Buffalo Sabres & NHL 2020-2021

[Rockpile233]

That’s more like it! 
 

Plenty of talent on the team, I just hope they can continue to build some chemistry. Just not a lot of room for growing pains with the shortened season. Glad they got a couple critical points, would be tough sledding stacking too many loses.

[Turf Toejam 34]

Seems like they were just looking for chemistry----looks like the top line is set, and now we're getting some footing on the 2nd/3rd lines.   Goaltending is still suspect, but it was a pretty easy night for Huts overall.   We'll see what happens tonight!   

[Jauronimo]

Skinner was all over the place but man is he snakebit. He can't buy a goal right now.  But his line scored twice last night and they were buzzing all game.  More time for the 4th line please.  3rd line was mostly invisible so that shouldn't be hard.

 

January 13th, 2021 - January 18th, 2021 - RIP to the Tage 1st line experiment.    Eichel - Hall - Reinhart is here to stay.

 

Olofsson has the quickest release I have ever seen.  Just filthy.

 

Good game for Hutton.  He didn't face too many challenges and didn't give up any softies.  

 

I expect to see a more motivated Flyers team tonight.  A win here would be quality.

[zow2]

There's no question that the Sabres should be the most desperate team every night in the NHL.  That playoff draught is a huge monkey on their backs.  Last night they showed it.  There will be a big push back from Philadelphia tonight but the Sabres can't play on their heels and defend. Gotta keep pushing the pace.

[Beast]

After Dahlin got punched in the face, I hope Ristolainen wrecks someone tonight.

[Seventeen]

16 minutes ago, Beast said:

After Dahlin got punched in the face, I hope Ristolainen wrecks someone tonight.

 

I hope Dahlin doesn't need Risto to wreck someone and takes care of his own business. 

[Turf Toejam 34]

9 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

 

 

January 13th, 2021 - January 18th, 2021 - RIP to the Tage 1st line experiment.    Eichel - Hall - Reinhart is here to stay.

 

Tage from first line to the press box in six days.    Have fun on the taxi squad Tage, you might be there awhile.  

[thenorthremembers]

1 hour ago, Turf Toejam 34 said:

Tage from first line to the press box in six days.    Have fun on the taxi squad Tage, you might be there awhile.  

Didnt seem to change much tonight.

[Nextmanup]

LOL.  1-3.  Very little has changed with this team, though some of the names are different.

 

The PP should be good, but there's not a lot here to be excited about.

The team's energy level is somewhere between dead and non-existent.

 

 

[Jauronimo]

9 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

LOL.  1-3.  Very little has changed with this team, though some of the names are different.

 

The PP should be good, but there's not a lot here to be excited about.

The team's energy level is somewhere between dead and non-existent.

 

 

I thought they played well last night.  They gave up a goal late while pressing but other than that I felt they had the better scoring chances.  If Skinner elevates the puck he might have had a pair of goals last night.  Skinner is totally snake bit.  Olofsson had a shot at a wide open net and held the puck until the opportunity passed.  They need to capitalize on their chances.

[Jrb1979]

I swear many just don't watch the games and just look at the record and say same old Sabres. Many forget there was no pre-season, its going to take time to get into regular season shape. Outside of the first game they have looked pretty good. Once they start scoring they will start winning games. 

[billsfanmiamioh]

3 hours ago, Jrb1979 said:

I swear many just don't watch the games and just look at the record and say same old Sabres. Many forget there was no pre-season, its going to take time to get into regular season shape. Outside of the first game they have looked pretty good. Once they start scoring they will start winning games. 

Oh I watch every game. And the bolded part of your response is the problem. They still can’t score consistently and will continue plodding along as a below average team until they do. I expect this year to be much like the last couple. Mostly frustrating with the occasional glimmer of a competent team. 

[4merper4mer]

3 hours ago, Jrb1979 said:

I swear many just don't watch the games and just look at the record and say same old Sabres. Many forget there was no pre-season, its going to take time to get into regular season shape. Outside of the first game they have looked pretty good. Once they start scoring they will start winning games. 

I predict they win every game in which they score more than the opponent does.

[4merper4mer]

14 minutes ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Oh I watch every game. And the bolded part of your response is the problem. They still can’t score consistently and will continue plodding along as a below average team until they do. I expect this year to be much like the last couple. Mostly frustrating with the occasional glimmer of a competent team. 

It’s very frustrating.  They have a good coach IMO and clearly have a number of good players.  I’m not sure what the issue is anymore but it seems like some of the players are simply useless and allows the other team to bottle up one line most nights and be done with it if they do.  It is a combination of horrible drafts/acquisitions like Mittlestadt and Tage, picking up guys 5 years too late with Staal being this year’s example, rushing guys like Cozens, trying to make one trick ponies like Skinner become more than what they are.....etc.  Skinner is a waste of space when he isn’t on Eichel’s line and he gets paid a billion a year.  Reinhardt is just ok but seems to be valued as a cornerstone.  
 

