Marvin

Mid-to-high slot coverage is still missing...

That's what puzzles me too.

Protect your ears.

I think it means Zemgus could be out a few weeks and that everyone in line in Rochester is also out for at least a couple of weeks.

To quote Arte Johnson from "Laugh-in", "very interesting."

I am not of this school. IMHO, your 3rd pair should be more functional. I want my 3rd pair to be 2005-6 quality and my 7th to be at least as serviceable as Fitzpatrick was.

Yes. We might see a mighty turn-around within a few games once he is back in form. May I add that his contract will be a fricking bargain.

When it snows, it blizzards?

In case you were wondering why I use British spelling... Both my parents grew up under British rule. I discovered Hockey Night in Canada at age 5. I watch both Canadian and US national news. My favourite TV shows are Doctor Who (particularly the original), Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Goodies, Yes (Prime) Minister, and, for the sole American show in my top 5, Barney Miller. For me, it is "defencive" and I have my tech set for British spelling. Nice catch. I hadn't noticed, but you are right.

Perhaps, but the flaw with this idea for this team is that there is no one to block after Dahlin, Samuelsson, Power, and Lyubushkin.

That is part of it, yes.

FWIW, I think there is merit to this.

Levels out the penalties.

Houser is playing better.

The Sabres' play reminds me of apples, blueberries, cherries, and others: turnovers.

The defencive problems are threefold: 1. Inconsistent goaltending. But far too many times, the shots are from open shooters in high danger areas away from the initial point of attack. Thus, I can't criticise them too much because of the next 2 reasons, which I feel are more important. 2. Defencive depth is not NHL quality. Bryson, Pilut, Fitzgerald, and Clague make me yearn for Rory Fitzpatrick, Doug Janik, Nathan Paetsch, and Jeff Jillson. GMKA should make a hockey trade for improvement here. 3. Defencive zone coverage by the forwards. The lack of awareness in the defencive zone from most of the forwards is what makes me think that HCDG does not emphasise this in practise. This is his greatest flaw as a coach.

It looks gorgeous. But parsecs out of my price range.

They have been emphasising not being afraid to make mistakes. They also have been emphasising pushing the game up ice. They do not seem to emphasise defencive structure.

Another top 4 defencive D. Another NHL goaltender. Experience.

The Sabres really miss Samuelsson. They need another guy like that now even before he comes back. Bryson, Pilut, and Fitzgerald just are not good enough to be top 6 defencemen when the team is healthy. HCDG has eschewed a big emphasis on defencive systems, as the number of open shots from the slot our opponents have produced over the past 10 games show, but he has to install at least a solid defencive framework for the youngsters to learn.

Under. It's HCDG's mentality.

As @pi2000 pointed out, the team need Samuelsson back badly.

CAVEAT: I have been called line-obsessed. I own that moniker with pride and confidence. IMHO. Allen seems to be in a hurry more often each week and in an increasing hurry each week. He appears increasingly uncomfortable in the pocket even when he has time to throw -- and I would swear that were times today when he appeared surprised that he had time to throw. To my mind, the problems with Allen, the running game, and the play calling start with a very mediocre offencive line. I see Allen's discomfiture in the pocket as part of the line's woes. The inconsistent running game is mostly on the line. The inability to run the ball effectively even when the other team is expecting run to bleed the clock with a lead is mostly on the line. If I were the offencive co-ordinator, the line would drive me nuts and would steer me into errors. And ineffective line play would affect me if I were the QB.

I will trust your judgement.

Welcome to the board! They need blue pants for contrast.