts and VO. When Casey was on the wing with Tage he saw a 53% O-zone rate. With Vic for the entire year (with/without Jost) they were 58%. And with neither, Mitts was a staggering 28%. In 84 minutes of time. So why would a coach drastically reduce Defensive Zone face offs over the last few games (since the formation of the line with Jost- Arizona) for a player when they are statistically one of the better performers on the team? Not that Face-offs matter, eh Liger 😉. The answer could be the offensive prowess of the three and better opportunity to score. But I’m more glass half empty on this one. It’s fear that a team struggling on the Dot will lose possession and increase the chances against with Mitts/VO in their own zone.

Could be 52% for the year. Not this line. Highly sheltered. Natural Stat Trick.

Bryson may have been a +1 but wasn’t fine. Horrible pinch/decision to pinch, out of position multiple time and still loses more puck battles than he wins. I bench him before Clague, when Joki is healthy. Not like it hasn’t been said consistently on multiple threads, but the Sabres need to trade for a RD.