Buffalo Sabres and NHL 2022-2023

[Jauronimo]

19 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

I know Adams said he approached Okposo recently and asked him if we needed more toughness in the lineup. I guess we know what Okposo’s answer was 😂

 

I think it was probably needed. We have a lot of young kids and the NHL is an intimidating league. If they feel more comfortable on the ice it should only help them to play their game, and we’ve seen how they can look when they’re all on their game.

Liberties are being taken particularly on Dahlin, Cozens, Peterka, and Quinn.  Luckily we Krebsy to make guys think twice about messing with our young studs. That mofo is crazy!

[Doc]

7 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

What about goalies this decade that have gone right from college to pros? Hockey was a lot different back then.

 

I can’t think of a single goalie that has gone right from college to pros and stuck. 

 

Like I said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Levi gets a game or two this year to entice him to sign and burn a year off his entry level contract (though I could also see him playing in the AHL this season, especially if Rochester makes the playoffs). But I won’t be at all surprised if he is in the AHL next season.  It’s what I expect to happen. If you are setting your expectations on him going right to the NHL you are probably going to be disappointed.

 

Goalies especially need time to develop. Forcing him right into the NHL isn’t a good plan for his long term success. And Adams has been patient to a fault sometimes. I don’t expect him to force Levi into the Pros.

 

I guess we will see next year though. No point in continuing to debate something neither of us have any control over.

 

He probably will be an Amerk next season (at least to start), but he'll definitely be with the Sabres this season, to burn a year off his ELC, as you said.  The fireable offense, especially after dealing Portillo, would be not doing that because that's likely a condition of him signing with the club.

Edited March 3, 2023 by Doc

[Nextmanup]

1 hour ago, Jauronimo said:

Liberties are being taken particularly on Dahlin, Cozens, Peterka, and Quinn.  Luckily we Krebsy to make guys think twice about messing with our young studs. That mofo is crazy!

Krebs and Dahlin are the 2 toughest guys on the team right now, which is a problem! 

 

I love the Greenway acquisition but we need more.

 

At least Adams is open about it and talking about it, so that's a good sign.

 

 

 

[T&C]

Nice tribute to Jason Arno...

 

and holy ***** did that girl ever nail the anthems.

Edited March 4, 2023 by T&C

[Johnny Hammersticks]

So that’s why they got Stillman.

[Doc]

9 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

So that’s why they got Stillman.

 

Not watching.  He's supposed to be a goon.

[T&C]

2 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Not watching.  He's supposed to be a goon.

He went down for the count... will see what became of it after the break.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

3 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Not watching.  He's supposed to be a goon.

He has made his presence known for sure.  A BIG hit and a fight.  Got his ass handed to him in the fight but he’s willing to drop the mits 🤷🏾‍♂️

[T&C]

15 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

He has made his presence known for sure.  A BIG hit and a fight.  Got his ass handed to him in the fight but he’s willing to drop the mits 🤷🏾‍♂️

I suppose it's good to have a guy like that but man what a period... can't ask for much more. Keep it up so I can wear Sabres gear in Tampa town tomorrow!

[T&C]

Recap of the game this afternoon:

 

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/sports/2023/03/04/quinn-scores-in-2nd-period-as-sabres-beat-lightning-5-3

[SinceThe70s]

 

Islander fan checking in with fellow Bills fans to get Buffalo perspective on the upcoming Sabres/Isles game. 

 

Isles are in the midst of a big 4 game stretch (beat the Red Wings today) against wild card contenders. We're in playoff position right now but it's a mirage because most of the teams behind us have enough games in hand to easily surpass.

 

I could complain about injuries but we've been winning since our best player went down. Goalie is having a great season, but overall the team looks like they're on the downside of a nice run that left them just short of the finals two straight years. I don't see Isles as Cup contenders but I'm hoping for another shot at the playoffs.

 

Read a few recent comments in this thread - sounds like Sabres brought in some toughness. That's a good thing IMO. Playoff hockey is not the same as regular season.  Interested in any thoughts about the Sabres and the upcoming game.