There are two cornerstones of this team: Eichel and Dahlin.  The goalie with the long name might become one someday.  Hall is one if he stays.  After that, we have guys who either suck, are 47 years old or are 15 years old.  That is STILL Tim Murray’s fault.  He completely ruined this team.  Botts was inept and unable to move anything forward in any substantial way.  Adams needs to be better.

[BillsFan4]

 

Ullmark back in net tonight.

 

Okposo was back on the ice for practice. Sounds like he’s ready to play but I’m not sure if he’ll be on the lineup tonight.
 

also:

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30754041/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-3-other-players-least-4-games-covid-19-protocols

 

Caps are dealing with a potential covid outbreak.

 

Quote

Ovechkin, a three-time NHL MVP, was placed on the league's unavailable list Wednesday along with No. 1 center Evgeny Kuznetsov, starting goaltender Ilya Samsonov and top-four defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

Those are big losses. Especially the first 3.

 

We play them twice in the next 3 days. The Sabres have to take advantage of this and make up some ground. 2 wins would put them back at .500. 

 

Let’s get it done Buffalo!

 

I’m hoping the Sabres will be extra fired up to get Ullmark a win tonight in his first start since he lost his (63yr old) dad on Monday. 

Edited January 22, 2021 by BillsFan4

[BillsFan4]

Blockbuster trade.

 

Laine + Roslovic for PLD + 3rd.

[YoloinOhio]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Blockbuster trade.

 

Laine + Roslovic for PLD + 3rd.

What do you think of this . CBJ fans seem to love it. Torts hated PLD. 

Laine to me is the better player 

[BillsFan4]

27 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

What do you think of this . CBJ fans seem to love it. Torts hated PLD. 

Laine to me is the better player 

 

It’s an interesting trade. Both players were unhappy and wanted out. Neither really got what they wanted...

 

PLD (reportedly) wanted to go to a big city. Winnipeg is like NHL’s Siberia.

But I read his dad coaches Winnipeg’s AHL team in Manitoba.

 

Laine (reportedly) wanted to play with a true #1 C and the blue jackets current best center is now Domi(? 😬). 
Supposedly he also wanted to go somewhere he could kind of be the guy and get steady top line minutes.

Laine is definitely the better goal scorer. He’s one of the best pure goal scorers in the NHL (IMO). 
PLD plays a bit better 2 way game (but still isn’t the greatest 2 way player). Laine doesn’t really play much defense from what I’ve seen in my limited viewings. 

So I think it all depends on how Tortorella and Laine mesh. I don’t exactly see Laine as a Tortorella type player but he made it work well with Panarin. 

 

It also depends on what happens with both guys contracts - if either team can get the player signed long term.

 

I think Columbus wins this trade if they can sign Laine and he meshes with Torts. Laine is the better overall player IMO (when he’s playing like he did his 1st two seasons) and Getting Roslovic for a 3rd should help their C depth (assuming he’s able to stick at center). 
If Torts uses Laine similar to Panarin it changes the whole dynamic of that Blue Jackets team. Panarin drove their whole offense. They haven’t really been the same since he left. I don’t know if Laine can drive the offense the same way, but we’ll see. he’s also been somewhat disappointing in recent seasons. And I’m not sure how he looks with CBJ’s current centers. PLD was their best center without a doubt. But CBJ needed an elite goal scorer.
 

PLD could be a nice fit for Winnipeg too, if he’s happy and willing to sign long term there. He was a beast in the playoffs.
They really have some envious depth at center now.

Edited January 23, 2021 by BillsFan4

[K-9]

Coming off his best game of his career after a pretty solid first four games, Dylan Cozens gets benched after a rest day. Makes no sense. I’ve had enough of Krueger’s too clever by half, doctor of hockey psychology, wanna be zen master bullcrap. He’s beginning to make Housley look like he actually knew what he was doing.

[BillsFan4]

 

be sure to also share any videos you submit here (so we can make fun of you 😁)

[Figster]

Yeah baby

[TBBills]

Sabres looking good just concerned about the goal tending.

[The Jokeman]

1 hour ago, TBBills said:

Sabres looking good just concerned about the goal tending.

I like Ullmark for this season because it's short but in a normal 82 think he's shaky. 

[BillsFan4]

Sabres desperately need to at least get league average goaltending.

Ideally they’d trade for a starting caliber goalie.
 

