Porous Five Hole

Since Byram was put with Dahlin on Nov 2nd, he has averaged 23:51 going into the LA game. The Sabres have outscored opponents 11-4 at 5-on-5 when Byram has been on the ice during that span. They also have 53.9% of the shot-attempt differential and 49.1% of the shot-quality share. He’s pushing play at 5v5 (ten points in 18 games going into last night), he’s giving Dahlin someone who Dahls can play off of, and he’s someone who won't need the power play for their on ice impacts.

Levi was excellent tonight for the Amerks in their 2-1 OT win at Laval.

Buffalo has won 5 of their last 7.

McLeod on the PK has been huge.

UPL with a big stop early

All of the above

I think Ruff only signed a two year deal, so it would give the new GM time to get the future coaching hire correct. But you’re right, it would be odd for the GM to assume a coach.

On WGR this morning, they said both Tage & UPL are expected back for tonight.

I agree with you and will expand. Yes there is risk that some billionaire will want to put a franchise in his back yard because he can, and Buffalo could be a target. But soon it won’t matter where the franchises are located. The league will eventually be about anytime odds and fantasy football stat lines. Ticket sales will soon be a line item that the league cares less about. Especially when they price the local fan out. They’re building new stadiums with less seat capacity for reason. Ticket sales won’t be one of their primary sources of revenue. They’re already playing multiple games in europe ffs. The NFL is a tv sport, so it doesn’t matter where the games are played. With the new stadium in mind, this is why I expect Buffalo will be a host city in the nfl for a long time to come. Liger has echoed similar sentiments and I totally agree with him.

I’ll take the bait. Why do you think that? Sure, Sway will figure it out, but…the team veterans are also dropping off (not Pasta), they have no depth scoring, the long term deals for Lindholm and Zadorov slotted them above their ability and will age poorly, and they’ve burned through two good coaches. Yes they’ve been good for a very long time without a classic rebuild, but they’re going to pay the piper someday and I think it is here. They’ve played 20 games and TWO guys have ten points or more. The Sabres have eight guys with ten plus points in 18 games. They are bad and there is no white knight coming for Boston.

This is weird. "Day to day" yet he is receiving treatment on another continent.

I could be wrong, but I don’t agree. Pegula has not ever hesitated from moving on from a GM. I think the edict of playoffs or fired is real. Ruff said today that the standings matter. Duh. But I never heard Meatballs say that. It was always about playing the right way. Ruff will survive a failure of not getting into the playoffs, but KA will not.

You could tell on tv it was LOUD. The Ralph had to be shaking. Enjoy it because the new stadium will be a different experience.

😂