BillsFan4 Posted January 26, 2019 Author Share Posted January 26, 2019 1 hour ago, EmotionallyUnstable said: Is the all star game interesting/fun to watch? I don’t enjoy it as much as the East vs West true all-star games from the ‘90’s and 2000’s (where every player there was an all-star, not just included because each team is now given 1 representative). But it is pretty cool now that they went to a 3 on 3 overtime style format. It gives the players a lot more freedom to show off their skill/talent, and they seem to have more fun with it in general. And this year the team format will be by division - Atlantic vs Metro vs pacific etc etc. which is pretty cool. In recent years they were letting each team captain pick their team (like on the playground), which made it kind of tough to pick a team to root for, for me anyway. Its not a “can’t miss’ event or anything, but I enjoy it. I would say that it’s somewhat similar to the NFL pro-bowl game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snafu Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 I always thought the NHL should have a “captains” game. East vs West. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 (edited) He put up just about the same time Eichel did. Edited January 28, 2019 by BillsFan4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 Appreciate the update of the thread. When needing Bills or Sabres news, I mostly consult my ESPN app however it nice to have a reliable back up. So now I know the Sabres will play in Columbus on Tuesday and then head to Dallas to play that other ""infamous"" team of mine Wednesday night. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 Hey look, @K-9. This should make you happy! lol Looks like Scandella might be an extra... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 51 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said: Hey look, @K-9. This should make you happy! lol Looks like Scandella might be an extra... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 3 minutes ago, K-9 said: be better in Nelson was coming back....and it better be Scandella-Hunwick extras and not Pilut!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 9 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: be better in Nelson was coming back....and it better be Scandella-Hunwick extras and not Pilut!!!! I wouldn’t be surprised if Housley benched Pilut. After all, he had the temerity to make a mistake last game. Never mind that Pilut is our best Dman from a Corsi perspective, he must be made to atone for his on ice transgressions! Scandella needs patience and understanding because, you know, he’s only 28 and has been in the league eight years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 7 minutes ago, K-9 said: I wouldn’t be surprised if Housley benched Pilut. After all, he had the temerity to make a mistake last game. Never mind that Pilut is our best Dman from a Corsi perspective, he must be made to atone for his on ice transgressions! Scandella needs patience and understanding because, you know, he’s only 28 and has been in the league eight years. I've seen those bottom two pairings reversed in other places, so I don't hope you get your hopes up too high. Also, once Nelson is back, we will have reached a critical moment. They're not carrying 9 d-men. I'd fire the GM on the spot who decided to do that. Nelson is a prime candidate for a conditioning stint, but after that, someone has to go. We've seen nothing from this management group that suggest they're going to move any of the waiver eligible guys. That only leaves one defenseman left to be sent to Rochester... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 9 minutes ago, shrader said: I've seen those bottom two pairings reversed in other places, so I don't hope you get your hopes up too high. Also, once Nelson is back, we will have reached a critical moment. They're not carrying 9 d-men. I'd fire the GM on the spot who decided to do that. Nelson is a prime candidate for a conditioning stint, but after that, someone has to go. We've seen nothing from this management group that suggest they're going to move any of the waiver eligible guys. That only leaves one defenseman left to be sent to Rochester... Rest assured, with Housley as HC, there is zero chance I will get my hopes too high. NOTHING about him screams great head coach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 I have an extra ticket to tomorrow’s game.Anyone in the C-bus area PM me if interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 Quote Pushing for the playoffs became a habit for Marco Scandella during his tenure with the Minnesota Wild, where the defenseman was a member of five straight postseason teams from 2012-13 through 2016-17. While members of the Sabres packed their bags for Columbus following practice on Monday, Scandella smiled ear-to-ear when asked to describe the task ahead. "This is why you play hockey," he said. "This is the fun part. Last year, coming off the break, we knew we were in a position that was almost impossible to make the playoffs. It wasn't that fun coming back. Other teams are pushing too and when you don't have much to play for, it isn't easy. It's exciting to be in this position as opposed to last year. I think everyone's all smiles in this room right now, ready to work hard for each other." “Everything's going to tighten up from now until the end of the year," Scandella said. "I feel like we understand that in this room. We have a lot of guys that are young and don't have that