Cozens changes that up a bit
- Stripes77

Yup and if mitts looks half way decent. He’s probly on the 3rd line

https://twitter.com/chart.../1345006962161934338?s=21

It seems like most UFAs are signed up now (including PTOs) so I'll wrap up my lineup forecasts and begin re-running the season to get final pre-2021 NHL season projections.

I really like some aspects of BUF's roster (top-6 fwds, 4/6 defenders). But there are some glaring issues.

Yup and if mitts looks half way decent. He’s probly on the 3rd line
- Sabretooth9

I would think Casey will need to look more than just halfway decent to get a chance considering his past.

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1345006962161934338?s=21

It seems like most UFAs are signed up now (including PTOs) so I'll wrap up my lineup forecasts and begin re-running the season to get final pre-2021 NHL season projections.

I really like some aspects of BUF's roster (top-6 fwds, 4/6 defenders). But there are some glaring issues.
- sbroads24

Rieder as 3rd line RW? Is he serious?

Going off of today’s lines at practice this looks like what may be our opening lineup going into the year:

Hall-Eichel-Olofsson
Skinner-Staal-Reinhart
Girgensons-Eakin-Okposo
Reider-Lazar-Thompson

McCabe-Risto
Dahlin-Montour
Miller-Joker
- Pegullaville

I thought Eichel was hurt?

I thought Eichel was hurt?
- Powerslave

I believe he's basing it on the first lines today at practice below.

First glance at some Sabres lines ...

Hall - Mittelstadt / Sheahan - Olofsson
Skinner - Staal / Ruotsalainen - Reinhart
Girgensons - Eakin - Okposo
Rieder - Lazar - Thompson

https://twitter.com/Jourd.../1345042340516405251?s=19

Going off of today’s lines at practice this looks like what may be our opening lineup going into the year:

Hall-Eichel-Olofsson
Skinner-Staal-Reinhart
Girgensons-Eakin-Okposo
Reider-Lazar-Thompson

McCabe-Risto
Dahlin-Montour
Miller-Joker
- Pegullaville

I think it'll be more like:

Hall - Eichel - Olofsson
Skinner - Staal - Reinhart
Thompson - Eakin - Cozens (think offense)
Girgensons - Sheahan/Lazar - Okposo

Going off of today’s lines at practice this looks like what may be our opening lineup going into the year:

Hall-Eichel-Olofsson
Skinner-Staal-Reinhart
Girgensons-Eakin-Okposo
Reider-Lazar-Thompson

McCabe-Risto
Dahlin-Montour
Miller-Joker
- Pegullaville

That's a really good top 6. With Reinhart and Staal, Skinner scores at a 40-goal pace this year. My bottom 6 (assuming Cozens makes it):

Thompson-Eakin-Cozens
Girgs-Lazar-Reider (for PK)

Okposo/Sheehan - plug in Sheehan if PK still sucks. I would like Ruistolinen in there somewhere. Not sure where though.

Based on the d-man in camp, the best 6 are on the ice. Would still like to see a trade for Anti Raanta for one of our RD but that seems like a pipedream at this point.

The Sabres surprise and squeak in 4th in their division.

Boston/Philly/WA/Sabres

I believe he's basing it on the first lines today at practice below.

First glance at some Sabres lines ...

Hall - Mittelstadt / Sheahan - Olofsson
Skinner - Staal / Ruotsalainen - Reinhart
Girgensons - Eakin - Okposo
Rieder - Lazar - Thompson

https://twitter.com/Jourd.../1345042340516405251?s=19
- kingcong39

Casey probably Mitt-ing his pants, playing with Hall

I think it'll be more like:

Hall - Eichel - Olofsson
Skinner - Staal - Reinhart
Thompson - Eakin - Cozens (think offense)
Girgensons - Sheahan/Lazar - Okposo
- kingcong39

Ralph won't trust the two kids with 3rd line minutes yet, imo. They're going to have to make the most of that initial 4th line ice time before Krueger promotes them.

Ralph won't trust the two kids with 3rd line minutes yet, imo. They're going to have to make the most of that initial 4th line ice time before Krueger promotes them.
- Powerslave

I think he would because I'd expect him to play the Girgensons - Okposo line slightly more 5v5 then the Eakin line. Putting Thompson or Cozens with Lazar would be a total waste of time.

https://twitter.com/Buffa.../1345053149875367937?s=19

Guess I spoke too soon about Team USA this year. After horrendous goaltending against Russia, they have 3 straight shutouts.
- buffalofan19

USA's Defense has been pretty, pretty good.
Sanderson has looked good, as has Faber, York and Johnson...even Kleven.

I think he would because I'd expect him to play the Girgensons - Okposo line slightly more 5v5 then the Eakin line. Putting Thompson or Cozens with Lazar would be a total waste of time.
- kingcong39

I agree with you that putting the kids w Lazar sucks. Ralph just seems like a coach that leans on his vets (right or wrong) when he has them available. How many times were KO, Girgensons and Swedish Carbonneau on the ice last year when we would've rather had it be someone else?

https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1345053149875367937?s=19
- kingcong39

Still doesn't feel real.

I would think Casey will need to look more than just halfway decent to get a chance considering his past.
- kingcong39

Krueger on WGR the other days was asked specifically about CM's physique...to which he stated
"really good, thin, stronger".

Assuming that is accurate, perhaps Casey has properly devoted himself.

I agree with you that putting the kids w Lazar sucks. Ralph just seems like a coach that leans on his vets (right or wrong) when he has them available. How many times were KO, Girgensons and Swedish Carbonneau on the ice last year when we would've rather had it be someone else?
- Powerslave

We agree.

I think Ralph would employ a line of Thompson - Eakin - Cozens, but they would get the least 5v5 minutes unless they are producing consistent offensive chances.

@BuffaloVogl
The Sabres say Jack Eichel is day-to-day with his upper-body injury.

Also, Linus Ullmark is still quarantining due to an immigration issue. The team expects to have him on the ice in the coming days.
- Stripes77

2021 sucks.

I think it'll be more like:

Hall - Eichel - Olofsson
Skinner - Staal - Reinhart
Thompson - Eakin - Cozens (think offense)
Girgensons - Sheahan/Lazar - Okposo
- kingcong39

I think you’re right

USA's Defense has been pretty, pretty good.
Sanderson has looked good, as has Faber, York and Johnson...even Kleven.
- IonSabres

Spencer Knight was a top 15 pick for a reason right.

He had a tough first outing which happens but he can definitely steal gold for the U.S if he’s on his game.

Happy New Year Boss

Saw your reply to the post about the Pegulas no worries man!

Hope everyone has a freaking healthy New Year!

Go Bills Go Sabres lets go!!!
- Stripes77

Happy new year stripes, great discussion and banter this past year. #muchrespect 🤝

Spencer Knight was a top 15 pick for a reason right.

He had a tough first outing which happens but he can definitely steal gold for the U.S if he’s on his game.
- Pegullaville

Hope knight doesn't have to face any shootouts or penalty shots 😀

John Vogl
@BuffaloVogl
·
1m
"He will be fine. We are just being cautious in the process. We expect Jack in the next couple days here." - Ralph Krueger on Jack Eichel missing opening day with an upper-body injury.

Cozens changes that up a bit
- Stripes77

more then a bit IMO

more then a bit IMO
- homiedclown

It's a good problem to have