Topshelf13

I wonder if these numbers are consistent for playoff hockey. I also think it depends on the opponent, which position has the size (defenseman) and how the game is officiated.

"The Sabres undoubtedly play with more fire and energy at home than away, they have to find a way to turn it on when on the road" I agree completely, the reaction and speed of play was off on the road.

Maybe in 3 years as a cagey veteran, not in the near future. Reputation aside, he has always been a gentleman to me. The South Buffalo attendance would go way up.

Hagg always has a confident ***** grin on his face after the post whistle pushing and shoving. Team needs some of that.

The way Don G wants them to push the puck up the ice, the goalies will be asked to make a stop when they are one on one or out numbered. Hope they are up to it.

Start with a new goal song, the current one is old and stale even in its infrequent use. And yes we need a goaltender.

The hairdo on the Buffalo looks like Jack's.

I think KA stays the course. He clearly has a plan he believes in and should not waiver because of a press release. If he ever did fold, I would hope he traded him to Phoenix or Winnipeg not the Rangers.

Kotkaniemi:This article paints a pretty good picture of him.

I wonder what Granato thinks of this tandem. He waits years to get a chance as an NHL coach and this is what they provide him with?

If Minnesota wants Adams to take some contracts, why not Dumba. He plays Right D and plays a physical game. He can provide a presence if a team starts getting chippy.

They won't be playing the same playoff teams 3 games in a row for a whole season, that has to help. Assuming they only use 2 professional goaltenders, that has to be an improvement. The last 15 games they gave up 4+ goals 8 times Last 15 games, 12 different players scored and 14 had assists in Granato's system.

The attached article in the NY Post shows acquiring Eichel from their side is not a great fit financially. Their young talent has to be paid soon. https://nypost.com/2021/07/24/rangers-mika-zibanejad-jack-eichel-conundrum-may-get-awkward/

Hockey News had at #42. I think you file this under Jason Karmanos comment about the team being better at projecting players. He won't be playing in the NHL next year so he has time to add weight (muscle). They describe Kisakov as an elite offensive talent. Kane, Gaudreau, Doug Gilmour and many others gained 20+ pounds from the light draft weights.

UPL has shown progress at every level. I think he needs time in Rochester before being full time for Sabres. Maybe later part of next season we see him in Buffalo.

I watch the Bruin and other teams in the playoffs and a few things stand out. Every player on that team will throw a check given the chance. The Sabres are constructed with many players who do not consider it starting with top picks Jack Eichel and Sam. I am not saying fighting just play in a way that says I will not be intimidated. The Bruins do not skate away when provoked as we have seen Eichel, Sam and Dahlin do all the time. Those are just the obvious players, you could throw in a bunch of other players. You can only have so many finesse players. You never see the Bruins fall down the way so many Sabres do. Again, it has nothing to do with fighting, playoff hockey requires physicality and great goaltending. The Sabres need both.