Broken Ankles

What does this mean? They are 6 months apart and both drafted in 2018. Hughes would not have been eligible to be drafted in 2017 when he was 17. And he has one less year experience. Rather than splitting hairs over draft year and calendar birthday, tell me why I should not have concerns that young defensemen like Makar, Girard, Hughes and Heiskenan are not developing faster. Fair to say you would not expect better 5v5 from Risto in November of 2018 when that interview was given?

Potvin had 21 goals and 76 points his second year. And 31/98 points his third. If I asked you at the beginning of the year which Rasmus would have more 5v5 points, more goals, more 5v5 goals, better +/- which one would you have said? Are you satisfied with the growth you have seen in year two?

Quinn Hughes, who we just saw today is the same age has more points in total, and points per game. He is also leading leading Defenders in scoring on the Canucks. @Thorny and @Curt For the record, I am not down on Ramus. Just making an observation about the narrative change from November 2018 to January 2020. Specific to two Swedish rookies. Petersson was viewed as secondary to Dahlin and while one year older, (but the same NHL experience) Petersson has blossomed into a superstar, ranking 14th overall in scoring. Not just 21 year olds. Yes, a different position , and it takes more time to mature notwithstanding. The narrative was that Rasmus was the next Dennis Potvin. This has not manifested. Whereas Petersson drafted lower and with lowered expectations has flourished. Just an observation.

I recall an interview last year in November when the Sabres hosted the Canucks where Petersson answered four questions about Dahlin. He got so pissed he asked if the interview was about Rasmus or him. He went on to win the Calder, and doesn’t seem to be looking back. It seems like forever ago when that hype for Dahlin pervaded the press and our conversations. Fading with each game.

If I had any thoughts of Frolik actually contributing to the success of this team, it’s now gone. I know a fourth is low risk, but just below expectations in both talent and effort. Another miss.

Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo. Yankee Alpha.

Team loses Panarin, Duchene, Dzingel and Bob in free agency, then Murray, Atkinson, Bjorkstrand, and Anderson to injury and perform to the level you stated, and competing for the playoffs. Impressive.

Nate Gerbe back in the NHL and having a nice west coast roadie with goals in LA and Anaheim. Tonight goals against Ryan Miller.

Thank you. I stand corrected. So we have 5 Right handed D on the active roster today. Wow.

Bold statement. I agree that he is better than Jake. But you are jumping Montour as well? If that’s the case, what are your thoughts of his upcoming RFA status. I’m disappointed is his performance based on high expectations coming in here and the cost (both Salary and trade value).

Not sure who but I’m willing to let all but three or four players go to test this thesis.

God I hope that hindsight has provided him perspective about the trade. Not fan-centric, human-nature centric. No one wants be reminded of failures. Other factors include does Vlad even want to come back, and other than face-offs he brings so very little to the table in terms of skill, size and speed.

Zero point zero. A player like Vlad maybe, but not him. He is tainted with being part of a trade that Would only serve to remind JB of everyday. He gone.

This. Was it not tried successfully in early Nov, then abandoned? It’s no surprise their PP% is so low. They try the same thing over and over. Sam has a descent shot (as evidenced today). The absence of Victor coupled with an overall lack of success demands change.

Hauschka is Vlad Sobotka in the FL#2 I presume?

Is the stick for you or her?

While I agree with your argument I must remind you that any mention of +/- in defense of a point is invalid on this forum. Back to your regular scheduled programming.

But no gloating either.

Didn't say scoring was not a problem. Said it's not their biggest problem. Being in the bottom third in Goals Against, DFL in PP goals defended, and Carter Hutton are far bigger problems. Second line scoring has improved, and will continue to improve. Bottom 6 scoring is down, which is why we are here.....talking for 5 pages about a singular substitution. If the sabres start both invisible men (Erod and Vesey), what is your upside for this game? Do you honestly think either will score? Possible, but unlikely based on history.

You have had 5 posts since you promised not to return. Do yourself a favor. Hide in your fear bunker for a few days. Enjoy the New Year festivities and come out when either your proven right, and Dalton is sent down after two games at a minus 5. Then gloat. Or, if the Sabres can string together a few W's and certain players actually elevate their game, not at the expense of goals scored, come back with your proverbial tail between your legs with a mea culpa. Either way, Happy New Year.

And Maybe, just maybe your completely wrong about this and one player, who is just another guy, that goes out hits everything, sets an example on the ice, that playing soft is unacceptable can add value. The point made before is that while our third line of GLO has added excellent defense, good possession stats, and chips in occasionally on Offense, it's the fourth line that has been abysmal. And removing one player (Sheary, Erod, or Vesey) and replacing them with an energy guy is not going to affect the scoring sheet. It could however have an impact in some other capacity. And as an FYI, Scoring isn't the Sabres biggest problem this year. They are 17th overall in 5v5 goals for, and ahead of their pace for goals scored the last 6 years. And significantly above the pace from 2015/16 when a certain center and forward were on the roster. This includes a slump in goal scoring the last 4 games. Maybe, just maybe RK and JB know more than you and think that rather than let the team spiral downward, adding an accelerant can have a positive affect. Accelerants are substances that can bond, mix or disturb another substance and cause an increase in the speed of a natural, or artificial chemical process. This is what I hope he does. And if others don't want to play with passion, they can sit and watch the game from above.

Average age of an NFL draft selection is 21.7, which strengthens your original point. I’m going to respect @Wyldnwoody44 and not rehash the past. Suffice to say the trades for our surplus D’men need to be acceptable.

for the season yes. Last two games, E-rod has been better than Vesey.