Scottysabres

This is true. I don't think anyone questions the needs to be addressed, just how. For me, I don't want Botterill giving up any of the high end picks. That means a hockey trade.

Thanks, so its 2 to 1, I take we're playing well enough to win it.

Just turned the game on......how bad or good is it?

Absolutely this. I saw the same thing. I'd add the unpressured turnovers, which there was a lot of the last 2 games, to this. Mental preparedness, making good decisions with the puck and coaching. Housely should have changed that drop pass PP strategy after the 1st time it was failing. Nashville especially just stood them up at the blue line, and outside of Rodriguez, we don't have the speed to capatilize on that strategy imo.

A lot of poor decisions with the puck tonight. They didn't show up prepared. Lack of Scorers/Finishers is still a very real problem with this team. If Botts sees an opportunity to improve this long-term I'd be shocked in-season. I expect the next off season to be a bit active. A fair amount of 1st periods this season they are no shows. That comes back to game preparation mentally, at least to me. Team leadership is learning, I expect them to get better as they mature.

The Power Of The Tage Compells You

Tage Thompson, Come On Down.... Your the next contestant on "Get that tall lanky ass in front of the net" ?

Power Play needs some work. 1st period bad, 2nd period better. Need some guys in front of the net.

Reinhart........

Its all in good fun Hoss ? don't expect Botts to make any moves until the deadline, if at all to be honest.

I do like the idea of him here in Buffalo I admit. And my bringing him up is based on their fan chatter as of late.

Ok, moving on from Pittsburgh and Brassard, let's talk Winnipeg. The Trouba situation has their fans thinking they may have to move Ehlers this off season. Ehlers, Yes Please!!! Trouba and Ehlers, YES PLEASE!!!! Discuss.

31 and a UFA. Don't think I'd entertain giving up one of the 1sts. Would be interesting to get him for this year though, help bolster a run to the playoffs?

Brassard reportedly on the outs in Pittsburg. I'd trade Sobotka for him.

Caught the 1st period, it was still 0 - 0, they didn't look great but the 10 minutes or so I caught isn't enough to see any glaring mistakes. Are they slipping on finishing, defensively, netminding?

Toronto is looking unstoppable at this point. Obviously we'll know more after the Mathews and Marner situations get resolved this off season, but as of now, I have Toronto rated the best team in the league. And that takes in to consideration Pittsburgh, Washington and Tampa Bay. Toronto's young and just completely front end loaded. With Reilly starting to break through on defense I say they are on the cusp of a Dynasty IMO.

Bob McKenzie reporting Nylander signed, 6 yrs x 6.9 mil. With Mathews and Marner due up this July, It looks like Toronto could have 45% + of their cap tied up in 4 players. Wow, just wow.

Just under 5 hours left on the Nylander saga, at least, for the Dec. 1st signing deadline. Hard to say really what will happen. But if he is going to be moved, I expect it by 3pm EST to allow any potential trade partner a couple hours to clean up a contract. That being said, and while I know many feel Toronto's signing of Tavares was a boone, that signing is actually going to cause cap casualties, either starting today or in the up coming off season. Personally, I believe it was a foolish move given the up and coming contracts of their young star ELC's. But hey, I could be wrong. We'll be interesting in the next 8 months as it all plays out I guess.

How many games did they play in how many days the past week or so? Add to that the taxing emotional game in Tampa and it showed. They are a younger team, they played their hearts out for us this past month or so. I can't complain as a fan about a couple of off games. They will learn to over come. I'm still as happy as can be at the shear resilience they've shown on that streak. The season isn't even at the half way point and the cultural change within the players is more than noticeable, it's palpable. And while I would have liked the 2 points last night, as I'm sure they would have as well, they get 2 days to rest up for another tough 2 back to backer's. That Toronto game is sure to be another high emotional affair. Good luck boys, I hope you take the next 2 by storm.

They looked tired last night.

Start another streak? That would be nice. ? I'd like to Larry pot 1 or 2. Go Sabres!!!

The team is playing well, even in last nights loss. I expect better discipline this game. Let's see how they bounce back. ?

Are we not allowed to analyze a game, in a game day thread anymore? That would annoy me.

They blew it. Point blank, a lack of discipline blew this game. Yes, Tampa is faster, more experienced, better chemistry, more abundant talent throughout the ranks. But Buffalo could have won this game had it not been for the amount of boneheaded penalties taken. Your playing one of the top 4 premier teams in the league, mistakes are not an option. One thing that is clear, Buffalo needs to continue to improve it's wing positions on the 2nd and 3rd lines. They need their 1st line to garner more play making ability. In short, they have work to do. That was a playoff game atmosphere, and they fell short.

A number of ex pats of WNY at the game tonight. Quotes from texts just received... "Buffalo has this, Tampa chokes" "Risto is big in person, he scores the game winner. Our guys are afraid of him. I'm behind the met, they shy away" "That 4th line of yours are puck hounds, they'll win it" Thought you'd all enjoy......