We’re 20 minutes in and the Sabres are up 5-0 vs. the Devils. Rasmus III (that’s Rasmus Asplund) gets his first NHL goal. He’s another good Swede for Buffalo. If Casey Mittlestadt develops and claims 2C, then Rasmus III could become a real nice 3C.
Well, that’s disappointing. After projecting a 12 goal game, the Sabres only managed a meager 7-1 win. Oh well.
Rasmus Asplund potted the puck for the first time in the NHL on his 22nd birthday. His parents were in the stands to watch it. Happy Birthday, Rasmus III! The Sabres were outshot 45 - 32 let night, although NJ only mustered 6 shots in the first. None of those found the twine. Buffalo made more of their shots matter.
It’s a final, Buffalo 5 - St. Louis 2. Larry (Johan Larsson) & Gus both got goals, Samson potted the first 18 seconds after the initial faceoff. Jack got a pair. Oh 2 of those 5 came in the final minute as en’ers. They count 1 point too. The Blues are a grudge game for the Sabres. Good to get the 2 pts.
Victor Goalofsson had an very nice - and perhaps even an accurate - way to describe how Jack is playing over the recent stretch. He said: "he's the best player in the planet right now". Obviously Jack is potting the puck with alacrity. He's always scored goals, but he never was considered a Goal-scorer. He was always a playmaker with a good shot. He took this team on his back when they had a real rough stretch in Nov. His leadership carried them to the point when others started to share the load. He's one of the best team-leaders in any sport I've ever watched. And it's almost overlooked that he's playing great defense too. Last night he stopped a shot that was sure to be a Preds goal. Olofsson is clearly in the Calder discussion; right now I think he'd win it. He leads all rookies in scoring; he's not playing first line because Buffalo does not have anyone else for that scoring line. He's there because he compliments and contributes - his shot may be the nastiest in the NHL. He is also maturing into a complete NHL player in warp speed. I dunno, if they keep this up, and if they can find a middle six F in trade, then they could battle for - and maybe even win - a playoff spot. They have the requisite assets to make the trade. The fine line Botterill must walk is to not get too impetuous for immediate gratification. The org. has the needed F help (Thompson - injured in Rochester, D. Cozens - crushing it in Lethbridge, and our very own Casey Mittlestadt - who might benefit from a stretch with the Amerks). They cannot go crazy trying to add to the F pool since time will take care of much of what they currently lack.
I have the gift of prophesy! I recently wrote somewhere that Casey Mittlestadt would benefit from some time in the AHL. Perhaps Jason Botterill is channeling me. In any case, Casey is taking the trip down the Thruway to Rochester. The Amerks have won 12 of their last 13 despite injuries and call-ups. It's gotta be a positive atmosphere where the young C can flourish.
