Lethbridge Broncos Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Regier looks like a brain, here is why: 1) #25 is skating like he is 26 years old, not 35. He has been effective along the wall, making good defensive plays, PKing and policing when Kennedy gets into scraps and pisses people off. 2) Signing Montodor This move should have happened last season. Steve is the same as Rivet. A savvy vet who clears the net and is sound on the backline. But his skating is impressive. He can skate with the puck and makes very good first passes. This guy had added the fiber in the room IMO. He has also taken the leadership and daddy roll off of Rivet --- who was stressed out every game last season. 3) Myers Clearly a gifter player. After watching him closely, to me, he most resembles Rob Blake. He doesnt play like Pronger at all. And his is more nimble than and less aggressive than Charra. But like Blake, he is very coy, uses his reach well, is possiitionall sounds, and of course, is comfortable in the offensive zone skating around like a large Condor. Blake was a brillant PP guy. Myers = Blake. 4) Connolly Great signing for $ mil and change per season. This guy is playing with great confidence now. In junior, he was absolutely prolific -- but he needs to be in a grove and confident. Tim is playing his best hockey of his career --- IMO. He is hungry and is skating like he did BEFORE SCHAEFER from OTTAWA tracked him down and drilled him in the head a few years ago. Connolly playing well make Roy and Kennedy better. 5) Kennedy You have to give a lot of credit to this kid. I thought he would be a whimp late in shifts (30-35 second in) -- after I saw him in numerous preseason game get knocked off pucks along the wall late in shifts. But he has been amazing. He drives the net and is a toal pest behind the net to play against. He skates very well with the puck and is committed to good defensive play. His stick handling and puck control has made this team better in the nuetral zone and during cycling in the opposition zone. Fine player here. 6) Ellis His puck pursuant and pressure adds up. His is like a bolt of lightening out there. He skates like a wounded gazelle, but his is effective and can track guys down. He advances pucks deep in the offensive zone and generally plays a valuable role for this club. Opposition defenders really have to move the puck fast when he is chasing them down. Great stuff to watch. -- ---- With a healthy Kaleta, it is hard to know who to take out. Kaleta physical play will be important when Feb and March come -- and the ice room dry ups and goons/ plumbers/ rats start to pluck guys. kaleta is a nice options to toss into a hostil road game roster.
nucci Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Great points but not sure what you mean about Connolly at $ M per season. I could be reading you wrong but it is $4.5M per season.
Skibum Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Montador has been far better than Rivet this year.
Screamin'Weasel Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Great points but not sure what you mean about Connolly at $ M per season. I could be reading you wrong but it is $4.5M per season. I think he held down the shift key when he typed the 4 ending up with "$ mil and change."
tom webster Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Regier looks like a brain, here is why: 1) #25 is skating like he is 26 years old, not 35. He has been effective along the wall, making good defensive plays, PKing and policing when Kennedy gets into scraps and pisses people off. 2) Signing Montodor This move should have happened last season. Steve is the same as Rivet. A savvy vet who clears the net and is sound on the backline. But his skating is impressive. He can skate with the puck and makes very good first passes. This guy had added the fiber in the room IMO. He has also taken the leadership and daddy roll off of Rivet --- who was stressed out every game last season. 3) Myers Clearly a gifter player. After watching him closely, to me, he most resembles Rob Blake. He doesnt play like Pronger at all. And his is more nimble than and less aggressive than Charra. But like Blake, he is very coy, uses his reach well, is possiitionall sounds, and of course, is comfortable in the offensive zone skating around like a large Condor. Blake was a brillant PP guy. Myers = Blake. 4) Connolly Great signing for $ mil and change per season. This guy is playing with great confidence now. In junior, he was absolutely prolific -- but he needs to be in a grove and confident. Tim is playing his best hockey of his career --- IMO. He is hungry and is skating like he did BEFORE SCHAEFER from OTTAWA tracked him down and drilled him in the head a few years ago. Connolly playing well make Roy and Kennedy better. 