ska-T Palmtown

Because of the way the Sabres are constructed top to bottom, more is expected from players lower in the depth chart. But given that we are in the upper 1/3 of the league in GF, I would say the players are generally scoring at the appropriate rates (perhaps they have a few more 1-2 man efforts, which is reflected in their lower than average assist rates i think?) They just need to find the players who can play some team defense!

But "top 4 defenseman" is not actually that great of an achievement ... that means he is in the upper 2/3 of all defensemen? #1 overall pick ... yikes. Or to put it another way, only 1/3 of all NHL defenseman rank below him? The Sabres need him to be a guy that would challenge for the #1 defenseman on half the other teams in the league.

I always assume the "haha" reaction means people are laughing WITH me .... right?

My own personal blind spot lies in the fact that none of the players (Maybe Bryson? and 24-25 Quinn - and maybe Laffer?), taken in a vacuum don't have a place on a playoff team. Playoff teams are not some magical top-to-bottom McDavid clones. All playoff teams have role players. Evan freaking Rodriguez did just fine for FL. The problem with the Sabres, as Mr. Thorny, PhD has pointed out repeatedly is that the construction of this roster forces those players into situations that they would not face on a playoff team. Make the upgrades with vengeance and a cold, calculated malice, Mr. GM Howdy Doody!

His blocked shots and shorties combined with is essentially point/game play does not actually seem to understate this play. I think what does that is his moderate stretches of inconsistent production. Whether via injury or if he is just by nature a little bit streaky. This is not meant as a damning critique of Sir Alex. I like him and I bet ol' GM Howdy Doody took plenty of calls from playoff teams looking to pry him away from us.

It is scary, but I have really come around the opinion that the Sabres have too many "OK" guys. I think that forward group is better than what they had this year and although it might be younger (with the subtraction of Zucks?) - it feels more ... mature? That third d pairing is a little scary and I would like the Sabres to make the playoffs next year, but dice are meant for rolling, I guess.

I still have PTSD from their heroic run to 9th a few seasons ago. Suddenly they were playing tight D, controlling the puck and scoring just enough to win. It was incredible. I was standing at full attention as to what the following year would be ... then we saw it. I just can't buy into these late season mirages. Marner is ideal. Scoring, playmaking, and upper end defensive skills for a forward. I realize cap hell is the future if they go that way. But ... why can't they be the team that takes the swing and attempts to defy all the odds?

Arguing on the internet with people who are very likely complete strangers is every person's god-given right! 😉

I have been lead to believe that the Tick Tocks is very popular amongst the youths.

If some chump on TikTok does not do an "instant reaction" did the subject event even happen??!??

If Pitt gets to DRAFT YET ANOTHER generational superstar, I will burn that town down. Mario, Jags, Sid, and Geno are enough talent for 300 years of a hockey franchise's life ... STOP THE STEAL!

Also, the previous two seasons the Sabres were darned near EXCELLENT in the third period, but usually came out in a coma. So, it was refreshing to watch them find a new and inventive way of pissing away a season; get our hopes up early, THEN fumble it away. What new thing will they come up with next year! /s

if consensual and in the right place, they are not ... but it is just so jarring to hear it blurted out during a hockey game

Has no one told him to stop saying "a bit of a reach around there"?

wadda ya mean? 😉