Carmel Corn

Pffft, I like how you think you know everything....even when it cannot be proven right or wrong!

I'll take the 1979 team any day. Players in 1979 were motivated to give max effort because if they didn't, they would be sent to the minors. Todays players lack the same motivation and feel sorry for themselves if they don't play. They may be bigger, stronger and faster, but softer in heart and character. As I said I another post, level the playing field by having today's players use the same equipment in 1979 and see how they do!

If I recall, the Sabres beat the Soviet team...so I don't think it was exactly Slapshot old-time hockey. Yes the game is different in many respects, but I would like to see today's players can use wood sticks and old fashioned skates and goalies using smaller heavier pads and straight-bladed goalie sticks and see how they do.

They had a lead with 3 minutes to go....officials gave Boston a gift PP which they converted. Pulled their goalie as well. Scored the winner with just a few seconds left in regulation. Florida clutched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Sure why not! Let's put Mittelstadt and Tage on the next PK as well!

I would have liked to have seen what a full season would look like with him....too bad he got hurt so early.

Confused again with the defense pairings....seems like it's musical chairs again.

Really liking Montour on point for the PP....maybe there is hope it can make a difference.

Jack deserves an assist on that one too, but won't get one....shame.

Mother of God....Sobotka?

Some good news in the league....Florida is beating Boston with 3 minutes to go....just a one goal lead though!

They tangled in the last game after Risto hit Kane.

Yeah....PP! (sigh!)

Too many turnovers...not taking care of the puck.

3 defensemen on the ice (BOGO, Risto, Scandella) and we still could not prevent a goal.

I like BOGO playing physical, but that's not exactly what I had in mind.

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.