[Nextmanup]

9 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Islander fan checking in with fellow Bills fans to get Buffalo perspective on the upcoming Sabres/Isles game. 

 

Isles are in the midst of a big 4 game stretch (beat the Red Wings today) against wild card contenders. We're in playoff position right now but it's a mirage because most of the teams behind us have enough games in hand to easily surpass.

 

I could complain about injuries but we've been winning since our best player went down. Goalie is having a great season, but overall the team looks like they're on the downside of a nice run that left them just short of the finals two straight years. I don't see Isles as Cup contenders but I'm hoping for another shot at the playoffs.

 

Read a few recent comments in this thread - sounds like Sabres brought in some toughness. That's a good thing IMO. Playoff hockey is not the same as regular season.  Interested in any thoughts about the Sabres and the upcoming game.

I believe we have FOUR games in hand on your Isles.  I think we'll catch you guys eventually.  We also have a better win percentage.  Of course, we have to make good use of those games in hand and actually win.

 

I think we'll win on Monday against Edmonton.  Right now I'm taking it one game at a time.

 

I wish we had Tuch back, but that's life.  At least we got Dahlin back a bit sooner than expected.

 

 

 

 

19 hours ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

He has made his presence known for sure.  A BIG hit and a fight.  Got his ass handed to him in the fight but he’s willing to drop the mits 🤷🏾‍♂️

It's not how many you win or lose, it's how many you show up for!  And he straight up initiated that fight with a lot of passion and detemination.  It was the very last punch thrown that caught him on the button.  Blood all over the ice too.

 

He'll be OK.

 

Wait until the frigging Buffalo weather will allow Greenway to show up and join the team, presumably tomorrow night against Edmonton.

 

He's a BIG body and plays BIG.  He's a great add to the team.  Buffalo fans are going to love this kid.

 

 

[BillsFan4]

Really like the way the Sabres rebounded against Tampa Bay!

 

I was worried after 2 tough losses in a row (especially getting destroyed by Boston) that it was going to be the start of a slump. But damn, did they play great against Tampa!

 

Now just keep it going!

[Wacka]

They are getting better.  With 21 games left, they have equaled their win total of last sseason.

[ChevyVanMiller]

I wouldn’t normally put much stock in such things, but the Sabres are averaging over 5 goals per game in the Goat Head jerseys with a pretty substantial sample size. If they make the playoffs they should petition the league to wear them every night.

[T&C]

2 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Really like the way the Sabres rebounded against Tampa Bay!

 

I was worried after 2 tough losses in a row (especially getting destroyed by Boston) that it was going to be the start of a slump. But damn, did they play great against Tampa!

 

Now just keep it going!

This is one of the headlines down here:

 

Jon Cooper benches offensive stars as Lightning’s skid continues

Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov sit out the entire third period after poor defensive play against the Sabres.

[SinceThe70s]

10 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

I believe we have FOUR games in hand on your Isles.  I think we'll catch you guys eventually.  We also have a better win percentage.  Of course, we have to make good use of those games in hand and actually win.

 

I think we'll win on Monday against Edmonton.  Right now I'm taking it one game at a time.

 

I wish we had Tuch back, but that's life.  At least we got Dahlin back a bit sooner than expected.

 

 

Yup - and Sabres aren't the only team with a bunch of games in hand on my Isles.  And while I don't expect the Isles to hold on I'll hold out hope. Might sound silly with so many games still left but feels like a must-win game for my team. 

[T&C]

Tampa got absolutely destroyed today... game was on TNT. Makes me smile...

 

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/03/06/carolina-hurricanes-rout-lightning-6-0

Edited March 6, 2023 by T&C

[BillsFan4]

Some interesting info in this PC. Couple of the most interesting:

 

- Arizona wanted more from Buffalo for Chychrun. They were focused on our top prospects.

 

- Portillo was traded because he didn’t want to play in this market and because he didn’t see a path to the NHL here.

 

If that’s the case, then don’t let the door hit ya… If he’s that scared of competition then I don’t see him making it. LA is pretty void of goalies+prospects though. They only have 2 under contract next season.

