nfreeman

There are almost certainly some cap consequences if they cut him after 3 years. The question is how severe they are. That will come out in the next couple of days. Brand is a smart guy, so I’d guess there will be a fairly substantial cap hit if they cut him in the first 4 years but only a modest one after that. Now he just needs to be very good to great for 4 years.

Wow.

They’ve now lost 5 straight, and they just put Lehner on IR. Their next 5 are home vs FLA, home vs Kings, at Minny, at Winny and home vs Nashville. They could easily lose 4 of those. They’ve hitched their wagon to Eichel and Lehner. What could go wrong?

So against the rules. Correct.

Portillo going to Sweden to train in the SHL (presumably after signing with the Sabres) is an interesting idea. Not sure whether KA would prefer him fighting Levi for the #1 job in Rochester to the SHL, but maybe.

Good man.

I thought that the ruling was that even if dislodged before the shot, if dislodged intentionally by the goalie, and the shot would’ve gone in, it’s a goal. I could be wrong about that though. If I’m right, there are plenty of subjective moving pieces in that call.

Well, the first call from a ref on that play was no goal — and that ref was right on top of the play. Then they huddled and somehow it morphed into the call on the ice being good goal.

So that’s the no-goal that somehow turned into a critical goal in the 3rd period, plus a major star who is a Hart candidate for the Leafs getting his first suspension ever for cross checking a Sabre. I ask again: does anyone still think the refs are biased against the Sabres?

It’s a tangent, but how awesome was Cozens’ response?

Good.

Someone’s always injured. KO could hit the wall. Quinn and/or JJP might need more time in Rochester. Krebs might be better at C. VO might be traded. Bjork isn’t good enough to factor into this decision. Zemgus has missed most of the last 2 seasons and might not be right when he returns. I’d agree with your concern if we were talking about a big contract (like the VO discussion), but this is a different kettle of fish. Vinnie can play up or down in the lineup and won’t be expensive.

As a related point, and as others have posted recently, I too would be happy to give Vinnie an extension. He’s been a good player and seems like a good team guy, good forechecker, very good speed, good hockey IQ and I don’t think anyone would give up more than a 3rd or 4th rounder for him as a rental. I also think the team would react well to him being rewarded with a new contract. Nothing crazy, but 2 years x $2.5MM or so seems pretty reasonable and would represent good value IMHO. He turns 28 in a few weeks and currently makes $1MM.

FWIW, Marmot makes good cold weather gear. I own a rain jacket, a fleece and gloves from them and each is a very good item.

FWIW, DM said on WGR in the last few days that Joki has played very well and has taken a big step up.

I’ll guess a 1-game suspension.

I watched the TNT feed. I thought it was fine except for too many old stories that weren’t interrupted even when there was a breakaway. I certainly didn’t think it warranted eating up over half of the GDT for a great win.

There is a ridiculous amount of complaining about the announcers in here. FFS. That was a great freaking win. The team is coming together. They are fun to watch. They are finally getting respectable goaltending from the old man. Dahlin is turning into a star. Cozens brought the thunder again. They beat Toronto in a national TV outdoor game that wasn’t slowed down due to the elements. There was so much to like about that game, especially on the heels of the Vegas game. That’s what matters.

Matthews needs to be suspended for that.

Anyone still think the refs are biased against the Sabres?

So I’m glad Anderson made that save on Matthews, but IMHO that’s a shot that should be a goal but isn’t because of the silly growth in the size of goalie equipment.

Alright Vinny!

How nifty was that zone exit?

All 3 top lines are creating chances.

It looks awesome. But how often do they change the words to O Canada?