Ruff's Conundrum

[spndnchz]

So last night we see and later we hear about Ruff sitting anyone who isn't up to the task.

 

Rivet ends last year saying he's not taking the summer off and working out right away.

 

Rivet had an interview on Monday where he said that he, himself, wasn't playing well. (3:34) "Not to dissect my own game, but I need to play better". He speaks well of Butler.

 

And last night this:

 

Myers 28:17 (and left early, he's okay with a neck bruise)

Tallinder 26:58

Lydman 25:44

Butler 22:44

Sekera 13:17

Rivet 8:58

 

after the first period Ruff only played Rivet 4 minutes.

 

What do you do when the play on the ice is bad, but (assuming) the talk in the locker room is good?

[Dave Dryden]

So last night we see and later we hear about Ruff sitting anyone who isn't up to the task.

 

Rivet ends last year saying he's not taking the summer off and working out right away.

 

Rivet had an interview on Monday where he said that he, himself, wasn't playing well. (3:34) "Not to dissect my own game, but I need to play better". He speaks well of Butler.

 

And last night this:

 

Myers 28:17 (and left early, he's okay with a neck bruise)

Tallinder 26:58

Lydman 25:44

Butler 22:44

Sekera 13:17

Rivet 8:58

 

after the first period Ruff only played Rivet 4 minutes.

 

What do you do when the play on the ice is bad, but (assuming) the talk in the locker room is good?

I think the break is coming at the right time. Muddle through the next two games with reduced ice time, and then two weeks to clear the mind. If things don't improve after the break, it might be time to take the C away--you can't lead off the ice if you suck on it. I suspect, however, it won't come to that.

[Lethbridge Broncos]

Rivet is a trustworthy old battle-axe. Keep playing him. He is the 3rd best defender on the team and dropped he gloves and ispired the team last night. His physical play and Myers (sometimes) is important on the backline and after whistles when guys take liberties at Miller. Rivet is a must start. Rivert looked better when Montador was playing well -- it took the stress of Rivet. RIvet needs some help -- and Nic Wallin or some 6'3 225 pound similar defensder will help and make him look better. He is doing to much.

 

 

 

So last night we see and later we hear about Ruff sitting anyone who isn't up to the task.

 

Rivet ends last year saying he's not taking the summer off and working out right away.

 

Rivet had an interview on Monday where he said that he, himself, wasn't playing well. (3:34) "Not to dissect my own game, but I need to play better". He speaks well of Butler.

 

And last night this:

 

Myers 28:17 (and left early, he's okay with a neck bruise)

Tallinder 26:58

Lydman 25:44

Butler 22:44

Sekera 13:17

Rivet 8:58

 

after the first period Ruff only played Rivet 4 minutes.

 

What do you do when the play on the ice is bad, but (assuming) the talk in the locker room is good?

[static70]

I just called Lindy.

 

He said to let you know Darcy said the current roster stands as is, work through it. :nana:

[spndnchz]

I just called Lindy.

 

He said to let you know Darcy said the current roster stands as is, work through it. :nana:

 

I'm not implying a trade now. In the offseason, maybe. But we all know what happened to Tallinder this year vs last. Rivet is a playoff stalwart. My question is do u reduce his ice time again when he plays poorly and/or take the C away.

[LabattBlue]

I'm not implying a trade now. In the offseason, maybe. But we all know what happened to Tallinder this year vs last. Rivet is a playoff stalwart. My question is do u reduce his ice time again when he plays poorly and/or take the C away.

I don't think there is any way Lindy takes the "C" away from Rivet during the season nor do I believe Lindy would send him to the press box.

 

Option #1 - Trade him before the deadline

 

Option #2 - Live with his crappy play for the rest of the season and then try to trade him in the offseason or worst case scenario...buy out the last year of the contract.

 

Either way, he does not have a place on the team next season.

[rbochan]

IIRC, when Ruff was captain here, he was benched for poor play. He threw a hissy fit, tore off the C and demanded a trade, which he was granted. So I'd imagine he does tend to tip-toe around Captains a bit.

