7+6=13

I appreciate that but you've got to agree the odds of it being next year vs 2-3 years are in my favor. I think there's not just reason for optimism but it's likely we are going to be a very good team. When you have Eichel, Mittelstadt and Dahlin - you're going to be very good but it doesn't happen quickly. Not when there's a void at goaltending and no veteran leadership of any kind. It's going to take time.

So. You think what then, we make the playoffs next season? Or the next? Then we disagree by 1-2 years vs 2-3. We've got a lot of work to do.

I'm not sure how you're defining compete. We've got to be 2-3 years away from being a playoff team. I think it'll tell us more of what he thinks of a 29-30 year old O'Reilly if he moves him.

I definitely want Pouliot and Pominville as Sabres next year. I also want to resign Reinhart.

I just started watching Bosch on Amazon - I'm hooked.

If I lived in Buffalo I would have season tickets every year. I have had center ice for as long as it's been offered and I still watch most games.

With all due respect for taking the time to create this chart - we would have to know how the "top six, bottom six" were chosen. Was it top 6/bottom 6 in team scoring or top 6/bottom 6 pairing? For example for much of the year Pominville was not in the top 6 but he landed 6th in points and 4th in scoring. Depending on where he was slotted on the chart will determine which number he effected. If he was slotted in our top 6 - our top 6 was too high and it lowered our bottom 6 totals. Even still, the point is taken. There's no doubt our wingers have to produce much more than they have.

Something that was quite noticeable about the really good teams in the playoffs and especially in game one is these teams really get the puck to the middle of the offensive zone. A lot of times it results in nothing or even a turnover but it's the focus. I've always thought keeping possession in your zone was important but I'm learning this is not correct. These two teams don't worry about possession nearly as much as getting the puck out of the corners and to the middle. I'd really like to see the Sabres make this an emphasis.

Thanks everyone

I don't think we'll have to worry about that. He's gone, IMO.

It's me again. The guy with questions from "left field". All the responses in my "Center vs Winger" topic were much appreciated. I think my Dahlin questions are somewhat related. Why isn't a player like Dahlin a center? What I mean is, as he's coming up is there a decision made by coaches, his family and he to develop as a defender? Do you all think that's a decision made by just his skill set alone or for example - best chance to become an NHL'r or the NHL needs defense, etc? If so, what makes him not a center? Is it just because he's just too good at defense to not be one? He's got obvious offensive skill and I'm just wondering how you all think he becomes a defender vs a Center - especially with the description you gave me on what a center is vs a winger. As always thanks for the knowledge in advance.

I wouldn't let O'Reilly go anywhere.

I'd like to see the Capitals get one.

Dave Andreychuk growing up for me. Shooting up against our metal garage door (drove my Dad nuts) while doing the commentary in my head - pretending I was him. Great memories to recall as I type this.

I know I'm a Month late catching up on reading this thread - but I just wanted to tell you, I thought this was very big of you. I have a lot of respect for you posting this. (someone better reply, I have a low post total, haha)

To honor Russ' last decision.

FIFY

This day is why losing as much as possible those last 20 games was so important.

I agree with this 100%. OP, just needed to ignore a few things in an effort to make sense of the rant.

Well if that's all it takes, you'll soon run out of people to say that to.

I like that analogy.

Thanks so much for the responses - they were most helpful. LTS, really appreciate you taking that much time. I'm looking forward to watching games with a better understanding of what to look for. Shout out to the long time posters - there's likely more people like me that depend on you for information than you think. Keep it up.

Larsson is not going to be happy about this.

Not to beat a dead horse but I've admitted that I'm still learning about hockey. I played street hockey everyday in the winter growing up in Buffalo but never played organized hockey. Grew up loving the Sabres but never really totally understood hockey. I've learned a ton from you guys, so wanted to ask serious questions that I don't know the answers to. What are a centers responsibilities vs a wingers? I heard Liger say one time that contrary to what most people think - a center doesn't mean he plays in the middle. Can you help me better understand? What skills make a center a center vs a winger? In other words what does a player need in order to play there? Why are centers hard to find? I was listening to WGR today and Simon was saying Darcy once said, centers don't just fall out of trees. This question is related to the second, but what makes them so rare? Please feel free to go beyond the questions I've posed to help me. I appreciate it.

Just think what he'll do to build off that in a full season next year.