NAF

I think a better question is "who would you rather have on the Sabres?" I think it's a bit silly to think Tage is or ever will be as good as Eichel. However, I think there is a case to be made, considering contract demand (as in % of the salary cap eaten up) and the potential off ice issues Jack might have, that I'd rather have Tage. I think I need to see one more season of consistent production from Tage before I make my final decision.

Didn't get a chance to watch -- how was Power?

Agree wholeheartedly. I will add that I noticed several times where Power's size and stick length allowed him to cover more ground in blocking a passing/shooting lane that a smaller defense man probably wouldn't have been able to. Additionally he seems like a very risk averse player. He'll choose to fall back instead of pinching in the offensive zone, for instance.

Power never really wowed me, but I guess that isn't really his play style. Too bad we didn't get to see him on the PP. Portillo looked shaky in the first two periods, but better in the third and OT.

Does he automatically burn a year off of ELC by signing or is there like a 10 game limit? IMO let him sit and watch a few games such that he can see NHL hockey up close, also he won't burn the year (if there is the x game limit).

Trading him at what is likely his lowest point (and value) is a poor decision IMO, the same thinking that sent O'Reilly away for scraps.

I think so. I'll add that depth and goaltending are far more important in the playoffs than star power. Look no further than the last 6 years of Sabres hockey -- a star studded top line surrounded by AHL players and a sideshow cast in net resulted in bottom 8 finishes every year. It is hard to ignore the evidence that the Penguins, Lightning, and Blackhawks (star power) have won far more than the Blues and Kings (less star power) in recent years, but I think this more comes down to the drive that star players have to win rather than talent. I don't believe that Sidney Crosby's talent has brought him success, rather it is his work ethic and determination that have brought him three cups. When you have that star determination on your team it raises everyone's level of play. The question is really can a non star power lineup bring that same level of determination.

Just occurred to me -- because of the whole Russia situation I think we can kiss the majority of last years draft class goodbye. Sucks.

what does JAG mean?

MIttelstadt and Olofsson looking pretty bad...

Obviously dunno if this has to do with the neck, but he was always an injury prone player -- definitely something to consider when reviewing the trade moving forward.

That's what I'm saying -- they were winning not because they were good (they were bad), but because of Levi.

Wow. Bad Fenwick means Levi was actually playing fantastic, not just winning because Northeastern was good.

Pablo might sn 4 t ch (why is this bleeped out) his chain if he isn't careful!

Is that the biggest Sabres win in 3 years?

Krebs has essentially made the NHL and Quinn is one of the AHL league leaders in PPG. They aren't starting in the AHL. Peterka maybe.

Would be interested in Nick Foligno for this. Obviously contingent on him waiving NMC, but I don't think it's too far fetched considering he's from Buffalo. Boston has a decent amount of B-level prospects that would make sense in a package aswell. I just hope we wouldn't get another Bjork.

Does Eakin want to earn another NHL contract? He plays like he wants to be working at Burger King next year.

Anyone else think Hayden is pretty decent? Just eye test but IMO Eakin and Bjork bring him down.

I think the Stars song is a custom recording from a local metal band -- Pantera. Frankly the song drives me insane, but it's cool to see the Dallas community involved like that. I'd also like to add the Penguins baby blue jerseys to the list. They look sick and I wish they'd wear them more.

I really don't like moral victories. I get that they looked good against a great team, but having watched the dog pile that is this organization for the last 12 years it's difficult to continue to take good things away from bad situations. They lost.

Time value also should come into play here -- the Blues got a fantastic player that immediately helped them win. We've had to wait 4 years for Tage to turn into something good. Also still waiting on Ryan Johnson. Don't forget the Sabres had to eat Berglund and Sobotka's contracts. Even if Johnson turns into a good second paring blueliner they'll still have lost the trade.

Looks like Nelson caught Cozens in the groin a bit.

Nice to see the Sabres making the dirty plays instead of taking them. I would love to see more of this, but I doubt Cozens' bank account would as well.