That Aud Smell

THAT'S Buffalo Sabres hockey right there.

Well there's a turn of phrase. Susceptible? I always took it as carrying water.

Lol. For this very reason, I generally call that value "NHL .500" or "Bettman .500" And IRL, I call the other value "true .500."

Let's Go, Buffalo! [deleted @deluca67 .500 comment.]

Was Norris taking faceoffs last night? From what I've gathered, he's sustained at least 2 serious injuries (one on opening night this season) as a result of taking a faceoff.

Well, there is that. He has done a very good job. I would go so far as to say he's done a great job. But I realize many (most) would say he has not been great because of the playoff disappointments. Maybe it's my landing in middle age. Maybe it's paying more attention to certain aspects of the games. Maybe it's the Hamlin incident and the ambulance coming onto the field for Micah (among others) during my time as a STH (which dates to Josh's 4th season (2021-2022)). For whatever reasons, I feel exceptionally aware of how hard a game pro football is. Brutal, really. And winning a game in that league? As hard as it gets.

He's a dynamic player who can drive play and finish. We just need to pray that he can stay (mostly) healthy.

Easy now. In my experience, McDermott uses that phrase -- "it's hard to win in the NFL" -- as a mantra. It's conspicuous and notable. Which is why it wound up rooted in my brain.** ** A brain that sits in a head over which you launch your jokes, evidently.

i was unaware of this. i have so few memories of him. maybe essentially none? i picked up on this trope (truism) from mcdermott. dude says it all the time, and has been saying it for years.

Let's ... go? Buffalo?

gross

doesn't much matter. they can't and won't beat another opponent the way they beat the steelers. it's a week to week league. (another NFL cliche that is an absolute truth bomb.)

If there's one truth (cliche) that I fully embrace about the NFL, it's that every win is worth enjoying because it is fu**ing hard to win in that league. Hard as hell. Go Bills!

what an absolute delight that game turned out to be. a lovely capping off of the long holiday weekend. beat the bengals!

From reading the article (which reads like it’s AI generated?), it sounds like there’s hope he’ll return sooner. Great player. I wish him well. Leads me to wonder if these guys were “over-served” at these team meals.

super helpful - thanks, @DarthEbriate. kempe appears to be a tick better? tuch's gotta be sitting on 8x$10M. and maybe he'd give the team a bit of relief with something like 8 x $9.875 with a side deal for tuch to be a no-show foreman at some fracking wells. (hey, why should the NBA have all the fun with cap-circumventing side deals?)

does a rising cap essentially take care of that on the back end? i'm late to this party. kempe's 29 as well? is he way better than tuch? i have no idea. if they're arguably comparable, then the sabres have no leverage. where's darcy and the proverbial wait for the market to set itself?

This is a difficult situation for the franchise. Yes, the playoff drought, fan disaffection, and Tuch being a heart and soul top-6 guy with hometown cred. But also, they're dealing with a 29 year-old player who's going to ask for an 8-year term. I just have no faith in Adams to navigate this properly.

People saying "we're right there" are of course presuming the team's need to stack several 3 and 4 game win streaks and otherwise tread water. Also, the NHL standings around American Thanksgiving are highly predictive of how those standings will look in early April. lol - man this is true too

Getting league-worst grades in travel accommodations and training staff means that Terry's some combination of cheap and incompetent.

where do you get these #'s?

Lindy gonna Lindy. Created by Bettman, but yeah - same difference.

humiliating, i'd think. also bear in mind, this is maybe the 3rd time he's been disciplined for missing a meeting/practice or being late to one. the consequences have escalated over time.

Perhaps only to the most brilliant hockey minds that deign to visit this message board.