R_Dudley

Maybe its because they play a heavy game, very physical and fast. six forwards all 6' + tall and avg 205 and over weight. Not for the faint of spirit. I think Bogo needs to drop em with Byfuglien to set the tone we aint taken no sheet..

I am also in the #FreeRodrigues camp. Yes he had a bad game against Tampa but why did Phil change up lines that were working. I feel that had more to do with the bad game than Erod. The previous chemistry and balance across all the lines just wasn't the same. Also that is like the antithesis of coaching 101 that I have always heard through the years. If it's not broke don't fix it. You only make those changes when it stops working not while. Last after watching the Jets last night I am not feeling good about this game. The Jets are playing very well and Phil is fiddling while the lines burn. I will be watching tonight to see how this show plays out to see if the team makes Phil look like the genius mad scientist he appears to be trying to be... Lets Go Buffalo!

Way to vote w/o saying a word...

Well the only other notable trade and effect I'm aware of was the Erik Karlsson to SJS for Chris Tierney, Rudolf Balcers and dman Dylan Demelo back to OTT So far OTT looks to be on top with that one. Erik 0G 8A for 8 pts and a -9 Dylan is 2g 5A for 7pts +6 / Tierney is 2g 14A for 16pts and a -1 Watched a little bit of SJS nd Karlsson has not had the impact in SJS yet that many expected and OTT is playing better than many expected. So with the cap savings they got, looks like OTT did good.

But, he's a a Hoser wanna be, does that count / ?... He certainly hosed and grounded the Lightning Plus he is giving your boy Ullmark time to adjust to the big leagues and some competition to step up too. Which I do expect Linus will make it back to playing well. Just needs to keep practicing

Baby steps, you knew they were not at Tampa's level yet so its a measuring stick. They know it too...

Yes it's a very huge step. Actually making it to the first round and getting experience with what the playoffs are like will be something new to them and another step in their learning curve.

I am enjoying see this, been a long time since we been relevant...

Haha, told you not Ullmark. That was larceny by Hutton. Ok I will say Tage did not look bad on the 4th line although I still Bergland was better and more calm at some of those key times.. A little too much standing around and backing up showing too much respect for Tampa. I would say they stole this one playing that way. They better get back to playing on their toes instead of their heels on this upcoming trip. Curious when Ullmark will get his next game Definitely one of the back to backs I'm guessing Hutton gets next start , ullmark the 2nd of the two and Hutton back in for Pgh.

I think 2-1-1 would be a fantastic result. I'm just not sure how fresh they are going into the 4 games in 7 nights test coming up. If we can't roll 4 lines and balance the minutes across both forwards and D with solid goal tending and/or even stealing one with a spectacular effort this will be a difficult challenge. But I am very interested to see this play out from coaching to how well they play.

Another Hockey night in Buffalo. Lets hope the Tampa team stayed in TO a little late for St. Louis enshrinement and maybe even had a couple of Lagers to celebrate with all them hosers. I just don't understand Phil's fixation on getting Tage ice time against a top team given how poorly he has played. He skates fast but hasn't shown any ability to process the game quickly. I can't think of a worse match up to throw him out there in against a fast, smart, shifty Tampa team. Maybe Doohickie is right and Bergland is nursing an injury but if speeds what Phil really wants why not Remi. As for you NS, No way to Ullmark he played like Mutton, we want Hutton. So we get a backup goalie no respect card and Phil juggling lines that were working well. Last years Sabres made backup goalies look like all stars.. I guess i'll see if this years team has really changed. If the lines look disorganized and not working well, how long will Phil wait before he puts Sam back between Vlad and and Erod? I'm going with 3rd period if we are behind by 2 or more goals.. Lets go Buffalo, lets win one for the home crowd.

Well Tage has the wheels and youth going for him but Pommers has experience and a better feel for the game. Going some where fast vs. knowing when and where to go can easily balance out. Even if that's the case given what I've seen from Tage's play I'm not sure getting him ice time against some of the better teams we have played is the right time to be doing that. If we are worried about the team speed of the teams we are going to be facing moving Ba-lou to a forward and putting Nelson in on D is also an option if you want to be creative, now I'm not saying i would do that but I have seen it done...

While I agree with Taro that i would like to see what they do as a top line I am more in line with nfreeman and not sure I would be making this change right now going into a tough stretch of top teams when the team has been playing well and we have had better support from the 2nd and 3rd lines. Unless they know Pommers is just flat out hurt or hit a wall I am concerned secondary scoring goes missing putting possibly our 3 best players on one line. Will it be feast or famine with that change... We will know soon enough

Yep, w/o mentioning the stats this is where I was focused in my earlier post. The Defense playing as a 5 man unit has really made the transition game out of the their zone as well as jumping into the offensive play work well. The back checkers seem to have regularly cover their spot when they do and I would say Housleys stated desired style of play is finally working with the players we have. Upgrade in talent and time in the system definitely help that.

Yes, I do believe this is the main reason although I also think the shift to the fast skating 5 players activated all over the ice model has contributed as well. By that I mean I see more defense men then ever before jumping into the plays in offensive zone. That style worked for some of the recent Stanley cup winners and that is now being copied for its success. So more nimble defense men vs the lumbering Dion Phenuf's of the world working as a five man unit all over the ice. It is definitely a reason the Sabres have been better.

That's Ok Casey can be our SO ace. Who would have known i just checked and not counting today's Most Shootout Wins: Buffalo Sabres & Pittsburgh Penguins (65)

Damn only bad thing about Direct TV center ice, they always cut the post game interviews, want extra cash to get them and I pay enough for the CI. But that's why I love this board, you all keep the updates coming...

Standing look so nice right now. Since Sabres are done for the day I'll be watching Boston Toronto tonight one of those has to lose right? I don't know which one I'd prefer to lose but maybe boston since we are ahead right now in the standings And Vegas at Montreal is easy, Knights all the way lets keep Montreal in the rear view mirror for a few days anyways...

I'm not sure but it does make sense.

Canucks were the better team for the 1st and 2nd till the 3rd period and once again the cardiac kids, tie it and get their first SO win. Awesome Ain't it neat to get to a SO and not fear what our goalie is going to do? Won a game maybe we didn't deserve but dare I say good teams do that.

Whatta game. Hutton the hero

What a save,, Hutton is Number 1 for a reason

Pretty solid 1st. Decided to watch the game on the big screen in other room so no access to computer when playing. Not sure what happened to Jack or Sam but agree with what Larry on top line, although he should have had a goal not a post. Tage continues to look like a player who has not played and not ready... Hope he can come up to speed quick, grigs would have been better at least was man extra in a pinch can center. Looks like Hutton is on his game lets hope the rest of the team is as well and can pick up the slack of missing 2 forwards..

Ullie was Mutton we want Hutton!! And I hope your right about Smoke and mirror''s and its not a result of a little too much recreational smoke ??

If Phil does this w/o an injury reason in play his coaching IQ would be seriously questioned by me and many other's here. As GA said best 5 v 5 play last year and pretty damn close to that this year. I would love to see what his production could be if he had at least one more offensively skilled forward than who he's played with.