Get a slightly above average goalie and they may actually have a shot at the playoffs, especially if the goals start going in for them. The chances are there and net front presence is definitely getting better. They’ve been unlucky though (according to the advanced stats). 

[ALF]

What will happen if Skinner won't buy into Ralph's system ? At $9M a year that's not good news. I would just put him back with Jack unless Jack won't take him . 

 

From the Aud Club

 

https://www.sabrespace.com/community/topic/28817-the-ralph-krueger-put-jeff-skinner-on-the-4th-line-discussion-including-an-excerpt-from-the-instigators-thread/

[BillsFan4]

 

there’s no way you can say that wasn’t intentional.

[Turf Toejam 34]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

there’s no way you can say that wasn’t intentional.

I had a short thought when I saw it live.....not cool.    

[K-9]

Lucky to get a point after that craptastic display. Totally unprepared to play a ranger team that kicked our assess in the 3rd period on Tuesday and who you knew were gonna come out of the gate hard tonight. Perhaps the boys were reading their recent press clippings. Anyway, the entire team, save Ullmark was not ready to play. 
 

I’m looking at you Ralph. 

[4merper4mer]

13 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

there’s no way you can say that wasn’t intentional.

I know Skinner gets under people’s skin and maybe he did before that but IMO that is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the line and deserves: 

 

1. A massive suspension.  Just because the guy missed he should not ever be excused for that.  A few inches and he literally could have killed him.  Plus using a skate as a weapon should really be revocation of his man card.  Hit him it you want to hit him.  Your skate?  Really?

 

2. The next time they play the Sabres need to hammer that guy.....like drop the gloves and all five go right after him hammer.  I can see how it might have been missed during the game because it wasn’t obvious like Lucic/Miller but it was bad and they can’t let it slide.

 

My expectation is a fat zero from Bettman.  Let’s hope Ralph noticed.
 

 

[Jauronimo]

1 hour ago, 4merper4mer said:

I know Skinner gets under people’s skin and maybe he did before that but IMO that is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the line and deserves: 

 

1. A massive suspension.  Just because the guy missed he should not ever be excused for that.  A few inches and he literally could have killed him.  Plus using a skate as a weapon should really be revocation of his man card.  Hit him it you want to hit him.  Your skate?  Really?

 

2. The next time they play the Sabres need to hammer that guy.....like drop the gloves and all five go right after him hammer.  I can see how it might have been missed during the game because it wasn’t obvious like Lucic/Miller but it was bad and they can’t let it slide.

 

My expectation is a fat zero from Bettman.  Let’s hope Ralph noticed.
 

 

Looks like the skate comes up because Skinner tried to trip him.

[Jauronimo]

Art Panera Bread's goal was a lucky bounce.

That was a bull#### hit on Okposo.  That hit should be reviewed and someone needs to go after him next time we play NYR.

Linus stood on his head and made some incredible saves yesterday.  I can't recall the last time we saw a Sabres goalie commit robbery like that.

The Power Play continues to click.  

Skinner can't buy a goal.  I saw a stat that Skinner, Montour, and Dahlin lead the league in shots without a goal.

Dahlin flipped a guy.  Showing some toughness.

We stole a point even though after tying the game at 2 the Sabres sat back as if they were leading by 2 in the 3rd.

Eichel's turnovers were the start of two goals against.  Absolutely terrible giveaways by the captain.  

I thought Olofsson looked good with Staal. Not sure about moving Hall to second line and Olofsson up to first.

[Nextmanup]

14 hours ago, K-9 said:

Lucky to get a point after that craptastic display. Totally unprepared to play a ranger team that kicked our assess in the 3rd period on Tuesday and who you knew were gonna come out of the gate hard tonight. Perhaps the boys were reading their recent press clippings. Anyway, the entire team, save Ullmark was not ready to play. 
 

I’m looking at you Ralph. 

Teams not showing up for entire games, or 1 or 2 periods is a part of the modern NHL.  Some nights BOTH teams do this.  And then they blame the schedule.  "back to back games" or "third game in 4 nights", etc.  

 

As I often point out, your typical regular season NHL hockey game how has the intensity and competitiveness of a high school scrimmage played at Lincoln Park in the Town of Tonawanda.

 

I know because I used to play in those! LOL

Empty buildings only take a terrible product and make it a lot worse.  

 

The new unwritten code is "go along to get along," keep it easy going, no one gets hurt, and the pay checks keep rolling in. Don't hit me, I don't hit you...and let's not break too much of a sweat here.  Thanks.

 

Thankfully, the playoffs are still like the old days, and a completely different sport.

 

I watched last night's game as I always do, online for free, in about 1.5 hours FF-ing through all breaks, delays, and intermissions.  I have no idea how people sit through these things in real time.

