DarthEbriate

The other issues with Carolina vs this Sabres effort (thus far) is they were able to identify players (Skinner) who didn’t fit, regardless of production. And most importantly, the GM and coach were in lock step. Is Mitts the Sabres’ Skinner comparison? Likely not, because his loss created a bigger hole in the roster. Meanwhile, the Sabres non-fit was Olofsson. Coupled with Quinn being out half the season, they needed to get a middle six vet that replaced Quinn if HCDG was going to play Benson over VO. This was an incredible disconnect. It needed to happen before the season began. Then you have Benson on the 4th line, the vet with JJP/Cozens, and VO is on… San Jose or something.

Cozens had something with Quinn and JJP when the top line was on fire and drawing every opponent's attention. But if Cozens needs Quinn that badly, in addition to an incredibly hot TNT line ahead of him, then he's not ever going to live up to that contract. Benson-Cozens-Quinn should be given a chance next season, though (barring a top-6 forward pickup. But, I don't see that UFA/trade happening).

I can't ever really fault the players for winning.

My bad. I misread that. But Dahlin's sophomore season was HCRK trying to lose each game 1-0. And a worse roster, as well.

Just last season (or 2 ago?) it was Cozens picking Bergeron's pocket for the OT winner.

And Barkov is fantastic. This team lacks a Barkov, even a future Barkov.

But this team is a bit better than Dahlin's rookie season's team.

Most teams kill a major and get a bit of a lift in energy. So far... to be determined.

Or... alternately, no-show the first half of the period and then take a major.

This is a game they could steal with a good third and one fortunate bounce. The Amerks look like they're already on top of things.

TNT... labeled for the glove.

Negative. It didn't go in. Just impacted on the goal line.

Yup. Skinner left it short. Great save, but should've been in the net.

Panthers broadcast skipped to commercial so no replay yet, but it looks like Bobrovsky made a fantastic save. Or did Skinner simply miss the slide in around the skate?

TNT circles back in his zone instead of exiting, and then their 4th line simply outworks the top line and creates turnovers.

Hey! An early afternoon game. Florida is just a bit quicker, a bit stronger, as per usual. Really good forecheck.

Who makes the playoffs first? SLC or Buffalo?

If you trade Oky-Lan Kposobi, he'll become more powerful than you can possibly imagine in the form of... l wonder if they mean Old Ben(son)? For the record, I'm not worried about his size or skating or shot. From ages 18-22 Reinhart filled out and became a better skater, Dahlin's shot went from middling to pretty darn solid. But, I want him to be protected by the lineup from burnout or over-reliance until he's ready to reach his full potential. He shouldn't be relied on to be on the PP and PK as a 19 year-old next season.

That’s the veteran acquisitions from winning organizations. Compher. Kane. Etc.

I missed the 3rd but I’ll check out the ending. I’ve been saying this team has needed a line brawl in the very worst way for 3 seasons. Since HCDG really.

The standard: are we this good or are they making us look good? The same question we’ve asked of the Sabres when Ottawa or Detroit crushes them with the faintest glimmer of hope remaining.

If the Sabres were in a playoff spot right now, we’d acknowledge they’re a flawed and young team dying for the playoff experience to find out what they really need to do for the future. And we’d be happy. There’s lots to improve and still a good season. The foundation is there. Alas…

Some good, some bad in that. It’d be awesome to get him acclimated in a few playoff games. But if he’s dinged up, let him rest, recuperate, and then hit the weights all summer.

140! We could almost buy our own ship for that!

There's a game tonight? I hope both teams pull their goalies. Ovie nets 40. Sabres win.