DarthEbriate

Too bad for Bryson. But if Uncle Owen stays healthy and in the lineup... we'll go get those power play converters.

His usage is very different from last season. Last year he was the RW2 pre-Tuch and remained RW2 during parts VO's lengthy wrist injury. Toward the end of the season he rejoined Girgs-Eakin, but for large stretches he was top 6. He also played all season on the 2nd PP unit and was excellent on it -- several goals working toward the slot from the top of the circle and sniping. This season, Tuch and JJP have taken over the top 6 wing spots and Okposo has been doing a grind line with Girgensons and the likes of Asplund, Krebs, and some Jost. Zemgus does not drive play and Krebs might someday if he maximizes his potential, but the points won't be there compared to last season. But that doesn't mean you sit him when healthy. Okposo is reliable, good defensively and when HCDG needs a spark, it's Okposo who gets moved up to the top line. I forget which game it was, but the Sabres came out flat. Okposo jumped to the top line with Thompson and the attack was on.

Very true. Colorado threw some hits on their forecheck, but they played an overall soft (and frustrating) offensive game. They did not make many trench runs, so to speak. If I were an Avs fan I would've been pretty livid about the perimeter play when down 3 and facing a team with three D who'd rank 7,8,9 on the depth chart playing. I really hope it's minor. If Power had played his usual 23 minutes last night, that's a lot less ice time for the 7,8,9 defenders (and Muel, too). Fewer giveaways, better pinches, much more calm influence in holding the puck and transitions. The Sabres probably get it 6-1 if Power is on the ice to start the third period.

A Hasek-led Sabres team hanging on to a 2-1 lead in the third period and letting Hasek save their bacon was among the most fun hockey to watch ever. Stomach-twisting, but fun and exhilarating.

They went full Death Star Mode in the third period. But the shield generator mostly stayed intact and it only takes one shot for the Death Star to ruin everyone's day and send them home with a L. Agreed on VO and Mitts needing to stay split --- and of course, at some point even the Kid Line will look tired and need a brief shakeup and there will be injuries. They can each float around the lineup for now, as needed.

They were a +19 (right with Boston and Vegas) before the 8-game skid. Keep the d-men healthy, get Comrie on track, and they'll rise back up the standings. The tricky part is consistently beating the teams in the way: PIT, DET, FLA, NYR, NYI, WSH. Do that and the playoffs will come.

This is not the d-trade we're looking for. Best of luck to Laaksonen in his future endeavors. Is it good for the Amerks?

They were rocks out there. And Power will soon be able to do that, too. They'll be able to hide their 5/6 pair and dominate games soon enough. But yes... tonight was like the Edmonton game to start the season where they were just hanging on and all the Corsi numbers took a dive. They won both though thanks to goaltending and sticking together and battling.

Good game by UPL and the collapsing defense. Colorado had tons of shots but lots from the outside, and Muel was clearing the crease and denying deflections all around. Would've liked to have gotten a couple more insurance goals, certainly, but it's also good for the kids to learn to grit through and scrap for it.

So... time for maybe another ENG?

Cozens was out with TNT the last few shifts, but then the 2nd line (that gave the up the ERod goal) was Mitts and VO... not the defensive stalwarts you'd think to finish the game.

Then folks would have to complain about VO only being able to put the nail in the Avs' coffin. Nicely done, Cozens!

The net will be empty after the break. Time to pad our +/- numbers. Spring one for Jost?

Fitz pinched but lost the puck battle. UPL almost had it. Go get it back, offense.

I will enjoy seeing Quinn, JJP, Cozens, TNT, and others when they fill out their lower core a bit more. It's a couple years away before they start staying on their skates and cranking it up a notch at need.

The Cozens line is due for a pretty transition rush goal.

Good work by Krebs to stop Nichuskin at the blue line, but then a turnover gives it right back for a chance.

It's good for this young team to not look past anyone ever. Arizona played a really solid game and the goalie was white-hot for a big stretch in November. Meul also missed that game. Next time around it'll be different. But... let's kick Colorado's wampa first.

Sometimes he amazes even himself.

Now... the Avs have to open up. And that's where we'll crush them.

Jost on the forecheck! Dahlin on the dial.

Definitely. Wondering if he did something to draw Colorado's ire last game. They're stepping up and going after him at ever opportunity.

Excellent PK, gents! Keep it going.

Pilut... on target to the crest.

Baby steps. The 4th line worked a good shift with some cycle and possession, got the change to the top line, and then Tage rushes a shot without anyone going toward the net. He's got a good shot, but he could have held for a better shot and worn those Avs guys down even more.