Pimlach

Interesting data and your analysis of it was very helpful. This is a multi Cup Post!

They are different players. So far Peterka and Doan's scoring production has been almost even, Peterka has 9 G and 16 points (+2), all at even strength. Doan has 7G, 15 points (-3), which includes 2 PPG and 4 PP points. In the Utah games that I saw JJP does not play PP1, and gets limited PP2 minutes. I have not seen any actual evidence that Doan is better in the defensive zone than Peterka is right now in Utah - I am sure someone can pull fancy stats comparing the two. I would like to see that. Doan's offensive game is to hound pucks and get to the net for the greasy goals, something the Sabre's really needed. My eyes tell me that Doan has a physical component to his game and hustles to get back on defense, something JJP did not consistently show. Peterka's offensive game is fast-break skating and a sniper shot, skills that several other Sabre players possess. The Sabres can use a guy like Doan. Factor in Kesselring and this is shaping up to be a good trade right now. In addition, we just saw that Rosen and Östlund are emerging and they are more similar in style to JJP than to Doan, so in the name of balanced roster construction Doan is a guy we need.

When I first came here I asked you if you were one of the original Phantom Sign Makers. If you were then there would be funny stories.

It is not impossible. Win enough in a row to improve the current .500 to .600. This can be done in a few chunks with winning streaks, they are about to win 3 in a row if they can get a road win in Pittsburgh - that is a real MW. Then maintain .600. This means they average winning 6 of 10 (3 of 5) like a real hockey team. It means no more big losing streaks. No more losing 3 in a row. No more OTL's unless they are come from behind. It is time for this team to grow up.

I thought this year was butter dishes?

The NBA active roster for a game is only 12 to 15 players. NBA backups would absolutely destroy non NBA players. Dahlin laughed and said he knew Malenstyn had some really good skills. Many NHL 4th liners were once high skill players. I knew a guy that played youth hockey against Adam Mair and said he would score double digit goals pretty much every game and just dominate everybody.

Yes follow up, like funny stories.

I agree. The thing about Zucker is that he is not all rah-rah words, he leads by example and he makes a lot of smart decisions on the ice. He seems to fit into any of the top 3 lines.

When we acquired Kesselring and Doan it was all abut Kesselring being the guy that could play with Power. Due to injuries we have not seen that, I first commented on Doan who was establishing a reputation as a hard worker, but mostly because I saw his father play quite a bit, and thought if his kid matures into a player like that it would really help the team. I was thinking solid 3rd liner that works his way to middle 6, and brings in a work ethic that we need in Buffalo. Seeing Doan earn his way to first line minutes is a pleasant surprise and that is the Doan work ethic I was hoping to see. I am told that Papa Doan comes down from Toronto every chance he gets to watch his kid so that is a nice bonus. Papa Doan was no slouch when the gloves came off either, a team captain and a willing combatant, but that part of the game is all but ended. Peterka is probably going to be the better natural scorer but Doan is the type of player Buffalo fans love and he will bring positive things that do not make the score sheet. Peterka seems thrilled with the fancy digs in Utah and the beauty of the American West - good for him. Doan simply wants ice time, opportunity, and to play with a good group of guys. Ruff is giving him that. Maybe someday Doan can win Cups in Buffalo, with knowledgeable fans from both sides of the boarder cheering him on.

Power is B. You completely ignored that Risto played 34 games prior to his first "full season" and Power played only 8 games. Also, Risto was -62 in that 3 season span, Power was +5 over his first 3 "full" season. Risto proceeded to play at a stellar -128 over his first 5 seasons. Power is the better player, and it is not even close.

I got a good laugh out of this thread. You guys picked a great game to see and that is no small feat. Any good follow up stories?

So your saying we are doomed?

Get 4 points against Blues and Flames at home and they are tied with Boston with a game in hand. So let it stick

Not me. Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Can’t wait The fragility of Norris makes Kulich valuable.