Obviously a lot of these guys are still really early in their NHL careers (Engvall and Mikheyev both have just 56 games of NHL experience), so they're not necessarily at their prime yet, but when either of Engvall or Mikheyev have played up in the top-6, they just don't seem to work the game at the required level (too slow? not quite hard enough in the play?). I have thought that both of these guys would be able to come in and adequately perform that yeoman's level of service that Hyman offers, but I'm not so sure anymore. As I said, it's really early, so you can't close that door on them, but there's something really distinct about what Hyman does and how well he does it against top competition.
- Monkeypunk

Hyman can just absorb a hit so well, I find that’s his 1 of his biggest assets, and story telling...good story teller too.

No.
- AdamFrench

Oh

Jumbo has been better than expected in his return
- Byfuglien Ate Me

that the red bull man

Imagine if you also suggested Dermott
- mr.sir

I’m starting to think that Rielly is feeling a bit too liberated playing with Brodie after being slugs for so long. He’s starting to make too many bad pinches, thinking that TJ’s got this. Keefe might want to play him with Bogo for a period just to bring him back to earth.

Ok, maybe a few shifts.

Obviously a lot of these guys are still really early in their NHL careers (Engvall and Mikheyev both have just 56 games of NHL experience), so they're not necessarily at their prime yet, but when either of Engvall or Mikheyev have played up in the top-6, they just don't seem to work the game at the required level (too slow? not quite hard enough in the play?). I have thought that both of these guys would be able to come in and adequately perform that yeoman's level of service that Hyman offers, but I'm not so sure anymore. As I said, it's really early, so you can't close that door on them, but there's something really distinct about what Hyman does and how well he does it against top competition.
- Monkeypunk

Hopefully 1 can take his spot in case we can’t afford to resign him.

I feel like nitpicking this. Neither Mikheyev nor Kapanen have good shot selection, nor overwhelming shots - that much I agree with. Kapanen is faster and has much better first step acceleration - but those did make him a higher offensive threat. Mikheyev is better without the puck, reads the play better, and has a better and more active stick. Kapanen's PK value was because of his first step acceleration, he posed a threat when position high in the PK unit. Kapanen's presence basically prevented D-to-D passes for the opposition PP. The rest of Kapanen's PK ability was fairly limited. Mikheyev, because he's actually better at it - positions himself better in lanes, forces the play to different areas, and because he has a deceptive active stick, he breaks up plays and controls the puck.

To me there's a distinction there because Mikheyev is a much better PK guy, and Kapanen is a better offensive threat. I feel that the same PK capability is something that is in Engvall's purview, but his offensive game has seemed non-existent so far this year.
- Monkeypunk

Good post. I don't think we've seen the total package from Mikey just yet. We were starting to last year before the injury. Defensively, he is light years ahead of Kappy. To me, that area is most vital for this team. Especially in games like the last one against the Habs and last night against the Sens. The coach has trust in him. Why not with that speed. In time, I'll bet the offensive side will take care of itself.

that the red bull man
- dmnted

Why is this surprising?

Hoping so, like to see Willie score 5 tonight so we can stop reading about him.
- Garnie

IF that occurs then we can upgrade him to Wayfair status.

Hyman can just absorb a hit so well, I find that’s his 1 of his biggest assets, and story telling...good story teller too.
- Garnie

Plus he’s rich so he’ll play for free next year

Didn’t want to move him up too quick, people on here be yelling at me.
- Garnie

why?
are you a cloud?

Soup is a feel-good-but-is-actually-a-trash-player story, amirite?
- mjones242

bill berg!!!!!

Oh
- Garnie

Exactly.

Ted Cruz blames his kids for Mexico trip, heads back to Texas. He would have been better off with the comedian

“My kids wanted a resort trip”

bill berg!!!!!
- dmnted

Don't mind the giraffe at all. Think he'll get better with extended playing time. Sucker can skate. Just start using that size to control the puck along the boards. Can't be worse than 26. ::
- Leafsmart

registered a shot on goal last night.

Happy birthday to Maple Leaf great Martin Marincin, oh and Alexander Mogilny

Happy birthday to Maple Leaf great Martin Marincin, oh and Alexander Mogilny
- Canada Cup

I cant believe that the Sabres are out of a playoff spot. I thought Taylor Hall wanted to goto a winning team....

registered a shot on goal last night.
- dmnted

Bragging rights at today's practice no doubt. :

I cant believe that the Sabres are out of a playoff spot. I thought Taylor Hall wanted to goto a winning team....
- Archaic

Poor taylor.
Hed look great playing alongside mcjesus.

Happy birthday to Maple Leaf great Martin Marincin, oh and Alexander Mogilny
- Canada Cup

As I said in the past, wish we had drafted Alex. What a talent. Might have made all of those tough years a tad easier to stomach.

Poor taylor.
Hed look great playing alongside JT.
- Fakepartofme

Fixed


I remember Sabres fans thinking they now had better forwards then the Leafs....good times.

bill berg!!!!!
- dmnted

The pride of Beamsville

Enemy of Grimsby, amirite😉

Plus he’s rich so he’ll play for free next year
- Canada Cup

At least min contract or he’s a greedy SOB

Boeser for Nylander straight up? Brandon Sutter for JT straight up?