pi2000

Consider there are infinite parallel universes, in at least one of those universes Terry Pegula doesn't strike it rich in the gas industry and the Bills and Sabres no longer exist. I'm glad we don't live in that universe. That said, I think the Sean McDermott hire is a step in the right direction (well firing Rex anyway), and the Sabres are on the upswing and will get better over the next few seasons as their core matures and guys like Gionta, Moulson (can't believe I'm saying this), and Franson are replaced with guys like Nylander, Bailey and Guhle adding much needed speed to the lineup. It's difficult to be patient with either franchise after all the pain and suffering, but we have no choice at this point.

You'd like to see progress.

Romo wouldn't survive training camp.

IMO, the jury is still out on Lehner. A .922 sv% is nothing to sneeze at (8th in the entire league). GMTM knows goalies, has he ever brought in a tendy that stunk it up? Look what Chad Johnson is doing.... Neuvirth and Lindback were better than advertised.. as is Nillson.

Toronto is a bit younger team that BUF, I expect them to come back down to earth as the season wears on. Production from guys like Matthews, Brown, Marner, will drop over the next few months. Buffalo is young too, but guys like Eichel and Ennis have fresh legs, as will Kulikov when he's healthy, so I expect BUF to close the gap on TOR... but will it be enough to earn a playoff spot? I don't think so.

Most everything he's done to this point is obvious stuff that needed to be done. Now is when his job gets difficult and where I will grade him. If BUF stays within earshot of a playoff spot, what does he do at the deadline? Buy, sell, hold? Who does he protect in the expansion draft? What does he do with Bylsma, Kane, etc?

about time

86 They need to win games in regulation against eastern conference teams ahead of them in the standings.

IMO, to win this game, BUF needs to play a defensively responsible game. They'll get their scoring chances because TOR gives up goals in bunches, but they also can score in bunches. If BUF keeps them under 3 goals, they should find themselves on the winning end.

Most goalies today wear XXXL pants no matter what size their body is. To feel comfortable they add layers upon layers upon layers of material/pads to increase thigh circumference so they're not swimming in the XXXL pants. Size appropriate pants will open up more space over the leg pads and under the glove/blocker on today's butterfly style goaltenders.

Size appropriate pants is the first step, and it was supposed to be implemented in time for the beginning of the season, but there were issues with manufacturers, etc. so it was pushed back.

Without so many injuries, BUF could be another 6-8 points further up the standings sniffing a playoff spot. I think Bylsma has done a fine job with what he has.

@TSNBobMcKenzie: NHL has issued memo to all clubs/goalies saying all netminders must be wearing the "new" re-designed/size appropriate pants by Feb 4.

Eichel vs Matthews #sharpenyourswords

This is a game they should have won.

Ennis in. COR called up. Who sits? Maybe they give Kane the day óff?

go team

exactly

IMO it's too early to discuss this, there's still a lot of hockey left to be played.... trades, etc... for example, Kane and Girgensons have turned their games around recently, can they keep it up? We don't know what Ennis has to offer. Does Nilsson steal Lehners job?

I want Eichel to experience it just to be around all the other superstars so he can see how they prepare and other habits that make them successful. It would be a good learning experience for him at his age.

I have extremely low expectations for this game. #sharpenyourfwords

I want no part of Bieksa, but I do like Montour and Theodore. I'd even go Kane for Montour and a pick. That said, Kane's been playing well but how long can he stay out of trouble and healthy.

This team needs a Turgeon/LaFontaine type deal to take the next step.

It's a popularity contest.