nfreeman

Yes indeedly, although if we can get Fowler for Nylander we have to seriously consider it.

I'm enjoying "westworld" and "high maintenance" on HBO.

There is zero possibility that Anaheim gives up Fowler for a package in which the primary piece is Girgensons or Foligno, any other bottom-6 Sabre, or any player making more than Foligno.

Well, you're a fancystats guy, and I'm sure you're aware that Kane's Fenwick and Corsi numbers are much better than Stafford's. Boom!

I don't see how anyone with functioning eyesight can compare Kane to Stafford.

I agree with both of these points.

Good call.

All of this is fair -- but I was referring specifically to the first 10 minutes of the game, in which the Sabres looked like a deer in the headlights. That can't continue. Even if they aren't good enough to grind out wins, they need to be able to answer the opening bell and come out swinging -- and DDB needs to be able to make that happen.

That start to the game was terrible indeed, although it seemed like they got their intensity and skating up after about 12 minutes. Not sure it's fair to blame DDB -- I don't think there's a pep talk that can mask the losses of their #1 or #2 forward, their #3 forward and their #2 defenseman, plus the hobbling of their other #1/#2 forward. If they come out looking that bad in their next few games, though, I'll be right there with you.

I agree with Liger, although he's getting a bit too worked up about it. The Sabres need more guys who play as hard and fast as Kane does. And if he misses 15-20 games per year because of it -- that's a price worth paying.

How about we don't shout down those who disagree with us? The questions of whether Risto is a real #1 defenseman, and whether giving him a 6-year contract was a good move by the Sabres, are very much open. Risto -- among most of the team -- was not a positive difference-maker last night. It's entirely reasonable to criticize his play. If you want to refute the specific points that were made above about Risto's play with specific and factual points of your own -- please do. The board will be better for it. The board is not better for statements like "I don't want to hear about Risto's mistakes."

It's only one game, but I was pretty disappointed in Ennis. He was completely ineffective. And where was the speed? Hopefully he finds his groove again. If it happens, though, it'll probably take 10-15 games.

I will disagree with this. While I agree that Kane and Bogo haven't to this point delivered what we were hoping for, I think the Sabres didn't give up that much. In order for it to be a very bad trade IMHO (or even a bad one), the Sabres would've had to have given up something great.

I like GMTM, but no one should be under any illusions. He hasn't proven a GD thing yet.

Outstanding. Also: my guess is broken ribs.

Just so we're clear: this is why it's necessary to keep pants on and not start the GDT until after midnight. ESPECIALLY for the MFing opener. What a poop show that was.

Get some exercise. 60 minutes of sweating will solve just about any problem. Satisfaction guaranteed.

I think I too am going to jersey up tonight in the man-cave.

My bottom line: if we can have him back, "full go" (as Lindy would say), in 2 months, I'll be happy and still reasonably optimistic about making the playoffs.

I wouldn't go that far, but IMHO The Ringer isn't nearly as good as Grantland was (admittedly a very high standard). Eeeeeeeeesssshhh. That means ROR's back is still pretty problematic.

Interesting. To me, those lines say: - DDB thinks Gionta has lost a step - Larsson has earned a shot at a bigger offensive role - Fasching has earned a shot at a reasonable amount of ice time - Kane looks potent - Moulson has earned his way out of the basement (but not yet to the penthouse). Game on.

Grant on the PP, eh? I guess Matt Ellis was unavailable.

OK -- rust probably wasn't the right word... ...and JSB has beaten me to it, both with a better description of the Risto/Kuli factor and with an incisive observation about the last dozen or so posts here.

Well, I'm glad the Risto contract hysteria has found a new home. Kulikov and Risto both missed a lot of camp. It's entirely logical to keep Risto with his partner from last year and to shelter Kulikov until both of them scrape off the rust.

I freaking love Thurman Thomas. Thurman Thomas ‏@thurmanthomas 2h2 hours ago Next man up... #Sabres Thurman Thomas ‏@thurmanthomas Oct 11 Attending about 20/25 #Sabres games this season... #Playoffs...