Carmel Corn

Rick J. is having difficulty identifying Scandella from Nelson.

Kind of just emphasizes how bad that trade was....that we all are hoping the players we got choose to leave the game or get sent down to Rochester.

IMHO, A multi-year run at the cup will require a great deal of patience from all as it can only be achieved via consistent success in drafting. Yes some trades and FA signings can fill some critical pieces, but you have to have a pipeline of young talent to challenge year after year. Trades will sometimes come with strings attached like taking on salary dumps which can hinder your ability to sign your own RFA's worth keeping. The question is how patience can we all be and how good is our front office in scouting and drafting? After GMTM, I wish to avoid a repeat of a "win now" strategy. We'll see how well that works for Columbus.

Few things: 1. Acquisition of Skinner proving that Jack's game is elevated when he has a winger who can keep up with him (and can shoot). 2. Dahlin playing every game this year proving that he is not only talented, but durable. 3. Sam playing at a high level for a complete season (to date). Honorable mention - Angry Larry has had a good rebound year as a role player.

P. Kane feasts on the Sabres....he will have a lot of room to operate and make Buffalo pay.

If that's the case, then why does the coaching staff keep putting him out there. They can see +/- stats better than any of us, so if they're running the team based on statistics, he would skate far fewer minutes. If it's all about winning, then would they not scratch him from the lineup every night...or traded him by now?

Risto averages 3 or 4 more minutes than any other D-man on the team. If his minutes can be reduced, then I think his +/- improves. If he plays more as a 3/4 (which is where I think he belongs), his +/- should improve. Problem is that we've lacked the depth to test that theory because of talent deficiencies and injuries. With Montour on board, we'll see now. Hits may not mean anything to you, but I like having D-men who aren't afraid to initiate some contact. We have someone who does so and has been remarkably durable in the process. He has been a workhorse, whether the +/- indicates it or not.

Skinner has all the leverage. They know the fan base will riot if he leaves without compensation. The Stone deal does not help, but I think many of us were already thinking $8 for 8Y at a minimum. Losing him over an additional $.5 to $1MM a year will look bad/cheap optically and no amount of PR 'spin' will overcome that. It will also signal to other FA's to cross Buffalo off their list as a possible destination.

So what would you target in return? If it is not another RH defenseman, how do you propose replacing his spot? I am not saying Risto is untouchable, but the return has to be significant to replace his minutes. He has played every game and has been in or near the top 10 in the league as far as hits, no other Sabre player is in the top 50. Nobody on the team today will do that.

I love pre game in Chicago.....best national anthem singer in the league.

Goaltending quality has dropped since the streak, no doubt. Part of that is "soft" goals our tandem should have covered, but I also don't recall a year where there have been so many "fluky' goals like deflections off skates, etc. Call it bad "puck luck", bad bounces or whatever. My overall $0.02 is that our tandem is still good enough vs. other areas of weakness on our team. They are not championship caliber, but they are capable enough as evident by their play during the streak. If our forwards can back check better....if our defense can do a better job of clearing the front and preventing second and third chances, then I don't think we have to ponder this question.

Yes, hindsight is 20-20, but I don't see any way to spin it into a positive. My only question is whether GMJB was forced by ownership to make a deal or did he himself initiate the move? If the direction came from above, then I saw he did the best he could given the hand he was dealt.

Yes...sending him to the farm in my mind means to the "fat" farm to put some pounds on. If he can't build muscle, then put on some fat instead. TT is so darn lean, he makes Karen Carpenter and Twiggy look obese.

I think the vast majority would agree the 1st period was good. A key problem with this team is how they respond when playing with a lead....terrible. Last night, they could and should have maintained a "fire at will" killer instinct approach and build on the 3-1 lead. Instead, they let Edmonton get the next one and it's game on from the Oiler's standpoint. Yes they outshot them overall, but they did not really compete in the 2nd period. Coupled with the fact that this team is seriously bad at hitting the net did them in. What I would really like to see in the post game are players who are MAD and PO'd vs. feeling like victims of bad puck luck. The heck with the "we lose as a team" blah-blah, how about calling out some fellow players and coaches.....oh wait, better not because you will be a healthy scratch or get traded....hmmm, maybe not such a bad thing afterall!

Another ex-Sabre....Beaulieu had 2 assists last night to help Winnipeg beat Columbus.

I hope you are well-insured and have your legal affairs in order. Otherwise, please stop watching for the sake of your family!!!

McDavid to Eichel: "Hit the road Jack!"

Anybody getting tired of the Pittsburgh model? How about something like a Boston model instead?

Geez, what the hell is the coaching staff doing with the D-pairings? It seems like there have been 4 or 5 different combinations already this period. Montour/Dahlin are a new couple. Looks like Risto and Scandella are now divorced. Maybe still work in process.

Rob says they need to throw more rubber at the goal....maybe not a bad idea. If they throw vs. shoot, maybe they'll hit the target vs. "wide"

Unfortunately just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Really not liking the Risto-Scandella pairing. Then again I don't like any pairing with Scandella.

Mr. Greenjeans though says that he ain't as smart as Ben Franklin!

He needs to check the aim on his light Sabre

Now think "Killer Instinct"....go for 4, then 5, etc. No defensive shell!