erickompositör72

He seemed to be getting knocked over every time he touched the puck. Maybe that contributed?

OK, well I stole this concept from someone I know who's in the business, who was telling me his opinion on the Sabres. I think it's the most apt way to put our situation. It has a little more nuance than "not enough talent" or "no heart." What I read into this concept is: we don't have clear strengths and weaknesses as a team. On the contrary, when a team with an identity prepares for a game, they can look at it from two ends of a spectrum: 1. Our opponent is a great match-up for us. Let's do what we do best (Housley wants that to be fast transition, puck-moving defense, high pace, etc. Suffice it to say, we're not there yet) 2. Our opponent is a tough match-up for us. We need to focus on the little things and be aware of our weaknesses. We need to pay extra attention to details This is an over-simplification, but it is a mindset with which a team with an identity can approach different opponents, and use to improve throughout a season- building on strengths and shoring up weaknesses. I think Housley's and Botterill's main task is building an identity for the Sabres. This assessment actually gives me some hope, because there really hasn't been enough time yet for a team with a real identity to be assembled.

Have you guys ever had that goalie on your team, who you always yell "leave it, leave it!!" ...but he insists on playing it, even though he's awful at handling the puck? That's Lehner. A goalie who can't even assess his own puck handling skills shouldn't be in the NHL

Maybe Casey can bless him to expedite the process

I hear you, and I agree that Nylander needs a bigger click. Perhaps 2 clicks- one to get to NHL level, and another to get to the level we hope is his ceiling. Although with Reinhart, I disagree. I don't think he ever showed such strength on the puck and willingness to control the flow/pace of play as he did starting in '18.

Remember how Reinhart suddenly clicked? I think that's what we're hoping for for Nylander. It's not unprecedented, and we're due, aren't we? ;)

I talked to someone in the business about this. It seems that he frustrates the hell out of coaches/scouts/GM's because he just floats (and perhaps isn't exactly a 2-way force; just a guess, I haven't watch him lately) The fact is, though, whether he's a "golden boy" or not, whether he plays the game "the right way" or not, he puts the puck in the net. Period.

My question is: if we don't make a run for the cup in '19-'20, how do we afford the $20mil/yr, going forward, that Casey will no doubt command (not to mention, be the sole reason the NHL approves that scale of increase to maximum yearly salary)?

Love the vid. "where would Dahlin be a good fit?" "...he'd be a great fit with Connor McDavid!"

full disclosure- I have not watched Vanek at all this year, but... I feel he could be a true Anderchuk 2.0 through the end of his career. He doesn't need to have any more speed that Okposo and he'll still be effective at parking in front of the net and finishing And he's strong on the puck and can pass put him back on the 3rd line and let him put the puck in the net when he gets a chance

I'd bet on Vanek putting the puck in the net over Okposo Pominville Girgensons Larsson Pouliot Wilson

I think Vanek Face + Eichel Pout could be an unstoppable duo

I know hindsight 20/20, etc, but... Can someone explain to me why we didn't sign Vanek last year? Did we not want his 20g 30a?

I cringe actually saying this as a goaltender, but... maybe they should shoot at Lehner's mask in warm-ups on nights when he's starting...

I believe good teammates will do the trick. And I don't blame him, TBH

Jack, none of us will hold it against you if you shoot 100% of the time on a 2-on-1 with Jordan Nolan

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

makes sense to me :thumbsup:

OK, got it... Does that mean that the consensus is that these terms were necessary to have him leave college?

Does that mean he gets Isn't there a chance he told GMBot "I'm going back to college for another year unless I get an ELC and can play an NHL game"? You act like there was only one party to the agreement

So, we could use him if we face Ottawa in the playoffs If he has 20/25 goal seasons when we're making our "run," count me all in for ERod

They just need another Rasmus ;)

I admittedly don't like Lehner, but I don't think my post was at all a stretch.

Lehner would not have outperformed Ullmark this game. And Lehner is an "NHL starter," and Ullmark is a prospect.

I think Eichel makes JAG's score goals. Baptiste and Bailey don't necessarily need to be on his line to produce (although it would help their stats).