Carmel Corn

If that's the case, then why does the coaching staff keep putting him out there. They can see +/- stats better than any of us, so if they're running the team based on statistics, he would skate far fewer minutes. If it's all about winning, then would they not scratch him from the lineup every night...or traded him by now?

Risto averages 3 or 4 more minutes than any other D-man on the team. If his minutes can be reduced, then I think his +/- improves. If he plays more as a 3/4 (which is where I think he belongs), his +/- should improve. Problem is that we've lacked the depth to test that theory because of talent deficiencies and injuries. With Montour on board, we'll see now. Hits may not mean anything to you, but I like having D-men who aren't afraid to initiate some contact. We have someone who does so and has been remarkably durable in the process. He has been a workhorse, whether the +/- indicates it or not.

Skinner has all the leverage. They know the fan base will riot if he leaves without compensation. The Stone deal does not help, but I think many of us were already thinking $8 for 8Y at a minimum. Losing him over an additional $.5 to $1MM a year will look bad/cheap optically and no amount of PR 'spin' will overcome that. It will also signal to other FA's to cross Buffalo off their list as a possible destination.

So what would you target in return? If it is not another RH defenseman, how do you propose replacing his spot? I am not saying Risto is untouchable, but the return has to be significant to replace his minutes. He has played every game and has been in or near the top 10 in the league as far as hits, no other Sabre player is in the top 50. Nobody on the team today will do that.

I love pre game in Chicago.....best national anthem singer in the league.

Goaltending quality has dropped since the streak, no doubt. Part of that is "soft" goals our tandem should have covered, but I also don't recall a year where there have been so many "fluky' goals like deflections off skates, etc. Call it bad "puck luck", bad bounces or whatever. My overall $0.02 is that our tandem is still good enough vs. other areas of weakness on our team. They are not championship caliber, but they are capable enough as evident by their play during the streak. If our forwards can back check better....if our defense can do a better job of clearing the front and preventing second and third chances, then I don't think we have to ponder this question.

Yes, hindsight is 20-20, but I don't see any way to spin it into a positive. My only question is whether GMJB was forced by ownership to make a deal or did he himself initiate the move? If the direction came from above, then I saw he did the best he could given the hand he was dealt.

Yes...sending him to the farm in my mind means to the "fat" farm to put some pounds on. If he can't build muscle, then put on some fat instead. TT is so darn lean, he makes Karen Carpenter and Twiggy look obese.

I think the vast majority would agree the 1st period was good. A key problem with this team is how they respond when playing with a lead....terrible. Last night, they could and should have maintained a "fire at will" killer instinct approach and build on the 3-1 lead. Instead, they let Edmonton get the next one and it's game on from the Oiler's standpoint. Yes they outshot them overall, but they did not really compete in the 2nd period. Coupled with the fact that this team is seriously bad at hitting the net did them in. What I would really like to see in the post game are players who are MAD and PO'd vs. feeling like victims of bad puck luck. The heck with the "we lose as a team" blah-blah, how about calling out some fellow players and coaches.....oh wait, better not because you will be a healthy scratch or get traded....hmmm, maybe not such a bad thing afterall!

Another ex-Sabre....Beaulieu had 2 assists last night to help Winnipeg beat Columbus.

I hope you are well-insured and have your legal affairs in order. Otherwise, please stop watching for the sake of your family!!!

McDavid to Eichel: "Hit the road Jack!"

Anybody getting tired of the Pittsburgh model? How about something like a Boston model instead?

Geez, what the hell is the coaching staff doing with the D-pairings? It seems like there have been 4 or 5 different combinations already this period. Montour/Dahlin are a new couple. Looks like Risto and Scandella are now divorced. Maybe still work in process.

Rob says they need to throw more rubber at the goal....maybe not a bad idea. If they throw vs. shoot, maybe they'll hit the target vs. "wide"

Unfortunately just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Really not liking the Risto-Scandella pairing. Then again I don't like any pairing with Scandella.

Mr. Greenjeans though says that he ain't as smart as Ben Franklin!

He needs to check the aim on his light Sabre

Now think "Killer Instinct"....go for 4, then 5, etc. No defensive shell!

I am liking Nelson's game and pairing with Dahlin tonight. Nelson is keeping it simple and playing within himself. Good first period for him!

Well this will inspire our team to play an even more tough and physical style! ;)

My guess is that he felt they would be an upgrade over our bottom six, which was pretty horrible last year. Expensive?...no doubt! Bad decision?... Absolutely!

That or maybe he shows something unexpected which provides either hope or increases his trade value. The team is out of the playoffs, so maybe less pressure will make for a better experiment with the big club....kind of like how Mittelstadt showed well late last year when it didn't matter.

Scandella brings nothing to this team and his departure would be addition by subtraction (good riddance). BOGO at least brings some intangibles and "if" he stays healthy, then I like having him in the lineup. That said, he's probably gone after next season anyway with his contract status.