Curt

Handled what pretty well? I didn’t say anything bad about him. Also, it’s his 4th NHL preseason, 2nd as a HC.

6-6-1 13 points Win first 6, then lose 7 in a row. Krueger and Botterill both fired by Halloween. Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

Is it not crazy that Gretz scored “only” 204 PP goals but 73 SH! 617 at ES.

Personally, I think Tampa May have learned something from this past playoff upset. Last year they poured it on throughout the regular season. This year maybe they take it a little easier during the season, rest some guys at times, and come in with the mindset that playoffs are all that matter. I think they make a deep run. Also, VO for the Calder.

Golchinick? Galchenyuk? Im not a grammar stickler, but that needed correction. No offense.

Ray may have led from behind, but I’ve seen McCabe lead WITH his behind on some pretty great checks! Note: This is the type of in depth analysis you can only find on SabreSpace.

Just a note on Haula. The knee injury that he suffered and following surgery was a very devastating and major thing. Dislocated patella and damaged bone and cartilage inside of knee joint. It wasn’t a simple ligament repair. It’s possible that he is never again the player he was. That could be one logical reason to steer clear.

That’s something to hope for. That this is a temporary transitional tool to help Johansson. Granted Sobotka isn’t a great defender either, but he probably could be considered positionally sound. Hopefully it doesn’t last long.

This is exactly correct. They are preseason games for a reason. They don’t count in the standings for a reason. They are equal parts tryouts, practice, and fan exhibition. I think they have little value in player evaluation. Even if a given player looks good/bad, how often in the regular season does a good player look bad for 3-4 games in a row? Happens all the time, but if it happens in preseason I’m supposed to think it’s a big deal?

I’m not saying that Cozens (or even Mitts) can’t be that 2C, but I also think Cozens could be a very good top-6 RW. Also, if the opportunity is there to draft Byfield, outside of #1-2 overall, you should probably just do it, regardless of whether you have other prospects who may end up good enough to be your 2C someday. Byfield is going to be a 6’5” 225lb power C who is also a great skater, great shot, young for his draft year, 12pts in his first 5 OHL games this season. There is so much to like there, regardless of what other prospects a team has. He is honestly a lot like an even better version of Cozens. Additionally, Byfield is going to be an NHL player in the 2020-21 season, possibly at a very high level immediately.

I know it sounds absolutely corny, but that is definitely part of what Krueger is trying to do. Building an identity. Redefining what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre. It’s a totally psychological thing, but it probably is necessary to consciously work at developing that. It’s something that was most definitely destroyed in the tank war.

And 3 years later finished last again and got Dahlin. Tanked to early and still were tanking when the time was right. The 2014-15 Buffalo Sabres were just ahead of their time.

Only had Sobotka in Buffalo for one year, though I agree, it felt like longer at times.

YES! No? Ok, I give up. Just tell us!

It’s a magical new world. All things are possible.

I agree to an extent. I want to believe in Krueger, but if he plays Sobotka with Skinner/Johansson, I’m going feel pretty sad. Unless they perform very well somehow, then I’ll feel happy. I have a hard time believing that Sobotka will really get regular top-6 deployment to start the season. We’ll see I guess.

You forgot options #3 and #4. 3) Sobotka plays as badly as last season, yet remains in the top-6 for months. 4) Sobotka never actually plays in the top-6 during the regular season.

I think that both Kane and that official should be fired immediately.

He is close to being correct. They have to be considered a serious contender. Maybe not one of the 3-4 favorites, but just below that.

With regards to Ristolainen being traded, I want to say that I bet he is traded by the trade deadline, but I think I’ll resign myself to the fact that I have no clue what’s going on there.

Not counting 1st or 2nd overall picks, right? Edit: ok, I read further down. I understand you.

I’m going with, Sobotka is a placeholder for Rodrigues who is just centering Wilson/Okposo so they can show what they’ve got. The Girg-Lars-Lazar line is the 4th line going into the season.

You’re the best at being wrong! ?

My suspicion as well.

I don’t know exactly, but I think it’s public knowledge that multiple other teams were interested but unwilling to pay the bonus. I believe CAR was offering Elias Lindholm if I remember correctly.