pi2000

teams are 4-12-4 coming off the bye week, so this isn't entirely unexpected.

can't challenge, no TO left.

I applaud the idea Flagg. Before we get out our pitchforks we need an extended sample size of say 20 games or so, and then compare the data to the top teams in the league. IMO all teams will have very similar dump vs carry ratios.

There comes a time when top bantam age players must decide if they're going to play major junior in Canada, or NCAA. If they choose to play major junior they lose eligibility to play NCAA. Let's say they choose major junior. They'll jump right into the program at 16 years old and once there, they're committed until they age out or turn pro. If they decided to maintain college eligibitly and go the NCAA route, they'll go play junior A, most likely USHL, for a few years or more until the college program offers them a full-time spot on their roster. It's very very rare for a true freshman age kid to play a significant role on a college team. College's prefer to let their commits grow and mature in the USHL (or NAHL in some cases) before bringing them in full time as a 20-21 year old freshman.

Good trade. Eaves is a solid player, fast, plays hard, great playoff guy.

Exactly. It's a pipe dream folks, get over it, there will be no playoffs this season for the Sabres.... and it's not that big of a deal. They've grown a lot as a group and with the emergence of Kane and Lehner, and the continued development of the young guns. I'd rather them not make it and get a lottery pick, rather than being swept by Washington in the first round.

Avg age of NCAA players is around 22 years old. Avg juniors age is 18-19. McDavid was playing against kids, Eichel against men. If you put the top NCAA team against the top junior team, I think the NCAA team wins most of the time, just because guys are more physically developed.

I don't believe that will be the case. I'd say Murray is safe for another 3-4 years, regardless of what happens. If the team starts poorly next season with an improved roster... I'm guessing team speed, defense and scoring depth will be improved, then Bylsma goes for sure, and whoever else takes over should find success so long as they don't do anything absolutely stupid.

I'd like one of whatever you're having. Teams are a collective 4-12-4 in their first game coming off a bye week. The good news is BUF plays COL and ARI back to back, which should be an easy 4 points... but we all know they play down to their opponents when facing weaker competition, and coming off the bye these will be two tough tough games IMO. Even if they get 4 points, I'm still not entertaining any thoughts of playoffs, it's really just a pipe dream at this point.

you got me there. A -16 on a team with a -23 goal differential is not ideal.

Good deal for the Pens. Hainsey is a quality dman.

9-0-13 gets us in! wooo!

get rid of the instigator penalty

1 - Pucks that hit the netting and return to the ice surface are in play, unless it hits the goalie. The net is just an extension of the glass. 2 - Any way you can advance the puck into the net is legal, hand, kick, high stick.... They're all skill plays. 3 - Hand passes should be legal in all zones. 4 - Pucks knocked down with a high stick are in play. 5 - Last 5 minutes of regulation in a tie game goes to 3-on-3. If a goal is scored, back to 5-on-5. 6 - No shootouts. 5 min 3-on-3 then 5 min 2-on-2 with a 30s shot clock that starts when possession is gained. If shot clock expires, possession is given to the other team. 7 - Can't challenge offsides. 8 - Eliminate draft lottery. 9 - 3 Conferences, Howe, Orr, Gretzky. 1-16 playoff matchups.

Or OT doesn't end until the penalty expires.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy they're moving in the right direction and guys like Kane and Lehner are playing well. Tonight will be a good litmus test.

Buy in to the idea they can make the playoffs? I'm not taking the bait. They still only have a 17% chance to get in if they win today.

Its about player development. Will Baptiste develop better playing first line and PP minutes in Roch? Or 7-8min a game on the 4th line in BUF?

Carrier back in yet?

That Eichel guy has pretty good value too, maybe we can get Zadorov back.

trade him ehilr he's tunning hoy

when did that happen?

Add OTT and QBC, nbd. I'd love a 1-16 playoff. Have the two best teams meet in the Finals, which is th way it should be.

some of the pants stikl look too big to me. Next item to shrink is the chest protector, cutting off the wings that reach up to the ears, and the wings on the arms which don't provide any protection. IMO, this will make an even bigger difference than the pants.