The Sabres Go All In
For the Buffalo Sabres, the rebuild begins when they go on the clock with the 1st overall pick in the NHL draft. A youth movement is undoubtedly the way forward for the once proud franchise. It begins in the net with goaltender, a position that must improve for the team to achieve sustained success. It’s time to move on from veteran goalie Carter Hutton, a player they should have jettisoned years ago. I also think general manager Kevyn Adams should try to trade longtime goalie Linus Ullmark who’s set to be a fee agent once the new league year begins. Lastly, I believe the Sabres should name Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen(pictured above) the starting goaltender and have late season acquisition Michael Houser who played well be the team’s primary backup.
The NHL Draft
When it comes to the 1st pick, it would be an obvious choice to select 6-5 214 lbs defenseman Owen Power from the University of Michigan, but he has said that he may return to school for his sophomore season. If Power chooses to remain in school the Sabres should select 6-1 175 lbs center Matthew Beniers also from the Michigan Wolverines. He would be the perfect addition to replace center Jack Eichel if he’s traded and I think he should be. 6-1 175 lbs right winger Dylan Guenther of WHL Edmonton would also be a good option to add some much needed offensive firepower.
Playoffs, Playoffs?!
The Suns punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals with another impressive series win, this time Sweeping NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Game 4 was a spectacle to behold with the ageless wonder Chris Paul pouring in 34 points in a truly historic playoff performance. The Suns will play the winner of the Utah Jazz versus the Los Angeles Clippers series, which could very well take all 7 games to settle. The Nets on the other hand have blown a 2-0 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks and it’s now tied at 2 games apiece going into tonight’s game 5. The challenge is even greater with James Harden injured and Kyrie Irving now hobbled as well with an ankle injury. Kevin Durant can’t do it all and his frustration was boiling over by the end of the Nets’ game 4 loss. The winner of that series will play the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Atlanta Hawks’ series in the Eastern Conference Finals.
