Pimlach

I like this data. Good to see some "real GF and real GA". The returns for the combined trades for Byram/McLeod have been very good so far. We must acknowledge that. I might add that although Zucker was not brought in to replace Skinner, it looks like he is doing more for Buffalo than Skinner is doing for Edmonton. GP G A PTs PIM +/- Skinner 17 3 3 6 2 -6 Zucker 17 3 8 11 23 +2 Not to mention that Zucker has a two-way physical aspect to his game. He does not float. I can think of at least two times when he screened a goalie to help score a goal, some of his good play is not reflected on the scoresheet.

I have to agree with @SwampD in that there are aspects of his game that are very good right now. I doubt Lindy gives him 23 mins a game otherwise. ESPN pointed out his problem handling bodies around the net on several replays, and then on one replay they highlighted that he did a very good job of using his body and his stick as leverage, and he kept the slot clear for Levi at a crucial point in the 3rd period. He can do it, and he is actually big enough and smart enough to be good at it. He just has to get into more involved physically and build confidence. I don't think it fair to say "its not his game" and let it go though. It is a facet of the game that he must be willing to do. I remember back when Dahlin was getting pushed around and he decided he had enough and started pushing back. It was right after he spent time with Hedberg at the All Star break. Power needs that same revelation and it has to come from within himself.

Rumor has it that Pesce said no.

Adams did add a top 4 with Byram. That is not even debatable. If only Samuelsson was available and still playing like a top 4. Did Adams see that Ruff started the season with Samuelsson on the 3rd pair and Joker on the first pair? Does it tell Adams anything that Joker cannot crack the line up and that Muel was struggling on the 3rd pair and on the PK?

Agree on Dahlin. He is physical and is playing much better the past few weeks. Seem to be skating faster, and no longer favoring something. I think he is fine with Byram. Clifton is physical on the 3rd pair. He does ok with Bryson/Gilbert and he is decent on PK. Muel struggled on 3rd pair and on PK. 2nd pair of Power and Bryson/Joker is lacking on the physical side but they have puck moving skill. Bryson looks better to me when he is not with Power.

Well it is not has hard as Adams makes it either. We certainly have the assets and cap space to add at least one of them, and not doing that was an issue with the off season IMO. Sometimes you find these players on other teams and they breakout after a trade ... just like many of the former Sabres seem to do when they leave Buffalo. It can be done.

Rum? Is that the stuff they put in sugar drinks and feed to women on cruise ships? "one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer ..."

You forgot about Clifton? Clifton is a big hitter and a very tough player. He blasted a few Blues forwards last night in fact. He is small (short) but he plays a physical game. He can more than hold his own against any middleweight in fisticuffs too. The youtube videos of his hockey fights bear this out. We just need a bigger version of that, with top 4 skills, to pair with Power. Add this player, and a physical top 6 player, and we are a serious team.

I enjoyed the game. I liked that certain players stepped up in the absence of Tage - McLeod, Cozens, and Benson all stood out. I liked that the Sabres didn’t fold when the Blues got a heavy game going. Greenway, Clifton, Malenstyn and Abe-Kubel all had a physical presence. We are almost getting “gritty” at times, but not nearly physical enough on the back end. I especially liked that they came back after the goalie interference call. I liked that Tuch scored to tie it, and Peterka fed Dahlin to win it. Need the big guys to come up big. Levi was ok, he did not give up 4, which was his GAA, and we won. He needs more work and I can see a stint in Rochester coming for him. He needs to see it for what it is, it’s a development opportunity, not a punishment. Power played 23 mins, was +1 and had an assist. But his timid play and defensive gaffs were duly noted by the ESPN crew on several occasions. Young players have ups and downs and Power is going to be ok. I think we need a technically solid and physical guy to pair with him. Find that elusive defensive top 4 guy and this team gets better. I saw a few flashes from Quinn. Still has a way to go but he looked better yesterday It was good to hear Bucci and a neutral crew call the game. They were mostly positive on the job Ruff is doing and the current direction. They know where the issues are too. The Sabres are a work in progress. They need to stay in the race, and to do that they must avoid losing streaks. They won last night after a loss so I am happy. Philly will be another tough game. There are no easy games.

I’ll make a Shirley Temple for him.

So no Single Malt?

The Sabres won a tough one, overcame a disallowed goal. ESPN had favorable coverage about the direction of the team. Dahlin looked good again today. Levi kept the GAA at 3. Tuch got back on the scoresheet. McLeod continues to play well. Good night of hockey for me. I enjoyed two Single Malts, generous double pours, in a nice crystal tumbler and one tiny rock.

Dahlin. It’s over.

THAT WAS GOALTENDER INTERFERENCE

Tuch needed that

Never, ever, heard the “willingly” clause until today.

Gee, we get some offense going they blow the play dead.

The call on the an ice was a goal. Wasn’t it overturned by the boys in Trono?

He tried to get out twice. Hardly any contact. Goalie was free to make a save. Their rationale does not pass the eye test.

NEVER DO THAT

What a stupid rationalization on the overturn. Hardly any contact. Ok, go get another one.

No way do they overturn this.

Cozens with a beastly play. Wow.

Sabres fans wailing and howling in the background. Entertaining themselves. what happen to the fan interaction with the organist (Norm Wullen). The chants for the team? The Sabre dance? The modern game day presentation lacks a tie to the community and a better past.

Hope so. Yes, but he has to ride this out and get his game back or sit.