GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[Bmwolf21]

I know this won't be the most popular viewpoint, but if Darcy truly believes the answers lie within, then prove it. Dump underperforming players for draft picks, and call up Ennis, Gerbe, Mancari, and Weber. Call up Enroth and let him back up Miller, and give him 1 game per week.

 

I don't think anyone has any illusions of this team making a cup run this year. So let's get our youngsters up and throw them into the fire...what do we have to lose?

I'm fine with most of that except Enroth. He needs to be wherever he is going to play regularly. Sitting on the bench for 5-6 nights a week does nothing for his development.

[Stoner]

Just as an aside, would someone please tell Harry what "get back in the game" means!

[LabattBlue]

Three plays left me shaking me head as I try and figure out how bad this slump is...

 

- A 3 on 0 breakaway in the 2nd period, because they couldn't execute one of the simplest hockey concepts correctly...a line change.

 

- Tallinder and Myers together in one corner of the offensive zone in the 3rd period.

 

- A PP in the 3rd period consisting of Rivet, Gaustad, Hecht, Stafford & Butler.

 

This just reeks of players who don't have their heads in the game/no confidence and a coaching staff that can't figure out how to stop the slide.

[Eric in Akron]

This is where I disagree...it hasn't been this way all year. I've watched nearly every game. The team is distinctly different the past month than they were the previous 40-ish games.

 

Are they capable of getting back to that level? That, I'm not so sure of, but they WERE playing at a high level before.

 

Really because I can remember telling the wife (before Christmas), "I don't know how they keep winning games with the way they are playing but I'll take it."

 

I have not been impressed with this team in the offensive pretty much all year. They never seem to have a good plan, there is a lot of trying to beat the defender to the puck on wayward passes. The typical offensive zone presence is skate it in on the wing, try to make some passes, shoot the puck and be there for the rebound as you watch it sail past you. The team has been surviving on defense keeping the shots to the outside. Now that teams have figured out that doubling the forecheck will keep Buffalo from playing smart defense, the Sabres have fallen apart.

[sabresnutinphoenix]

I know this won't be the most popular viewpoint, but if Darcy truly believes the answers lie within, then prove it. Dump underperforming players for draft picks, and call up Ennis, Gerbe, Mancari, and Weber. Call up Enroth and let him back up Miller, and give him 1 game per week.

 

I don't think anyone has any illusions of this team making a cup run this year. So let's get our youngsters up and throw them into the fire...what do we have to lose?

 

 

Totally agree with you...P.S. - I have seen the actual painting "The Scream"...

[LabattBlue]

Really because I can remember telling the wife (before Christmas), "I don't know how they keep winning games with the way they are playing but I'll take it."

 

I have not been impressed with this team in the offensive pretty much all year. They never seem to have a good plan, there is a lot of trying to beat the defender to the puck on wayward passes. The typical offensive zone presence is skate it in on the wing, try to make some passes, shoot the puck and be there for the rebound as you watch it sail past you. The team has been surviving on defense keeping the shots to the outside. Now that teams have figured out that doubling the forecheck will keep Buffalo from playing smart defense, the Sabres have fallen apart.

:worthy:

[BuffalOhio]

Well, $%#*.

 

Ottawa officially in 3rd place, now. Sabres to 5th.

 

Sabres don't even deserve 5th right now.

 

Hitting? You're talking hitting? How about Gleason pancaking Hecht near the end of regulation? When's the last time you saw a Sabre lay one on anybody like that?

Anyone else think they miss Kaleta A LOT?

 

I do think they miss Kaleta a lot, but in the last game, Mair planted Lucic the same way.

 

I know this won't be the most popular viewpoint, but if Darcy truly believes the answers lie within, then prove it. Dump underperforming players for draft picks, and call up Ennis, Gerbe, Mancari, and Weber. Call up Enroth and let him back up Miller, and give him 1 game per week.

 

I don't think anyone has any illusions of this team making a cup run this year. So let's get our youngsters up and throw them into the fire...what do we have to lose?

 

Problem is, nobody wants our garbage....

 

What a ridiculous way to lose a game. 2-0 lead, then it evaporates due to a soft goal by Yelle. C'mon Millsie, that's 2 week goals by Carolina in the last week. Then Montador falls for no reason. Awful.

[Stoner]

I can't get the old lady, walker spilled beside her on the floor, out of my mind.

[BuffalOhio]

I can't get the old lady, walker spilled beside her on the floor, out of my mind.

 

WTF? You lost me.

[SwampD]

WTF? You lost me.

