deluca67

Is it really that different than my stance on Kovalchuk? I'm willing to ease my stance on the physical play as long as another aspect is off the charts. Kovy's offensive talent is off the charts. Semin is not at the same level, he still has exceptional offensive talent ans also showed ne something in the playoffs this year. I thought he really bought into what Hunter was trying to do. He made some mistakes, but I thought he skated hard. I actually have two dogs and two cats.

I'm not saying he provides the offense, I just said that is what he is paid $4 mil to do.

As time goes by the idea of Alexander Semin sounds better. As bad a season he had last year his still had 54 points and was a plus +9. I would have never guessed he was a career +65. 1x 40 goal scorer and 2x 30+ goal scorer. He's not the physical type of player I prefer, his offensive talent is off the charts which can balance that out. He has 55 career pp goals and has seen time on the PK. At a good price, he may be a really good pick up.

Look at it this way. Imagine Ott and Kaleta hammering defensemen into the end boards on the forecheck for two periods. Third period? The blueliners are going to be a little bruised, really worn down and rushed to get the puck out before getting hit again. That's when turnovers happen and scoring chances become more plentiful. Of course that is a glamorized idea of what could happen. The Sabres may be late to the party, I'm just glad they finally showed up.

I have now idea what Doan is looking at as far as contracts go. I do know I want a guy like that in the organization. There hasn't been a player like that in a Sabres uniform in a long time.

The idea is that the added grit and toughness will allow Vanek, Pominville. Myers, Ehrhoff and Stafford more room to create offense. They are the guys being paid to score goals and create offense. The Sabres are paying out $29.9 mil to those five guys this season. You can toss Leino's $6 mil on the pile to make it $35.9 for six "offensive" players.

How is there not a pinned thread on the return of Mark Mancari?

I'm referring to the article that was posted that rated Stafford above Vanek based on some system. I'm not sure if it was the same system.

Do you think Stafford is better than Vanek and is one of the best wingers in the NHL? Do you think Miller is an elite goalie? Or, were you referring to my opinions on Connolly, Kovy, Boyes, Montador and Leino?

Does the "two" refer to teeth?

With my budget? She better accept coupons. ;)

Are you supposed to count the time spent negotiating price in a boast?

If Advanced Stats says Miller has been an elite goalie I will give Advanced Stats the same respect and amount of credibility that I gave the one formula that stated Drew Stafford was a better winger than Vanek and one of the best wingers in the league. I'm sure there is someone out there right now working on a formula of statistics that will prove Gerbe was the actual NHL MVP last season, it will be called Midgetnomics .

I did.

Advanced stats don't explain the soft goals and the mental mistakes. Advanced stats also don't take into account that Miller is paid as an elite goalie. he should be a difference maker. He should give the Sabres a big advantage in goal most nights. It rarely seems to turn out that way.

Ott is not a top six forward. Putting him there on occasion to stir things up is one thing. Having Ott there to start the season is another. There are far too many players to be moved or free agents left to be signed before trying to fill out a Sabres opening day lineup card. The Sabres will be making some more moves. I just hope they stay with the theme of this off-season. Getting bigger and tougher to play against.

That lineup is great, if the goal is to draft #1 overall. Tropp and Hodgson? I think Vanek would just retire.

I can't wait for season three.

I always end up in the same place when it comes to Miller. This team can do much more with the $12.5 mil of cap space than pay Miller. He's not a $6 mil a year goaltender. IMO, there would be a greater chance of success with Enroth, a veteran backup and a $6 mil forward. The idea of Charlie Sheen just petting my dog grosses me out. I hope Ryan Miller has his shots up to date.

Sounds good to me.

I can only hope.

The thought of the Sabres having Ott and Clutterbuck gives me chills. I wish there was a chance of that coming true.

Does this make NJ a player for Nash or Ryan?

Who would have guessed Minnesota would have been the big players in free-agency.

Crosby is not worth Crosby money.