Getpucksdeep

I think it's a team by team policy. Like Rangers require it.

This should be an entertaining game and a good test. Is Hughes the Norris favorite at this point? Even MVP consideration perhaps? 51 points and +32. I'm looking forward to watching his game vs Dahlin's. Assuming UPL in net.

Good luck in tourney!

Can confirm dislike. Sorta like Pominvilles game. Nice piece, but if you don't surround it with "hard to play against" it won't translate to Ws. Also he gave off a smug vibe, opposite of Cozens.

Was at the game last night, Johnson was super noticeable, playing hard and with purpose. Like you say maturity, confidence, and maybe a chip on his shoulder "don't scratch me again". Two thumbs up. Looking forward to tomorrows game vs #1 offense in the league.

I feel ya. TSN guys talk about no "bump" from coaching change in OTT, and wonder do they change again? (consensus, no) Honestly sounds worse than Buffalo except our drought is longer.

Translate please. The Rasmii look the same?

1000s of tickets available for as low as $25! Go Team. If you have 45 minutes, take a dive into this. Sounds very familiar to this message board. "Accountability" etc etc.

Good stuff. But he's -16 and every other d-man in the same system is even or +. And night after night there's boneheaded plays off his stick. He's supposed to be the opposite, like the Quinn Hughes is doing right now. Do we need to whip out the P word again?

I mean he's just not figuring it out/maturing into playing a smart, clean defensive game. Like Risto there's some good plays (risto physical, dahlin skating/stick skills) but in the end the mistakes are big and compounding and cost the team the victory on a lot of nights. I still have some hope he'll figure it out, but it's predominantly his fault they will miss the playoffs this season. 25 minutes a night, and -16, of course you can't win.

Fair but can we talk about Dahlin's play? KA added Clifton and EJ on the blue line and they have been as advertised / expected. Very nice compliments. (toughness, physical, and veteran leadership) Dahlin has been a huge disappointment. He is the single biggest problem on the team. I don't know what the solution is, unfortunately it's looking like he's Risto-esque.

Can we have a discussion about what a terrible defensive player he is this year? As noted in last nights game thread, there are now only 7 defensemen in the entire NHL worse than Dahlin in terms of +/-. He's sitting at a -16, on pace for -32. And his +/- is inflated due to, is it 5(?), empty net goals. And all 7 players ahead (behind?) him play on truly terrible teams - either San Jose, Anaheim, or Chicago. The only other Sabre below even this year is Jacob Bryson at -1. All other Sabres are positive. (Lead by Clifton at +4). This is truly insane. And so I'd suggest he is by far the single biggest reason the team is not moving forward this year. It's not Terry, it's not Kevyn, it's not Don, it's not Levi, UPL, EJ, or TNT. It's right before our noses, our franchise All Star defenseman, Rasmus Dahlin. And now signed for $11 per for 8 years which will put him #2 paid D in the league next year behind Karlsson. You can't make this ***** up. There will be suffering. Link to stats here. And yeah admittedly I'm not a fancy stats guy but if anyone want to show em to refute, please do and I'll try. Otherwise, sticking my eye test and these stats.

Canucks are something too. Coming to town this weekend. Q Hughes, silky like our guy 26, but a much more intelligent game and a +30.

Let's look at the stats. Coming into tonight, despite 5 (?) empty net goals he's a -13 for the season. Only 12 defensemen in the NHL are worse this year. (and 9 of the 12 play for either Anaheim, SJ, or Chi). That's insane. And he's -2 tonight. Norris consideration is 1000 miles away for this guy. Link if you dare.

Yup. Just give me a stay at home, I will beg.

Saw him pot his first of the year the other night vs VGK, chuckled. Humor me for a minute: GP, G, A, P, +/1, PIM, TOI, S Borgen - 39, 1, 13, 14, +3, 22, 17:07, 44 Power - 40, 2, 14, 16, +4, 6, 23:14, 54 Borgen is 27, old fella.

Can you imagine the scene on SS if this was one of our picks. SELL THE TEAM TERRY!!!!

Greenway had a hell of a game. Mitts line played well and PK effort was strong.

But we want vets on the team / in the line-up. And he's the only true stay-at-home D now that 23 is having an identity crisis. EJ has to be in the line-up. Sit Power or Joker instead.

Empire network vibes I feel ya.

He's killing the team. That's about his 5th lazy turnover tonight.

I think this actually couldn't be further from the truth.

I love EJ with Power. This is why he's here. Let's give it a chance.

Was EJ healthy scratch last couple games?

Ott has two of those elusive 2-game win streaks in Dec, but has lost 9 this month, including 6 in a row. With 6 fewer games played than the Sabres (37) these two teams are tied with 18 Ls. Looking at the standings and trying to take a positive view, TB (also 37gp) and Toronto (34) each only have 2 more wins than the Sabres thus far. That's kinda crazy given the negative environment around here, which I fully support. Here's to Quinn continuing to be a huge difference maker, and a healthy 2024!