The Sabres have fallen and they can't get up. C'mon, stay with us here.

[theend]

Really because I can remember telling the wife (before Christmas), "I don't know how they keep winning games with the way they are playing but I'll take it."

 

I have not been impressed with this team in the offensive pretty much all year. They never seem to have a good plan, there is a lot of trying to beat the defender to the puck on wayward passes. The typical offensive zone presence is skate it in on the wing, try to make some passes, shoot the puck and be there for the rebound as you watch it sail past you. The team has been surviving on defense keeping the shots to the outside. Now that teams have figured out that doubling the forecheck will keep Buffalo from playing smart defense, the Sabres have fallen apart.

 

Two weeks before Christmas were those Chicago / Washington wins...which I would agree with just playing tough defense and hanging on. But when they were beating the mid to low range teams (Montreal, NYR, Toronto, Philly), I saw those as good wins, all with 3,4,5 goals for. They lost some in that stretch, too, but I felt they were playing pretty well.

[Stoner]

The Sabres have fallen and they can't get up. C'mon, stay with us here.

 

You complete me.

[theend]

Totally agree with you...P.S. - I have seen the actual painting "The Scream"...

 

Nice! I've always wanted to go to Norway...or any of the Scandinavian countries...

[carpandean]

The lead in the Northeast is officially gone. Ottawa gets 2 points tonight and the Sabres get 1. That is absolutely pathetic. The ending was just so so sickening.

My argument becomes weaker and weaker each game, but while the Senators are listed ahead of the Sabres, one actually can't order them at this point. The Sabres are between 1 point behind and 3 points ahead, because they have two games-in-hand.

[rickshaw]

They give up alot of goals.

 

Unless the Caps get a goalie, they will not win the Cup. Their goaltending is atrocious.

 

Not that I care, just sayin'

[Eric in Akron]

Two weeks before Christmas were those Chicago / Washington wins...which I would agree with just playing tough defense and hanging on. But when they were beating the mid to low range teams (Montreal, NYR, Toronto, Philly), I saw those as good wins, all with 3,4,5 goals for. They lost some in that stretch, too, but I felt they were playing pretty well.

 

Especially the Chicago win. We were so fortunate to walk away with a win. Play them 10 times and we would probably only win once - Just like 1980 USA vs. Russia. Unfortunately, ours didn't get us to the gold medal game. :nana:

[Dave Dryden]

Unless the Caps get a goalie, they will not win the Cup. Their goaltending is atrocious.

 

Not that I care, just sayin'

I agree.

[rickshaw]

Does Thomas Vanek still play for the Sabres?

I'm really wishing that Edmonton offer sheet wasn't matched. Clearly the guy is skilled, talented, but it's his head that is the problem. It is so hard to figure out the head.

[Dave Dryden]

You complete me.

Frightening.

[theend]

 

Problem is, nobody wants our garbage....

 

 

Normally, I'm of the same belief, but that's when we want something substantial in return. SOMEONE out there will give us a draft pick for Stafford or MacArthur. Roy would garner a 2nd rounder. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd rounder even for Pomminstein or Hecht, despite their salary.

 

Other teams will only balk if we ask for a real player in return.

[rickshaw]

Just read that Miller went "off" with the media tonight. Should be some interesting sound bites.

[theend]

Does Thomas Vanek still play for the Sabres?

I'm really wishing that Edmonton offer sheet wasn't matched. Clearly the guy is skilled, talented, but it's his head that is the problem. It is so hard to figure out the head.

 

I actually think Vanek would be fine if he had a real centerman/playmaker feeding him.

[Dave Dryden]

Just read that Miller went "off" with the media tonight. Should be some interesting sound bites.

Got to stop playing like fragile little kids.

[rickshaw]

Normally, I'm of the same belief, but that's when we want something substantial in return. SOMEONE out there will give us a draft pick for Stafford or MacArthur. Roy would garner a 2nd rounder. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd rounder even for Pomminstein or Hecht, despite their salary.

 

Other teams will only balk if we ask for a real player in return.

 

If Dominic Moore is worth a 2nd round pick, I'd like to think that Roy or Pomms is worth more than that. Hecht, well pucks would be nice.

I think Stafford's time is up here too. Another head issue. That's the common theme. The team has talent, just too many headcases.

[Stoner]

Just read that Miller went "off" with the media tonight. Should be some interesting sound bites.

 

Not really. He said they had to stop playing like fragile little kids -- he sounded like one all through his interview. And he's been playing like one a lot lately. Hollow.