Portillo claimed in a Buffalo News interview that it wasn’t because of Levi or UPL and that he was advised not to sign here. So who knows. His agent is Eichel’s agent so I am guessing there’s some hard feelings if he was advised against signing here.

[Doc]

12 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Some interesting info in this PC. Couple of the most interesting:

 

- Arizona wanted more from Buffalo for Chychrun. They were focused on our top prospects.

 

- Portillo was traded because he didn’t want to play in this market and because he didn’t see a path to the NHL here.

 

If that’s the case, then don’t let the door hit ya… If he’s that scared of competition then I don’t see him making it. LA is pretty void of goalies+prospects though. They only have 2 under contract next season.

Portillo claimed in a Buffalo News interview that it wasn’t because of Levi or UPL and that he was advised not to sign here. So who knows. His agent is Eichel’s agent so I am guessing there’s some hard feelings if he was advised against signing here.

 

BS.  He knew he wasn't overtaking Levi.  If anything, he should have signed last year to get a head start on him. 

 

And it's interesting they wanted prospects from the Sabres but settled for a conditional 1st this year, a conditional 2nd next year and a 2nd in 2026.

[Gregg]

Two big games coming up. Tonight, vs the Oilers and McDavid. Tomorrow at the Isles. The one bad thing about the Isles game is the Sabres will be playing 3 in 4 while the Isles are rested. 

[Fleezoid]

This whole week is going to be tough. It'll be a huge challenge to make up any ground towards one of the elusive playoff spots. 

[Nextmanup]

2 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

This whole week is going to be tough. It'll be a huge challenge to make up any ground towards one of the elusive playoff spots. 

This will not be the time to make up ground!  This will be the time to survive and simply try not to have our season ended!  

 

Having said that, if we beat Islanders tomorrow, we WILL make up some ground.  

 

Have to win tomorrow; tonight against Edmonton is more optional, but I think we will win.

 

We are #3 scoring team; Edmonton is #1!  Tonight should be amazing!  

Will be like '80s Battle of Alberta with the Sabres playing the role of Calgary...

 

Watch for end to end action and a final score of 7-6.

 

 

 

 

[PromoTheRobot]

15 hours ago, Doc said:

 

BS.  He knew he wasn't overtaking Levi.  If anything, he should have signed last year to get a head start on him. 

 

And it's interesting they wanted prospects from the Sabres but settled for a conditional 1st this year, a conditional 2nd next year and a 2nd in 2026.

 

Not really. Chychrun wanted to play in his home town. So AZ says we'll accommodate you, unless we get something a lot better elsewhere. They didn't.

3 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

This whole week is going to be tough. It'll be a huge challenge to make up any ground towards one of the elusive playoff spots. 

 

We are in the playoffs now, as far as our players are concerned. Every game is must-win. 

[Doc]

57 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Not really. Chychrun wanted to play in his home town. So AZ says we'll accommodate you, unless we get something a lot better elsewhere. They didn't.

 

He's from Boca Raton.  He was traded to Ottawa.

[Gregg]

Take comfort Sabres fans. Maybe they make the playoffs this year and maybe they won't but...

 

Buffalo is going to be good for a very long time. 

Jack Quinn seems to be the real deal. Cozens, Krebs, Jost all first rd, young guys flourishing down the middle. That’s before mentioning Tuch or Thompson or Dahlin or Powers. Plus young high end role players like middlestat, peterka, ollofson, samuelson. KO and Skinner who have been great. Not sure about the depth on D but this team is stacked for the future nonetheless.

 

[PromoTheRobot]

8 hours ago, Doc said:

 

He's from Boca Raton.  He was traded to Ottawa.

 

https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/chychrun-family-embraces-a-return-to-the-familys-roots-in-ottawa

[BillsFan4]

Missed opportunity not getting at least a point from the game tonight. Buffalo had their chances. Skinner made some big saves for edmonton. That bad 3rd goal by Anderson and ended up being the difference tonight. Oilers did a good job clogging up the middle of the ice and shutting buffalo down in the 3rd.