[static70]

I'm not implying a trade now. In the offseason, maybe. But we all know what happened to Tallinder this year vs last. Rivet is a playoff stalwart. My question is do u reduce his ice time again when he plays poorly and/or take the C away.

I would trade Lydman and Rivet for draft picks, bring up Weber as Rivet's replacement and insert Sekera for Lydman, hell, they certainly can't do any worse.

 

I would also dump MacArthur and Stafford, to Chicago? Sharp and Versteeg, that adds 7 mil in salary next season, so it will still be tight, but you add a couple of good 2nd liners. I would then move Roy, strictly for draft picks, install Ennis.

 

Your line up for the playoff run:

 

Vanek-Ennis-Sharp

Versteeg-Connolly-Pomminstein

Kennedy-Gaustad-Grier

Ellis-Mair-Kaleta

 

Myers-Tallinder

Weber-Sekera

Montador-Butler

 

Miller

Lalime

 

You may be able to replace Grier with Mancari, depends on whether or not he decides to show up.

You offset the Salary increase by dumping salary, you get these young guys the playing time and a playoff atmosphere experience.

In other words, your preparing them for next seasons run, isn't that what Darcy implied, next season is a run for the Cup? That's what I took from his interview.

[spndnchz]

I would trade Lydman and Rivet for draft picks, bring up Weber as Rivet's replacement and insert Sekera for Lydman, hell, they certainly can't do any worse.

 

I would also dump MacArthur and Stafford, to Chicago? Sharp and Versteeg, that adds 7 mil in salary next season, so it will still be tight, but you add a couple of good 2nd liners. I would then move Roy, strictly for draft picks, install Ennis.

 

Your line up for the playoff run:

 

Vanek-Ennis-Sharp

Versteeg-Connolly-Pomminstein

Kennedy-Gaustad-Grier

Ellis-Mair-Kaleta

 

Myers-Tallinder

Weber-Sekera

Montador-Butler

 

Miller

Lalime

 

You may be able to replace Grier with Mancari, depends on whether or not he decides to show up.

You offset the Salary increase by dumping salary, you get these young guys the playing time and a playoff atmosphere experience.

In other words, your preparing them for next seasons run, isn't that what Darcy implied, next season is a run for the Cup? That's what I took from his interview.

 

It too bad there isn't a thread to discuss this. :cry:

[LabattBlue]

I would also dump MacArthur and Stafford, to Chicago? Sharp and Versteeg, that adds 7 mil in salary next season, so it will still be tight, but you add a couple of good 2nd liners.

I know Chicago is up against the cap next year, but do you really believe that this is the best they could do as return for Versteeg and Sharp? :blink:

[Dave Dryden]

IIRC, when Ruff was captain here, he was benched for poor play. He threw a hissy fit, tore off the C and demanded a trade, which he was granted. So I'd imagine he does tend to tip-toe around Captains a bit.

I believe Ruff will do what he thinks will help the team win. The cut in ice time last night for Rivet proves it. Hopefully Rivet comes around and can be in the top 6. But if he is falling off a cliff, then Ruff will respond, C or not.

[Assquatch]

IIRC, when Ruff was captain here, he was benched for poor play. He threw a hissy fit, tore off the C and demanded a trade, which he was granted. So I'd imagine he does tend to tip-toe around Captains a bit.

 

Traded for a pick that become Richard Smehlik

[R_Dudley]

I don't think there is any way Lindy takes the "C" away from Rivet during the season nor do I believe Lindy would send him to the press box.

 

Option #1 - Trade him before the deadline

 

Option #2 - Live with his crappy play for the rest of the season and then try to trade him in the offseason or worst case scenario...buy out the last year of the contract.

 

Either way, he does not have a place on the team next season.

 

 

IIRC, when Ruff was captain here, he was benched for poor play. He threw a hissy fit, tore off the C and demanded a trade, which he was granted. So I'd imagine he does tend to tip-toe around Captains a bit.

 

Points I both agree with so no sense in repeating them. I also agree that if Rivet has fallen off a cliff in terms of his ability then this off season he should be gone.

