What are you talking about? The Sabres could be a contender with a real goaltender. They fell too far behind early because they couldn't get saves from anyone. Ukka-Pekka has been fine, but he's leagues behind Markstrom. Markstrom has been top 5 this year. Ukaa-Pekka's been maybe top 20. Save percentage isn't everything and faceoff percentage is the most meaningless stat you can bring up in any argument. The difference in 50 and 46 is 2-3 faceoffs a game.

Markstrom is right at the top in goals saved above expected per 60, GAA better than expected, Wins above replacement, and high danger save percentage. Ukka-Pekka is middle of the pack and not even in the top 30 for high danger. Markstom wins games for his team, Ukka-Pekka is trying not to lose them.

You're also not giving the Sabres' defence enough credit. They have some good young players like Johnson and Jokiharju who've been playing a lot better. I'd take their group over what the Flames have. Another year of seasoning, a Tage bounce back, and a Vezina calibre goalie and the Sabres are as good as anyone.

Wolf would absolutely benefit from keeping Wolf around, but the Flames aren't in any position to be competitive any time soon so it doesn't make a lot of sense.
- Squeaky

Markstrom has been top 5 the last 2 months sure. to start the season he was ice cold. 6-7-0-2, with a 896sv%. I remember driving home from work in Dec/Jan where the guys on the Fan kept talking about him needing to get back to being a 900 goalie. Ukka-Pekka was a 6-4-0-2 goalie with a 905sv%. The difference between the 2 is minimal on the season as a whole. Since Jan 1, sure, Marky has been elite. But he isn't the difference between Buf being a contender or where they are.

In about 120 mins difference on the season, UPK has a 914sv% and 2.46GAA. Markstrom has a 912sv% and 2.61GAA.

Good young players like 35 year old Erik Johnson and his 3g 0a, and -5, or Ryan Johnson of 40gp and 0g, 7a, and +4 at 6'0" and 170lbs. Henri Jokiharju of 3g 11a in his 6th NHL season??? OK players thus far for the last 2, but may need some veteran leadership to take it to the next level instead of meh guys like the previously mentioned Erik Johnson, and Dahlin and Power to teach them how to be pro NHL defensemen. For reference the flames have had Hanifin, Weegar, Zadorov, Tanev, and Andersson perform at at least everyone but Power or Dahlin's levels this year. Think about that, Tanev would likely be their 3rd leading scoring D, and best defensive defenseman.


Buf would be better off looking for Hanifin than Markstrom. Both very good players in their own right, but ones not a need there. And they'd be better off bringing in a C who can win faceoffs like Lindy could have, to get the puck one Power or Dahlins stick, or Tanev.

If the Wings think they can be competitive next year, there's absolutely a need to improve their goaltending. The Devils turned down a chance to get Hellebuyck last year and went with two unproven guys who were fairly solid the previous year, and look how that turned out.

Yzerman also won two of his Cups because the Wings traded for older established goalies.
- Squeaky

Wrong, the Wings need to improve their defense in front of the goalies. They are not a top scoring team this season because of a goalie...it's because they made a huge improvement in their scoring depth which has given them a top 10 PP.

They have also made a slight improvement to their defense but still not good enough. They need an upgrade behind Seider at RD to bump Petry to bottom pair or better yet 7th dman.

Wings goaltending is fine for next season if they improve the defense and don't lose a lot of depth on forward that can't be replaced by young players or prospects that are ready to contribute. They don't need to be wasting a bunch of money on a goalie they don't need instead of keeping depth they really need.

Wrong, the Wings need to improve their defense in front of the goalies. They are not a top scoring team this season because of a goalie...it's because they made a huge improvement in their scoring depth which has given them a top 10 PP.

They have also made a slight improvement to their defense but still not good enough. They need an upgrade behind Seider at RD to bump Petry to bottom pair or better yet 7th dman.

