Richard Noggin

Maybe it could potentially impact Toronto fan attendance/engagement Saturday?

Big swing for Sabres sentiment in either direction against the Leafs. Will be deflating if they lose and fall multiple games under .500 again, while the Leafs move into winning territory. Will conversely be a nice boost to beat the Leafs and surge past them. *I know focusing on the standings this early is silly, but we also know the Sabres cannot afford to stumble early with how stacked the East appears to be, and how flawed the Sabres still look to be.

This line can play winning NHL hockey. 3 well balanced forwards with some size and speed and skill and grit. (Imagine them as a 3rd line!)

Tuch has the look of a guy right about to break out. Seemed like he got annoyed after he missed the net and then ripped that short side shot off the post...I'd bet on him to net one sooner rather than later. **his net-front presence/screen was a major factor on at least two goals tonight. Uh you mean KoSHAQ?

I'm new to this thread, has everyone already lost their minds over Owen Power's showing tonight?

Long live Iron Sheik!

But would he really want to throw his 36 year old self around the ice one more time in Buffalo? Think of how Leafs players/org must view the entire pro hockey vibe in Buffalo given the way their own fans consistently take over Buffalo's arena when the Leafs are in town. Guy with Pacioretty's pedigree would have to be carrying around a serious chip on his shoulder to go to hockey hell.

Confused it with ABV during negotiations?

You both probably know this all, but here's my piece anyway. There have been times when both Tage and Tuch have looked too soft to lead such a young (and soft) team...but one thing is unmistakable: Alex Tuch has some of the best mitts in the league. A huge part of why he probably shouldn't take the body is that he's one of the best stick checkers leaguewide. Takeaway machine most years (not so much this year, though). And the sick hand-to-eye on all kinds of deflections, especially recently...so slick. Wonder if he played baseball.

Agree if he's not commenting on a live game. But he's much better at that live color analysis than he is at the more free form, rambling call-in show where every sentence turns into a meandering, circular mess. He's smart, and funny, but he needs the confines and content provided by a live game. Thought he offered some better-than-expected commentary.

Muel wasn't wearing a Letter tonight. I expected this thread to cover that potential development. So...what gives? He definitely hasn't behaved like a team leader recently (ZERO heart or fight in him on multiple occasions when his teammates needed him), but did he actually have the designation revoked? That seems like a rare move.

No.

I'll bet he's got working knowledge of another language or two beyond Swedish and English.

So let's say Adams IS actually fired prior to the deadline...who is in charge of landing a replacement quickly enough and competent enough to better maximize any trades? Who's running the search and advising Terry? Isn't that conundrum at the core of the org's futility? I guess Lindy would have valuable insights? Kind of like McDermott picking Beane after Whaley's removal (but more experience/potential connections in the league)? Might as well emulate the Bills model. What choice does Pegula have, other than doing nothing at all? Anyone ever perish the thought that the Amerks success this season is evidence that Adams HAS been fundamentally stocking the cupboards, despite continued futility at the NHL level? Like maybe 3-5 more years would produce an actual winning NHL on-ice product LOL.

that tracks