pi2000

They look absolutely lost and confused in their own zone, almost like they've never practiced how to defend their zone.... I can't even tell what defense they're playing.. is it man? is it zone? do they collapse in front of Levi? I have no idea.

That's the issue. The backup(s) will underperform if only playing once a month... they'd improve their playoff chances with a single backup tendy playing once every 5-7 games. I'd also suggest sitting Levi every 5 games or so, maybe even give him a week off here and there to stay fresh. He's never playes more than 20-30 games in a season, he'll need more frequent mental breaks while he adjusts.

"Mexican food" and "Buffalo" don't belong in the same sentence.

This was part of his "contract" agreement last season to get him to come back for one more year while Levi was in school. Mike Bales is officially on notice.

Yep. UPL might get a start next week after not playing for a month, have a rough start before settling in and everybody will say he sucks. Totally fair to him lol. Trade him or send him to Roch, if he gets claimed, oh well... time to move on, they have their guy in Levi.

It's a joke they're carrying 3 goalies. FITFO Kevyn.

Outcoached. Granato is a great developmental coach, but this team needs to take the next step system wise. Still giving up too much. Is he the guy to take this team to the next level?

.....if he doesn't put up 2+ points and is at least a +2 tonite, then he's overpaid.

not saying it's a must win, but.... many women may watch Mittlestadt work miracles with multiple wingers.

sounds like you forgot to wind your sundial

$20m for 2 defensemen? hmmmm Next season they'll have +$27m tied up between 4 d-men. Idk, hope it works out but seems a little top heavy.

NMC?

I'll say Krebs... Power will be tougher negotiation.

Fortnite taking physical damage early in the campaign.

This is shocking to me. Regular season is several notches up from pre-season. We'll find out right away if he can elevate his pace of play. I still believe the best place for him right now is juniors... if Quinn was healthy, he'd have been sent back already. Giving him 3rd or 4th line minutes isn't best for his development.

best i can do is $5.50

Clifton w/ Johnson? yikes, they both looked slow during preseason.. as long as they don't match up against speed, they should be fine.

Realistically, longer term, is it smart cap management to have +$20m locked up between 2 defensemen? Or spread that other $10m between 2 or 3 other top 4/6 d-men? Or future core guys like Peterka, Quinn, Benson, Savoie, Kulich, etc? Something has to give at some point, especially if they continue to draft well. IMO it wouldn't be smart to have +20% of your cap tied up between 2 defensemen. How do you justify +$10m for Power when he's not even your PP1 QB. If I'm Power, I'm quietly looking for a way out so I can spread my wings as a true #1 defenseman. Never gonna happen in Buffalo. That said, maybe that's the best for Buffalo as well, imagine the haul they could get for him... it could transform the entire franchise.

overpaid but glad it's done he'll need to get better to live up to the deal

looked like a beer league game, yikes. withholding judgement until 10g in the regular season. scary performance by Levi tho, .806 sv%. what is it with Sabres goaltenders stinking it up on home ice?

Wenatchee

1. 96 points 2. Do the Sabres make the playoffs and if so how far do they go?y yes, lose in first round 3. Team MVP Tuch 4. Team ROY Levi 5. Most Improved player Peterka 6. Team leader in goals, assists and points Thomspon 7. NHL Award candidates (Norris, Vezina, Selke, Calder, Richard, MVP etc)? Any winners? Dahlin 8. How many players score 10 or more goals? Who? 7 9. How many players score 20 or more goals? Who? 5 10. Does anyone from Rochester get callup and stay with the Sabres (such as Pominville back in the day)? R. Johnson 11. Which Eastern playoffs team (s) miss the playoffs and who replaces them? 12. Stanley Cup champions 2023-24? Carolina 13. Other predictions you'd like to share? McDavid traded

If by some miracle Benson is on the opening night roster, there is zero chance he starts with Thompson and Skinner. That's not how this works, do better.

no. they're better off playing top line minutes in juniors this season with a long playoff run as team leaders