 

I do admit the way our D has been playing I sure wish DR wasn't so bent on help coming from within. Maybe he needs to book them a session with a Tibetian monk to bring out that inner Zen.

[spndnchz]

Points I both agree with so no sense in repeating them. I also agree that if Rivet has fallen off a cliff in terms of his ability then this off season he should be gone.

 

I do admit the way our D has been playing I sure wish DR wasn't so bent on help coming from within. Maybe he needs to book them a session with a Tibetian monk to bring out that inner Zen.

 

This was Ronan last night. He must sok Quinn's d$k to get the promo's.

[deluca67]

So last night we see and later we hear about Ruff sitting anyone who isn't up to the task.

 

Rivet ends last year saying he's not taking the summer off and working out right away.

 

Rivet had an interview on Monday where he said that he, himself, wasn't playing well. (3:34) "Not to dissect my own game, but I need to play better". He speaks well of Butler.

 

And last night this:

 

Myers 28:17 (and left early, he's okay with a neck bruise)

Tallinder 26:58

Lydman 25:44

Butler 22:44

Sekera 13:17

Rivet 8:58

 

after the first period Ruff only played Rivet 4 minutes.

 

What do you do when the play on the ice is bad, but (assuming) the talk in the locker room is good?

How good is the "Talk" or "Leadership" in the dressing room? It is clear he and the other so called "leaders" are not reaching the group as a whole. Is it because the true "leaders" (Grier and Rivet) are outsiders? Many here pointed out what a bad sign it was that Rivet was gift wrapped the 'C' before he ever put on a Sabre jersey. The team had no leadership then and they have none now. Another one of this front offices failures is not being able to draft and develop leaders. They will just continue to try and bring in leaders from the outside with little or no response from "the room.".

[spndnchz]

[/b]

How good is the "Talk" or "Leadership" in the dressing room? It is clear he and the other so called "leaders" are not reaching the group as a whole. Is it because the true "leaders" (Grier and Rivet) are outsiders? Many here pointed out what a bad sign it was that Rivet was gift wrapped the 'C' before he ever put on a Sabre jersey. The team had no leadership then and they have none now. Another one of this front offices failures is not being able to draft and develop leaders. They will just continue to try and bring in leaders from the outside with little or no response from "the room.".

 

I call bullsh$t. I think it is clear that the players have the locker room and the coach has the ice. I don't think it's all Rivet either.

[deluca67]

I call bullsh$t. I think it is clear that the players have the locker room and the coach has the ice. I don't think it's all Rivet either.

How many "players only" meetings have they had? How many times has Ruff held meets after games? How many times have this team taken nights off. The pattern is the same as over the past two seasons. How many players on this roster have given a consistent effort all season? Stafford and Mac don't respond to the "leadership?" Roy, Vanek and Pominville continue to do as they please when they please with zero accountability. The only veteran that appears to have any effect is Tallinder and his influence goes as far as Myers.

 

The only "bullsh$t" here are the preconceived notions that just because a player has years in the league that it makes him a leader and the younger players immediately follow. It's simply not the case.

[Assquatch]

[/b]

How good is the "Talk" or "Leadership" in the dressing room? It is clear he and the other so called "leaders" are not reaching the group as a whole. Is it because the true "leaders" (Grier and Rivet) are outsiders? Many here pointed out what a bad sign it was that Rivet was gift wrapped the 'C' before he ever put on a Sabre jersey. The team had no leadership then and they have none now. Another one of this front offices failures is not being able to draft and develop leaders. They will just continue to try and bring in leaders from the outside with little or no response from "the room.".

