Again, he was an even +/- while playing with Johan Larsson. Asking anyone to score goals with Larsson is unrealistic. Idk what the expectations are here
- jcragcrumple

+/- means nothing. Matthews is a -1.....

The overreaction makes me laugh

This is a team with what? 10 new faces?

They aren't even close to be firing on all cylinders yet.

I would like to see Dahlin be more aggressive once he gets more comfortable. There were a few times where he was timid about having the puck on his stick. He needs to play a little selfish and use his skill set more. But he is 4 games into his NHL career. He will learn.

I thought Casey was good last night

I also thought Thompson played well.

Colorado made Buffalo pay for their mistakes early in the game. There were times when Buffalo was dominating Colorado. Cycling the puck in Colorado's end for a solid 3 minutes. They just couldn't capitalize.

The score was ugly but the game itself wasn't nearly as one sides as the score.
- Stripes77

They came out flat, and it bit them. It happens.

Berglund hasn’t been that good so far, and a few guys like McCabe and Scandella have been brutal at times. Nelson also isn’t very good right now.

Couple minor tweaks we will be fine

Okposo's own momentum carried him into the crease

I would like you to post the article you were talking about because there are several things wrong with what you wrote.

It is really simple, if the goaltender was prevented in anyway from making an attempted save due to the offensive players actions (other than being directly pushed into the goalie, which Okposo was not) then it is goaltender interference.

Unintentional contact means no goal, but not a penalty.
- Stripes77

Here's a link to a similar page ... I had closed the original page before your response, and naturally cant find that one anymore.

http://www.hockeycentral.....uk/nhlrules/Rules-69.php

The section I am looking at it is:
69.6 Rebounds and Loose Pucks - In a rebound situation, or where a goalkeeper and attacking player(s) are simultaneously attempting to play a loose puck, whether inside or outside the crease, incidental contact with the goalkeeper will be permitted, and any goal that is scored as a result thereof will be allowed.
In the event that a goalkeeper has been pushed into the net together with the puck by an attacking player after making a stop, the goal will be disallowed. If applicable, appropriate penalties will be assessed.
In the event that the puck is under a player in or around the crease area (deliberately or otherwise), a goal cannot be scored by pushing this player together with the puck into the goal. If applicable, the appropriate penalties will be assessed, including a penalty shot if deemed to be covered in the crease deliberately (see Rule 63).

+/- means nothing. Matthews is a -1.....
- CoHo_to_B-Lo

Situational expectations, that's all I'm saying. They're playing him with another rookie, and a revolving door of VERY poor scoring LWs for 11-13 mins a night. The scoring simply won't be there under these conditions.

If you don't put stock in +/-, I get that, but an even rating under these conditions is the best outcome possible.

Okposo's own momentum carried him into the crease

I would like you to post the article you were talking about because there are several things wrong with what you wrote.

It is really simple, if the goaltender was prevented in anyway from making an attempted save due to the offensive players actions (other than being directly pushed into the goalie, which Okposo was not) then it is goaltender interference.

Unintentional contact means no goal, but not a penalty.
- Stripes77

Having just rewatched it from Sabres site...
Originally, yes, his own momentum carried him in the crease, however the puck was loose
However, what caused Okposso to hit his leg was when Zadorov hit Koposo while he wzs already off-balance and stumbled to keep his feet.

In view of the rule on Rebounds and Loose pucks, contact is not a reason, in this case, to disallow the goal.

Play your top two left wingers on a line?

Not a good way to go
- Stripes77

They need to jump start Skinner to get him going.

If your top line is always a constant threat, Im fine with it.

Here's a link to a similar page ... I had closed the original page before your response, and naturally cant find that one anymore.

http://www.hockeycentral.....uk/nhlrules/Rules-69.php

The section I am looking at it is:
69.6 Rebounds and Loose Pucks - In a rebound situation, or where a goalkeeper and attacking player(s) are simultaneously attempting to play a loose puck, whether inside or outside the crease, incidental contact with the goalkeeper will be permitted, and any goal that is scored as a result thereof will be allowed.
In the event that a goalkeeper has been pushed into the net together with the puck by an attacking player after making a stop, the goal will be disallowed. If applicable, appropriate penalties will be assessed.
In the event that the puck is under a player in or around the crease area (deliberately or otherwise), a goal cannot be scored by pushing this player together with the puck into the goal. If applicable, the appropriate penalties will be assessed, including a penalty shot if deemed to be covered in the crease deliberately (see Rule 63).
- IonSabres

Directly from that link:

"The overriding rationale of this rule is that a goalkeeper should have the ability to move freely within his goal crease without being hindered by the actions of an attacking player. If an attacking player enters the goal crease and, by his actions, impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.

I think the eye test of most would come to the conclusion of: Not Ready.

Though last night i would say he looked good.
- CoHo_to_B-Lo

I don't agree with not ready.

He is finding his way, and I think his play is gradually improving.
Clanked one off the crossbar last night.
He is fine, and will be better by playing through it, IMO.

How is that the conclusion you came to? I'm genuinely curious. Even +/- in 6-1 loss. He played 20 seconds more than Berglund.
- jcragcrumple

He's not ready, he's lost and I don't care what the score was or the plus/ minus.

They came out flat, and it bit them. It happens.

Berglund hasn’t been that good so far, and a few guys like McCabe and Scandella have been brutal at times. Nelson also isn’t very good right now.

Couple minor tweaks we will be fine
- sbroads24

Call up Guhle and Pilot.

Situational expectations, that's all I'm saying. They're playing him with another rookie, and a revolving door of VERY poor scoring LWs for 11-13 mins a night. The scoring simply won't be there under these conditions.