experience but are ready to battle. We have 34 games left. You're going to have to scratch and claw for every inch. We're in a position where we're going to have to make a real push here to have a chance to make the playoffs. It's going to take everybody in this room. We have to start playing playoff hockey from now on and treat every play like it could be your last, because every play makes a difference. Every play counts." I am excited to see what they do to close out the season. I hope like crazy that they are able to make the playoffs, but no matter what this is valuable experience. There are so many players on this roster who have yet to experience being part of a team trying to make a playoff push (which is pretty sad to think about, especially when you realize that guys like Risto and Girgensons are in their 6th year...lol). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 58 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said: I am excited to see what they do to close out the season. I hope like crazy that they are able to make the playoffs, but no matter what this is valuable experience. There are so many players on this roster who have yet to experience being part of a team trying to make a playoff push (which is pretty sad to think about, especially when you realize that guys like Risto and Girgensons are in their 6th year...lol). Thanks for the update @BillsFan4 Not only are you posting good info/links, but giving your own original thoughts as well. Appreciated. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 What do our resident leafs fans think? Id say it’s a Pretty nice trade for both sides. Muzzin is a good top 4 defenseman, and will instantly be the 2nd best defenseman on the leafs roster IMO. I don’t know how they will work the pairings seeing as Muzzin is also a lefty (and better on the left side. Can Reilly play on the right?). And LA got a 1st + a very nice prospect in Grundstrom and a B level prospect in Durzi. Don’t know as much about Durzi. Heard he’s having a good season, but he’s also currently unsigned, 20yrs old and still playing in juniors. He was an over-ager the leafs took in the 2nd in 2018. Muzzin being under contract next seasn at only $4M is a win for Toronto, too. I assume he will most likely be Gardiner’s replacement next season. 1 hour ago, BringBackFergy said: Thanks for the update @BillsFan4 Not only are you posting good info/links, but giving your own original thoughts as well. Appreciated. Thanks. Appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Any chance Hutton or Ullmark went to get a neck tattoo over All Star break? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 53 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said: Any chance Hutton or Ullmark went to get a neck tattoo over All Star break? I heard on radio yesterday Hutton is like .890 since the win streak. Not good. And boy, sobriety and a great system/coach sure does make a difference no? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 14 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: I heard on radio yesterday Hutton is like .890 since the win streak. Not good. And boy, sobriety and a great system/coach sure does make a difference no? Ouch!! .890?? I think we could put @ExiledInIllinois in net with a blindfold and do better than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Converting a career backup to a starter. It doesn't seem to work all that often. I can't think of too many recent success stories. The most glaring recent one was Scott Darling, now serving as the backup in Charlotte. They're career backups for a reason. Now add to that the fact that Hutton is 33 years old. There was very little reason to think he could stay at his early season form for the long haul. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Well, if morning skate pairings mean anything, it will be Scandella/Hunwick on the third D pair. Scandella and Hunwick. Let that sink in. There is a reason we finished with the worst record last year. There is a reason we have the worst record over the last 23 games. I fully expect Scandella and Hunwick to play lights out tonight, thus convincing coach clueless to keep them in the lineup as he fancies it is that pairing that holds the magic key to playoff contention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 2 hours ago, K-9 said: Well, if morning skate pairings mean anything, it will be Scandella/Hunwick on the third D pair. Scandella and Hunwick. Let that sink in. If Pilut is not on the ice tonight, and Scandella is, I fire Housley immediately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Media predicting Panarin is going to get booed tonight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 16 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said: Media predicting Panarin is going to get booed tonight Dont know why fans would get mad at a guy wanting to get max value for his services. Or I am missing something Yolo? Has he just said flat out he will not sign in Columbus? And thinking about that, if that is his position bully on him for being honest about it...then it is up to the club to decide what they want to do and not be blindsided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 1 hour ago, plenzmd1 said: If Pilut is not on the ice tonight, and Scandella is, I fire Housley immediately. Better brace yourself. For Pilut not being in the lineup. Can’t see JBotts canning Housley until after the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 (edited) 16 