pi2000

Good insight. However, I'm not sure I agree. Early in the season Buffalo was out shooting every team almost 2-1 on a nightly basis. They ranked 3rd in CorsiFor% and were generating a ton of scoring chances, they looked fantastic. Something changed along the way and they're no longer generating the same number of scoring chances they were back in October, early Nov. They've dropped all the way down to 20th in CF%. Why is that? Maybe TM told him to dial it down? They also still look like ###### in their own end at times. It looks like they're killing a penalty with a passive 4 man box and guy in the middle of the box just standing there. Maybe DD realizes we're too slow footed on defense to chase, but it's awfully annoying to watch and reminds me of the tank years.

There's incentive to drop from 21st to 22nd and from 27th to 28th. Buffalo currently sits in 25th, 3 points ahead of 28th (ANA).

If we get towards end of Jan, early Feb, and playoffs are not within reach, then I think you might see some pro-tank moves from GMTM. Although I'm not sure what pro-tank maneuvers he has left up his sleeve. Trading away guys like Ennis, Gorges or Gionta for picks? Maybe move CJ while he's hot? Packaging some roster players and prospects for an injured star player? or young defenseman (Tyson Barrie!)?

It's been analyzed ad nauseum... his career statistics show that Ryan Miller is in fact an average goaltender. He had that one monster year, but that was an exception. People need to get the idea of him being an elite goalie out of their heads. The only measuring stick wrt Buffalo Sabres netmidners should be Hasek. He's currently miles better than Weber, Coco, Franson and Gorges. He can still skate, pass and carry the puck, I'd welcome him back with open arms.

Armia in the lineup tonight for WPG.

I like the One Buffalo slogan. I think the teams should keep their own color schemes.

Meanwhile, today is the Ducks first game since the 11th... a nice 5 day break. That said, there is no conspiracy. Many west coast teams have it much worse making multiple long trips to the east coast.

buying him out would save 2mil/yr against the cap... http://www.generalfanager.com/buyouts/321

I can't stand watching these two play together. Kane tries to do it all on his own, often turning the puck over and you can see the frustration on Eichel's face.

27th it is. Can we all just agree it's time to tank again?

13-15-4

The way the Sabres play now... quick ups, north south speed game... he just doesn't fit in. He's slow, his game is around the net, but he can't get there when he's consistently behind the play Sucks that he has a NTC, and at 5mil/yr for a 10 goal season... makes me say.... yeichel!

He's a pending RFA. He's only 21. I say give him a bridge deal in the 3-4 yr range at around 4-5 per.... something like 4yrs/$18mil

With a win Buffalo could jump from 25th place to 18th. With a loss, they could drop to 27th.

I forget who, but there's a quote from some famous coach about teams with lots of injuries.... something along the lines of... the better players are athletic enough to avoid injuries. If you get injured alot, you're just not good enough to play at the NFL level. Yeah some of those guys look like studs when they're healthy, but what's the point if they get injured on a routine play (tackling, running, etc..). The play by Gilmore was a shoulder tackle. If he gets hurt doing that, why is he playing the game? He'll never play a full season. Kinda like Goodwin. These guys are just brittle.

fluke DET should've tied it, won it actually.... both Buffalo goals were of the lucky variety

I'll allow it. Although I'd like to see Girgensons get the 2nd line center spot with Reinhart on his wing, he needs a spark.

Trade Weber and Larsson while their stock is at an all-time high.

I think he played one of his best games against LA. Seemed to be moving his feet more, getting in on the forecheck, not giving up on plays. He still has that tendancy to slow down once he loses a puck and the play moves away from him.... that's just being a rookie, he'll figure it out. Teams are playing him differently now. Tampa didn't give him any special attention. Now teams are watching out for him which will help speed up his development.

I've been doing this with my boys for the past year or so. My younger boy is learning multiplication tables so I hold up flash cards for him to solve while he's stickhandling in the garage. Forces him to think while not looking down at the ball/puck, and it saves some time we would otherwise spend sitting down.

IMO his issues are all mental. He seems to go through the motions most of the time, like he's just trying to blend in. Doesn't yet realize what he's capable of, but when he does, he will dominate the game.

They need plenty more than just one or two more pieces. D, goaltending, and scoring depth. Really tho, the only thing they don't need is a #1 or #2 center. Will Kane pan out as a top winger? Maybe. They need some 15-20g scorers. Doesn't seem like Larsson, Foligno, Legwand, Gionta or Deslauriers will sniff anywhere 15-20g. Moulson doesn't seem like a good fit either. Girgensons is a disappointment. Maybe Fasching, Bailey or Baptiste fill some of those spots eventually. They also need some speedy defenseman. Gorges and Weber need to go. Franson has played OK filling his role, but painful to watch that guy skate. Replace them with some young guns like a Tyson Barrie or maybe Guhle makes the jump next season after a short stint in Roch. They could use a veteran leader to QB the power play and be a mentor for Risto taking some of the pressure off him. He seems to grip his stick too tight most of the time. Bogosian has his moments, but also has terrible defensive lapses. Is Lehner the answer in net? Who knows. Somebody from the group of Lehner, Ullmark, Peterson, Makarov, Kasdorf needs to step up over the next 18 months.

Let's hope we don't go to OT, Monahan/Gaudreau are deadly 3-on-3. I'd take a regulation loss to save face.

The way things are going, you have to include Auston Mathews in the core group.