Buffalo Sabres and NHL 2021-2022

[Doc]

3 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

I mean, if Luukkonen plays well enough in Buffalo to hold down a starting role, and Portillo plays so well in Rochester that he earns a chance to compete for the backup role in Buffalo, that would at least open a spot for Levi in Rochester. It might make things more complicated in the future though.

 

But I don’t really see Portillo being ready for Buffalo after 1 season in Rochester.

Nor do I see Levi being ready to go right from college to the NHL (in a backup role).

 

So I think most likely you just Let Portillo and Levi battle for the starting role in Rochester and whoever loses can be the back up or go to Cincinnati (ECHL) to start.

 

I don't see UPL being the answer.  I expect Portillo to play sooner rather than later in Buffalo.

[K-9]

22 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

I don't see UPL being the answer.  I expect Portillo to play sooner rather than later in Buffalo.

Neither UPL or Portillo is the answer in the short term. Adams’s number one priority and focus is to acquire a good veteran NHL goalie this offseason. UPL as back up, Portillo developing in Rochester. Levi going back to school May actually be of benefit in terms of staggering the development of these young goalie prospects. But it’s all moot if Adams can’t find a solid vet starter. 

[BillsFan4]

http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/sabres-prospect-devon-levi-wants-to-feel-that-pressure-at-northeastern/
 

Quote

When goalie Devon Levi told Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams he would be returning to Northeastern, the prospect explained how another season in college could offer him what he craves.

 

“He’s such a mature kid the way he looks at it,” Adams said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “And one of the things he said that I found interesting is that, ‘I wanted to feel that pressure every day of people looking at me like I’m a top guy,’ which is a pretty interesting way to look at it.”

 

Quote

But Adams said the Sabres “were totally on board with it” with Levi going back to Northeastern.

“We think it’s good for him,” he said. “If he came and he was ready mentally and what he thought was right for him, that would’ve been great, too.”

Adams also mentioned Ryan Johnson and Portillo:

 

Quote

Meanwhile, Adams said he plans to talk to two of the team’s other college prospects – Michigan goalie Erik Portillo and Minnesota defenseman Ryan Johnson – this weekend at the Frozen Four in Boston.

 

Adams said the Sabres are fine with the youngsters – Portillo is a sophomore and Johnson and is a junior – turning pro or returning to school.

“There’s no downside if they stay, in my opinion,” he said.

Not sure I agree with Adams on this. There is big potential downside - Both could turn UFA after next season and Buffalo could lose them for nothing.

Johnson was a 1st round pick and would be going into his senior season.

 

But I guess Kevyn Adams doesn’t really gain anything by telling the press he’s not ok with either guy going back to school. It could hurt any trade leverage with other teams.

 

He also may not have the same “Buffalo fan syndrome” fears of players spurning Buffalo that some of us fans do.

 

It’ll be interesting to see what both players decide. It seems to me like Buffalo wants both to turn pro this year. Adams can try to sell it any way he wants, but there’s no way he wants Portillo going back to school for another year, then having both him and Levi sign next offseason. He’s already said that’s not ideal.

[K-9]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/sabres-prospect-devon-levi-wants-to-feel-that-pressure-at-northeastern/
 

 

Adams also mentioned Ryan Johnson and Portillo:

 

Not sure I agree with Adams on this. There is big potential downside - Both could turn UFA after next season and Buffalo could lose them for nothing.

Johnson was a 1st round pick and would be going into his senior season.

 

But I guess Kevyn Adams doesn’t really gain anything by telling the press he’s not ok with either guy going back to school. It could hurt any trade leverage with other teams.

 

He also may not have the same “Buffalo fan syndrome” fears of players spurning Buffalo that some of us fans do.

 

It’ll be interesting to see what both players decide. It seems to me like Buffalo wants both to turn pro this year. Adams can try to sell it any way he wants, but there’s no way he wants Portillo going back to school for another year, then having both him and Levi sign next offseason. He’s already said that’s not ideal.

Michigan has what, seven first round picks in their lineup? If they go pro after winning a national championship, then I gotta wonder about Portillo’s judgment if he elects to go back. It’s all downside. And I think KA knows that, but was right in not saying it. 
 

Johnson is another story. I can see him wanting another bite of the apple with a good Minnesota hockey team if they fall short of the title this year. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by K-9

[T&C]

Time to get back on track against the Hurricanes. I can't get the home feed so no RJ tonight for me.

[T&C]

Anderson had to get a blade replaced and they did it right by the goal. I honestly had no idea how they did it but I see now... pretty streamlined from the old days.

 

 

[eball]

Fun game last night against one of the best in the league.  I’m going to the game down here in NC Thursday night.  Maybe I’ll eat some babies.

[BillsFan4]

 

Wow, what a play by Dahlin (on the Sabres 3rd goal) to keep the puck in at the blueline then find Olofsson with that pass!

 

Game was on ESPN + so I didn’t watch it. Next game is on ESPN + too.

Aggravating that I need to spend another $6.99/mo just to be able to watch all of the same Sabres games I was always able to watch before this. I feel like I already pay for all the games with my cable package.

