That Aud Smell

Also: Is "7" the correct number to use when multiplying I reckon that, if the Sabres' season goes longer than 7 months, I will not care what I am paying for extended viewing access. Right?

Wait - ha. Is that right? I'll add: This app isn't just for the Sabres. There's other content. Mainly the Knicks. So maybe that's why it's more expensive to get it for the entire year than it would be to go monthly for the Sabres games. That's better news (to the tune of $100), then, for in-market cord cutters.

This is good news, I think. Also, I called it!

This is what I love most about a good beef on weck. It's harder and harder to find, though. @PASabreFan: The Beef and Barrel in Olean is much closer to the northern tier of PA. They do an excellent beef on weck in this style. As did The Pub in Jamestown, the last time I was there (that's actually one of the best I've had). Given its accessibility, Anderson's beef on weck (it's called the Carl, or something?) is a very solid choice. They prepare and carve their sirloins on site. Good stuff. One final plug for Swiston's in the City of Tonawanda. They do theirs bar-side as well. Plus, you get vintage dive bar vibes galore.

I wanted to take some solace in the fact that GM KA might have decided not to go in on the player because Chychrun was not - as Stillman evidently is - a perceived "fit" with the current roster. But all of the most connected insiders were saying that Buffalo wanted the player, just not at the price being demanded. So, the Sabres didn't get a player they'd identified as someone who could help. That's it, really.

Let’s go, Buffalo. Gonna be tough sledding against Boston without 2 of the team’s top 3 players.

I … I don’t get this one. Bummer.

Tuesday night, Columbus is the definition of a tough sell. These kinds of games are the final challenge for the franchise in getting fans back in the building. I also get the sense that there's some sort of post-pandemic change that has affected attendance at live sporting events. In larger markets, I think that franchises have been able to recover more readily because they have a larger pool of potential fans to pull from. In smaller markets (ours), the margin for error is much smaller and the road back to full(er) houses more arduous. The Sabres' recent history of awfulness plays a role there too. they were there in sufficient numbers to throw the snowballs that prompted the refs to threaten the Bills with a 15-yard penalty. 😏

Frazier is an absolute class act. He has many, many strengths to recommend him as a coach (teacher, mentor). In addition to all that, I think that the Bills D is in need of fresh ideas and new leadership.

Let’s go, Buffalo!!

It takes a special kind of psycho to be built like that and then play like that. One of the scarier moments of my life -- entirely self-created -- was when I had a few too many pops at the arena, was seated on an aisle, was a few rows up from Peca, who was seated one seat in on an opposite aisle, and I said something sorta towards him that was truly G-rated but nonetheless specific about his wife/wife's family (his FIL was my dentist and I was the same age and friendly with his future SIL). That guy turned around and gave me a look that would have made Clint Eastwood look no scarier than Mr. Rogers. I sobered up real quick. And left the game early.

"Paging Mike Peca. ... Paging Mike Peca. Please run through the nearest blue and gold courtesy phone." In their respective primes, Peca and Krebs will have essentially the exact same build.

Got eeem.

Anyone have an isolated clip of Krebs trucking Oshie?

My sense is that there is no helping the subculture of Sabres Twitter that is comprised of Mittelstadt haters. They have a take that was good for a period of time, but which is now not factually supported. But they keep doubling down on it without regard for the mounting evidence that Mittelstadt is (going to be) a very good middle-6 NHL forward. Some combination of the eye/gut test tells me that, when the Sabres are making playoff runs, he's going to be the sort of player who's going to help get the team over the edge. I feel like really good teams always have these guys -- top notch pedigree when they're drafted, with skills to match, but, instead of becoming a top-line fixture, they wound up embracing a role on a good team.

They are so fun

Does this lend credence to the idea (hope) that the IR was a means of making a waiver immune call up?

There’s something to this, imo. In the microcosm, anyway. Anderson played great. He was on the ice for all 60 minutes. The “goals saved above expected” has a way of almost writing him out of the game recap. Now - over the long(er) haul? It’s a stat worth watching. Because he (or any goalie) ain’t doing that most nights.

Yeah - I’m still not sure exactly what it means. It looks bad though. For the Sabres.

And, like @PerreaultForever, I found myself recognizing issues in Reinhart’s game that used to frustrate me when he was here - mostly the board battle stuff and staying on his pins when challenged.

My eye test has me in the “50 shots doesn't tell the real story.” In my mind’s eye, I’m recalling a dozen or so (?) shots from above the faceoff circles that Anderson easily swallowed up. But, on reflection, I’m okay with him having stolen a regulation win as well. I don’t know how to read those heat maps … but I’d still like to see a shot distribution chart.

Was looking for the ❤️ reaction choice. I appreciate this. When the season started and the top line emerged, I expressed my sense (and concern) that Skinner was a mediocre-to-poor passer/playmaker. And, to my great delight, that take has been absolutely knee capped by 53’s remarkable passing this season. Incredible.

I know Rob Ray isn’t the best colour guy, but the *sound* he made when Boosh scored is a huge reason to love the guy.

These are dicey times. A time of transition. My sense is that “cable” is on its way out. Everything will soon be streamable, including regional networks like MSG. Then these properties will be bundled into various streaming packages … which will bring us back to something resembling “cable.” Idk - just guessing. So stupid.

Let’s go, Buffalo!!