POLL: So, what's the Sabres' problem?

[carpandean]

We definitely need toughness but I think we need to sprinkle a couple young rookies (kennedy, mancari, gerbe) in our lineup to show the other guys how to actually compete and work. It seems like there has been little effort by most of the team the past couple of weeks. They don't have that sense of "playing desparate". I think a few minor changes here or there can spark this team. I think Roy has been playing too many minutes, this is why we are seeing a reduction in his point totals.

When you think about it, they already have one of these guys. Clarke MacArthur is basically a rookie -- in his first full season -- and if you wanted to make a list of the most consistently hard working Sabres this season, he would be right up at the top. He has basically played himself from the 13th spot to a top six spot and is third on the team in goals. Unfortunately, his energy hasn't seemed to help the rest of the team much.

 

As for Roy's minutes, they are no different than the second half of last season when he produced so much. He started the season playing similar minutes (21-25 minutes in each game), but Lindy has reduced them in the last five or six games (18-20 minutes in each game.) I just think that he's in a funk. Pommer was, too, and then once he found his game again, started producing consistently. Roy has take a bit longer, but I still believe that he will find his game again and never look back.

[That Aud Smell]

i'll call it the three c's: commitment, consistency and confidence.

 

the team doesn't lack for talent -- not saying we're in the top 1/4 of the league in that regard, but we're probably top 1/3 (top 2/5?).

 

i still think what i thought in august: they have the players, coaches and system to finish anywhere from 7th to 10th -- right now, they're trending downward.

 

but they can get it untracked again. doesn't mean they will. but they can.

[FogBat]

At first, I thought it was not enough toughness, then I remembered what someone said in this thread about the boys going on a losing streak once the thread popped up.

 

Inkman, there's your karma reference right there.

[Claude Balls]

SPINELESS

 

GUTLESS

 

PUNKS

[el_Polako]

I'm still going with goaltending. The team is scoring, but allowing so many weak ass goals it's not even funny. It's like you can play hard but deep down you know Miller is going to allow a few weak ass goals erasing all that hard work. So in the end, playing as hard as you can is a waste of time.

[ExiledInIllinois]

I said other.

 

Now... I know I will get lambasted... But, here goes:

 

COACHING with emphasis on the way the system is implemented.

 

Not that I want Lindy gone... By no means.

 

Lindy has to lay off the micromanaging and encourage his players to be more empowererd with the way the system is carried out.

 

Ain't that easy?

 

:D ;)

[Duck Farcey Tucker]

It all goes back to letting Ellis go.

 

 

Think about it...

[rickshaw]

The team is definitely full of pussies, and that is a shame.

I am not talking about fights. It's about team toughness.

The Canucks did not have it last year and it cost them in the end. They have it now.

The Sabres did not have it last year and it cost them in the end. They still don't have it.

 

They need to get together and stand up for one another. Go on some bonding thing. Whatever it takes. They're hockey players and hockey players are supposed to be tough, just by nature.

[bob_sauve28]

I just want to know what the deal is with Hecht? He has not been a factor since he was injured.