JohnC

I’m not evaluating this particular trade in the framework of winning or losing. In my opinion, we got better. And I’m sure that Utah feels the same on their end.

If he scores 50 goals for Utah, getting back Doan and Kesserling was still a good deal for us. JJP made it clear that he wasn't going to sign here, making him an UFA in another year. So the organization did the smart thing to deal him when his value was high instead of waiting for their trade leverage to decline. It wouldn't be a surprise if JJP becomes a regular 30-40 goal scorer. And it wouldn't be a surprise if on another team he becomes a more responsible two-way player. After 12 games his stat line is: 4-6, +6. I'm sure that Utah is happy trading him. On the other hand, with the additions of Doan and Kesserling, the Sabres are a more balanced team and a better team. Each of our additions improved areas where we needed upgrading. This was a win/win trade for the transacting teams.

Timmons is quietly good. You don’t notice him because there is little flair to his game. He’s fundamentally solid with little wasted motion. He’s the type of defenseman we were looking to acquire for years.

It’s pronounced the same way as when you see Shaquille O’Neil in person and say to yourself: You-tall! 😀

You have to consider that he hadn’t played a game for quite awhile. So a little shakiness in the beginning of the game shouldn’t be a surprise. Late in the game and in overtime he faced a barrage of shots and stood tall. In the SO he was stellar. I’ve been a critic of him because of his up and down play. In this game, it should be acknowledged that he was a big factor in the win.

Yes.

McD and Beane are a terrific duo and are in sync. Pegula has struggled to get the upper staffing right for the Sabres but has hit a home run installing the leadership for the Bills. Our OL play in this game was terrific. It created running lanes even when the opposition knew we were going to run. Kincaid played well. The holding call on Knox was so marginal. Referring is a tough job. But whatever happened to good judgment and discretion. The Bills’ fans are blessed to have Josh Allen as their qb. He’s an all-pro player and good guy. Who does more commercials? Kevin Hart or Josh Allen?

The Bills are well run under McDermott and Beane. However, not drafting Worthy and dropping down to take Coleman was a glaring miscalculation.

I’m sure that he doesn’t want out. But he’s a veteran who is well aware of the business side of the game. He’s said in an interview that I listened to that he’s not bothered by the contract negotiations because it is in the hands of his agent. I consider him to be a core/essential player. His stats are good but his leadership value is immeasurable. I expect a deal will get done because management recognizes his value to the team and organization. For an organization that has a had a lot of instability, he’s a pillar of stability.

With respect to Ovi this was a back to back for him, so it was probably pre-determined that he wouldn’t get much playing time. I’m in the Maryland/DC metro area. If he wasn’t so close to his historic landmark goal, he probably would have retired after last season. I’m confident that this will be his last year because he is a shadow from his normal. As you indicate, no one is good enough to defeat Father Time. It’s never lost a game going against humans.

No to Power trade. Open to Bryam but I like how he is currently playing.

I don’t know about you but I would gladly take a loser point than lose in regulation and get nada.

If you got a loser point for every game of the season you would not be in the playoffs. Instead, you would be on the couch watching other teams playing in those post games.

You are too calculating to believe that your partaking was inadvertent. 🤫

What we can't go through is extended losing streaks. Although getting losing points is frustrating it keeps us from more steeply descending. Those loser points don't necessarily raise us up but keeps us in the mix. Consolation is better than desolation.

I'm starting to sense that you are a libertine fellow? I just want you to know that I am not judging. Although surprised, I'm open-minded. 🤫

He seems more off to me this season. My sense is he is trying to do too much and is forcing the play instead of letting the game come to him. It seems to me he is working too hard to carry the team instead of just playing his game. Tage is another player who is trying to do too much and playing too much solo hockey. The injury to Norris hurt that line.

As you noted, if there is anything to be encouraged about it is that our goal tending has been solid. I'm not going to put it at an upper tier level, but so far it has been at a level where it keeps us in the game. Both Kesserling and Timmons were added in the offseason. They upgraded the unit. (To me, Timmons is an unsung player who quietly and efficiently does his job.) And there is no question that Samuelsson and Power are improved, with Samuelsson making the biggest improvement. Dahlin is the best player on the unit. And it seems that he is pressing and trying to do too much. But from an overall standpoint this unit is playing better than in prior years. And I forgot to mention that Byram is also playing well. I preferred Kesserling paired with Power but he playing with Byram seem to be a compatible pair.

What position of strength and abundance do we have on the roster to deal to recalibrate it? Usually, a reshaping deal is done in the offseason. In my view, the most impactful player transaction would be getting back Norris. And as you noted, I’m not confident in our current GM making such a deal, especially when he feels pressure to do so.

If Norris returns that will be the add. The Sabres are basically a fringe wild-card team. Any impactful add will require a meaningful subtraction that will basically not advance the needle. This is a KA constructed team. What you are is what you are.

Keen observation. Malenstyn has a limited but specific role that he does very well. His PK contribution shouldn’t be discounted.

I liked the play of the Quinn/Krebs/Rosen line. They played fast, hard and aggressive in the offensive zone. Greenway is not fancy but is a big guy who plays big. Hopefully, this game will be a confidence builder for UPL. We needed this game. The Sabres were backpedaling while the Caps were the aggressors at the end of the game. Glad to get a win in front of a big crowd.

My nerves are in a state of agitation! UPL excelled in OT and SO. Because of that he is my first star.

UPL stellar in OT.

UPL gives up too many juicy rebounds!