erickompositör72

I think the first indication that Housley is over his head will be if he can't figure out good line combos. And it will be obvious to everyone watching. Especially if he stumbles onto really good line combos and then arbitrarily keeps changing them.

If the team becomes competitive, I worry I won't be here as much. I usually come here to sulk

He had a goal last night in Roch! I think that will be happening sooner than later

It does seem like a glaring error for Wowie to play Eichel's line against them. What line should we have played against them, though?

TBH, I don't think the Sabres ever really looked "outmatched" last night. They had plenty of chances in which Halak rose to the occasion. I think the giveaways is the best indication. Housley said it too- some very poor decisions with the puck. We actually had moments where we looked really good- the first half of the first period it looked like a whole new team, in a good way. There were some mental breakdowns, it seems, and then a feeling of deflated-ness after Boston put a few in the net.

I guess it depends on whether that tendency is a "bad habit" or just a lack of awareness. Maybe Dahlin can mentor him ?

What a contrast it was watching Dahlin gain possession in our zone vs. Risto. I think Risto has a skill set, but there was a glaring problem: Several times, he gained possession in our zone and just flung it around the boards, where no Sabre was there to take it- giving it right back to Boston. Flagg, you made a post about McCabe doing this, but Risto did it often, too. Housley should make Risto watch tape of Dahlin. I know it's early and I may be putting my foot in my mouth, but it looks like Dahlin does not make mistakes when exiting the zone. He knows exactly what to do. And how about when Dahlin was pointing to show Berglund (was it Berglund?) where to go when the Bruins were on that quick rush after a turnover? This kid should have an "A" already. Which made me think... would the only way to give the "C" to Dahlin be to trade Eichel? Co-captains next season?

They just need to start shooting the puck in the o-zone. Only make the pass if it looks like a sure thing, too early to be getting too cute The PK goal looked like they were playing the neutral zone as if it was even strength, and then they got burned when the Bruins took it into our zone. Not very good situational awareness for the entire PK line

They will be missed

Historically speaking, yes... ...but vis a vis his last involvement with the Sabres, he was a quitter

It's actually breaking news

Did someone in Nashville just go down after Nick cleared waivers? They coulda had him for free, right?

I do. Maybe I listened to too much "shock-jock" radio when I was young ?

Also, Hutton could ostensibly act as a longer leash for Beaulieu. I understand why Housley keeps giving him chances. It's hard to just throw away someone with that natural talent. I know he's a real long-shot for his game to "click," but stranger things have happened in the NHL... (FTR, I'm not betting on him, but just throwing that out there)

I agree with this completely. I guess I'm just hoping our transition game improves and includes more D on the rush. BTW, did I miss something RE:Tennyson? has he been practicing w/ the big club? Last I heard he was on waivers for Rochester assignment...? Is there news that he was called back up? EDIT: nvm, I just reread that he cleared waivers but was not officially sent down..

I think they will actually have the confidence from their goaltender to play Housley's system aggressively. They had to water it down last year- they played scared/overly cautious. They knew they couldn't rely on Lehner. We've talked a lot about certain intangibles (locker room, etc). I think one we didn't mention much was the confidence a solid net-minder will give them.

If Hutton holds his own, we will be fine. Our D last year (and coach's system) was having an identity crisis because the system requires a goaltender who can bail you out every now and then. I expect to see much more scoring from the D for that reason, and more aggressive play. Top line scoring and depth scoring should also improve. W/L will all depend on Hutton, but there is potential.

I think his talent level has been assessed as being at a level where NHL competition will allow him to grow the most. I don't think it'd be impossible that by the end of the season or by next year, he looks like an NHL 2C. It's optimistic, but I don't think it's unrealistic. Our FO is paid to assess talent level and appropriate development courses. I'm guessing they don't see the AHL as the proper development course for him, despite any growing pains he may experience in the NHL.

Why? In 50 years it will be the "rare non-C #9 jersey" ?

Ah good thing I made plans (Bruckner Symphony No. 8 New York Philharmonic! ? )

waive Bailey

Pilut did get beat, but allowed Ullmark to make the initial save. Borgen just watched the rebound sit there and get tapped in. Would have liked to not see Ullmark give up on it, too.

announcer cannot make up his mind between "pee-loot" and "pie-loot"

Nylander can finish