DarthEbriate

True. It's also possible that all 3 (Sardarian is already in USHL) fly the coop ASAP in the hopes of finding real money in another league that isn't paying in rubles (or missing paychecks altogether).

In the right scenario, I can see moving one of the late-1st picks. (For an immediate starter with term on contract, like a RHD that fits our needs; or if some team loves a prospect this year and is willing to give a 2022 4th and their 2023 1st for him -- unlikely because the 2023 draft is considered stacked). But in general, I say stack the cupboards with every pick. We're already looking at nearly all our recent 1st/2nds either being in Buffalo (Power, JJP) or still in Europe (Rosen, Poltapov, Kisakov) at the start of next season. Johnson (if signed) might be the only 1st/2nd round Amerk next season. We need a stockpile of high-talent, young assets to get into the system and the sooner the better.

The cap floor next year and this year. If Okposo were to be moved for the deadline (or the offseason) we'd need to bring $6M back in to get back to the floor. That's not how the weaponizing cap space works. And he's the heart-and-soul of the team.

We packaged a pick (a 4th) to move up for JJP. But with 4 picks in the top 40, I use them all. We've had so little depth for so long. I want a stacked Amerks team of guys forcing their way onto the Sabres roster in a 3-5 years. A wave of NHL-ready ELCs that allows us to move the vets that cost too much. Think CAR and Skinner. They were happy to move Skinner because of the pipeline coming along and Skinner turned in 40 goals the next season --- and Carolina was better for it. That's where I want to be. Also of note: at this point, the Contracts limit of 50 is not yet a concern (as it was for GMTM).

All very important questions. Will Russian players be willing to leave (because of the blame of the US for their collapsed currency) or will they be doing everything in their power to escape (for the same reason)? Will they have chances to leave if Russian international squads are banned from competing elsewhere? We may need a Russian prospects thread for the coming months/years.

Smart money says: overall goaltending still leans toward Seattle putting together better hockey for a stretch. But as of today: I'll say Sabres. Seattle is likely going to move a Giordano-level and bring in a Beniers. But Buffalo is going to move out a Miller-level and bring in a Power (and maybe UPL if Anderson gets traded, or even a Levi for a look-see). We have more assets waiting in the wings for some late-season fun.

I don't know, but they'd better not be gassed from this level of intensity on the forecheck in 10 days. They have 2 days off before the outdoor game... so they should be able to forecheck the hell out of the Leafs again. Now, this intensity is probably impossible on the 2nd of a back-to-back or the 3rd game in 4 days, but that should not be an excuse. They only have the Vegas game in the 5 days leading up to the Toronto rematch. Now! What I'd also add is the the "did itself any favors in preparation" for the rematch --- that's where coaching comes in. TOR will be ready for all-out forecheck. So in the rematch, try doing an evil trap for a bit, no forecheck and full clog at the blue line, 1-3-1, etc. Switch it up. And then bring in the attacking forecheck during the game, as needed.

Can't expect this every game (even good teams don't do this every game...) but if we can get this effort and attack in half the games the remainder of the year, we'll have a lot more happiness going into next season.

Mitts.... getting scruffier.

Dahlin keeping his distance, but not looking like he's trying to keep his distance. Stop flying so casual!

Cozens and Okposo!

Woooooo! Pay for your terrible turnovers.

Now this is podracing a top-line shift!

Alright... don't go into Alamo Death Star mode and get outshot 30-5 this period. Stay on the attack and fight them!

This would be an interesting offseason thought... Because the team is so young (and will be next year) and lacks depth, should they look at getting together a pure energy line as a 4th line? A line that plays OK defensively if they get hemmed in, but if they get the puck into the offensive zone they're dumping and punishing the defense. Like Vegas' inaugural season. Lots of hits. A few fights. Fewer than 10:00 per night.

Close the period strong.

Tager digs it out of his own skates... so far away... and buries it.

F******* eh!

Respond to these shifts and turn up the pressure, gents!

You will go to the Netfront system... there you will find rebounds. And the goals that take the lead.

He shows up against the best. Just need him to treat every opponent like the best... and get more experience until he's more consistent. Cozens will be fine.

Matthews picked up some power converters for that final shift.

5 on 5 ... They're coming in too fast!

Always in motion is the future.

The Leafs have scored 3 or more goals in 16 out of their last 20 games. The four times they didn't score 3+ they lost. The Sabres have allowed 3 or more goals in 17 out of their last 20 games. The three times they kept the opposition under 3 they won. I have a bad feeling about this.