Jsixspd

Loved the skirmish between Weber and Ovechkin. The NBCSN clowns were prattling something like "OMG!!!! He's punching the NHL's leading scorer!" Do I gather that in NBCLaLa Land, apparently one is supposed to be attacked and not respond, just stand there and take it, if it's "The NHL's Leading Scorer" doing the attacking?

Ok, so Edmonton has gained a point on Buffalo - 48 vs 44. Good. Very Good! Just 14 more outcomes like last night, and we'll be sitting pretty and ready for the 2015-2016 rebuild, and then our first run to the playoffs, if we're as successful as Chicago was, in 2016-17. And the Sabres continue to help boost the confidence of young men on other teams. Not only did the Sabres gift Mackenzie Skapski with his first ever NHL win a short 3 weeks ago, the Sabres helped him achieve his first ever NHL shutout victory last night. This is the 2nd rookie goalie we've helped in this fashion in as many weeks.

Yeah, it's getting dicey now. That meaningless point against the Leafs puts the gap to only 3 points. If I were coaching, I'd have put the damn equipment manager in the net, play Hodgson 40 minutes, anything, to keep from getting that point.

Well, I think if Hackett had been in net, we wouldn't have made a point in this game. And that point could be crucial. The gap between Buffalo and Edmonton is only 3 points now. Edmonton has lost 6 in a row. Nolan needs to think strategically and for the long-haul. These games are meaningless. and probably 60% of the roster won't even be on the ice come October. Play the kids, try players out, get some looks, and lose games. If Nolan stupidly manages to drag the team out of last place via his choices in the next few weeks, that could mean GMTM will need to tank the team again in 2015-16 just so we can get the top draft pick in 2016. Paradoxically, winning games now, or earning points, could cost Nolan his job, if he hasn't lost it already.

Should be Hackett in, BUT, Nolan is inexplicably playing Lindback. I don't think Nolan is much of one for strategic thinking. IF Nolan thinks he's gonna save his job by trying to pile up some meaningless wins at the end of the year - well, then he's thinking backwards. Wins now could actually speed his departure. GMTM should send Battista downstairs to review goalie selection with Nolan - lol

Then there are no worries since the Sabres don't have a 'real' line. :)

haha - ESPN updated their rankings to reflect the weekend's elimination! Now GMTM has to instruct Nolan to play Hackett every possible game, and don't let Hodgson see less than 20 minutes of ice time per game and the Tank will be complete!

Nothing cheap about Weber - he's a pretty solid D player who's not afraid to make contact. He's certainly no goon or thug out there; I've never really seen Mike just cheap shot somebody or play dirty. Weber's a guy, who, if you're on the opposing team, will make you work to take that puck from him; I would think that would only gain respect in the league WTF is wrong with Laughlin? I've never heard him, or heard his broadcast, but that is stupid right there.

Happy Birthday to Me! I believe the Sabres are eliminated now, thanks to the March 7th blowout by the Caps. 33 points between them and Boston, and there's only 16 games left in the season. Great B-day present right there - it means the Tank is alive and well, and even stronger than last year! Sabres didn't get eliminated last year until ~ March 19th.

The Tank seems to be in good shape. Only 3 wins out of 11 games played since the Feb 11th trade. I was feeling a little worried when we racked up 2 useless wins back to back against the Blue Jackets and Vancouver, but..... the trade decimated ranks of the Sabres, and the now almost complete absence of talent almost guarantee no more than 4-5 wins tops in the remaining 16 games. We should be fine.

Doesn't have to 'fix' the game, but Murray can just start moving personnel though, and if Nolan doesn't like it, he can lump it. As I said, when this team becomes a playoff contender, I don't see Nolan being coach anyway. At most, maybe part of next season? If Arizona can play lifelessly, why can't we? IF the skill level is reduced sufficiently, t'will not matter what the players try or want to do.

GMTM needs to get lot more aggressive in assisting the Tank, and make sure Nolan is in on it. Arizona has lost 10 in a row - we need a nice 7 or 8 game losing streak in Buffalo. And if Nolan doesn't agree or resists, then sideline him. He's not the long term solution for the team anyway, IMO. These next 18 games are absolutely meaningless, other than in the context of our draft picks for next year. Anyone that's a good player - give them a few games in Rochester to "help them out down there". Make the 4th liners the 1st liners. LOL

The Sabres bring the gift of joy and happiness wherever they go, and they work to lift up others around them. Case in point - last night Tampa Bay elected to rest their regular goalie, and play their rookie backup goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy. This young rookie has played only 4 NHL games before last night, and given up 11 goals against in only 4 games. The Buffalo Sabres sensed this man's need - he needed something to boost his confidence and help his career. And the Sabres gave unselfishly by letting him play a perfect game and earn a shutout. Those who bring joy - they are truly blessed.

He was criticized last night by the NBCSN commentators - he got pushed off the puck and pushed down onto the ice, and the commentator said he needs to get to the gym and improve his strength and speed.

Cheer up everyone - we still have Hodgson.

I thought Hoghead was going full Leino?

Nice scrum near to the beginning of the 3rd period - even Cody Hodgson got involved. Brought Hodgson's stock up just a wee bit.

Yup, and in Philly's own crib too, AND with just awful officiating aiding the Flyers. Nice win!

:) My birthday is March 7th - that would be a fine Birthday present! Playoff elimination that early would just about lock up the draft pick.

Being a soft player isn't going to protect the soft player from any and all injuries; especially if they're targeted by some low-life like a Chara or Lucic. Those jerks take pride in hurting other players and getting away with it. But, softer play by all players across the board might reduce brain injuries, et al.

Well, he was commonly referred to as "Captain Creampuff" and variants on the forums. But, Pominville is a MUCH better, more skilled, and more effective player than Hodgson, both offensively and defensively. Just that neither were/are the kings of hits on the ice. Hodgson's softness coupled with his lack of effectiveness both offensively and defensively makes him just plain pathetic. But, in light of poor Steve Montador, maybe soft isn't so bad as long as the player is still effective out there?

I suspect both Hodgson and Nolan are 'throw aways' from GMTM's perspective, along with a goodly chunk of the current roster. He probably only cares that they continue to lose.

I've never really liked him. Just another creampuff soft player; always dodging the puck and confrontations. He's like a Jason Pominville with 1/3rd the offense output.

Very sad news about Steve - always enjoyed watching him play for the Sabres. RIP, Steve

It would have been a PERFECT day had Hodgson been shown the door too. However, he helps the Tank, even more so than did Leino. So get rid of him in the off-season, once he's done his part to help us secure the draft pick.