Taro T

That was Murray's philosophy. Unfortunately w/ not taking the intangibles into consideration, his results were lackluster though the philosophy itself is sound. Expecting we'll see Adams abide by the same philosophy but be more effective at it. His having been a grinder having to work for everything he got seems to have helped him understand those intangibles better than the horse trader that got involved because his family was all front office types. And coaches, too.

What's different? Not the record. 3-1-0 vs 3-1-0. They've played better teams though through the 1st 4 this time. Because they don't have any true JAGs in the lineup (Fitzgerald likely is, but he's an injury replacement), most everybody except Lyubushkin, Quinn, & Peterka have played at least 1/2 of a season in Granato's system, and 90% of them are 1 year closer to their primes, they've increased their scoring by 50% playing against tougher competition. Yes, they've given up 25% more goals, but replacing Moe-ray-all & the Yotes w/ NHL caliber squads will have that effect on things. ;) Yes, Comrie & Anderson are expected to be better than Anderson & Tokarski and will need to be significantly better to keep this up & make the playoffs or at least a run for them, but goaltending last year was very good at this point and stayed very good a couple more games until after Anderson was injured. That HASN'T been different, yet. The eye test says once they start playing middle of the pack teams rather than concensus contenders that this could be sustainable. Really looking forward to tomorrow night's game to see if they can show it might actually be.

But there will likely still be people pining for his return.

Initially, yeah, would've expected that to have happened a handful of times. But thinking about it more, the Sabres gave up 30+ shots in his heyday regularly, but it was fairly infrequent that they gave up 40. More often, they'd give up 36 but only have about 24 shots of their own so it seemed like 40.

Would be great if they can. Would likely guarantee getting into the 90's and would just about guarantee they hit that magic 0.600. But just doubt they can take all 4 against the Otters. Hoping that's selling them short.

Not a natural Hattie as it would be 4 goals, and actually there's a 5th goal you forgot (the empty netter) and believe it or not a player has actually "hit for the cycle" once. And nobody has ever gotten the "full cycle" of all SIX classifications of goals in a single game. (The sixth is the technical or awarded goal. The puck doesn't actually enter the net but a goal is awarded anyhow typically due to a penalty taken with an empty net including the goalie leaving the net but leaving his stick in the crease.)

Yep. As an example, early in the year Skinner was out late when they were protecting a lead a couple of times and they got burned badly. But Skinner actually got (a little) better in his own end and he started playing more of a team game (who'd ever seen him consistently make good passes ever before?) and really played his best hockey as a Sabre & probably as an NHLer. Granato's leadership is so empowering it's amazing.

Have heard old timers push for that, but have always gone with just getting 3 consecutively before anybody else. Rare enough getting 3 in a row with none of the other 39 guys that dressed getting one (hey, goalies get 'em every now & then too); to have to get them all in the same stanza makes it too selective IMHO.

Shame they didn't start that lip from the neutral zone. The play to get it & get it up to Thompson was almost as nice.

Technically, yeah it has to be 3 straight without any others interspersed, but a lot of people use the looser definition of 3 in a row for your team.

Still real early to know for sure. But if he can keep playing like this through Thanksgiving, oh, #### yeah! But imagine how good he'd be if his confidence hadn't been destroyed I the preseason. LOL!

Had the score right. Fortunately in the wrong direction. ;) Win Saturday in Vancouver then try for the clean sweep. 3 very winnable games when they go back home & then they host the Pens. Fun times.

Asplund didn't have the puck & he was at his own blue line. They will NEVER award a goal in that situation. EVER.

Hattie!

Bad time for the icing. They weren't going to be able to get the goalie out for at least 15 more seconds.

No. Nowhere close to a clear scoring opportunity.

No idea how 4 can cry about that call.

Bryson is fine as a 6/7. But Pilut outplayed him in the preseason IMHO. Really expect Okposo being less than 100% heading into the season is why he was sent down. They weren't comfortable going on the road w/ only 1 spare F if Kyle might be out too. And they didn't want to risk losing Fitzgerald to waivers.

His goal was huge. Been a long time since he buried one.

FTFY. ;)

Another post for Casey. Would be really nice if he could join Tuch w/ a pair.

Great play in the neutral zone, perfect pass from Thompson, & then the beauty toe drag to get free for a shot. And then Comrie shuts out the counter punch.

Tuch!

Really need a PP tally here.

Really like Cozens & Peterka on offense. But defensively their line has had issues. 10 goals against this year & at least 4 were against their line.