I will still think the Leafs Suck. Before and after the game .
- cabin

True .. I just wish the KeyBank center would wake up a little watching it on TV it's quite embarrassing you could hear the puck movement crystal clear . Why go to the game if your not going to cheer it does help the team you know

that's fine...I get it...but it is what it is...

the sabres have a more balanced roster which includes two-way forwards like o'reilly who aren't flashy but certainly have an impact...

it should also be pointed out that kyle opkoso is a helluva player and he's proven too...the more teams have tape on players, the more they figure them out...

i'll wait a couple of years before drawing any conclusions other than Matthews is the real deal
- Michael Pachla

Kadri plays that role for them, and is pretty good

JVR = Okposo

Difference is though this is year 1 for them.

Matthews, Nylander, and Marner are all rookies.

They have 0 expectations this year.

Like last year for us, biggest thing for me was how 55,23, and 15 looked. Not how many games they won
- sbroads24

They're the Leafs. There's always expectations.

But for the most part, I agree with you. That said, there's quite a bit of work that needs to be done there. Just like there's still work that needs to be done here.

2 games ....... And I believe he was suspended the first two games
- GERBE!!!75PTS

No points 10/27 Nash, 10/29 StL, and 10/30 Chi.

True .. I just wish the KeyBank center would wake up a little watching it on TV it's quite embarrassing you could hear the puck movement crystal clear . Why go to the game if your not going to cheer it does help the team you know
- GERBE!!!75PTS

They have new Mics near the ice level.

True .. I just wish the KeyBank center would wake up a little watching it on TV it's quite embarrassing you could hear the puck movement crystal clear . Why go to the game if your not going to cheer it does help the team you know
- GERBE!!!75PTS

What exactly were the fans supposed the cheer about on Thursday? I've been to 2 games this year. In those 2 games, they've scored a combined 1 goal.

i'm sorry I'm pissed off that this team is a lottery team what was I thinking


can someone please explain to me why des is still on this team
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Depends on what you mean by "lottery" team. We're in 20th place right now. Technically, they'd be in the lottery if the season ended today because the bottom 14 teams are all part of it.

i'm sorry I'm pissed off that this team is a lottery team what was I thinking


can someone please explain to me why des is still on this team
- GERBE!!!75PTS

8 games in. 10% of the season, with 2/3 of a bonefide top nhl line, and you're relegating them to lottery status already? You're a towel!

No points 10/27 Nash, 10/29 StL, and 10/30 Chi.
- dadeadhead

We'll see how he responds you are correct

but this is the year hes going to break out though I'm calling it right now 25 goals

8 games in. 10% of the season, with 2/3 of a bonefide top nhl line, and you're relegating them to lottery status already? You're a towel!
- Khmylev

*without

buffalo is ahead of Toronto in the standings having played one less game...they've scored six more goals but have allowed 15 more goals against...

just sayin'
- Michael Pachla

Agreed. It is waaaaaaaaaaaaay to early to be too high or too low on anyone.

Lots of positives in the early season.

- I love watching Okposo play. Isles fan was right - he doesn't play a power game. But he forechecks like a mother and he is a great skater. E. Kane should watch his game to try to learn how to play smarter and not harder.

- Matt Moulson looks like a hockey player again

- Risto continues to grow into the horse that we need him to be.

- Ennis has been a little slow but I thought he was our 3rd best player yesterday after Okposo and Lehner.

Kadri plays that role for them, and is pretty good

JVR = Okposo
- sbroads24

i'll call that comparison a stretch and leave it at that...

as for jvr...i'll still never understand why the fly-boys traded him...he's a stud...

when does he become a free agent?

2 games ....... And I believe he was suspended the first two games
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Dude, if you love the Leafs so much, you should go hang out on the Leaf thread. I'm actually originally from Toronto and I don't get the love-fest that you and a few others have for them. In my 51-year old humble opinion, you stick with your team through thick and thin - no matter what. You don't jump ship for the latest, shiniest team - in this case it's the Leafs. What about the Oilers, they have lots of flashy toys too?

I loved the way the Sabres played this weekend. Solid games. Not flashy but solid. I can't wait until we see a full Sabres line-up with Eichel and Kane in the mix. It should be fun. Imagine what your Leafs would be looking like with Matthews and Nylander out. Not a pretty sight.

