A point that's typically neglected is how well Sam plays with Jack, how they read off of one another. Jack's had a lot of line mates, Taylor Hall included, and at the end of the day, Reinhart is always his best line mate. Should count for something. And no, I'm not advocating for 8x8. Sam should be paid like the top 6 forward he is. 6ish mil by 5 years.
- TheSabresTaco

The cap is going to be low again next year. They might luck out and get a "bargain" on him because of it.

I think it is already done. The "what will they do when the games matter" question is valid but I think it is answered because what they are doing is sustainable. They aren't doing it with a goalie standing on his head. I can't imagine them not keeping him.
- Slump Buster

I agree with all this. They're not throwing defense to the wind. The game they played last night was tough and aggressive and extremely frustrating for the Caps. That's a group of guys playing a successful, modern style of hockey, without being chained to a synergistic principle. Like you said, it's sustainable.

True, but he doesn't drive play. The problem is that he is going to be looking to be paid as if he was a player that can carry a line and we are now seeing once and for all that he isn't that person. He is a fine player... but not for what he will be asking.
- Slump Buster

He's not going to drive play on an olofsson/okposo line, true. Thats why he's not a number one center.

But he's a good first line winger, great second line winger, and even showed this season he'd be a alright 2nd line center if he has to be forced there. Not really a guy you should be looking to move because his straight line speed isn't the best.


disclaimer, i would take the mantha trade for him in a heartbeat

I agree with all this. They're not throwing defense to the wind. The game they played last night was tough and aggressive and extremely frustrating for the Caps. That's a group of guys playing a successful, modern style of hockey, without being chained to a synergistic principle. Like you said, it's sustainable.
- TheSabresTaco

And when everything fits you don't have to have the stupid conversations about grit, heart, compete, etc

The cap is going to be low again next year. They might luck out and get a "bargain" on him because of it.
- buffalofan19

Well if he insists on some outrageous money, give him to someone who will pay it. But being a 50-60 point guy without Eichel, I think Ehlers is a great comparable. Outside of this year, they're almost the same age, production wise and stylistically.

The Sabres game is on NBC tomorrow?

I agree with all this. They're not throwing defense to the wind. The game they played last night was tough and aggressive and extremely frustrating for the Caps. That's a group of guys playing a successful, modern style of hockey, without being chained to a synergistic principle. Like you said, it's sustainable.
- TheSabresTaco

Reminds me how every "key to the game" against the post lockout sabres was "hit them, they're small and soft, they'll break down"

and while they were being hunted they'd just skate past the other team

Reminds me how every "key to the game" against the post lockout sabres was "hit them, they're small and soft, they'll break down"

and while they were being hunted they'd just skate past the other team
- robz228

Speaking of "keys to the game", if I never hear "pucks to the net" again it'll be too soon. How about "go out and skate fast and be really creative"?

This is an expose written about the Coyotes by Katie Strang back in February, and it draws maybe a few parallels to the Pegulas. However, as I kept reading, and even while keeping Tim Graham's expose in mind, I realized that we definitely don't have the worst ownership in the league. They're just idiots.

https://theathletic.com/2...otes-investigation-toxic/
- TheSabresTaco

Ya know, at least they try. Sure, mostly everything they've tried has been horrible, but they try. You've had owners that were purposefully awful (the guy in Ottawa, can't remember his name, but he was awful...same with the guy for the Islanders a few years back). At least the Pegula's actually like hockey and care and try things. Again, most of those things sucked ass, and they aren't deliberately trying to fail, like those other owners I mentioned. So that's something ?? I guess ?

Speaking of "keys to the game", if I never hear "pucks to the net" again it'll be too soon. How about "go out and skate fast and be really creative"?
- Slump Buster

No sir we must make sure we never execute a breakout and only get pucks in deep, cycle it to the point, and have colin miller take a slapshot

The Sabres game is on NBC tomorrow?
- buffalofan19

It's the NHL's Gay Pride Game. Such a $2 bill.

Kyle will come back just like he always does.
- TheSabresTaco

The last hit to the head in practice not something loose, he's been playing decent hockey, maybe this one will revert him back to when he was scoring 20-30 goals a year.

It's the NHL's Gay Pride Game. Such a $2 bill.
- Hatboro_Swords

It's kind of funny how it's probably the worst season in team history and they probably have more national TV games than ever.

Fun hockey game, amazing what using your speed can do.

The cap is going to be low again next year. They might luck out and get a "bargain" on him because of it.
- buffalofan19

With a flat cap a 5x5 or start making calls on trades.

I say no to that trade. We have the 1st or 2nd overall pick. I’m not giving that away

I like Gibson too. But that’s insane
- Sabretooth9

Im done with Picks and prospects.

If you can get Anaheims first with it as well as other pieces if
Gibson
Ana 1st
Another piece.

I want this team to be competent next year.

Im done with Picks and prospects.

If you can get Anaheims first with it as well as other pieces if
Gibson
Ana 1st
Another piece.

I want this team to be competent next year.
- ImThatGuy

A goalie is as good as the team in front of them

A goalie is as good as the team in front of them
- Sabretooth9

Looking at the differences in our records when Ullmark plays versus any other goalie and I would have to disagree.

Take Hellebuyck off the Jets and they pick top 10 in last years draft with how terrible they were defensively.

Looking at the differences in our records when Ullmark plays versus any other goalie and I would have to disagree.

Take Hellebuyck off the Jets and they pick top 10 in last years draft with how terrible they were defensively.
- Pegullaville

I think a lot of that has to do with the goalies behind Ullmark were complete garbage

Not to mention Ullmark has better stats than Gibson this season

I wouldn't be in a rush to go out and get him

One game sample size but when the Sabres play well with Dustin Toharski in net they just beat the Caps...

Get me an Ullmark Raanta crease next year

A goalie is as good as the team in front of them
- Sabretooth9

An average goalie is as good as the team in front of them.
A bad goalie makes a good team in front of them much worse.
A great goalie in front of a bad teams makes them average.

I think there's more to it than just a blanket statement that goalies are all products of environment. We had Hasek, were those teams good or did Hasek save us night over night?

This is well done.
- buffalofan19

I don't get it.

A goalie is as good as the team in front of them
- Sabretooth9

Tell that to Patrick Roy, Hasek, Brodeur and about 50 other goalies in the last 20 years.

Looking at the differences in our records when Ullmark plays versus any other goalie and I would have to disagree.

Take Hellebuyck off the Jets and they pick top 10 in last years draft with how terrible they were defensively.
- Pegullaville

Some of Carey Price's seasons, he was their sole reason for the playoffs.

Don Granato: "That's why I love offense and I love to focus on offense."


- sabresfan69

Then you better get yourself a reliable goalie or two, Donnie.

You better, you better, you bet.

A goalie is as good as the team in front of them
- Sabretooth9

Not true.

Look at Hasek.