5) Kennedy You have to give a lot of credit to this kid. I thought he would be a whimp late in shifts (30-35 second in) -- after I saw him in numerous preseason game get knocked off pucks along the wall late in shifts. But he has been amazing. He drives the net and is a toal pest behind the net to play against. He skates very well with the puck and is committed to good defensive play. His stick handling and puck control has made this team better in the nuetral zone and during cycling in the opposition zone. Fine player here. 6) Ellis His puck pursuant and pressure adds up. His is like a bolt of lightening out there. He skates like a wounded gazelle, but his is effective and can track guys down. He advances pucks deep in the offensive zone and generally plays a valuable role for this club. Opposition defenders really have to move the puck fast when he is chasing them down. Great stuff to watch. -- ---- With a healthy Kaleta, it is hard to know who to take out. Kaleta physical play will be important when Feb and March come -- and the ice room dry ups and goons/ plumbers/ rats start to pluck guys. kaleta is a nice options to toss into a hostil road game roster. You had me till Connolly. He has obviously been terrific the last 8 games but this team will need more from him, Roy and Vanek eventually. That being said, I have to agree that DR deserves credit for the tweaks he made to the roster. For that matter, I guess "Video Scouting" gets an award for Myers. What ya say, Shra?
MajorMinotaur Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 already Regier is looking like a freaking genius for trading up for Myers. Would have been easy to criticize him, he gives up an extra draft pick to move up one spot, of which we don't have a great record drafting first rounders this decade (or rather star first round picks, we are good at getting serviceable NHL's, but people would have criticized him if Myers was merely serviceable). He may be a more cautious GM, but he does seem to have a plan in mind when he does things. He doesn't go out and randomly buy free agents, but how well is that working for most teams?
nucci Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 I think he held down the shift key when he typed the 4 ending up with "$ mil and change." :doh: Thanks. I'm an idiot!
wjag Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 already Regier is looking like a freaking genius for trading up for Myers. Would have been easy to criticize him, he gives up an extra draft pick to move up one spot, of which we don't have a great record drafting first rounders this decade (or rather star first round picks, we are good at getting serviceable NHL's, but people would have criticized him if Myers was merely serviceable). He may be a more cautious GM, but he does seem to have a plan in mind when he does things. He doesn't go out and randomly buy free agents, but how well is that working for most teams? Clearly the drafting of Myers would have made any GM look like a genius. The fact that he moved up to get him grades him out as an A.
Guest Sloth Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 already Regier is looking like a freaking genius for trading up for Myers. Would have been easy to criticize him, he gives up an extra draft pick to move up one spot, of which we don't have a great record drafting first rounders this decade (or rather star first round picks, we are good at getting serviceable NHL's, but people would have criticized him if Myers was merely serviceable). He may be a more cautious GM, but he does seem to have a plan in mind when he does things. He doesn't go out and randomly buy free agents, but how well is that working for most teams? Ask the Toronto Maple "Laughs" or the New York Rangers. If the Sabres organization put on a red jersey, I'd think I was watching the Detroit Redwings. Here me out on this. Detroit has traditionally been a build w/ in type of organization. The Sabres have shared the same philosophy. Right now, Buffalo is showing it works. After tonight, the Sabres could be first in the East!! Let me also say Darcy deserves credit for not giving money to a built in player who becomes over valued. Brian Campbell would be a great example.
Doohicksie Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 It would help if Lethbridge Broncos previewed before hitting the submit button. Good analysis though; shows the difference between last year and this year. I know Vanek still isn't putting up numbers like in the past, but I think he is becoming a more complete player and hustling a lot more. I think putting him on a line with Grier and Kennedy is perfect for him. (Although that's a Lindy move, not a Darcy move.)