 

Sabres have to get a win tomorrow, and preferably in regulation. It's effectively a 4 point game.

[Gregg]

8 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Missed opportunity not getting at least a point from the game tonight. Buffalo had their chances. Skinner made some big saves for edmonton. That bad 3rd goal by Anderson and ended up being the difference tonight. Oilers did a good job clogging up the middle of the ice and shutting buffalo down in the 3rd.

 

Sabres have to get a win tomorrow, and preferably in regulation. It's effectively a 4 point game.

 

It's going to be a tough game. The Isles are usually good at home. They haven't played since Saturday, so they are rested. The Sabres will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights so fatigue may play a factor especially in the 3rd period. 

[BillsFan4]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

 

It's going to be a tough game. The Isles are usually good at home. They haven't played since Saturday, so they are rested. The Sabres will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights so fatigue may play a factor especially in the 3rd period. 

Yeah for sure it will be tough. NYI have the veteran experience too. But it doesn’t matter. This is still as close to “must win” as it gets. This is probably the most important game they’ve played in a decade. A regulation loss makes catching the Isles a much tougher task.

 

If the Sabres really want a shot at the playoffs this season they have to get a win tonight, and preferably in regulation.

 

Big game. It’ll be interesting to see how the Sabres play.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

Any word on when Alex Tuch is hopeful to return?  Sabres are missing him a lot.  He’s one that really “stirs the drink” out there.

Edited March 7, 2023 by Johnny Hammersticks

[Fleezoid]

Over the past 4 or 5 games, I've noticed an increase in bad angle shots. I get the whole, 'shots to the net; bad rebounds, sneak one inside the post' kind of things, but it seems to me it's boosting the opponent goalie confidence bit. Skinner seemed to be locked in on what the Sabres were doing. His positioning was solid most of the night. 

[plenzmd1]

Pilut called up...sounds like either 61 or 23  not ready to play tonight...plus hopefully they sittin Bryson

Edited March 7, 2023 by plenzmd1

[Johnny Hammersticks]

11 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

Pilut called up...sounds like either 61 or 23  not ready to play tonight...plus hopefully they sittin Bryson

Bryson is painfully bad 🫣

[T&C]

7 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Yeah for sure it will be tough. NYI have the veteran experience too. But it doesn’t matter. This is still as close to “must win” as it gets. This is probably the most important game they’ve played in a decade. A regulation loss makes catching the Isles a much tougher task.

 

If the Sabres really want a shot at the playoffs this season they have to get a win tonight, and preferably in regulation.

 

Big game. It’ll be interesting to see how the Sabres play.

Here we go... hope we make a statement win.

[Process]

Two games in a row not on TV? That's stupid...

[T&C]

1 minute ago, Process said:

Two games in a row not on TV? That's stupid...

It's on here but not on TV...

[SinceThe70s]

On 3/5/2023 at 9:40 AM, Nextmanup said:

I believe we have FOUR games in hand on your Isles.  I think we'll catch you guys eventually.  We also have a better win percentage.  Of course, we have to make good use of those games in hand and actually win.

 

I think we'll win on Monday against Edmonton.  Right now I'm taking it one game at a time.

 

I wish we had Tuch back, but that's life.  At least we got Dahlin back a bit sooner than expected.

 

 

 

 

MFer!!!

 

Was looking forward to watching this game all day but it's one of the few games during the season that I don't get. 

 

Good luck to your Sabres - not really cuz my Isles could really use a W tonight - but good luck all the same.

[T&C]

39 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

MFer!!!

 

Was looking forward to watching this game all day but it's one of the few games during the season that I don't get. 

 

Good luck to your Sabres - not really cuz my Isles could really use a W tonight - but good luck all the same.

Tied after 1... 0-0. Was hoping we could get one in on the 4 on 4 but no dice.

[BillsFan4]

1 hour ago, T&C said:

Here we go... hope we make a statement win.

This is the first Sabres game in years that i’m actually nervous for! Probably because it’s the first truly meaningful game in years… lol.