That Aud Smell

I have to think that JBOTS has that issue in the forefront of his mind -- he's said as much (that he wants Amerk success), hasn't he?

Your right. But it’s tough with people, you know? Their going to do what there going to do. Ignoring the malapropisms is better then obsessing over them. You could pin this tweet, and nothing would change — than what?

NFW this regime brings him back. They didn’t want him then — why would they want him now? Also, his injury history means he lacks the ability that McDermott values above all others: Availability.

For sure. Link's dead.

So is it better for the Bills in particular, or any team in particular, to avoid a comp-pick-triggering signing? Or is it better to avoid those because it means you don't diminish the slot at which your team is picking in later rounds? E.g., picking 81st instead of 82nd.

Would a Comp pick come out of the acquiring team's backside, so to speak?

OTOH, wasn't there a COL team from a few years ago that was mostly hot garbage but had an insane PDO for like 60 games?

I think there's something to that. I'll say is that SV% is not really just a goaltender's stat -- it's a team D stat, too. If you're a player who's allowing huge scoring opportunities to be surrendered -- then your PDO ("luck") can and will suffer. You'll have made your own bad luck. Likewise with the flip side of that. If you can dangle like a mofo, set up some tap-in's or other high percentage chances, and, as a result, the SH% while you're on the ice is in that 12-13% range, well, then you've made some of your own luck.

I have no idea what to think of the signing.

Yeah. I see the SA at 65/40, and their SV% at sub .800. Fun is good, though. PDO (I think I'm doing this right): Sabres: 113.5 (gaudy) Leafs: 86.5 (putrid) The range from the top to bottom teams in the league right now is ~98-102. Puck luck is real.

Yeah - HELL naw.

Oh. You know I did. Would be an interesting experiment: Why’d Foles tear it up last season? Because of his abiding faith, or because of his team’s system and play calling?

I didn’t get to watch. Looks like Sabres were outshot by a lot. Score effects?

Didn’t Foles almost retire from the NFL in order to become a minister? Yep. I’m sure McDermott wants him.

I’m not sold on either of the Joshes, based on the QB name theorem. *Josh* — I’m just not sure a Josh can be a good/great QB. Lamar Jackson? He can be great. Same with Darnold, Mayfield.

I understand the skepticism. Vogl’s not generally a hyperbolic writer. I take what he wrote mostly at face value.

Burn it all down.

Vogl’s quotes from and about Housley and the players not listening are beyond disturbing.

From Vogl. His context was talking sbout how Miller, at the height of his “power” made himself subject to Ruff. Holy smokes: “Too many Sabres either don't care or think they're in charge. Coach Phil Housley has a great knack for forecasting exactly what the opponent will do, and he explains it clearly in the morning. When the puck drops, the opponent follows the blueprint and the Sabres stand there and get run over.” “The players don't listen or, even worse, don't feel they even have to listen. It's a major reason why the Sabres are bottom-feeders once again.”

Be well, fella.

Well, yeah - that is a hallmark of more recent arena and stadium developments. That was not so when the Crossroads Arena was built.

So, it's the discrepancy between those two tiers, not the actual quality of the players that matters?

Ah, yes -- that sounds like it.

It's interesting that our arena is talked about as unusually cold. I mean - it's cold in there. I know that. And I plan accordingly. Wasn't there some big roll-out with Ted Black and the world class quality of the facility's ice? I recall him talking about how the place was going to have to be colder in order to achieve the desired ice quality. I've been to KBC 5 times this season. I have no real complaints.

Um - welp. That could have done it, for sure. Sorry to hear that.