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: Dont know why fans would get mad at a guy wanting to get max value for his services. Or I am missing something Yolo? Has he just said flat out he will not sign in Columbus? And thinking about that, if that is his position bully on him for being honest about it...then it is up to the club to decide what they want to do and not be blindsided. His agent said he won’t discuss his future until after the season, and it’s been long discussed he wants to live near the ocean and/or a huge market. A local distillery even offered him free vodka for life if he signs here. Haha. It’s pretty much the writing on the wall that he won’t, and now the decision becomes whether to keep him for the playoff run or trade him before the deadline so you don’t lose him for nothing. It’s tough because they are a good team, but not do good that you assume they are Cup contenders. I certainly don’t advocate the booing. He’s played great. Edited January 29, 2019 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said: His agent said he won’t discuss his future until after the season, and it’s been long discussed he wants to live near the ocean and/or a huge market. A local distillery even offered him free vodka for life if he signs here. Haha. It’s pretty much the writing on the wall that he won’t, and now the decision becomes whether to keep him for the playoff run or trade him before the deadline so you don’t lose him for nothing. It’s tough because they are a good team, but not do good that you assume they are Cup contenders. I certainly don’t advocate the booing. He’s played great. so he is going to exercise his rights to hit free agency..i still would not boo..just like I will not boo Skinner if he decides to go to free agency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 7 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: so he is going to exercise his rights to hit free agency..i still would not boo..just like I will not boo Skinner if he decides to go to free agency. The difference being that Skinner hadn't put word that he won't sign in Buffalo. I imagine if he had, he'd be booed too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 12 minutes ago, GG said: The difference being that Skinner hadn't put word that he won't sign in Buffalo. I imagine if he had, he'd be booed too. Well, to be fair Panarin has not said that either, just that he will not negotiate during the season..his right. Skinners right too. Anyone approaching Free Agency this far along I think is smart to go to UDFA. If I was Skinner's agent, I would 100% advise him to go to free agency and see what plays out. I doubt Stamkos got booed when he would not negotiate in season, but i could be wrong there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 10 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: Well, to be fair Panarin has not said that either, just that he will not negotiate during the season..his right. Skinners right too. Anyone approaching Free Agency this far along I think is smart to go to UDFA. If I was Skinner's agent, I would 100% advise him to go to free agency and see what plays out. I doubt Stamkos got booed when he would not negotiate in season, but i could be wrong there. Skinner’s agent has been putting out the bat signals that he wants to stay. Panarin’s has been doing the opposite for a long time. This isn’t surprising but it’s a gut punch for CBJ fans hoping he would stay if they were really good but it’s all about the city. And i don’t think Bobrovsky will be here either and that’s his buddy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 7 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said: Skinner’s agent has been putting out the bat signals that he wants to stay. Panarin’s has been doing the opposite for a long time. This isn’t surprising but it’s a gut punch for CBJ fans hoping he would stay if they were really good but it’s all about the city. And i don’t think Bobrovsky will be here either and that’s his buddy. Panarin’s agent made it very clear before the season even started that Panarin wouldn’t be signing in Columbus before free agency. He even went as far as to say “I’d trade Panarin if I were Columbus”. The agent and panarin went went out of their way to give Columbus plenty of notice, and even said that they told Columbus so early because they wanted to be fair to them. So, IMO It is totally on Columbus for deciding to keep him. I can’t blame them for hoping that he’s change his mind, but it’s not Panarin’s fault at all IMO. He was traded there after signing in a big city (Chicago). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 9 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said: Skinner’s agent has been putting out the bat signals that he wants to stay. Panarin’s has been doing the opposite for a long time. This isn’t surprising but it’s a gut punch for CBJ fans hoping he would stay if they were really good but it’s all about the city. And i don’t think Bobrovsky will be here either and that’s his buddy. I get why fans would be cranky, I just don't agree with it. And I hate to compare athletes to us working stiffs..but those same fans would go nuts if their employer said you need to move to Detroit and work for less money than you would get from someone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 (edited) 31 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said: Panarin’s agent made it very clear before the season even started that Panarin wouldn’t be signing in Columbus before free agency. He even went as far as to say “I’d trade Panarin if I were Columbus”. The agent and panarin went went out of their way to give Columbus plenty of notice, and even said that they told Columbus so early because they wanted to be fair to them. So, IMO It is totally on Columbus for deciding to keep him. I can’t blame them for hoping that he’s change his mind, but it’s not Panarin’s fault at all IMO. He was traded there after signing in a big city (Chicago). I totally agree, they rolled the dice to see if they could get him to stay. I don’t see it as his fault but then again I’m not an avid CBJ fan. I don’t care if he’s here. I think he’s a great talent, but it’s not something i care that much about. 