DarthEbriate

Once they couldn't clear, they got worn out. Then Point uncovered. Nice play by Kucherov after taking 2 shots earlier. But 5 on 5 the Sabres will get it back.

Sabres already had their line out. You can't change, Kucherov.

Ice is slanted and it's all TB can do to get the puck out and go for a change. And this sloppy penalty is the only thing that can really help TB out.

Fitz and Boushh could be fun for a bit.

The Jost has entered the lineup. JOG line.

TB's next move is to try to out-physical the Sabres and throw some checks. It should be easy because they never have the puck. However, they also have to catch the Sabres to hit them. And it means exposing themselves to counters. Elliott is going to get shelled.

The TB broadcast team is impressed.

UPL's save percentage leaves a little to be desired, but if the Sabres keep skating, they're going to make this game look like the Habs and Blues games. Playing NJ might have opened their eyes a little bit. We can be like that if we want to.

JJ, Quinn, we're going in. We're going in full throttle.

Tager, get it back, and the next one, and the next one.

Keep on the attack. The bulk of his career has been against a very, very, very bad Sabres team.

The Cozens line woke up.

Out against TB's top line --- Dahlin-Muel (neither played last time vs TB) and Girgs-Jost-Okposo (1 new guy). And it resulted in a good chance for Z.

Arizona wants to get young and get all the picks. They don't want a late 20s sniper until they have Bedard a season in (and maybe an Auston Matthews at ridiculous salary). By then, VO will not be nearly as appetizing for them. I realize a lot of folks dislike VO's game, but a move to get Chychrun says "let's get better right now" and moving VO this season says "we're not ready right now". Quinn is supplanting VO in the top 6, but no other forward on the top outside of the top line has VO's ability to put the puck in the net. And Quinn still has yet to show he can float up-and-down the lineup or stay healthy through an entire season. Let him grow and have VO's shot, too. The folks you could put at wing: Jost, Girgensons, Hino, Krebs, won't match VO's output. And it's not like the cap is an issue.

This seems appropriate. Sheahan knew the situation in Buffalo. With injuries, he'd get a shot at the lineup and he could provide skills none of our other 4C center options can (namely, win a face off). But with Krebs and his defensive lapses ahead on the depth chart it would be tough going. However, the Jost acquisition and general forward health meant it was back to Rochester again and less cash. But now... look at Rochester. Sheahan isn't an offensive top-6 guy there either. That's not who he is. He's a bottom 6, d-zone faceoff guy in the AHL, too. And the Sabres are going to prefer getting a whole bunch of kids with "center" in their potential ahead of him: Biro, Kozak, Kulich. So he's battling with a Malone for ice time (and Malone offers more offensive punch). Throw in you can only dress so many veterans and the AHL and its salary aren't the best option. So this is the team's way of setting him free.

The Sabres could easily have a few this period (and given up 1). Akira is making some really nice saves.

They look like a Ruff team. Fast, hook, scrap.

Great save, Anderson! But Thompson just punted it right to Hughes for the slot shot. Yikes.

Dang, Dahlin....

Multiple posts this period already. They had the start to the period they needed with a couple excellent chances but couldn't bury one.

Sheesh, I'm out of it for a little dinner and everyone gives up Devils of goals.

Alright... locking S-foils into attack position!

With Asplund injured and Hino in the box, do any of these combinations move you? (Only one option with Mitts+VO) Girgensons - Mittelstadt - Okposo Olofsson - Krebs - Jost Olofsson - Girgensons - Okposo Krebs - Mittelstadt - Jost Girgensons - Jost- Okposo Krebs - Mittelstadt - Olofsson

That boarding hit on Asplund did some lingering damage. Good to see their dad get back in the lineup. Will be curious see how they roll with Okposo and Jost and where Girgensons lines up - do they go JOG? Hino or Krebs out?