If you don't put stock in +/-, I get that, but an even rating under these conditions is the best outcome possible.
- jcragcrumple

I think some are expecting daily plays like the Bobby Orr replication in the WJ20 game.
He looks fine...if peop,e want to give Nylander a pass for only being 21 and struggling in AHL last year...I cant fathom why Stat's is becoming a target.
Enjoy the growth occuring before your eyes.
Year of the Transition.

Having just rewatched it from Sabres site...
Originally, yes, his own momentum carried him in the crease, however the puck was loose
However, what caused Okposso to hit his leg was when Zadorov hit Koposo while he wzs already off-balance and stumbled to keep his feet.

In view of the rule on Rebounds and Loose pucks, contact is not a reason, in this case, to disallow the goal.
- IonSabres

You're missing the entire point. The rule on Rebounds and loose pucks doesn't come into play here.

There wasn't a scramble for a loose puck. It was a bang bang play. Okposo backs into Varlomov, Okposo's skate hits his pads propelling the puck in the net.

No goal

He's not ready, he's lost and I don't care what the score was or the plus/ minus.
- SABRES 89

What about the fact that he played more than Berglund? What, specifically, are you seeing to make you say he's lost?

If Skinner isn’t even starting the PP unit for 5-3 what place does he have on this team. Not saying his play has been earth shattering but doesn’t look like a guy they will be signing long term.
- buffalokb

I mentioned this yesterday before the game. WTF Housley. JBotts gets you your guy and you put that loaf of half baked bread Okposo on the first unit and Skinner on the second?

Directly from that link:

"The overriding rationale of this rule is that a goalkeeper should have the ability to move freely within his goal crease without being hindered by the actions of an attacking player. If an attacking player enters the goal crease and, by his actions, impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
- Stripes77

I appreciate the feedback, I do.

Your quote above refers to the general, high-ldvel rational.
I believe the section I referenced,
1- serves as a clarification of the general rule, by nature of it being a sub-section within the actual rule.
2- speaks to the exact situation that was encountered last night...so that section becomes more relevant

Thanks, but I remain convinced the NHL once again got it wrong...accoring to their own wriiten rule in its entirety.

I appreciate the feedback, I do.

Your quote above refers to the general, high-ldvel rational.
I believe the section I referenced,
1- serves as a clarification of the general rule, by nature of it being a sub-section within the actual rule.
2- speaks to the exact situation that was encountered last night...so that section becomes more relevant

Thanks, but I remain convinced the NHL once again got it wrong...accoring to their own wriiten rule in its entirety.
- IonSabres

You're still using the incorrect part

This wasn't a scramble for a loose puck, there was no rebound opportunity (so that part of the rule isn't in play), the puck hits the goalie, Okposo hits the goalie the puck enters the net, no goal

You're 100% interpreting the rule wrong.

It is the same rule we use in the ECHL/AHL.

Having just rewatched it from Sabres site...
Originally, yes, his own momentum carried him in the crease, however the puck was loose
However, what caused Okposso to hit his leg was when Zadorov hit Koposo while he wzs already off-balance and stumbled to keep his feet.

In view of the rule on Rebounds and Loose pucks, contact is not a reason, in this case, to disallow the goal.
- IonSabres

He also pushed the goaltender's pad into the net, which is going to get a goal disallowed 100% of the time.

I mentioned this yesterday before the game. WTF Housley. JBotts gets you your guy and you put that loaf of half baked bread Okposo on the first unit and Skinner on the second?

- lulags

"Jbotts gets you your guy"

I agree, jbotts put the Sabres in a position to pick first.

1st half of yesterdays game, seamed like jack and dahlin were on different 5 man attacks hung units.

2nd half they were on the ice together quite a bit.

I like okposo, but he had a bad game.

Housley is doing the " veteran thing" giving him a chance to start hot, as the alternate captain.
That will change

"Jbotts gets you your guy"

I agree, jbotts put the Sabres in a position to pick first.

1st half of yesterdays game, seamed like jack and dahlin were on different 5 man attacks hung units.

2nd half they were on the ice together quite a bit.

I like okposo, but he had a bad game.

Housley is doing the " veteran thing" giving him a chance to start hot, as the alternate captain.
That will change
- Boss34

I just hope it changes soon because talent is talent and Skinner is, and will always be a more talented player than Okposo. I'm not the coach, obviously don't fully understand the rational or though process, but just does not seem to make sense

The overreaction makes me laugh


- Stripes77

they did play 4 games in a row at home

got blown out twice


won the other 2 games but got destroyed in the shots contest with vegas


there is reason to be concerned but also reason to be optimistic

- DDM-Coga

I hope you choke on a pig testicle in your sandwich

I hope you choke on a pig testicle in your sandwich
- homiedclown

I could go for some pork rinds wiht todays lunch sandwich..good call

they did play 4 games in a row at home

got blown out twice


won the other 2 games but got destroyed in the shots contest with vegas


there is reason to be concerned but also reason to be optimistic
- homiedclown

The shots against Vegas were all from the outside. Vegas had like 3 quality chances all afternoon.

Still two handfuls of new faces into the lineup.

They're not clicking yet, but they are 2-2. Let's wait a month and a half before we start throwing this season away.

The shots against Vegas were all from the outside. Vegas had like 3 quality chances all afternoon.

Still two handfuls of new faces into the lineup.

They're not clicking yet, but they are 2-2. Let's wait a month and a half before we start throwing this season away.
- Stripes77

But we are Buffalo fans and panicking a week into the season is the norm...