pastajoe

If the Sabres are out of the playoff hunt by the draft deadline, or even if they have a long shot, I would rather they become sellers and see if they can move some of the veterans to playoff teams (Franson, Gorges, Gionta, Ennis, Moulson (might have to retain salary)) for prospects or draft picks, and let the younger players finish the season in Buffalo (Nelson, Bailey, Baptiste, Fasching, and/or Nylander). Make ROR the new captain. Then next year they add in Guhle, and either trade for or sign another decent 5-6 D. Watching the games, I think the biggest consistent problem is the bottom 4 D losing puck battles in the D zone and not breaking out quickly. So I have to give it another year before I change my mind on GMTM.

You said "GMTM built (is building) a "heavy" team when the rest of the league is going to small, fast, and skilled. " I listed the players he's recently drafted that are small, fast , and skilled. The key word is "building", which is still a work in progress. William Nylander spent 2 years in the AHL. Nazem Kadri 3 years. Many of the young Leafs people are admiring have spent time in the AHL.

The jury is still out, we haven't seen Fasching enough. He certainly was a force as scoring power forward in college, which has been lacking on the Sabres. McNabb has more years and has been playing with a better group of D on the Kings. But as Murray has said, it's not a bad thing if both teams benefit from a trade. Defense: Guhle (2nd round), Borgen (4th), Fitzgerald (3rd). Smaller fast skilled forwards: Nylander (1st), Asplund (2nd), Pu (3rd), Karabacek (4th).

GMTM has a long term plan and is unapologetically sticking to it. Draft and acquire young talent so that they all mature around the same time, and until then fill in with veterans for the short term. He's so refreshing compared to Doug Whaley who is evasive and confused when questioned, and has yet to acquire a long-term QB solution to build the team around. I expected a better result this season, but they took the worst hit possible with Eichel getting hurt to start the season, then Kane and Lehner right after. And the ongoing rash of injuries that have occurred throughout have prevented them from seeing how a full lineup would perform. I do think that the coach has shuffled the lines too much. He should always have the faster forwards with Eichel (except Kane who would carry the puck too much). I think the worst move GMTM made was signing Moulson for 5 for $5 million. He's slow and his play really fell off. But perhaps it was worth it if his year of billiting Eichel helped Jack mature into a long term success. It will be another 2 years before we see all the assets acquired making a contribution (Guhle, Borgen, Fasching, Nylander, Peterson, Pu) and the short term veterans are cleaned out.

Syracuse Crunch also have a 1pm game today. How do white people celebrate MLK day? By going to a hockey game.

There was definitely booing. The dildos were in the crowd wearing red.

Nothing better than beating Canada in Canada.

#Billsy

I've been sick all week with a chest cold, it feels like I have something in my upper lungs. They make a girgling sound. And I've been on vacation all week but feel too tired to do anything.

You have to give him another 2 years for the recent draft picks and prospects (Guhle, Borgan, Nylander, Asplund, Pu, Fasching, Peterson, Bailey, Baptiste) to join the core (Eichel, ROR, Reinhart, Reiso, McCabe, Orkposo) and some of the contracted bridge veterans to leave/retire (Moulson, Gorges, Gionta, Franson). And unlike Whaley, GMTM will give honest answers. Girgensons is a better all around player than Larsson and improves the 3rd line. Paul Hamilton is a good play-by-play announcer as shown when he did exhibition games and would be a better replacement for Rick than Dan Dunlevey. The Wild have the most creative logo.

Girgensons with a strong game. When he's at center he's a more effective all around player than Larsson. Glad he's finally getting the chance again.

FYI this game is on NBCSN.

Larrson isn't as versatile as Grigs, who in previous years played both PP and PK. He's a better center than winger, where DB has stuck him.

Tough for him, and he's a free agent after the season. But hopefully this will force DB to play Girgensons more, who is a better all around player.

I'm in Boston visiting my son. We were hoping to go to the game, but I can't justify paying $200 for a ticket. Been checking all the ticket sites for a couple weeks.

Give everyone another $2000 for the new year to add to whatever they have left?

Annnnd I'm out.

Do you have running water yet? If not can you melt snow?

Only 175 left. If I go out it will be rooting for the good guys. 1 unit on Buffalo.

Squid

At 415, 2 units on Detroit. No ROR, and Lehner in goal.

Why doesn't baby Jesus like us?

Rex and Rob Ryan have been fired. Nobody to take the heat off DB now.

They won't sit $5 million Moulson for a call up. Carrier doesn't impress me, he runs around alot but doesn't do much to set up plays.

If they got rid of Dan, they'd most likely just promote Terry Murray.