That Aud Smell

That seems to be the consensus of the beat reporters: A rest day. (There were 2 skaters also not present. Samuelsson being one?)

fwiw - Ellis is not on the ice this morning.

Any ideas on other new additions to the roster this year? I believe I've heard Doan referred to (predictably) as "Doaner." Who else merits an update for this edition? Kesselring? Timmins? King? https://kslsports.com/nhl/utah-mammoth/michael-kesselring-opens-surprise-christmas-gift-from-utah-hockey-club-teammates/533805#:~:text=“On social media they called,his new crown for Christmas.

I enjoyed reading through my initial posts on this thread. A renewed nickname roll call for one player: Josh Norris. Neuf? Did it not carry over from Ottawa? (Also, apologies for not embedding the link - it would not embed here - the OP may have taken it down?)

I got to see about 2/3 of the game on the Oilers broadcast (but somehow missed most of the Sabres goals - lol). I’m delighted with the win and strength of the team’s play. I couldn’t shake or escape the sense that Edmonton mostly looked like dog sh1t out there. Just not a lot of juice or jump. Even if that’s accurate, the fact is that the Sabres put a whoopin’ on a team having a bad night. Which is good! Ellis looked great. Absorbent! Call him ShamWow.

Oh, I think there are. Is he open to their help? I'm guessing not. The time prior to this that he got disciplined (I forget for what (was it the New England game?)), I said that I wished his mom would move in with him in Buffalo.

Interesting. This makes sense to me. Was Johnson in the opening night lineup? I went to that game. I have a memory of him blowing 2 or 3 tires in his own zone. That might have set the coach against him.

My son (college-aged) has been saying something similar ( as the Bills have sputtered a bit (fits of starts and stops): "Maybe this is the season where the Bills get hot at the right time." Fingers crossed. Hyde and Poyer have said over the years: The safety positions in McDermott's scheme are extremely complex. It takes time to learn so that you can play fast. Part of me thinks this has to be the plan. OTOH, Knox is so connected to this team -- maybe he'll end up taking an extension/restructure that allows the team to keep him (at a more reasonable number). I was at my perch in the 300s -- perplexed. I lost my patience with one of my regular Bills text threads -- there were people there just dogging Allen for the bad plays/decisions he made (and there were several) even after the game was over. Some people cling to misery like their lives depend on it. Sadly, I think this must be the case. My pet theory: Keon is one of those young athletes whose mother (or others playing a mother's role) just babied the sh1t out of him. Made sure he was awake at the right time. Made sure he was on time for things. Packed his lunch with sandwich crusts cut off (this is a metaphor). And otherwise ran his life so that he stayed on a good path. He's adrift now. Too immature to make a difference in the insanely competitive, hyper-professionalized NFL.

thanks. i'm unable to devote the time to listen to it. do either of these guys offer sourced information about something being afoot with the Sabres FO?

can someone time stamp where the essence of the thing is?

This is a pet peeve of mine as well. I agree that most (maybe even 2/3 of) left-turning drivers on the WNY roads nowadays just sort of stay where they are when the light turns green and, with any luck, are able to take a left. I've been behind a few such drivers who don't even manage to take their left. Which is maddening. Capturing the intersection! Well, there you have it. I didn't know this practice had a name. It appears to be on its way out, anyway.

I really enjoy this guy's online content. Great sense of humour, matched only by his obvious knowledge of the game (and its Canadian heritage). Give him a follow on whatever socials platform(s) you use! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRAND0UiZ4Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Maybe Lance needs to shuffle off back to the Bills beat.

this seems possible. but given how insanely competitive he is, it seems unlikely. he wants to be the best. and yet … .

yep. same.

I saw them play 3 games live. I could not put my finger on it, but, man, it was just a feeling I had with him. He looked sort of ... absent. Vacant? (My take: The fact that he's a world class talent meant that he could still play passably well.)

Aye yi yi. 💔 It's cliche but still very true: Some things are bigger than [hockey.]** My earnest prayers go with you to Sweden, Rasmus. ** Insert any number of things here.

In order to be something other than what they've been, in order to be different, this Sabres team needs to start stacking some wins. Two of three, here. Two of three, there. This game is one they need to have, one they must have. Let's Go, Buffalo!

Everyone hoping for a big-name WR. And we all know they're bringing in a journeyman+ D-Lineman. With Oliver and now Hoecht gone, it's a foregone conclusion.

I'm referring to his play generally. And, yes, I'm aware that goalies have to give up rebounds as part of their play. (And, bro, seriously - that's a condescending thing to say to a regular on this board.) I don't have one of those photographic memories where I can recount in detail the shots that made me wince or clench my tush. It's a feeling I took away from the game. I didn't like his play at all in the 1st and 2nd. If the Caps had been playing a harder, more aggressive game, I think they would have been up by a bunch. I think this is not unfair. He was better in the third. And certainly in OT and the SO he was good. I just don't believe in him.

but since you asked: 1st goal, wristed muffin from the point with some net front presence, UPL graciously directs the puck into the slot and fails to put himself in a position to make a play on the follow-up shot. the skatersdidn't help their goal. UPL didn't help them either. 2nd goal, 2 on 0 madness. not blaming him there, obviously.

I'm not even talking about the goals, really. I'd have to go back and watch. My sense, in general, from watching him is that he was fighting the puck, putting himself out of position, and exhibiting poor control over rebounds.

Yep - this was my third game. The building is livelier, for sure. That's all this home crowd needs, by the way -- a competitive team giving an honest effort. And if'n when this team gets good? The building will be back to roaring. Man, I appreciate this perspective. The local beat reporters, as far as I saw, were all just like "UPL was stellar - 33 shots, 30 saves," or words to that effect (not sure of the precise SOG number). We were at the game and found UPL to be an absolute horror show for the first 2 periods. If the Caps had been playing better (stronger to the net), they might have scored 6 or 7.