Wings goaltending is fine for next season if they improve the defense and don't lose a lot of depth on forward that can't be replaced by young players or prospects that are ready to contribute. They don't need to be wasting a bunch of money on a goalie they don't need instead of keeping depth they really need.
- dcz28

Shut your face! obviously the team with 5 top 3 defencemen and the best 2 way C in the league and a top 3 G in the league are selling EVERYTHING, because all those parts are are better than the weaknesses of the few contending teams and worth 2+ pieces, at least, of what they have to remain contenders for years following.

I mean a team with a top 3G in the league, 5 top 3D, an elite top 2 way 2C with a lot of complimentary pieces to surround them with should be rebuilding to start the season.

Word out that Hanifin may have a extension if goes to TB. So, what would the Lightning offer for Hanifin or should the Flames trade for best deal and let others work it out?

Still sore that we spanked you guys last game?
Oilers lead the league in douchebags.
- K-man25

That was your cup haha. I’m a fan of pests, but only the ones who will back it up.

Busy trade day today.
After all these moves today would Hani ever look good on the Avs blueline.
Toews Makar
Hani Walker
Girard Manson

Busy trade day today.
After all these moves today would Hani ever look good on the Avs blueline.
Toews Makar
Hani Walker
Girard Manson
- DEDDIE

Avs dont have much left to offer lol

Avs dont have much left to offer lol
- stoops2u

I believe they got Buffalos 1st, no?

I believe they got Buffalos 1st, no?
- K-man25

Just checked, it was a 1 for 1 deal. Was reported that Buffalo was sending a 1st as well. I guess EK was a little confused.

Just checked, it was a 1 for 1 deal. Was reported that Buffalo was sending a 1st as well. I guess EK was a little confused.
- K-man25

They sent their 2025 1st with Johansen to Philly for Walker. So they still have their 2024 1st & Ritchie as pieces for Hanifin.

They sent their 2025 1st with Johansen to Philly for Walker. So they still have their 2024 1st & Ritchie as pieces for Hanifin.
- Kevin R

We can only hope. I really don’t give a crap where Hanifin Wants to play. Conroy needs to max the return and not worry about that.

We can only hope. I really don’t give a crap where Hanifin Wants to play. Conroy needs to max the return and not worry about that.
- K-man25

I am sure Conroy will not be doing the same solid for Hanafin he did for Taney.

Anyways, I wonder if Boston does not try and flip one of their tenders for a package that could get them Hanafin.

I am sure Conroy will not be doing the same solid for Hanafin he did for Taney.

Anyways, I wonder if Boston does not try and flip one of their tenders for a package that could get them Hanafin.
- DuranDuran

Sounds like a lot of complicated 3 team deals are being hashed out. Going to be fun.

Sounds like a deal has been reached to send Hani to Vegas.

Sounds like a deal has been reached to send Hani to Vegas.
- wreckage

I am happy it’s done. I still think there is a chance they love Marky know rather than this summer. Maelstrom will steal games. Not what we want.

Sounds like a deal has been reached to send Hani to Vegas.
- wreckage

You happy with the Tarasenko and Henrik acquisitions?

You happy with the Tarasenko and Henrik acquisitions?
- DuranDuran

A 3rd and 4th for Tank isn't bad. But the Cats have like no picks the next 2 years now. They gotta win it all this year or next because with no picks and a thinning system they're gonna suck hard soon, and for a long while.

Henrique is not worth a 1st, but Holland has to do what he does and screw the Oilers more. So much for not moving his 1st for a rental.

Hanifin to Vegas... not sure what they got

Hanifin to Vegas... not sure what they got
- stoops2u

Hope its for a worthy haul....Feel this needs to mazimize the return and be a home run for COnroy
Esp to Vegas that keeps circumventing the cap...why are ppl helping them? BOOOO VGK

Hopefully, it's at least Edstrom and a first. He can live with the Backlunds next year.

They also better not be getting anyone back that makes them better this year.