29 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: I get why fans would be cranky, I just don't agree with it. And I hate to compare athletes to us working stiffs..but those same fans would go nuts if their employer said you need to move to Detroit and work for less money than you would get from someone else. Fans are stupid. I don’t agree with it either, but then again the same fans booed Rick Nash every time he came back here to play after he was traded. And the man has gone a ton for the city and lives here in the offseason with his family! Edited January 29, 2019 by YoloinOhio 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 (edited) Just listened to Housley interview on GR. FiRe this guy now. “ every game is important now”.. okay. Jeremy asked about Pilut and his analytics , Housley countered playing decisions are based on results and wins and losses. Uhh, seems to me Scandella been in the ice for every freaking loss! and please explain throwing Hutton out there..and his losses, and his giveaways, and his save percentage..so reults only count if you are a rookie? Vets get to make as many mistakes as they want? fire him NOW! Edited January 29, 2019 by plenzmd1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 40 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: fire him NOW! How do you really feel? It’s a mystery why he keeps trotting out Scandella. Everyone but Housley... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 30, 2019 Author Share Posted January 30, 2019 I am not at all surprised to see Pilut sit tonight. He is young and he had a very rough game in his last outing. His mistakes last game led to at least 2 goals against (I think it may have actually even been 3 iirc). NHL coaches prefer experience. This is nothing new. IMO, most veteran coaches are worse than Housley when it comes to playing youth vs relying on veterans. Housley has a lot of young players in the lineup as it is. More than many/most teams. He is actually giving the young guys more opportunity than a lot of other experienced coaches around the NHL give their young players. Though I’d prefer Pilut in the lineup to Hunwick, I understand why Housley is going with a bit more experience tonight, in a crucial game. We have 3 games in hand on Montreal and it is vital to our playoff hopes that we make up ground. They are currently 7 points ahead. We have a chance to make up 6 of those 7 points. Housley talked about how he wants the team to tighten down their game and not make so many mistakes so it doesn’t surprise me that he is going with experience over youth. This team has kind of been living and dying by these young guy’s mistakes all season. If they are serious about making a playoff push I can understand why he feels that limiting all these mistakes is so important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 1 hour ago, plenzmd1 said: Just listened to Housley interview on GR. FiRe this guy now. “ every game is important now”.. okay. Jeremy asked about Pilut and his analytics , Housley countered playing decisions are based on results and wins and losses. Uhh, seems to me Scandella been in the ice for every freaking loss! and please explain throwing Hutton out there..and his losses, and his giveaways, and his save percentage..so reults only count if you are a rookie? Vets get to make as many mistakes as they want? fire him NOW! F-ing rclueless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 30, 2019 Author Share Posted January 30, 2019 (edited) Never knew that Ullmark’s grandma died the day before Rochester’s playoff series started. Makes a lot more sense why he struggled. I give him a lot of credit for staying with the team. Edited January 30, 2019 by BillsFan4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Not sure what to think of this game. I see passion. I see energy. I see crisp passing. But I want to see a finish in regulation. If that doesn’t happen, it rests on the defense. Four goals is plenty to win a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted January 30, 2019 Author Share Posted January 30, 2019 Not a great finish to the 2nd period. Back to back goals allowed. They have to come out with a hard push in the 3rd. Buffalo desperately needs these 2 points tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 So if results are what determine playing time, Hutton needs to sit. Ullmark needs to be # 1 , been obvious for 6 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 7 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: So if results are what determine playing time, Hutton needs to sit. Ullmark needs to be # 1 , been obvious for 6 weeks. Hutton, like Scandella, brings that calm, steady, veteran presence that Housley values so highly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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