JohnC

Is that guy pregnant? And is he balancing himself by putting his hand in his crotch? 🚫

I'm putting together a fourth line of Asplund/Gergs/Okposo. Within that group if Asplund scores 10 to 12, and Gergs scores 10 to 12 and Okposo scores around 15 goals I would be more than satisfied with their goal production along with their defensive prowess. If you add Quinn and JJ to the mix you are starting to have enough players to assemble two lines beyond the first that has scoring potential. Mitts, Cozens, Olofsson, Quinn, JJ. Krebs, Hinostroza and maybe another player brought in. The pieces are starting to fall in place to make this team a more serious team in the not-too-distant future. With a couple to a few smart personnel moves my time frame is next year.

Florida is such an impressive team. Without question they are a serious Cup contender. All their lines are potent. It is unfair to label any of their top three lines as either one, two or three because each line in its own right is a #1 line. Last offseason, Florida added Reinhart and Bennett for a reasonable price. And recently they added Giroux. It's going to be interesting to see how their offensive explosiveness translates in the playoffs where it is a tighter game. My sense is that it will because although they can score in splurges they don't play a loose style of game, at least in the few games I have seen them. The happiest player in the league has to be Reinhart. Compared what he went through when he was playing up North, he must feel like he is in hockey heaven. I wonder if Jack is a little jealous?

A line composed of Asplund/Gergs/Okposo makes some sense to me. This would be an aggressive checking line with Okposo providing some scoring threat. A comparison to Larsson is a good comparison other than Asplund is a faster skater than Larsson.

Your attitude of not being satisfied with a loss even against superior teams is a reflection of a higher expectation. That's a good sign. Compared to the general low expectation during the Krueger era, that is a major change. People who watched this game point out specific bad plays (such as the Eakin throwaway) and point to those misplays as contributing to the loss. That certainly beats a loss where there were so many misplays that you can't ascribe blame to a particular bad play or two because the game was replete with bad plays. I didn't watch the game (don't ask why because it will set my fuse off) but I did listen to it. In listening to the game, I got a sense that the superior team that lost to us the night before turned it on. However, even when the more talented team took control, I didn't get the sense that the Sabres didn't play hard all the way to the end. I'm not looking for psychological victories in losses. What I'm looking for is a winning attitude even when the talent doesn't measure up to the opposition. Over the last 15 games or so I have seen it. I know that a few more good pieces will be added next year. I'm not fully satisfied but I'm optimistic.

You have to acknowledge that Eakin did an excellent job in providing support. 😃

I'm listening to the game on WGR. Just saw the clip on NHL.com on VO's goal. More and more I'm starting to conclude that Mitts is our best wall player. He set-up that score. Last year or earlier if anyone would have told me that Mitts would be one of our grittiest players I would have told you to take a cold shower and sober up.

As you indicated, the first priority was getting the organization and its staffing in order. Just like with the Bills, when the organization was overhauled and staffed with competent people who were all aligned from top to bottom, the prospects for this franchise went dramatically up. There is an organizational coherency now that is obvious to all. That's why most of us are optimistic now!

You captured what makes Power such an elite prospect. There's an intelligence and positioning adroitness that can't be taught. As a youngster he plays like he is a veteran. His teammate, Hughes, has much more offensive flash to his game. But as an NHL player Power is going to be a player who anchors the blueline. The Sabres/GM made the right decision to select him.

How has Minnesota's Johnson been doing? Is he ready to play in the AHL?

As like you, I have never heard anyone inflate his talents and on ice contributions. He is what he is. He is a veteran player at the end of the line whose contributions more likely relate to his professionalism and positive influence on the youngsters. My understanding is that he is well respected and popular with his teammates. He doesn't deserve to be targeted and an object of scorn.

Who is broadcasting this game? Is this game on ESPN +? If it is, profanity will follow.

Your fixation on this inconsequential player is out of proportion to his role on this team. I'm not aware of anyone who has overrated his talents and contributions. That's just you creating your fictitious bogeyman to rail against in order to support your zealousness on this minor player and issue. It's very likely Eakon will not be on the roster next year. He's at the end of the line. It might serve you well to direct your attention toward another player.

Tell that to the HC who keeps putting him and his line out on the ice. What you see and perceive is not what the HC sees and perceive.

I player who I believe would be a good fit for the Girgs and OK line next year is Asplund. He plays a hard and full-length defensive game. And there is the added benefit that he is already on the roster and could more suitably be used when he gets bumped down by the additions.

Snarks are appreciated and encouraged. It adds spice to the bland pasta.

I'm not sure that is the case. There is no doubt that at this stage of his career he is a limited player. He's a veteran player who knows what his role is, limited as it may be. Some people have this fixation on Eakon as if he is a major drag on this team. I don't see it that way. He has a clearly defined role as a defensive player, and he plays within that role. And although some people are dismissive of his ability to win draws in critical situations, he's our best player in that role. It's probable that he won't be on the team next season. His life span as a hockey player in a long career is concluding. Although he may not be much of an impact player, he fulfills the role that he is assigned. I just don't believe that he deserves the scorn that he attracts here.

With his linemates he does contribute to making a good pressing and defensive line. When another's team top line needs to be stymied, this is the line that DG calls on.

As you seem to suggest the more important issue isn't the annual salary as it is the length of the contract. I wouldn't be reluctant to give him a 4 yr deal, but would prefer a 3 yr. deal. Because of our current favorable cap situation a 4.5 M annual deal would not be out of the question. If he has a torrid end of the season shooting spree the higher number might more likely come into play.

When evaluating a player over time you have to put the evaluation of play in context. Olofsson had a shoulder injury that required time to heal. During the healing process he couldn't work on his game. And even after he was technically healed and returned to play, he still was not able to work on his signature talent, shooting, because it would have aggravated the injury. So, to be fair in evaluating him you have to examine his play after being fully restored to health. My judgment about him is much more positive and a lot less hesitant in giving him credit for his current play. In my view his current play better reflects his capabilities than the play during his injured and healing period.

I'm not sure if it was in the postgame comments or in another interview but Granato said when discussing Olofsson and Mitts that their respective injuries even after returning to play were a factor in their play. He pointed out that each player had the type of injuries where after even they were considered healed, they still weren't able to fully workout. With Olofsson, that impairment was more evident, but with Mitts although he played hard upon returning the offensive rhythm was still off. She now can see it coming back. Is Mitts a #1 caliber of center? I'm more inclined to believe that he can be a very good #2. I have the same rating for Cozens. And I would add that in the near future Krebs could also elevate his game and be considered a #2C caliber of player. As you point that is a heck of a spine. And another positive aspect about these players is their flexibility. Krebs and Cozens have shown versatility in their ability to play the wing when called upon. So, having too many good players at center is not an issue I am worried about.

Next year, Quinn and maybe JJ will be added to the roster. More offense and scoring balance spread around the lineup.