FrenchConnection44

Savioe heating up.

Both would add physicality to the team. But I would not give up much for them. Given they are loans. But I do have interest in Horvat in free agency. As long as we still get Dahlin and Cousins under long term deals. Horvat adds something the Sabres don’t have. Physicality in a two way forward. Schenn would also add that. And both are positive in the plus minus. I wonder about Schenn’s resurgence - is it the system? Or what?

Let’s Go. Gotta come to play tonight.

The prime culprit this game was zero energy. Likely emotionally drained. That is a sign of a young team. But you are right about physical teams. I don’t think anything will change that until some of these guys get stronger and more physical. Cousins, Power, Krebs, Quinn, even Mittelstadt, all need to add weight in muscle and strength in the off season (+8, +10 lb range). Power is listed at 215. He should be at 225-230 in 2-3 years and a physically intimidating force to be reckoned with (only 19 of course). And he needs to skate better and have more power in his lower half as well. Cousins is variously listed in the mid-high 180s. One listing has him in the low 190s. At 6’3 and the style of fame he plays he needs to be at least 205. If not 210. He’s only 21 still so a ways to go before his body matures. The Sabres need to spend some money off ice in terms of training staff and systems for these guys to develop faster and become not only better players in their skill sets, but stronger and more physical. The Flyers gave teams the blueprint for beating us. Granato has to see this need.

They are just taking it to us physically and we can’t match them. And their goalie has been strong.

This team is so great to watch. Incredibly exciting. Love their youth and fight. Great team win. Still give up a lot on defense but Minnesota is a good team and even though we gave up 5 goals UPL made some huge saves. How about that crowd as well? Loved the building. Six games at home in the next few weeks.

Yes. Easy-peasy.

Tage is unbelievable. So good. Incredible shooter. Phenomenal stick handling. And that play by Dahlin. So smooth.

I am pumped about both Kulich and Bloom. Wouldn’t they make a nice line in the future? Bloom is not playing at quite as high a level but he’s already 3rd in goals scored (14) for North Bay - behind other NHL drafted players (22 & 18 respectively) - in spite of the others playing 36 games and Bloom only 19. he also has a good sized frame once he fills it out (6’2, 183) Kulich is proving himself at the international and minor league levels.

Seems like nonsense to favor Comrie and UPL over Anderson. Anderson is our best goalie. But he is 41 so he needs rest to stay fresh. I think we start to use him more down the stretch. And if we are in the playoffs. I think UPL is better than Comrie at this point - if we look at how he’s played of late and how Comrie played recently prior to his injury. UPL has more upside. Hopefully we can win these two home games. Really want to sink the Flyers. A) because I don’t like them; B) because we have their 2nd round pick and the further they fall the better that pick becomes.

Maybe so. But my prime point is my view of him is not based on his draft status. At the same time we need significant improvement at the center / forward position past the first two lines. I’m just not seeing consistency from CM game in game out. Maybe he will improve as the season goes on.

This chart says it all about some of the weaknesses on the team (Bryson and Mitts). I don't think just looking at the last 17 games since Jost came on the team is a full evaluation of Mittelstadt. One could argue that Jost has reduced Casey's negative +/- by his presence on the line. Nor does it have to do with his being a top 10 pick. Casey has been scoring a bit more lately. But a classic illustration of why I think fans find problems with him is the breakaway goal he gave up vs. the Caps. First, he's weak on the puck and gets it stolen. Then he gets just buried trying to chase. He has good size but he needs to be physically stronger and play with more physicality. Until he does that he'll always flash here and there because of his skating speed; and will get some goals; but he'll also be a weak spot. I suspect if he gets traded or released that, like a number of players in the NHL and NFL who get traded from their drafting team, they realize that they haven't put the work in that they need to. But it doesn't seem to be the case that he is improving as he should be. I don't care about the goals or points but that he works hard and stops making bad plays. If he's a #3 or #4 center or wing, he's got to be physical and tough.

I wouldn’t draw much from this game. They lacked energy on back to back games. They will be better next outing.

The Winter classic in Buffalo was far and away the best one ever. Far and away. Perfect weather. Snow. Packed stadium. They should bring it back.

YESSSSS!!!! Hahaha!

So many fans have trashed Luukko … just don’t get the lack of patience. I’d still try to get Anderson back again and then use next year to develop Levi. Luukko and Levi could become a solid combo in two years.

Unreal. What a penalty kill and great to see Cousins get the tying goal.

Jost should have carried it into the zone then dropped it to Tage rather than dump it. Still got a chance but …

Welp. That’s gonna be it.

Great toughness by Krebs. Bruins showing how good they are. We are giving up a lot of chances and are fortunate we haven't given up more goals. But, hey, the Bruins are arguably the peak team in the NHL. Keep fighting. 60 minutes, baby.

Agreed completely. Just want them to focus on that in the off-season. That can really change the equation as the raw talents are there, imo

So, we have a chance? When not playing the Sabres I tend to root for the original 6 in the playoffs. Except Boston. I hate the Bruins. First Sabres game I ever watched was December 1970. Vs Bruins. Total domination. 72 shots on goal. 8-2 loss. Have hated them since (Though watching Orr and Espo was was always amazing). Let’s go! Big test. Play great!! And get a W! (Tho I’d take a tie).

Good observations. Middlestadt played well last night. He’s been up and down. What I’d like to see from him, Cousins, Power … really many of our young guys … is to get physically stronger. When we go up against better, stronger teams who play hard nosed D, we struggle. With our speed and skating ability - adding more physical strength and power to these players’ game would really benefit the team. They already battle well. Power should look to a Victor Hedman. Continue to improve his skating. Add 15 lbs of muscle over the next 3-4 yrs (which will help his balance and skating). He has the potential to be great. The other challenge for Casey has been his shot. Would like to see him improve that in terms of accuracy and speed. The potential is there for several of these players. Gotta stay confident and keep improving this year and beyond.

Kulich crushing it for the Czechs vs Austria. https://twitter.com/sabresprospects/status/1607891033827807232?s=46&t=uXwHIxt1pC4QAqgTsTX5PQ https://twitter.com/sabresprospects/status/1607902273832632321?s=46&t=uXwHIxt1pC4QAqgTsTX5PQ https://twitter.com/sabresprospects/status/1607911257981460481?s=46&t=uXwHIxt1pC4QAqgTsTX5PQ How does one embed tweets? Can’t figure that out.