pi2000

If Risto maintains his current pace... he'll finish the season a -60. I ran some TRpm's. BUF has 21 goals for at even strength or worse (17 5v5, 3 5v6, 1 6v5), and 25 goals against at even strength or better (20 5v5, 1 5v4, 1 3v3, 2 6v5, 1 6v4). That's a team +/- of -4. Player TRpm's (actual vs expected +/- based on minutes played). Top 3: Skinner +11 Pommer +6 Beaulieu +3 Bottom3: Risto -7 Sheary -5 Okposo -5 Reinhart -4 Mitts -4 Dahlin +1 Eichel 0 Sure 11 games is a relatively small sample size, but there's already a big gap between the have's and have not's. Keep in mind, a TRpm of 0 on a good team means you're an equal contributor (when compared to teammates) to the team's success. A TRpm of 0 on a bad team, means you're part of the problem. To have a negative TRpm approaching double digits at this point of the season is alarming. And if it wasn't obvious, without Skinner, this team probably close to where it was last season.

Pair him with Risto and they'd be a +1.

He's looking worse because the team is actually decent. It's all relative. He's always been a minus player, he's just not very good defensively.... but he can flip tires like there's no tomorrow.

Why are we only hearing about this now?

Another fun game. Win or lose I was entertained.

Got barfed on at Rich Stadium when I was 10, Cowboy game with my Dad. Like full on all down the side of me. I want to say Gregg Bell broke a 90yard TD run and the Bills won. They were 2-14 that year I think.

IDK, just crossed my mind that maybe had something to do with him being traded. Probably not tho... carry on.

Wilson can score tho.

Is Skinner gay?

I'd rather see Wilson on that line than Larsson.

Must win

Seriously tho I like the Swedes and wish them success. I think very soon we'll see Pilut cleared for takeoff in the NHL... #Housleysoft.

They need some enforcers to protect the softer than baby shite Swedish prima donna's.

The issue I have with Eichel skipping practice is this.... He moved into his own place this summer after breaking up with Sam Reinhart. When asked about moving into his own place he mentioned there would be fewer distractions and he could focus solely on hockey and doing what he needed to do to succeed. Sounds great right? Then where the hell was he today? He lives right there! Or was it Mr. Softy that told him to take the day to goof off... because his fragile 21 year old frame is already worn down 10 games in. Way to lead by example Jack. Meanwhile, a crippled Jason Pominville is out there chopping wood after taking a beating in front the net for the past 3 games so Jack can coast around the offensive zone with the puck. Who's leading who?

The captain skips practice? Why isn't this bigger news?

The fact they're not getting dominated is a step in the right direction. However, in order to field a playoff team, that 4th line needs to chip in offensively.... which they haven't and I'm not sure they're capable.

And one more thing... credit to Housley. I've been a critic of his, still am, but it looks like he's finally gotten them to buy in.

Great job tonight from everyone, solid team win. Hutton had an off night but they had his back. Haven't seen this consistentency in years. The last three games they just keep coming, keep pushing. You can tell by the looks on their faces that they know they're never out of it. Great to see finally.

3 too

Haha, well if I'm building a team from scratch I take McDavid 1st overall, then trade back up into the top 15 to nab Gibson. That said, if the team was Buffalo and I could either switch Eichel for McDavid, or Hutton for Gibson, I would take Gibson.

In net? Gibson.

Gibson, IMO, is the best goaltender in the league atm. Goalies are on the ice for the entire game.... if McDavid played 60min a game he'd have the same impact on his club.

Without Gibson they're likely nowhere near the middle of the pack. Quality goaltending can make up for many shortcomings.

It's evident that Kane was well liked by his teammates. However, I don't think he was willing to sign long term in Buffalo? Also, +1 to Evander for keeping his nose clean the past few years. He hasn't been a distraction in SJ and from all accounts is a model teammate. Good on him for maturing and figuring out how to be a quality professional on and off the ice. I wish him well.