wonder if Shakespeare ever thought of expected expectations?
- Michael Pachla

"Expectation is the root of all heartache"

Thanks Google.

At least we know where he would stand.

While I understand the premise, getting points from your 4th line on any team, save a very select few, is a bonus.
- buffalofan19

This, as pach pointed out, is where we could go around and around for days.

I think they're a 3rd line based on how much they play (6th, 7th and 8th in ice time), and I think you need more production from that.

Now someone else will say their usage and assignments prohibit them from contributing offensively.

I do think they've played well, and it's a strategy that can work if you're winning a game. They will be hard pressed to come back in games with this arrangement though, imo

1 pm just anxiously counting down to the sabres game

havent had this feeling in a long time

Per Dreger: If Botterill is trading Ristolainen, he's getting a boatload in return. It's still too early in the season for any team to pay that.

Per John Wawrow, who covers Buffalo sports for the AP: Well, there was a boatload of a deal discussed a little over a month ago before it didn't happen.

Hmmm...
- kingcong39

Hmmmm, that would be a huge haul for a "below average" defenseman

wonder if Shakespeare ever thought of expected expectations?
- Michael Pachla

In any case, go sabres, neuter the Cats

"Cry 'Havoc!,' and let slip the dogs of war."

This, as pach pointed out, is where we could go around and around for days.

I think they're a 3rd line based on how much they play (6th, 7th and 8th in ice time), and I think you need more production from that.

Now someone else will say their usage and assignments prohibit them from contributing offensively.

I do think they've played well, and it's a strategy that can work if you're winning a game. They will be hard pressed to come back in games with this arrangement though, imo
- jcragcrumple

Krueger had them on the bench in Columbus when they were down in the third period

In any case, go sabres, neuter the Cats

"Cry 'Havoc!,' and let slip the dogs of war."
- jcragcrumple

Krueger had them on the bench in Columbus when they were down in the third period
- Michael Pachla

Most teams would shorted their benches to 2.5 to 2 lines at that point anyway. I seriously don't see the issue here.

Krueger had them on the bench in Columbus when they were down in the third period
- Michael Pachla

I thought so. That's why it's not really worrisome to me. If you're winning, I am totally in favor of feeding the opposition a hefty dose of the twins

"Expectation is the root of all heartache"

Thanks Google.

At least we know where he would stand.
- RhinoFan

Most teams would shorted their benches to 2.5 to 2 lines at that point anyway. I seriously don't see the issue here.
- buffalofan19

no issue...just using your talent effectively

I thought so. That's why it's not really worrisome to me. If you're winning, I am totally in favor of feeding the opposition a hefty dose of the twins
- jcragcrumple

after watching Bylsma and houlsey try a square-peg-round-hole approach, this is quite refreshing to see

no issue...just using your talent effectively
- Michael Pachla

Only problem I see with the CBJ game management was Eichel was soooo (frank)in gassed by the time he took his second shift in OT turned into the GWG off his turnover. Should have seen another group before bringing Eich's back out there.

Only problem I see with the CBJ game management was Eichel was soooo (frank)in gassed by the time he took his second shift in OT turned into the GWG off his turnover. Should have seen another group before bringing Eich's back out there.
- Sabre_Tooth

Krueger took the heat for that one...and to be honest, jack was having a real bad game...after their big win in the home opener his soul was taken over by the ghost of Derek roy with all his dipsy-doodling

after watching Bylsma and houlsey try a square-peg-round-hole approach, this is quite refreshing to see
- Michael Pachla

Didn't Phil do pretty much the same thing with lines? Jack's line + Larsson's line

MoJo is the big difference. He brings enough to have a decent second line. I know ripping on Phil is fashionable, but it's very clear he wasn't given the tools to build a middle 6.

Didn't Phil do pretty much the same thing with lines? Jack's line + Larsson's line

MoJo is the big difference. He brings enough to have a decent second line. I know ripping on Phil is fashionable, but it's very clear he wasn't given the tools to build a middle 6.
- Lunaion

Marcus Johansson has made a huge difference. Imagine one more quality impact forward on that line?

Didn't Phil do pretty much the same thing with lines? Jack's line + Larsson's line

MoJo is the big difference. He brings enough to have a decent second line. I know ripping on Phil is fashionable, but it's very clear he wasn't given the tools to build a middle 6.
- Lunaion

You're not giving Krueger any credit for the hot start.

The guy has instilled confidence in the group to work as an entire unit.

When we hit turbulence is where we will really be able to judge how him and the team responds. Until then, you have to give him credit with what he has been able to do so far with a team that has some pieces that are less than desirable.

You're not giving Krueger any credit for the hot start.

The guy has instilled confidence in the group to work as an entire unit.

When we hit turbulence is where we will really be able to judge how him and the team responds. Until then, you have to give him credit with what he has been able to do so far with a team that has some pieces that are less than desirable.
- Sabre_Tooth

A short response on lines doesn't mean I don't give him credit. I'm a big fan of Ralph.

Expect Florida to be in a foul mood tonight. Hope the Sabres are ready.
- sabreadvocate1

They embarrassed themselves against Carolina Tuesday. Q bag skated them the next morning. They better show up ready to play. Q switched up the D pairings and made changes on the top three lines. The only line left alone is Acciari's line. Acciari was a great addition for FL, you'll notice #55 out there.
(Per Steve Goldstein) Cats tonight looking like
Huberdeau-Barkov-Hoffman
Vatrano-Trocheck-Connelly
Dadonov-Malgin-Hawryluk
Hunt-Acciari-Sceviour
Weegar-Ekblad
Matheson-Stralman
Yandle-Brown
Bobrovsky

4C or not 4C....that is the question.

They embarrassed themselves against Carolina Tuesday. Q bag skated them the next morning. They better show up ready to play. Q switched up the D pairings and made changes on the top three lines. The only line left alone is Acciari's line. Acciari was a great addition for FL, you'll notice #55 out there.
(Per Steve Goldstein) Cats tonight looking like
Huberdeau-Barkov-Hoffman
Vatrano-Trocheck-Connelly
Dadonov-Malgin-Hawryluk
Hunt-Acciari-Sceviour
Weegar-Ekblad
Matheson-Stralman
Yandle-Brown
Bobrovsky
- Ratsreign

Should be a fun one!

A short response on lines doesn't mean I don't give him credit. I'm a big fan of Ralph.
- Lunaion

That's fair.

I want to see Yandle knocked so hard his teeth end up 2 blocks over on Douchebag Street.

I want to see Yandle knocked so hard his teeth end up 2 blocks over on Douchebag Street.
- LandlordTom

I can't remember what game it was exactly last year, but he was epic level douchebag for one of them. Honestly, I'd never had an issue with him before that. I didn't remember him ever being like that before. But man, he was BRUTAL in that one.

I still think they play too much, but I can't blame the coach. The 'third' line is actually the fourth best line, so he plays the 'fourth' line like a third. It's up to Botteril or the players on that line to make the third line good enough to push down the twins ice time.