Iron Crotch

So, in his infinite wisdom, Darcy has left us without many centers (as has been discussed on this board at length) AND I am noticing that we've got far too many left wingers relative to right wingers. Vanek, Foligno, Ennis (were he not playing at center), Leino, and Ott all play the left side. I'd love to trade Pommer and/or Stafford... but we don't have any scoring right winger options then...

Hecht is a 4th liner with a very modest contract. An unspectacular depth guy that most teams need. If he was making a few million per year then by all means dump the contract. But, he isn't making much so I don't mind having him around. IMHO, veteran guys making a lot who aren't producing (Leo, Stafford, etc.) are the first guys who need to go.

A pretty nice blog re: last night's game: http://www.hockeybuz...20#.USpA8Ffov2o

I agree with this 100%. What is more infuriating is those guys are wearing letters! What ever happened to "take a hit to make a play" and "paying the price to make a play" on this team?

I've watched several Stars games (am in Dallas right now) and Roy is one of the reasons the Stars are playing well so far this year. He leads the team in assists. I think losing him is one of the reasons our power play has gotten worse. He was arrogant and all that, but he was decent at controlling the puck on the power play.

One of the biggest problems (which rarely gets discussed on this board) is we're dead last in the NHL in power play %. With guys like Vanek, the Hoff, and Pommer on the top unit, that shouldn't be the case. Any idea which assistant coach oversees the PP?

No forward in the NHL has been on the ice for more goals against per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play this season than Hodgson. He is dead last. I like his offensive ability, but to win in this league a scoring line center must learn to play is own end too. (He is young, so I expect it'll come) My larger point was that Darcy left the team with no choice but to play a young Hodgson as a #1 center, a converted winger at #2, a rookie at #3, and a "should be retired" Hecht at #4. We've had a mass exodus of centers from the roster over the past 7 or so years. I certainly blame Darcy for that.

So you're saying he isn't a contributor to being the most scored on team in the league, just an innocent victim of circumstance? Have you seen how often he loses his man on the defensive end?

Would you do Pommer for Bobby Ryan? Edit: hypothetical, of course since the Ducks are playing well.

The only other guy I wouldn't trade is Foligno. Otherwise, everyone is available IMHO.

Good thing Darcy gutted the team of veteran centers and entrusted the top line center spot to an unproven player with little-to-no defensive ability. CoHo was a -3 tonight and statistically is the most scored on center in the NHL.

Maybe Lindy wants to be a GM?

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/sabres/2013/01/pegula-extends-regier.html

...at least Rolston has good hair.

New coach, same result.

Where do you think Lindy will coach next? I'll guess (for no particular reason) Minnesota, with the Isles as a close second.

I think he's an aardvark... or maybe a hyena... :pirate:

The "playing fast" comment is an interesting one and definitely astute. When I saw the Black Hawks play in person earlier this year, what struck me was how every guy on the team knew exactly where to be and exactly where to go with the puck in all situations. They moved the puck faster than the other team could react. (of course, talent helps too)

I like Lindy and wish him well... and I think he is capable of winning a Cup... but he is certainly not the end-all-be-all of coaches. In the last 10 years, 10 different coaches have won the Cup. Point being, there are a lot of guys out there who are capable of winning it all given the right team and circumstances.

I love this article about Darcy. Ridiculous that he has had a job here for this long.. http://www.cbssports...blem-in-buffalo

Six pages yet? ...not yet...

Ron Rolston has good hair. That really is all you need to know. ;)

I was young and good looking when Lindy was hired... Now I'm a broken-down, unattractive decaying old man. See what you did to me Lindy?! :P

My (relatively unknown) guy is Lane Lambert: http://www.nhl.com/i...ge.htm?id=73318 I doubt he is on the Sabres radar screen, but he will get an NHL coaching job some day.

I was at that game and was cursing the Preds for letting Pavel skate right through the middle of the ice without knocking him on his ass. In particular Legwand completely whiffed. I agree though - it is amazing how everyone knows Datsyuk is going to carry the puck in, yet no one can do anything about it!