Weave

I'm always surprised by the folks who embrace analytics so closely to make on ice decisions and then overvalue the mid to late 1st round picks when it is time to consider giving them up for known quantities. It seems to be the only place where the bird in the bush is worth more than the bird in hand.

You're still talking about 2nd half of the round picks. Those kids are middle-to-bottom 6/bottom pair players. Role players. Those are the most readily available players in the league. I'm willing to forego a 50% chance at one of those for a better opportunity in the playoffs.

We've been on the other end of those trades since 2010. Those trades never gave us much to work with, and our talent drained considerably in the process. I could see being reluctant to give up a 1st round pick from a bad team, but if we're making the playoffs, I have no problem at all moving our 1st rd pick for the right player for the remainder of the season and 1st crack at him in the off season. Those late 1st round picks are overrated in terms of what those players typically become.

Tend to agree with Dark. If Evander wasn't the sort of personality Botts wanted, I can't see Patrick being wanted either. Weird quirk of mine but I had more willingness to give Evander the benefit of the doubt than I did Patrick. I think the kid is repulsive. Don't want to see him here at all.

Hell, yeah we are in win now mode. The standings tell us all we need to know. If we are still a playoff team at the deadline we should be trying to get another center and maybe depth D on the team. And even if we are not a playoff team, adding a guy with another year on his contract still makes sense. Next year 100% needs to be a win now year.

Colorado wasn't eager to get rid of him. His salary demands were higher than Colorado was willing to pay.

Interesting counterpoint from Sportsnet. apparently super lines at the expense of line depth is the NHL strategy du jour. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/oilers-consider-loading-nhl-leans-theory-super-lines/ One line of studs and 3 lines of role players. the new NHL wave.

I wonder how Maine got it through their legislature. It's not in the best interests of either major party to allow this change. I'd hesitate to call it viable for that reason alone.

#can'thavetoomanycenters

IIRC... After the draft the Sabres claimed that drafting May instead of Tkachuck was part of the agreement and they were comfortable with that because they had May and Tkachuck rated evenly. Oopsie.

Quoting from the suspicious packages thread: Somehow I'm thinking that there is a sudden change in that mindset given this result. Given how contrived our election results have become, I'm open to trying this. It can't be any worse than gerrymandered results from a cherry picked field.

Yup. especially the last sentence. And there is also the flexibility to move a surplus center to wing as well.

That won’t end well...... and the rest of your comments explain perfectly why Berg is in over Erod.

We'll be in that place soon. Our dog is on borrowed time. I've posted about it here. We're pretty much going week to week with him. You'll always have the memories...

I thought that ERod had a particularly bad game against Tampa. In fact, his game stuck out to me the most. He seemed to be really neutralized by Tampa's physical play. Given Winnie is a big, physical team, I can see why House would sub him out for Berglund. Berglund has made a career out of playing in a bigger, stronger conference.

Yup. A strong finish to the season is going to be more valuable to this team than a prospect that will never amount to anything and a couple low end lottery tickets.

Very entertaining game. I think Buffalo stole one. Tampa was the better team. Thats OK. I’ll take it

Can you say oligarchy? Sure you can.

Interesting that the title says scoring at highest level since 95-96. That timeframe was ruled by New Jersey and the trap. It was the dead puck era. Crazy that the scoring got worse after that.

I can see Spiderman pulling a Weekend at Stan’s.

I don’t think the change is about Pommers energy level. I think this change is as simple as, Sam has a hot hand and has earned ice time on the top line. As soon as he cools off he’ll be playing with Erod again and the next hot RW will get a crack.

I’m thinking we all have forgotten how good average looks compared to the last 5 seasons.

I can’t think of a better “grow from within” opportunity than a round of playoffs. If a 2C better assured that growth opportunity, then I think it is worth one of those 1st rd picks.

Bills win this on a defensive touchdown.

I've been known to top a small bowl of cream of wheat with an over easy egg. Break the yolk and mix it into the cream of wheat and it is delicious fatty rich. I think it is time. Let's hear everyone's top 3 breakfast meals. For me it is: 1. Huevos Rancheros I make mine with ground chorizo sauteed until just crispy, refried beans, 2 over easy eggs, and 2 fried corn tortilla shells. Top with salsa. 2. Corned beef hash and eggs. IMO the best part of St. Paddy's day is leftover corned beef hash the next morning for breakfast. Over easy eggs to accompany. 3. Creole style shrimp and grits. Bloody Mary to go along with. Vacation breakfast supreme. Honorable mention to an authentic French Omelet. I've managed to get this technique down fairly well. It does take practice to get it right, but when done right the eggs are silky smooth. Almost custard like.