That Aud Smell

If I knew how to spell his name (getting Gilmour was tricky enough), I'd have dropped it in there as well. Did Ryan Smith never do such a thing? Are there other examples?

I feel like it's cliche', but they'd be looking for that Doug Gilmour type. A guy who was really, really good in his prime and is a natural leader, and can still do some things on a great young player's wing.

I think that's about right. As for Pominville, he just doesn't have enough wear on the tread to play on Eichel's wing night in and night out. I'm also not sure that, even 4 or 5 years ago, he'd have been the sort of guy to fulfill that role.

Let's go, Buffalo. Play like you did on Sunday and you should get 2 points. Honest question: I feel like the Islanders have been up and down the past few years. They brought on a veteran d-man from Boston (?) and they were really good the following year. Then they stunk and were gonna hafta trade Tavares. Then Tavares left. And now they're really good.

He will if he can. He won't if he can't. I'm not trying to be overly Yoda about the matter. But that's all it is. My money is on him improving in a few significant ways and becoming a top player in the league during his prime. I'm just hoping that the franchise doesn't squander that prime by not surrounding him with a solid supporting cast.

A post script on Dahlin's rough game against WPG.

Overall, they are. I agree. I saw them as a bubble team that would not make the playoffs. It makes me antsy that, outside of the win streak, they've been playing bottom-5 hockey. But I suppose that's why there are 82 games -- sample size and all. When I re-watched and listened to some learning from others, I came to the same conclusion. Eichel is made to look bad, but that was Dahlin's responsibility.

They really did deserve better. But, hey - that's sport for you. There were some missed assignments on that GWG. OTOH, We saw the pick clear as day from our seats. The refs called plenty in the Sabres' favour, but they were being boo'd a lot in the arena and for good cause. They had a bad day. I know a lot of people are down on Eichel for the GWG, but, from what I understand, that player/play is generally Dahlin's responsibility.

sat about 12 rows up for this one. my main takeaway: holy sh1t is WPG big. and fast. mostly i was struck by how big they are. seemed that way, anyway. i can't look to confirm as much right now. i was praying at times for guys like E-Rod and Sheary. The Jets are a wagon, as the saying goes.

The team had a bunch of those last time they were good -- Pominville, Roy, Campbell (way out there), Tallinder, Afinogenov.

I was at the Devils game a while back - his last really good game, I think. He can dangle and move pretty well, and, man, he did so in that game. Consistency will determine whether he can make it long-term.

Must win. Tougher sledding tomorrow.

It's nothing short of goofy. I think. Damn. That is strange about pick 8. But seriously, that is just random. Right?!

I appreciate the update. I didn't have the time needed, and I was just grabbing images off a Google search. I think these are the stats I had wanted to find - but there was a lot of noise in my Google web search. Here are some screen caps of what @jame linked: As others have noted, you sort of have to smooth out certain ranges in the 1st round. There are some weird outliers.

There are a lot of charts out there on the subject. I think this is a good one. Looks to me like you don't hit a 25% flame-out rate until you're into the 50s? I'm following that yellow line. Then again, I am not so great at reading charts. I think that's what it says, though. And it also looks like your hit rate on mid-round 1st picks is about 50%. Around 38% by the end of round 1.

SMH at Reinhart for sure. Is it so different, though, than Miller explaining an ugly tap-in goal against in transition by saying he expected back side support?

Tre White’s gonna blindside crack back Reinhart at Prior Aviation. #OneBuffalo

*nothing*? To the heat maps!!

Sabres with 15 SOG in a period. That’s doing work against CAR.

Carolina gets the most SOG and gives up the fewest per game. They’re really good.

Were it that simple. My joke was directed elsewhere.

2nd unit got some chances.

If Eichel is coaching the PP, he needs to be relieved of that duty.

They look terrific. Good work, Eichel.

Oh man. Dahlin.