DarthEbriate

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.

It's a Super Mario Bros. mushroom power-up when Avs get the guy back from the box.

Gahhh... Quinn didn't need to try for JJP there. Close to 3.

Krebs can't pass anymore!

Good to see Krebs shoot. Nichuskin back in the Avs lineup is noticeable. I'd feel much better with some Uncle Owen in the lineup, but the Sabres can still wildly outscore this team without MacKinnon, Byram, Manson, and Landeskog.