Doohicksie Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 If the Sabres organization put on a red jersey, I'd think I was watching the Detroit Redwings. Here me out on this. Detroit has traditionally been a build w/ in type of organization. The Sabres have shared the same philosophy. Right now, Buffalo is showing it works. Funny you should say that; I was in a meeting with a guy from Michigan this week and we started talking hockey. When I mentioned I was from Buffalo he made the same remark.
Vanek Nation Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 You had me till Connolly. He has obviously been terrific the last 8 games but this team will need more from him, Roy and Vanek eventually. That being said, I have to agree that DR deserves credit for the tweaks he made to the roster. For that matter, I guess "Video Scouting" gets an award for Myers. What ya say, Shra? Video scouting is primarily used for scouting other nhl'ers, not prospects.
deluca67 Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Montador has been far better than Rivet this year. I would rather have Jay McKee and his 103 blocked shots. Not to mention what a great influence to have around Myers.
gregkash Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 I would rather have Jay McKee and his 103 blocked shots. Not to mention what a great influence to have around Myers. Our defense has played so well, and we have another D whose just as good riding the bench right now, I don't see how anyone can be playing the "I'd rather have" game right now.
tom webster Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Video scouting is primarily used for scouting other nhl'ers, not prospects. a) Not exactly b) It was a joke, anyway
deluca67 Posted January 9, 2010 Report Posted January 9, 2010 Our defense has played so well, and we have another D whose just as good riding the bench right now, I don't see how anyone can be playing the "I'd rather have" game right now. Other than McKee bringing in a skill that this team lacks and needs to develop?
bob_sauve28 Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 already Regier is looking like a freaking genius for trading up for Myers. Would have been easy to criticize him, he gives up an extra draft pick to move up one spot, of which we don't have a great record drafting first rounders this decade (or rather star first round picks, we are good at getting serviceable NHL's, but people would have criticized him if Myers was merely serviceable). He may be a more cautious GM, but he does seem to have a plan in mind when he does things. He doesn't go out and randomly buy free agents, but how well is that working for most teams? Oh, I didn't know he did that. What a great move.
bob_sauve28 Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Clearly the drafting of Myers would have made any GM look like a genius. The fact that he moved up to get him grades him out as an A. :thumbsup:
bob_sauve28 Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 3) Myers Clearly a gifter player. After watching him closely, to me, he most resembles Rob Blake. He doesnt play like Pronger at all. And his is more nimble than and less aggressive than Charra. But like Blake, he is very coy, uses his reach well, is possiitionall sounds, and of course, is comfortable in the offensive zone skating around like a large Condor. Blake was a brillant PP guy. Myers = Blake. He reminds me more of Dan Boyle. The skating, passing and shooting ability seem similiar, even if they look nothing a like in size.
Sabretip Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Regier looks like a brain, here is why: 1) #25 is skating like he is 26 years old, not 35. He has been effective along the wall, making good defensive plays, PKing and policing when Kennedy gets into scraps and pisses people off. 2) Signing Montodor This move should have happened last season. Steve is the same as Rivet. A savvy vet who clears the net and is sound on the backline. But his skating is impressive. He can skate with the puck and makes very good first passes. This guy had added the fiber in the room IMO. He has also taken the leadership and daddy roll off of Rivet --- who was stressed out every game last season. 3) Myers Clearly a gifter player. After watching him closely, to me, he most resembles Rob Blake. He doesnt play like Pronger at all. And his is more nimble than and less aggressive than Charra. But like Blake, he is very coy, uses his reach well, is possiitionall sounds, and of course, is comfortable in the offensive zone skating around like a large Condor. Blake was a brillant PP guy. Myers = Blake. 4) Connolly Great signing for $ mil and change per season. This guy is playing with great confidence now. In junior, he was absolutely prolific -- but he needs to be in a grove and confident. Tim is playing his best hockey of his career --- IMO. He is hungry and is skating like he did BEFORE SCHAEFER from OTTAWA tracked him down and drilled him in the head a few years ago. Connolly playing well make Roy and Kennedy better. 