 

It doesn't help that RJ and Rob Ray are easily among the worst 3 pairs of announcers in the NHL currently working.

 

I LOVE RJ TO PIECES but he needed to retire 3 or 4 years ago.

 

I also LOVE RAYZOR TO PIECES.  He was actually pretty good as the third man working from ice level, but as the color guy in a 2 man team, he is atrocious.

 

I hate to say it, but I now tend to watch only the other team's broadcasts, some of which are so much better than the current Sabres' product as to be quite sad.

 

I genuinely don't know what young person or viewer new to the game of hockey would stumble across an NHL regular season game on TV and think "Oh this looks interesting.  I need to dive into this!"

 

In the old days when ESPN televised NHL games, they would point out that the PBA got better ratings for freaking bowling matches than an NHL hockey game! 

The product is a lot worse now.

 

 

 

 

 

[BillsFan4]

With a win today the Sabres cam move into a playoff spot.

 

Lets see how bad the players actually want to make the playoffs. A lot of times I kind of feel like it’s just lip service (even with Eichel). If they truly want to make the playoffs they should look like the more desperate team on a nightly basis, not just an occasional game or period here and there.

 

I really do think they’ve been playing pretty good overall this season. Their team defensive structure has been impressive and they’re creating more scoring chances + starting to get to the dirty areas more consistently. But I’m still left wanting a more consistent effort. I know it’s tough to play every game with the energy they had during that 1st Philly game (where they looked like they simply wouldn’t be denied), but that should be the goal (IMO).

[PromoTheRobot]

14 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

With a win today the Sabres cam move into a playoff spot.

 

Lets see how bad the players actually want to make the playoffs. A lot of times I kind of feel like it’s just lip service (even with Eichel). If they truly want to make the playoffs they should look like the more desperate team on a nightly basis, not just an occasional game or period here and there.

 

I really do think they’ve been playing pretty good overall this season. Their team defensive structure has been impressive and they’re creating more scoring chances + starting to get to the dirty areas more consistently. But I’m still left wanting a more consistent effort. I know it’s tough to play every game with the energy they had during that 1st Philly game (where they looked like they simply wouldn’t be denied), but that should be the goal (IMO).

 

They have been pretty good, though the last Rangers game was their worst effort of the year. Ullmark single-handedly stole that point.

 

The most disappointing player so far has been Eichel. Could be lingering injury or not having a full camp. But he's been very meh this year. I'm hoping the good play isn't another early season mirage like the last few seasons.

[TBBills]

Another win

[Jauronimo]

-Nice to see Skinner get some time with the top line tonight.  He had a great feed to Lazar who couldn't finish.  Feels like I'm saying that a lot lately. 

"Mark" Staal continues to produce. Stay out of the penalty box Mark!

-Krueger's plan to juggle the lines and lineup every single game strikes me as odd, but one adjustment needs to be permanent.  No more Tage on top line and Cozens needs to stay in the lineup.

-Hall had a miserable game. Non-stop giveaways, an offensive zone penalty, a lot of running around to littlel effect after Ralph put him with Staal.  I don't know why Ralph played Hall the whole OT.

-Ullmark played another strong game aside from drifting off the post on that 3rd goal. The team defense is vastly improved so far and Ullmark has made big saves when called upon.

-Eakin and Rieder are looking like solid acquisitions.  I like the speed they bring, they're great on the PK, and Rieder is pitching in with 3 goals on the year, more than Eichel and Skinner combined.

-Olofsson has great hockey sense on the ice.  His playmaking ability is shining this year.  Hes not JUST a finisher but he is a hell of a finisher.  Is there a quicker release in hockey? 

-Ristolainen looks very steady.  Hes easily been the best Sabres defenseman this year in my opinion and he has the best +/- on the team at +3! I am glad the team stuck with him because he is really settling in and looking like the player many of us thought he could be. 

-Dahlin looked lost out there today. Ugly.  Side note: Dahlin and Reinhart have the lowest +/- on the team at -7.

-Sabres inability to win in regulation is concerning as that has been the story for a few years now.

 

[Buffalophil1948]

It is nice to go into a shootout and actually have a chance to win. 

[BillsPride12]

I'm starting to feel like Dahlin is going to be the Sabres version of Tremaine Edmunds 

[4merper4mer]

3 hours ago, BillsPride12 said:

I'm starting to feel like Dahlin is going to be the Sabres version of Tremaine Edmunds 

Meaning people who are clueless will think he is a bust?

[billsfanmiamioh]

42 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

Meaning people who are clueless will think he is a bust?

I’m not saying he’s a bust, but I’m getting slightly concerned about him.