Kristian

It's hard to believe they play in the same league, that 's how big the difference is, and it has been like this for years regardless of the heroic runs to 9th.

Salary floor or no salary floor - Ville Leino CANNOT be a Sabre next year. I'd prefer it if they traded for Tim Connolly and Derek Roy instead, and I'm not kidding.

Pretty much thought the same way. Not a very interesting UFA year.

BA-DUM-TSCHSSSSSS!!!! :clapping:

And Myers just got an assist on Finlands 3-2 quarter final goal. Sabre-esque giveaway. Turned out to be the gamewinner. So long Canada.

Even if he wasn't, he's still the best crease player on Habs, easily.

True, which was my point in the first place - When properly motivated (the prospect of playing at the olympics) he can take his game to the next level on a consistent basis. I guess he's just not motivated at the prospect of winning a cup. Not that he ever had a realistic shot at it here, since 2007.

^What I meant to say.

He's average. I mean Leino had more points than he did last season.... Ridiculous. No seriously, he's a bit pricey these days, and he had a rough time with the Blues. That said, Ryan has shown in two olympic years that he can elevate his game and stay there, when properly motivated.

I've seen a couple of Team Canada's game - He's been insignifcant, you wouldn't notice him on the ice if he wasn't as tall as he is. Usually that's a good thing for a defenseman though, and I'm not sure what role Myers is supposed to play on this team, but I haven't seen him rush the puck, or do anything on offense so far. So again, take your pick - He's been either brilliant, or invisible.

The Sabres may have tried to push teams to the outside, but once the first forward circled the net and put it back to the point, collapsing around the net was essentially what they were doing. That said, you can't expect Ryan to play to his best behind a new defense, after playing for the same team his entire NHL career. Problem is, that's what they brought him in to do.

That's pretty much what I mean yes, IMHO using Vanek "correctly", would be on a line away from the opposition top d-pair, and on the PP.

I understand what you mean completely, and if you look at the numbers only, it definitely seems off, so allow me to elaborate : What I mean when I say "if Vanek is your 1st line LW, you're short on offense", what I mean is that he's likely playing for a team like the Sabres. IMHO, Vanek is a PP specialist, who's strong on the puck, and excellent in front of the net. He's not a playmaker, and he's not a pure sniper either, who routinely picks corners from the circles, or off the rush. He gets most of his goals from banging home loose pucks, and his fair share of tip-in's. He's a better skater than he gets credit for, but I still think he's at his best in front of the net. IMHO, you need a more versatile game from your top-wingers than Vanek brings, although I believe if used right, he can score 30-35. But I don't believe playing him 1st line minutes is using him right. If any of that makes sense at all :blink:

While I have intention of defending Vanek, you'd have to think that getting used to not one, but two different playing styles over the course of 7 months, would yield some doubtful results. Especially since he's played his entire NHL career with one team, prior to getting traded twice this season. That said, Vanek won't carry a team. Chances are he'll score 30 perhaps 35 in a good season, in a 2nd line role. But if Vanek plays the 1st line, it means his team is short on offense.

Makes sense, as his right skate is off the ice at the point of impact. The impact itself is still massive though. Good for Ovi though. I get the feeling a blown knee would've impaired his skating some going forward, and seeing as explosiveness is a big part of his game, losing even 5% could mean a lot.

Pretty much my take on it too. I'm wrong half the time, people rarely rub it in. And when I'm right, I don't go "told you". Live and let live.

Dustin Byfuglien was Chicago's Lucic, until he became too pricey and they chose to stick with the Towews/Kane combo instead. I don't follow the Jets, so I have no idea how he's done since he came here, except we always lose to the Jets, no matter who's playing.

Trading for Lucic is not an option. The second he puts on a Sabres sweater, he either starts playing like a wimp, or gets suspended 7 times a year. The only team in the league he can flourish on, are the Bruiins, due to their "suspend only Thornton" status with the league.

I agree. Anyone else think Brooks Orpik would've been suspended for drilling Loui Eriksson, had Thornton not cheapshotted him?

How Marchand wasn't suspended for that attempted slash is beyond me. Oh wait... It isn't....

Same here.

Bylsma? No thanks.

Chris Pronger against the Sabres? Too bad the only reason that series went to seven games, was due to atrocious goaltending from Philly.

Yeah, doesn't exactly make you want to part with assets for a guy who most likely will end up ditching you.

Any chance they make a push for Miller? Or do they have too much salary tied up in Crosby and Malkin already?