 

To anyone with ESPN + : do they show all of the Sabres games? Or only a handful?

if they showed them all it would be a nice alternative to cable.

[PromoTheRobot]

9 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

Wow, what a play by Dahlin (on the Sabres 3rd goal) to keep the puck in at the blueline then find Olofsson with that pass!

 

Game was on ESPN + so I didn’t watch it. Next game is on ESPN + too.

Aggravating that I need to spend another $6.99/mo just to be able to watch all of the same Sabres games I was always able to watch before this. I feel like I already pay for all the games with my cable package.

 

To anyone with ESPN + : do they show all of the Sabres games? Or only a handful?

if they showed them all it would be a nice alternative to cable.

 

With ESPN+ you see about 76 games. The games you don't get are ones on TNT, NHLN or blacked out because they play your local NHL team. (The Bruins in my case.)

 

I don't think the next game is an ESPN/Hulu exclusive.

Edited April 6, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[BillsFan4]

2 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

With ESPN+ you see about 76 games. The games you don't get are ones on TNT, NHLN or blacked out because they play your local NHL team. (The Bruins in my case.)

 

I don't think the next game is an ESPN/Hulu exclusive.

So basically all of the Sabres games they show on MSG I could get with ESPN + then?

 

if so that’s not a bad deal.

[PromoTheRobot]

16 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

So basically all of the Sabres games they show on MSG I could get with ESPN + then?

 

if so that’s not a bad deal.

 

Plus, they show all Buffalo Bandits lacrosse games and a million college games. Since I'm a UB alum I get every televised UB sport. For me it's a great deal.

 

I forgot to ask, do live around WNY? You won't get Sabres games because MSG keeps the rights in the home territory. You'll only see the 4-5 Hulu exclusive games.

Edited April 6, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[Doc]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

Wow, what a play by Dahlin (on the Sabres 3rd goal) to keep the puck in at the blueline then find Olofsson with that pass!

 

Game was on ESPN + so I didn’t watch it. Next game is on ESPN + too.

Aggravating that I need to spend another $6.99/mo just to be able to watch all of the same Sabres games I was always able to watch before this. I feel like I already pay for all the games with my cable package.

 

To anyone with ESPN + : do they show all of the Sabres games? Or only a handful?

if they showed them all it would be a nice alternative to cable.

 

Switch to Verizon wireless.  You get that, Disney+ and Hulu included.

[ALF]

I pay extra for MSG and TNT so no to ESPN+

[BillsFan4]

2 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Plus, they show all Buffalo Bandits lacrosse games and a million college games. Since I'm a UB alum I get every televised UB sport. For me it's a great deal.

 

I forgot to ask, do live around WNY? You won't get Sabres games because MSG keeps the rights in the home territory. You'll only see the 4-5 Hulu exclusive games.

Yes I do.

 

I’d enjoy getting the bandits games, especially with how good they’ve been. But I don’t watch much college sports. Mostly just NFL and NHL. Some AHL/college hockey. Bandits game on the rare occasion one is on TV. 
 

I yeah it’s not as appealing without all the games on MSG. I’d only get the 8 Sabres games on ESPN+. I was thinking it could be a nice MSG alternative if I eventually ditch my cable. 

[BillsFan4]

2 hours ago, Doc said:

 

Switch to Verizon wireless.  You get that, Disney+ and Hulu included.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

I actually have Verizon wireless now, but not unlimited. We have a family plan with a 2gb data limit. I’ll have to see what the difference in monthly price would be between the different options. I have Disney + already ($6.99/mo). I also have the basic Hulu right now for 99 cents/month for a year (maybe 6-8 months left) but I don’t watch it much.

 

I wish they had Fios in my area.

 

 

[Jauronimo]

 

Nice interview.

The CliffsNotes for anyone who doesn't have time to watch.

Edited April 6, 2022 by Jauronimo

[K-9]

4 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

I actually have Verizon wireless now, but not unlimited. We have a family plan with a 2gb data limit. I’ll have to see what the difference in monthly price would be between the different options. I have Disney + already ($6.99/mo). I also have the basic Hulu right now for 99 cents/month for a year (maybe 6-8 months left) but I don’t watch it much.

 

I wish they had Fios in my area.

 

 

When you open the Hulu app, at the top, see if you can scroll over to “Hubs” because that’s where you’ll find the ESPN+ hockey game listings. 

[T&C]

Good, the Lightning lost again... 3 in a row. That game is on my radar but I'm not going, will be watching it from here. We have an ugly stretch coming up starting tomorrow night so I guess its a test to see how far we've come.

[eball]

I’m actually excited to go to a hockey game tonight!  It will be my first in a couple of years.  Curious to see the Buffalo fan turnout, as in the past we’ve had solid support in Raleigh, but the bandwagon Canes fans have been pumped up as well since they have a top team.

[Bob in Mich]

Just a reminder that the college hockey Frozen Four games are scheduled for 5pm and 8:30pm Eastern time today.  Michigan plays in the early game

 

Edit: corrected to state Michigan plays in 5pm game

Edited April 7, 2022 by Bob in Mich