DarthEbriate

Although, as I said earlier... the whistles have been silenced. The only things that will get called are the high sticks and delay of games.

I'm really glad Boushh's foot looks healed these last few games. He's been solid tonight in taking the man. Whoa? No penalty?

I really wish Girgs had better hands and a better shot to go with the rest of his game. Two good chances on that last shift for him and neither was a threat.

For sure. They're exhausted. But part of that is the back-to-back where JJP and Quinn barely played in the 3rd last night while Cozens and Okposo and Girgs kept skating. It has a compounding effect.

Not much. Plenty of Sabres turnovers and pucks flipping over sticks instead of crisp passes. It definitely is starting to look like one team has been on a 7-game home stand and has had the last 2 days off vs. a team that played last night and flew into town after midnight.

This is where Quinn and JJP need to get another year under their belts. They'll get there, but shortening the bench hurts the entire team overall when they lack the defense and strength to be trusted in the third. That said, if the Sabres can catch them pressing, get a breakaway, it only takes one more to send this into a rout.

Krug stepped back in front of Tage and held him for 30 feet or more there. The whistles are swallowed. Only expect high sticks, delay of game, retaliations, and fights to get called the rest of the game. Adjust accordingly.

Oh bloody hell. No goals in the first 2 minutes, so instead only in the 47 seconds. Yeesh. Well.... let the entertainment begin!

The Panthers and Penguins went to OT so they both got a point (Pens won). Even Philly, which is shockingly close after their recent 9-3 streak, went to OT for a point (Torts-style). Sabres have to close this one out in regulation and earn a well-deserved day off.

Oh bother. The Kid line could've buried that. Great play by Krug, but wish Quinn had made his decision sooner.

The Sabres are still super young, so I think they'll get there once they experience their first playoff round. But they need to develop a 2nd gear on defense. They've got the 2nd and 3rd and 4th gears on offense. But there's a shutdown intensity that they lack still. It'll come eventually, though.

A couple shots missed wide, but a good kill. Now finish them.

Good look to Jost, but his shot is not Olofsson's.

Technically, Dahlin started out behind Ristolainen. (Paired with McCabe.) Then, after McCabe's injury, he moved to the left side and played with Risto, Bogo, and Montour the remainder of the season. Gotta wake back up, gents. Remember, your best defense is a good offense. Go get #5.

Grrr. Power got caught reaching rather than just pushing the man.

I know recently Tage hasn't looked so good because he's met immediate defensive pressure at every opportunity. But (especially with ROR out) St. Louis doesn't have those centers. His goal though -- his length allows him to be soooo patient. And if you don't have the defensive centers or team game to harass him... Tage will crush you.

All too easy.

I think you're both right. They're incredibly different players. Dahlin's skill and control were amazing, he attempted the audacious puck-handles and truly wow moments. Sometimes it backfired. As an 18 year-old, he managed to get back and diffuse a bunch of those mistakes. Then Krueger happened and he couldn't be who he was. Fast forward to now, and his defensive game has matured, his IQ and passing are still off the charts, and he no longer backs down from anything. Power is different. Power doesn't attempt the impossible. He's so smooth, controlled, and fluid. He's had the benefit of NA ice and college coaching (even if just for a season) that's allowed him to be a more defensive stalwart earlier. However, I don't think he'll ever reach Dahlin's offensive bravado. Yes, he'll pinch for the tap-in, but the ... derring do! is not a Power quality. But he'll be oh so reliable.

The Blues broadcast interviewer (former Blues pick) Tage during the intermission. That's nice.

So... was it a good road period?

It's like when Buffalo went to the slug, and then occasionally teased the original crest, then came back with it but in the way-too-drab near-navy color. It's a great big cycle. It's like poetry. It rhymes.

Their reverse retros are garbage. I like the big blue eighth note, but everything else about it is flawed.

Maybe Krueger didn't like Skinner's choice of goal songs?

It's been sluggish and not enough aggression for a couple weeks. You've got to outwork them, even with the man advantage. It's simply a little easier to outwork them when you've got an extra skater. Another chance on the PP. Good practice.

Dang right the interference call is on Brown and not the Sabres... he walked over UPL's back (No Panger on the STL broadcast tonight. This saddens me.)