5) Kennedy You have to give a lot of credit to this kid. I thought he would be a whimp late in shifts (30-35 second in) -- after I saw him in numerous preseason game get knocked off pucks along the wall late in shifts. But he has been amazing. He drives the net and is a toal pest behind the net to play against. He skates very well with the puck and is committed to good defensive play. His stick handling and puck control has made this team better in the nuetral zone and during cycling in the opposition zone. Fine player here. 6) Ellis His puck pursuant and pressure adds up. His is like a bolt of lightening out there. He skates like a wounded gazelle, but his is effective and can track guys down. He advances pucks deep in the offensive zone and generally plays a valuable role for this club. Opposition defenders really have to move the puck fast when he is chasing them down. Great stuff to watch. -- ---- With a healthy Kaleta, it is hard to know who to take out. Kaleta physical play will be important when Feb and March come -- and the ice room dry ups and goons/ plumbers/ rats start to pluck guys. kaleta is a nice options to toss into a hostil road game roster. On Grier (#1), I agree that the signing has paid dividends - but wouldn't go as far as to say that Grier is skating better than he did as a younger player. From all of the reports, it's been his leadership in the lockerroom and calming presence in pressure situations during games that has made the biggest impact. I would think that he has certainly earned new respect with management and will be resigned in the summer. On Montador (#2), I also agree that the signing has turned out better than most of us expected. However, I don't think it's a huge slam-dunk either. As much grit and surprising mobility as Montador has provided so far, he still seems to make more turnovers on breakouts than any other defender and also gets caught of position more than he should. He's been a solid #5/6 but if anyone in management thinks he is capable of being in the top 4 or being a QB for the power play, I'm going to be worried. On Myers (#3), no debates here. When the Sabres drafted him, they were being bombarded with being too small at all positions so Buffalo's selection of a player with Myers' size was an automatic. It bothered me that management played this transparent game of charades at the start of the season about whether or not to keep Myers but in the end they made the right call. On Connolly (#4), I'm not sold yet on the wisdom of the extension he got - and definitely not on the dollars they gave him. Yes, he's awakened in recent weeks to become their best player but he was invisible for a month before that. He still shows signs of being a soloist when he shouldn't be - I guess I want to see him produce consistently for the remainder of the season, stay healthy and be an impact player in the playoffs before I'll rest easy with him being the Sabres # 1 center. On Kennedy (#5), Regier may have swung the trade in 2005 to get him but I credit Dineen in Portland more for what is happening now. He made the shift to center last year in the AHL and, from what I've read, became a much gritter, tougher player there than what he used to be in college. Finally, on Ellis (#6), no debates there. He is what he is - a 4th line catalyst. I think the Sabres saw him as a good team player with a solid work ethic that could rub off on his teammates, which is exactly what he's provided. Ruff always loves versatility in his players (i.e. being able to play multiple positions), which Ellis does well.
Sabretip Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Ask the Toronto Maple "Laughs" or the New York Rangers. If the Sabres organization put on a red jersey, I'd think I was watching the Detroit Redwings. Here me out on this. Detroit has traditionally been a build w/ in type of organization. The Sabres have shared the same philosophy. Right now, Buffalo is showing it works. After tonight, the Sabres could be first in the East!! Let me also say Darcy deserves credit for not giving money to a built in player who becomes over valued. Brian Campbell would be a great example. I can't put my hands on it or remember where I read it recently - I think it was the Hockey News - but I recall reading that the Sabres led the league with the most players drafted internally being on its current roster. 13 of their 22 roster spots are Buffalo picks.
LabattBlue Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Including Ellis as a "key move" is a bit over the top for me. I've said it many time this season...he is JAG.
SwampD Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Including Ellis as a "key move" is a bit over the top for me. I've said it many time this season...he is JAG. Refresh my memory...
LabattBlue Posted January 10, 2010 Report Posted January 10, 2010 Refresh my memory... Just Another Guy
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