pi2000

ceiling Jokiharju floor Fedun

Goaltending is the most obvious issue, with depth on defense also a concern. That said, I believe they have more to gain by committing to sound team defense rather than upgrading the depth on the blueline. I do agree the coaching staff needs to implement a defensive system which the rostered players are capable of executing. I believe Granato and his staff are knowledgeable enough they should have some effective defensive systems in their playbook. It's not rocket science. Is the coaching staff putting an emphasis on team defense during practice and team meetings? Maybe? Maybe not? Does Donny hold players accountable for losing their defensive assignments? Probably not? He doesn't aggressively bench players, but I don't know what else goes on in the room. Are the players holding each other accountable? They all seem to like each other and get along, maybe a bit too much such that they're reluctant to point fingers. Sometimes calling out a teammate (behind closed doors) is a good thing.

It's probably more about the fact they finally found him some team pants that fit.

It's difficult to teach young offensive minded players to play team defense. It requires experience, discipline and trust. If one player on the ice is caught out of position, the entire system breaks down. They'll get better at it over time, but was disappointed not to see improvement in that area as the season progressed. At some point Granato and his staff need to make it a priority.

Just as Comrie is healthy and playing well. Maybe Comrie gets Philly on the back-end? UPL? He can go fly a kite. 🤌🏻 🪁

Yes

Do you mortgage the future just to make the playoffs next year, or continue the draft, develop and retain approach building a sustainable pipeline of prospects? I'm not sure making the neccessary moves to make the playoffe next year and building a sustainable pipeline are mutually exclusive.

Congratulations on your first NHL goal in your first NHL shift, and a 2 point night... smell ya.

My source say he pulled his groin due to poor fitting pants.

Comrie played great. .927 sv%, allowing almost 2 goals fewer than expected. That's a massive goaltending improvement on home ice, one of the top 3 performances of the season. Unfortunately they gave up way too many high danger chances, 21... the second most they've allowed on home ice all season. In their 14 home wins, they're averaging 11 high danger chances against per game. It's frustrating. They finally get a quality goaltending performance and let it go to waste with careless defense.

This is true, however he did have a slow start to the season. Over his last 26 games he has 14g 9a for 23 points... 0.88 pt/g, which would put him 1st amongst rookies and 30th overall in pt/g for players who've played 50 games or more. That's exceptional for an 18 y/o.

Will Levi be #2 tonight? In his last home game Comrie gave up a touchdown and a field goal.

Correct. I blame Russia for their ***** policies. That said, it's an opportunity for the league/Sabres. Give the Russian players the option to wear a normal jersey or wear a jersey promoting peace for Russia or some other noble cause that won't put their families at risk or oppose their religious beliefs.. no matter how archaic those beliefs may be.

Let players do what they want, this will offended some people, and that's OK. What offends me is that players like Lybushkin have to actually sit out warmups, rather than wear their normal jersey.... at least give them an optional jersey to wear, maybe one in support of peace in their homeland or something positive.

I'm offended that you're offended.

Traditionally hockey has been one of the more macho sports because of violence and fighting being part of the game. I played growing up in the 80s and the 3 letter F word was thrown around between every whistle every game like it was nothing. Today there is zero tolerance for it which should've been policy years ago. IMO pride night is a way for the league to acknowledge past transgressions, and to get the message out to young boys and girls that the sport is open to everyone.

Agreed. If and when players wear pride, cancer, military, etc themed jerseys should be up to each player. Maybe a group of players design a jersey to promote Alzheimer's awareness because a friend or family member is suffering. Its much more meaningful that way vs the team or league forcing it on them.

waiting for pants

I think the difference is now we have some level of trust those in charge will select the right player. We've been conditioned to scrutinize picks due to previous regime's incompetence.

Military appreciation should include not only a living hero but also someone who gave their life. Pride night is fine, but there's a fine line between demonstrating tolerance/inclusivity and actually promoting that lifestyle. IMO each individual player should be allowed to choose what they want to wear for warmups each game... instead of having these forced theme based events. If we're going to promote tolerance, then lets be an example of that as well.

Going into this game, the Sabres are 5-12-1 at Home in 2023. Giving up an average of 4.72 goals per game, with an .848 SV%, having allowed a total of 28 goals above expected (1.55 per game). For the entire season at home, they have a total of 13 out of 37 (35%) games with a save percentage of .900 or greater. They are 7-5-1 in those games.

Well, KA wanted to send him down to Roch months ago, but KO wanted him in Buffalo because he had some good road games and guys like him.. so here we are.

In UPL's last 5 home starts he has a 5.20 GAA, .787 SV% and is allowing just over 2 goals above expected PER GAME. So yeah, let's give him the start because... yeah.