dudacek

Hart can’t play until Dec. 1

This is nice folo to the first of the 10 reasons (Tage). Don’t think it was posted elsewhere: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6602800/2025/09/07/tage-thompson-olympics-4-nations/?source=emp_shared_article “It’s (world championship game winner) one of those things that was an awesome moment and something that I’ll remember forever, but at the same time, I don’t believe it solidifies me. I still think that (I’ve) got to obviously have a great summer and carry it over into the season and use that for the first half of the season as a trial. But I am motivated to help my (Sabres) team win and to make the Olympics. “It definitely will be there. It’s hard not to think about it. But when we get into the grind of the season, not that you forget about it, but it definitely maybe goes to the subconscious or the back of your brain a little bit. Like, I want to be an Olympian, but getting the Sabres back into the playoffs is always at the forefront

It was interesting to hear Lindy talk about Power and Kesselring. He essentially said Kesselring is on the verge of breaking out, Power needs to get where Kesselring is, implying Power needs to approach the game more like Kesselring does. I get the sense Power might be in line for some tough love this year

"I really do. I think we have one of the top d corps in the league. I truly believe it and it was a focus and an emphasis this summer. We need to be a better defensive team. That's not just our D"

I disagree. He's made it clear he thinks Alex wants to be here. First of all, will Alex confirm? Secondly, I think this effectively removes the crutch of "not our fault, player didn't want to be here". If Tuch doesn't sign, either Adams got played, or it's because the Sabres wouldn't pay him.

Adams: 'We've made it clear we want him here, he's made it clear he wants to be here' He says they are aligned, it's just a matter of the numbers. Thoughts?

Lindy very clear that Benson needs to produce more if he wants to be in the top 6. Also sounds like he will look hard at Norris with Tage but he did like what Kulich did there. Tage as a winger is definitely the starting point, with Tuch and Tage on different lines.

Lindy made it absolutely crystal-clear that Norris is going to be leaned on as a 1C. Also called him the missing piece to a PP where they plan to put a 5-man unit together, keep it together and lean on it hard

You can click the pieces together in a lot of interesting ways. Thompson Norris Zucker would be a trustworthy first line to go with your second and allow them to run a sheltered Kulich Benson Quinn 3rd line like Vanek Roy.

Also, Danforth, Krebs and Doan is a fun 4th line that is going to annoy the ***** out of people.

This is what I’ve settled on too. I think a big reason why is that it puts each of the three young players we most desperately need to step up - Benson, Quinn and Kulich - in the situations where they are best able to do that.

I think McLeod/Greenway would be on a traditional checking 3rd line with Doan probably best suited as the 3rd checker. McLeod/Tuch would be more of a matchup 2nd line that would probably be maximized with Benson. Those are the 5 Sabres I’d say are the most reliable defensively. Ottawa used Norris as a primary defensive situations guy last year. Theoretically, the Sabres top 2 lines should better in their own zone this year with Cozens and Peterka no longer getting those minutes. The vibe I get is the Sabres are going to give Quinn every opportunity to rebound. Playing with Tuch and McLeod - defensively responsible, fast guys who can pass - is probably the best possible situation for him.

4 pm PST Monday I will be working. The rest would work

Is Quinn the 3rd-line RW or do they switch him to the left to replace Peterka in the top 6? How long is his leash? Has Benson graduated to the top 6 or do they see him first as a checker? Do they intend to give Kulich every opportunity to be the other top 6 centre? Or does he get more favourable matchups on a 3rd line? Do they see Doan as bottom six grinder or will he get a shot with some of their better players? Same question with Greenway? Are Krebs and Danforth inked onto the 4th line or do they have any upward mobility? Malenstyn is a safe bet to be a 4th-line pounder, but is he an everyday player?

So many ways the forwards can be arranged: Tage is the biggest offensive threat and will anchor a scoring line. Likely a RW, possibly at centre. Will they load him up with vets or ask him to carry kids again? Will Tuch join him on a true 1st line, be counted on to anchor a 2-way 2nd line, or will he be asked to carry kids? Will they use Norris as a 1C? Will it be with Tage, or with Tuch, or both? Will McLeod centre a 3rd line checking line, a 2nd line matchup line, or be asked to be the defensive conscience with some offensive wingers? Where in the top 9 do they plug Zucker?