Pimlach

I expected this years GA to be better than last year, even at this point in the season. We won a few games because of goaltending. Anyone know GA(Expected) for the same time periods?

They took an offensive time out and ran it up the middle. How about roll Allen right, and show the intent to run, then back off and look for pass to a big target, we have several. If the pass is not there Allen tucks it in and runs, and stays in bounds. A run/pass option. He has done this play many, many times with success for prior OC's. Or run the plays that they did, run out the play clock, take the 5 yard penalty, and punt it inside the 10 instead and in a corner. Instead of kicking a FG with an injured kicker and giving them the ball at midfield.

Bills with a really great win. Best game the defense has played in a while. Mahommes passed for 44% today, his first time ever under 50%. Hairston and Bishop both really stepped up. I hope what we saw is their new normal If it is they will elevate everyone. Unfortunately we will lose Hoecht, he made a big impact in 2 games. Allen had a fine game. So did Cook and Kincaid. The offense did good, but it still feels like the play calling is holding them back. The last offensive series leading to the missed FG was just too conservative. Perfect time for Allen and run/pass options. One more first down and you’re comfortably taking knees. Overall a great win. The Bills can make a run for the Super Bowl. I Billieve! Oh, and Sabres-Bills weekend W’s feel fantastic!

I recall only one knee hit and I thought the other gut did it to Greenway. When you are tall its easy to look like you are targeting someone's head. The replay on the head hit showed nothing that indicates it was intentional, the other player was leaning forward to follow through on his pass. Lucky no one was injured but that's hockey and the Sabres have been on the wrong end of those plays way too often in the recent past. Greenway is not known as a dirty player.

Greenway is not playing dirty. He is playing hard and attracting attention though. He took on Wilson and got him off the ice for a long time. That was a big plus for the Sabres. I like Greenway, when he is healthy he brings something we need. Will Ellis see another game?

My wife and daughter went to the Cold Play concert this summer at the bizarre new facility that Toronto just built out in the he middle of nowhere, the one with one road in and out. Many major logistics problems that night. Most people were stuck in traffic for hours going in and out. I can remember when Toronto was once the standard for large city cleanliness, efficiency, and friendliness.

He gets a lot of flack here at time. He is big and sometimes looks unorthodox out there. Sometimes he tries to make a play and fails. There are 31 other GMs that would take him in a heartbeat. What he is not is a guy that can do it on his own. Neither was Eichel. Neither was LaFonatine, or Mogilny, or Andreychek, or Perreault.

It is different game now. Less nuances and less gut feel. Past strategy that relied on good defense, base running, hit and run, etc., is less and less part of the game. Just about every decision is traced to analytics and what the laptop says.

I am sure it would have been a thrilling game to see, unless you took the train in.

I estimate that Thompson needs to get 40 for this team to succeed, unless they get secondary scoring from lots of places. Then mid to upper 30s could be enough. Benson could get 20 given all that he creates. His shot is still not strong, but he gets in the greasy areas enough. He’s just not catching breaks.

No. That will never be good enough in a normal season. One point a game gives you 82 points and well out of the wild card. 95 is the number to be in contention

That would be 13 points out of possible 20. That would be a good pace and put us in the running.

I have seen lots of replays and stop action. The catchers foot came off, then he got it back on the plate in time for a force out at home. The call was correct. Replays verify he was out. Blue Jays had a great season. They had many chances to win it - needed one more out, one more hit, one more play, but they didn’t get it. Credit to the Dodgers for winning 2 in a row on the road, and they just seemed to rise up when needed.

I would have to agree. They are a better checking team and more willing to defend themselves. Depth is being tested, especially at center and on defense, and they are getting better Not sure the goaltending holds up, we still do not know Ellis at all. The power play is still a problem.

Focusing on a .500 point percentage is meaningless, especially this early in the season. Every team in the Sabres division has at least .500 point percentage. Every team in the Sabres conference has at least .500 points percentage. Only 6 teams out of 32 are below .500 points percentage.

I enjoyed the game and will take the win and all that. Happy for Rosen to score and have a nice game, and UPL came up, big as did the PK.

13 out of 24 is 6 points over a .500 in season. Since 2010 no teams playing in a full NHL season has made the playoffs with that percentage. But technically it’s .500+ percentage points so it has some kind of feel good factor to some people. 5-4-3 pace over 82 games put you with teams that are 5-7 pace over 82, you are watching the playoffs but with a higher draft pick.

Look who is talking. 13 points out of 24 is not going to work. Playing hair over 500 is falling short.

This is the way to look at it. Especially since every team that we lost to was in the division or conference. 13 points out of 24 possible gets you 88 points in a season. Out of the playoffs. Do not think this is adequate.

Yes.

They are not over .500

And Colton Ellis becomes the Matt Ellis of backup goalies. Until they trade him.

WE GOT 2 POINTS. THAT IS GOOD.