pi2000

Inserting two guys with zero pro experience in the lineup is a tanky move by the Sabres. I'll allow it.

It's a tanky move... inserting 2 guys in the lineup with absolutely zero pro experience.... especially a defenseman.

wait. so you're "in the bunker" if you're a Bogo superfan? and there's 8-balls in there? specifically, where is this bunker? (for science)

i voted "perusing" because i have no idea what this is

When he was drafted, he was projected as a 3rd line center. He was thrust into the top of the lineup, notice all the minutes he's spent with Ennis the last few years. As you mentioned, he's been pushed down the lineup due to the influx of talent, and his numbers have declined. Although I'd argue they've declined a bit too much for a guy who's spent significant time in the top 6 and who is at an age where they should be improving. Bylsma preaches a north/south system. Rarely do you see the defensemen hinge the puck to their partner in the d-zone. This is a noticeable change from years past. What this does, however, is put pressure on the forwards to quickly regroup and head back up ice. A guy like Moulson is a victim of this system due to his lack of speed. I believe Girgensons doesn't fit very well in his system either.

spam thread, get rid of it

Maybe they let Fasching play until Ennis comes back, then send him to Roch?

The internet was invented to discuss life changing topics like this.

i still wear the same breezers I wore in 25 years ago in college. The chest protectors and pants are not something you replace every year or even every +5 years. I imagine this will be an NHL, AHL, and ECHL rule only. IMO college and junior leagues probably don't adopt these rules.

So Murray and Bylsma just left it up to Rip to make that executive decision on his own? I would imagine it's something Murray and Bylsma discussed and thought would be good for team morale.

But what's to stop non-NHL players from using old non-NHL compliant gear? They'll still need to make 2XL pants for overweight rec players. Will the KHL enforce the same rules? It really up to them. I just don't see how the NHL can enforce these regulations across all professional and junior leagues.

Did he get injured in a collision? Or just wear and tear?

So you're saying this is all Rip's doing? How do you know this?

I agree, tweaking the goalie gear isn't going to open up more offense. However, something needed to be done to regulate it as it's gotten out of hand the last 10 years or so. Assuming these equipment changes go into effect next season, what does this mean for college, junior, and european leagues? How does it impact scouting, etc... assuming those leagues don't enforce similar equipment rules.

The five-million dollar man? No way, he's due to break out!

Some do, some don't. Eichel had to earn the right to pick his number. That set the bar for future rookies who join the team. Sure, not every team does it that way,... it's a Sabre's thing and I like that they have a thing, good for them.

It's his first practice, put him with a couple veterans who can coach him through drills. Doesn't mean he'll play with them the remainder of the season. Assuming he dresses Sat., who's the odd man out? Ennis is due back soon as well, then what?

Where does the article say that? The underlying theme is that the game is much more tight these days. Making the goalies smaller in the net will result in more goals scored.... will they be pretty? No. Does that make the game better? Maybe it forces defense to get even tighter, encouraging even more shot blocking since pucks hitting the net are more likely to go in. Is that good for the game? I think it's a step in the right direction, but to get back to the free flowing game of the 80's and early 90's they'll need rule changes, not just equipment adjustments.

It lets the player know where they stand in the team hierarchy. He'll be able to pick his number after the next training camp (assuming he makes the opening day roster). Eichel didn't get to pick his number until after training camp... what kind of message would that send if they let Fasching pick his own number before his first practice with the team?

Picking your own number is a privilege (unless you're Stamkos, haha). You need to earn that privilege by putting the work in. He hasn't even had his first practice with the team yet.

Bailey, wow. Kid has some upside, hope they keep him around.

I like it. Let him earn his top 6 minutes and his number. Buffalo has made it clear in the recently that nothing will be handed out, you need to earn all of it. That's the way it should be.

heh, yeah my older boy wanted #99 when he was a mite, i wouldn't allow it. Told him it was retired across all of hockey. Lo' and behold 3 or 4 other kids show up next practice with #99, he's was like WTF Dad!

66

Can we just give them Moulson and be done with it?