DarthEbriate

If Zucker draws into the lineup tonight, I want him in protected minutes. For tonight, I'd have him take Rosén's spot in the lineup, and then have Östlund or Krebs each take a couple of his shifts. I keep Östlund in the lineup because of the 2-goal night vs. Edmonton and his ability to create more. Zucker takes Östlund's spot by the net on the PP and Östlund kicks out the half-wall. Once Zucker plays a couple games and is full strength, then the line he naturally fits on is current defensive matchup line: Greenway - Kozak -Krebs Zucker. But for tonight I want that line together to treat Bedard the same way they did McDavid.

With regards to "buyout proofing" - my understanding is it's not about preventing the buyout, it's about preserving the cash coming to the player post-buyout. The signing bonus are essentially the player's guaranteed money, while the base salary is what gets cut down to 2/3 or 1/3 after the buyout. So, the contrast Skinner's recently bought-out Sabres contract (2 signing bonus seasons of $7.5M = $15M guaranteed https://capwages.com/players/jeff-skinner What was left of his $57M base was subject to the 2/3 reduction. vs. Necas' new deal with Colorado (signing bonuses each season to the sum of $60.4M, even if bought out https://capwages.com/players/martin-necas And he only has the buyout reduction applied to up to $31M in remaining base salary.

This is how we play now? The important thing is to go to the center of the ice and drive the net, whether it's weak-Oilers-defense, whatever Calgary has, or big-bad Zadorov and the Bruins. The Sabres need to use their speed and attack the net. If Rosén/Östlund or TNT revert to settling for perimeter shots (and there's no screen and the goalie makes it look easy), the vibes will sway right back the other direction.

Savoie is where Rosén was last year. Will he get better? Probably. I think he had one decent look with a shot when the game was tied. Otherwise, he was just another one of the Oilers' bottom 9 that didn't particularly do anything.

Podkolzin was addressing Krebs' hit/almost-boarding on McDavid. Krebs was game to go for it and was throwing before the linesman could make up his mind to let them go. That's not a fight Greenway can (or should) step in for. As to value, Krebs is a better 5-on-5 option, but Greenway's PK ability is his foremost skill and he has muscle that Krebs will never dream of. Really, Greenway is the role of Geertsen on this team except he doesn't go looking to fight, but he has the strength to hold off anyone. Case in point: Greenway was the reason Tom Wilson missed half the WSH game this season. Greenway crunched a player, Wilson wanted to fight and got all the extra PIMs and Greenway simply tied him up the entire scrap. Maybe Geertsen is a better fighter, but Greenway just wore Wilson out.

They'll look better if/when they get RNH and Kapanen back in the lineup. But it may not matter unless they trade all the goodz for Luukkonen. They need a goalie.

Keep Doan-TNT-Tuch together for a few games, even if Norris returns to the lineup. With the way Thompson is playing the last 5 periods of hockey, you'll get some point production out of Doan.

I agree. But we do have a 3rd goalie, a 7th defenseman, and a Geertsen on the roster. If everyone's healthy and you need ALL 3 of them... Danforth is my next to go as he's the grownup version of Kozak. But you never know.

I still need to see Kozak stay healthy, but I'm on the train of him taking Krebs' role by New Year's. However, that just puts Krebs in his right spot -- he becomes the 13th F. He can mostly move up and down the lineup for spot duty. He won't wow you, but he won't be a terrible drain you and he brings energy. If someone is out long-term, then you've got Östlund & Rosén ready in the wings.

Good to see the progression. It's not surprising he's now a top 6 center and the Amerks lineup no longer has Rousek, Dunne, Jobst, and partial seasons of Östlund/Rosén getting big minutes and PP time.

Dunne is not waiver exempt. But he's much more likely to clear waivers than Kozak -- you're 50/50 at best if you waive Kozak at this point. Look to move Luukkonen or waive him (no one will pick him up, no worries there. He could decide to not report, I suppose [but incredibly doubtful because $$$$], and then you save your money that way.) Among the forwards: in order: waive Geertsen (auto-clears), Rosén (exempt), Östlund (exempt), then Dunne as the final piece.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to bring another playmaking center, probable winger if he ever makes it to the NHL, into the Rochester lineup. Östlund still feels like the only pass-first playmaker with the Amerks.

If Ruff trusts TNT at center (and Thompson plays well in his own zone at center), it frees up the line construction tremendously. TNT as 1C (the offensive guy) and Norris as 2C (d-zone, much better at face offs --- don't get hurt!) would be a good combination. McLeod is a very solid 3C and Kozak gives you responsible 4C play. Krebs and Östlund shift to the wing until more folks are healthy. As the veteran forwards pieces return to health, you definitely send the kids back to Rochester for more minutes. Benson does everything Rosén does and better and Norris is an upgrade over Östlund.

It's good to have faith in your goalie. And to have your 1D back in the lineup.

TNT sniping from 12 parsecs away.