 

Team captains since Regier has been GM:

 

• Michael Peca, 1997–2000
• No captain, 2000–01
• stu barnes, 2001–03

• Rotating captains, 2003–04
  • Miroslav Satan, October 2003
  • Chris Drury, November 2003
  • James Patrick, December 2003
  • Jean-Pierre Dumont, January 2004
  • Daniel Briere, February 2004
  • Chris Drury, March & April 2004

  [*]No captain, 2004–05 (Lockout)

• Daniel Briere & Chris Drury, 2005–07
  (co-captains)

• Rotating captains, 2007–08
  • Jochen Hecht, October 2007
  • Toni Lydman, November 2007
  • Brian Campbell, December 2007
  • Jaroslav Spacek, January 2008
  • Jochen Hecht, February 2008
  • Jason Pominville, March & April 2008

  [*]Craig Rivet, 2008–present

 

<div><br></div><div>I see two leaders there in Drury and Barnes.  Its pretty clear to me the ship has been rudderless.</div>

[spndnchz]

How many "players only" meetings have they had? How many times has Ruff held meets after games? How many times have this team taken nights off. The pattern is the same as over the past two seasons. How many players on this roster have given a consistent effort all season? Stafford and Mac don't respond to the "leadership?" Roy, Vanek and Pominville continue to do as they please when they please with zero accountability. The only veteran that appears to have any effect is Tallinder and his influence goes as far as Myers.

 

The only "bullsh$t" here are the preconceived notions that just because a player has years in the league that it makes him a leader and the younger players immediately follow. It's simply not the case.

 

They've had a lot of players only meetings, as well as getting together for other events, dinners, SuperBowls, etc. A group of the guys have a meeting with Ruff once or twice a month to "air the grievances" etc. Sometimes Ruff doesn't even go in the room between periods.

 

Captains, leaders whoever, can't get every player to play every night. I'm sure your boss would say the same thing about you in some respect.

 

I have no preconceived notion that a player has to have "x" number of years before he's captain. Myers is one of the best players on the team, you want him captain? DTS

[static70]

I know Chicago is up against the cap next year, but do you really believe that this is the best they could do as return for Versteeg and Sharp? :blink:

Uh, no, I posted in another forum what it "might" look like from Buffalo. That trade would include Lydman. I streamlined the example to press home the point that you can put a couple of decent forwards into the mix in conjuction with attempting to build from within per Darcy's statements.

 

Here is the link if interested:

 

http://sabresjunkie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2025&p=90231#p90231

 

It is viable, although there may have to be some tweaking and of course, Chicago would have to be a willing dance partner int the trade.

[deluca67]

They've had a lot of players only meetings, as well as getting together for other events, dinners, SuperBowls, etc. A group of the guys have a meeting with Ruff once or twice a month to "air the grievances" etc. Sometimes Ruff doesn't even go in the room between periods.

 

Captains, leaders whoever, can't get every player to play every night. I'm sure your boss would say the same thing about you in some respect.

 

I have no preconceived notion that a player has to have "x" number of years before he's captain. Myers is one of the best players on the team, you want him captain? DTS

I don't think they have a player worthy of a 'C' on the roster. Not even sure they should hand out the 'A' to anyone.

[LabattBlue]

I don't think they have a player worthy of a 'C' on the roster. Not even sure they should hand out the 'A' to anyone.

I don't know about this, but your earlier point about Rivet being handed the "C" before he could even find his way to the arena was an embarrassment to every player on the roster at the time of the trade.

[static70]

I don't think they have a player worthy of a 'C' on the roster. Not even sure they should hand out the 'A' to anyone.

What about Connolly? I would think at some point and time he has to be considered. I am not sure of his standing off the ice however, and during games, especially on the PP, the other players appear to look to him to get things going.

[Sabre Dance]

I don't think they have a player worthy of a 'C' on the roster. Not even sure they should hand out the 'A' to anyone.

 

Give Miller the 'C' - give Myers an 'A'. Let everyone else play themselves onto another team somewhere. Bah! Humbug!

 

(Having a lousy day at work and an opinionated day here....)

[spndnchz]

Give Miller the 'C' - give Myers an 'A'. Let everyone else play themselves onto another team somewhere. Bah! Humbug!

 

(Having a lousy day at work and an opinionated day here....)

 

Only one goalie has ever been captain IIRC. Besides Miller might argue with the ref with those crooked eyes and get an unsportsmanlike penalty.

:oops: