That Aud Smell

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!!

A jewel of a man. Rest in Peace.

We sit in row 5 of the 300 deck at the stadium. And that vantage point is pretty great. But we’re basically lined up on a goal line — so, for certain parts of the field, we can struggle to know what’s happening. As for hockey, I very much prefer being above the 100-level.

I would never. I just won’t understand it. And I’ll be annoyed.

Well-stated. There are things you get from the football stadium experience -- many fun things, for sure. But, in terms of comprehending what's actually happening in the game, it can be tough sledding. That said, with football at the stadium, there are times when you can see a play develop in a way that you can't appreciate on TV. That's when it's akin to watching hockey at the arena. But, many times, you're just left guessing what the down and distance are, whether a player caught the ball, whether a player crossed the goal line, and so on. I've gotten better at it over time. There's part of me that would prefer to watch at home -- especially when it's 35 degrees, windy and snowy/rainy.

Got out of the Alan Doyle show (he of Great Big Sea) and checked the score: 0-2. Nice! Checked while brushing my teeth before bed: 3-2. Sh1t! Checked upon waking this morning. Phew! I'd love for the team to sneak into the playoffs. I would love it. That said, I'm keeping my hopes pinned to their finishing at or above @deluca67 .500. Maybe that's the same thing? Maybe not. And they will have their work cut out for them to finish at that level.

I hope so. Sneaky Joe is excellent. Hear, hear. I just like Howard. Feckin' really good at that job, btw. Which isn't easy. And not for nothing: Howard had some chops to him. There was an interview he did -- was it with Ted Black? Darcy? Maybe it was both of them at different times and I am combining them in my memory? -- where he asked tough questions and did not let the guest wriggle out without providing a responsive answer.

Let's go, Buffalo!

They're still quite young, as a group. It's a tale as old as time -- that a young core can grow, develop, mature (in some cases, like literally, grow -- get stronger), and learn how to win over a long season. There's no guarantee that will be the story told here. But it seems like there's a good chance.

eschew obfuscation, soothsayer. make plain your prophesy! also: i believe your forecast on saturday was for a 7-4 final.