Anyway, have a great day!

i'm sorry I'm pissed off that this team is a lottery team what was I thinking


can someone please explain to me why des is still on this team
- GERBE!!!75PTS

you're pretty impatient...they made a huge leap in the standings last year and have a better record now than at this time last season...and that's without two top-six players...

d-lo?...really?

What exactly were the fans supposed the cheer about on Thursday? I've been to 2 games this year. In those 2 games, they've scored a combined 1 goal.
- HonkFortheGoose

I understand it's boring but can't you guys just make it fun ? Like in my honest opinion fans can decide a game in my opinion

who's ever doing the entertainment for that needs to come up with somthing to get you guys involved

8 games in. 10% of the season, with 2/3 of a bonefide top nhl line, and you're relegating them to lottery status already? You're a towel!
- Khmylev

Yes I am they're going to be in the top 10 again

Christ these blogs get worse by the day.

I understand it's boring but can't you guys just make it fun ? Like in my honest opinion fans can decide a game in my opinion

who's ever doing the entertainment for that needs to come up with somthing to get you guys involved
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Maybe nonstop flashing lights all over the goddamn place (or not, nobody likes that poop).

Christ these blogs get worse by the day.
- SABRES 89

why do you keep blaming my blogs

Christ these blogs get worse by the day.
- SABRES 89

No dripped drool yet, it could be worse.

They (leafs) look more exciting too him because the style they are using is all about maximizing possession time and pucks to the net. As broads pointed out, literally no pressure as long as they entertain fans will be happy. Defensively they're still a tire fire. Right now we're focused on keeping shots to the outside and limiting scoring chances to compensate for the fact that our best offensive bust is out of the lineup.

I cracked my ribs last Wed. playing soccer (full speed into an un-padded wall)....deep breaths hurt...i couldn't imagine having to get checked into the boards lol

Puts Kane's injury in a whole new light...makes sense that he'll be out for a while

I understand it's boring but can't you guys just make it fun ? Like in my honest opinion fans can decide a game in my opinion

who's ever doing the entertainment for that needs to come up with somthing to get you guys involved
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Well, the girl they have that handles all of the little games, etc during the stoppages of play is a complete moron. Apparently she asked a kid on Saturday what he was being for Halloween, he told her Yoda, and then she asked him what his costume looked like.

She's also rude and way snarky.

The arena will perk up as the team continues to get better. It's just that there hasn't been a lot to cheer for. And the beer is just way too damn expensive.

Assorted Musings from the first month:

Okposo's ability to carry the puck from the defensive blue line through center ice is an underrated part of his game. He gets out of trouble nicely

Reinhart is making a lot of soft touch passes in the defensive zone/neutral zone that have gotten him into trouble. I think that's a result of him playing with Eichel last year. His linemates right now can't read these subtle plays. He'll need to simplify til Eichel and Kane come back.

Kulikov got walked by Scheifle and layed a huge a hip check against Florida. That seems to be who he is.

O'Reilly with typically good two way play.

Maybe Moulson can get 20. He's feistier and shows up around the net more often.

28 looks invisible.

This is Foligno. Solid hits, occasional goals and decent defensively. I hope fans can respect a stat line of 10+20 or thereabouts. That line is effective.

3-3-2 is fine. If we can go 5-4-1 in November, we'll be in decent shape.

Franson must have hit 3-4 posts so far. His shots will start going in. So far, he's been much better than i gave him credit for

I remember many on here hating on the fact that murray gave up a third-rounder for exclusive negotiating rights
- Michael Pachla

I was then and I am now firmly in the camp that Murray did the right thing trading the 3rd away for the rights to Vesey. What else can you expect from your GM - he threw everything but the kitchen sink at Vesey trying to get him to sign. In the end, he chose the bright lights of Broadway over the Sabres. He's not the first and he won't be the last. But at least he tried. Was I disappointed Vesey didn't sign with the Sabres - absolutely. But it's time to move on. I hope the kid has a successful career.

BTW - Okposo sure is looking like the real thing. He is the consummate pro. Once we get Jack and Kane back, we will have two really well balanced top 6 forwards. The big "if" to me will be Moulson's play. Is it sustainable or is this an early season aberration? Only time will tell.