nfreeman

That's an "if" that swallows the entire issue.

This is not even close to being true.

I thought I knew why you made the comment, but then your response to Neo didn't seem consistent with the worldview underlying the original comment.

What is this based on? Was he not religious before joining the Bills? Maybe he knows he's been embarrassed on TV for the 3rd time in front of everyone he knows and he's at the end of his lifelong dream, and he's taking comfort where he believes he should. Do you think everyone who professes religious beliefs is some kind of hustler? Then why did you make the comment about him being white?

My game notes: 1. That was a fun game! Not nearly as one-sided as Flagg was painting it, IMHO. (Does not excuse the related temper tantrum someone else threw though). 2. Ullmark looked fantastic. 3. Does Ullmark start against Vegas baby Vegas? I think he should. 4. AZ has a lot of speed but zero finish. I think Howie recognized that and went into prevent defense mode towards the end of the 2nd, which skewed the stats Flagg was hung up on. I agree that better teams would've finished more of the chances that AZ generated, but I think the Sabres would've kept their feet on the gas longer too. 5. Skinner and Mitts look pretty good together, but they each got only about 13 minutes. The difference between Skinner and KO's ice time (which was about 15 min) was that KO got 2 min more of PP ice time. I'd like to see Skinner getting KO's spot and minutes on the top PP. 6. Another couple of ice time items I found interesting: Dahlin and Beaulieau got 6 seconds each of SH ice time; the other 4 got about 3 min each. And the top D pair each had 24 min and change, Nelson had 15 and change, and the other 3 each had 17 and change. 7. Here's a stat of Flagg's I agree with: the one that says Berglund generates zero offense. He's pretty responsible on the backcheck but I don't like his offensive game much so far. I like Sobotka's better. And I wouldn't mind seeing ERod centering Sobotka and TT on the 3rd line and Berglund on the 4th with 2 of Zemgus, Pommer and CJ Smith or one of the other Rochester kids. 8. I hope Pommer can find some life in his legs. He looks to me like he's coming to the end. 9. That Eichel-Reino-Sheary PP goal was very sweet. 10. It is great to look forward to the next game! Tues vs. Vegas, who are struggling but will be looking for payback, while Ullmark will try to raise his bid for the starting G job and Skinner will do the same for the top PP.

Good reporting gents. Thanks.

Welcome Klos! I'd keep playing. I don't think the heavy stuff's coming down for some time yet.

A feeling that NAO’s appearance is somehow associated with a great season for the Sabres? i can see it.

Welcome NAO!

It would be nice to start getting some production out of Skinner, KO and/or Mitts.

For the record: PA's wit has been razor freaking sharp lately.

The skylight in the bathroom is a nice touch too. But I would have zero carpet around the toilet, as the carpet will inevitably become gross. I'd say YMMV, but on this one I don't think it's possible. Either way: many years of happiness in there!

I like putting Skinner and Mittsy together. I wouldn't mind seeing TT take KO's place on that line though if it doesn't work.

That bathroom is awesome, but I would ditch (and probably burn) the carpet around the toilet.

I didn't think they started the game poorly -- CO's 1st 2 goals were fluky, as was their 4th. I agree that special teams was the difference in the game. It looked like Howie moved Mittsie up to play with Skinner later in the game. Let's see how they react to this setback.

2 minutes in the box for you sir.

Not really complaining, but still: my wife and I are taking my daughter and 3 of her friends to upstate NY for the weekend. My wife has a few things to do during the day and is going to take the train up early tomorrow, which leaves me driving 4 teenage girls tomorrow evening on a 2-hour road trip. Yikes!

I wonder if any of Jimmy’s defenders in the Jimmy vs Chuck debate from the prior couple of seasons are having 2nd thoughts. Clearly there is something wrong with Jimmy.

Well, the bolded is a leap too far, IMHO. They've won 2 games, the first of which was primarily due to Hutton's terrific play. They look much better than last year, but that's really not saying much. And there have been plenty of shaky moments in the defensive zone, more than a few of which were contributed by the line that Larsson is joining -- which I think is the good reason (at least in Howie's perspective) you are looking for. We'll see. I'd rather keep Elie in too, but it's not crazy to give Larsson a look.

To teach them how to deal with insurmountable obstacles?

Good season finale and good season overall IMHO.

Eric Wood in the Athletic today:

I'll just point out for the record that for an old guy, Aud Smell's GIF game is razor sharp.

I'll also point out that I think IC is and for a long time has been a very good poster. I just think this attempted witticism missed the mark and should be retired.

Well, the roster limit is 23, so once Bogo, Larsson and Sobotka are all healthy, someone has to get waived, innit? I guess we'll see whether anyone gets hurt between now and the time when Bogo is ready to play. I think Zemgus has looked solid on the 4th line and the PK, but I am not interested in having both him and Larsson in the lineup under pretty much any circumstance.