That Aud Smell

In fairness, I recall FGMTM talking about how Reinhart's marching orders during his final year in Juniors involved doing a lot of things that would probably result in him producing less for his team but doing more to ready himself for pro hockey. No idea what those things might have been. But whatever he did was borne out in his numbers -- he went from a 1.75PPG player in his draft year to more like a 1.35PPG player in that final year.

I don't know enough to have much of a take on this issue -- it's a complicated one. But I do disagree with this. Intuitively, there's a huge difference between playing as a player who is both elite and among the oldest in your league, and a playing as a player who's got great skill but is a young man in a grown ass man's league.

Fair enough, Lionel.

Or they're just using the terminology that is used in the industry they're covering. Like, imagine if financial reporters in 2008 had refused to use the term "collateralized debt obligations"? Or if reporters covering the legal system preferred to talk about a "bad court thingy" instead of a "mistrial."

Thanks for the Leafs insight, @millbank -- appreciated. What you're offering is about the Leafs, of course, but it's also something to think about when it comes to how other rosters may be built in the league.

I think Kenny calls a nice game. I'll take him in a heartbeat over just about anyone else that NBC trots out for play by play. I was also unfamiliar with the woman doing colour -- she was good. I also thought I heard Milbury chiming in from time to time during the game's broadcast. That wasn't him?

A 3-technique, to be precise. So, yeah. Looks like the media’s adopting the sport’s lexicon more and more.

Fo sho. And to Ink’s point, there’s definitely some “kewl inside baseball jargon” going on here too.

I definitely see “Edge” as descriptive and accurate. It’s undoubtedly how scouts and coordinators refer to the position. Seems like it’s mostly that species of dudes who are 6’3” 250# and llllloooonnnggg and flexible at the waist.

i know it. totally a thing now. i also learned during this draft season that 3-4/4-3 is not really a relevant "player fit" distinction anymore -- not that you'd learn as much from listening to 3/4 of the pundits on TV.

Not sure if it's been addressed upthread, but, modern trends notwithstanding, the NHL is fairly littered with goalies who came on like an absolute house of fire in the first ~80 games or so of their careers, only to fade into Bolivia thereafter (once opponents got them figured out). It will be interesting to see whether the Blues goalie will prove to have been little more than a flash in the pan, or whether he'll manage to evolve and grow (and thereby combat the efforts to "figure him out").

Given the terms generally provided by local network affiliates (compensation, hours), and those paid by private entertainment conglomerates (samewise), I’m thinking this is downward-ish.

How so here?

Qadree Ollison (sp?) to Atlanta in the 5th. (Sorry, @Eleven)

A very valid point. I have no beef with that. It’s that feeling that they’re doing other stuff with it as well that doesn’t settle with me. At the end of the day, I may be mistaking a matter of personal preference for a matter of principle. Thanks for that. I have been there - front row center. Your point is a good one.

There's so much I love and enjoy about Pancho. The look, the vibe, the swagger, the Central American flavour of his fandom. There's also stuff about super-fans - of any team, in any league - that I'm ambivalent about. Then add in the fact that this guy's dying (but still fighting? (while in hospice?)), and making appearances for/with the team ... I dunno. I know we're all supposed to just love it, and be moved. I find it a bit tawdry.

Agreed on the personality. Was he singing a hymn at one point? I just loved the energy.

Or take a bad contract back? *COUGHCOUGHokposoCOUGH* Nix that. Their salary issue with Nylander would likely preclude that as an option.

^ Saw Twittering to the effect that the Leafs may have buyer's remorse with William Nylander. If memory serves, his deal was reasonable. Would they trade within the division?

Query: How should we, as fans, be more like the Bruins? Anyhoo, those things are far from exclusive. There's not a thing wrong with harbouring hate for your favourite team's traditional rivals. I probably hate the Bruins more than any other NHL team -- probably any another team, period, in fact. Do I envy and admire their success? Sure. But it's up to the Sabres to be more like the Bruins. For my part, I just carry on with the hate.

If nothing else, Ed Oliver comes off as a fun human being.

Oliver is clearly the most fun pick so far.

The walkout songs are fun.