GAME DISCUSSION THREAD

[deluca67]

Yep...complete with Spider-man decorations. At least this year more got in his belly than ended up on the face/shirt.

I commend you on your great skills at being a parent. :thumbsup:

[Bmwolf21]

I commend you on your great skills at being a parent. :thumbsup:

For the Spider-Man decorations or the cookie cake?

[deluca67]

For the Spider-Man decorations or the cookie cake?

Both. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

I think if the USA would have dropped Spider-Man cookies cakes into Iraq and Afghanistan many lives would have been saved. I believe it was the invention of the cookie cake that brought down both Communism in the USSR and the Berlin Wall. :rolleyes:

[Bmwolf21]

Both. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

I think if the USA would have dropped Spider-Man cookies cakes into Iraq and Afghanistan many lives would have been saved. I believe it was the invention of the cookie cake that brought down both Communism in the USSR and the Berlin Wall. :rolleyes:

:lol:

 

Back in January we asked him what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday, and he did not hesitate: "cookie cake. Cookie cake!" I was so excited when he wanted nothing to do with the exceedingly sugary grocery store cakes, and when he passed on the SpongeBob cake decorations in favor of the Spider-man candle.

[deluca67]

You have raised him well. :)

[nfreeman]

Nope. Still going with Dog. Chugging a case of Red Bull and throwing on the blue & gold-colored glasses before screaming at everyone does not make one the most optimistic. Dog still gets the vote.

You haven't said why dog gets it, only why SR shouldn't get it. I think your distaste for SR's style is overwhelming your ability to objectively evaluate the level of his optimism.

[Bmwolf21]

You haven't said why dog gets it, only why SR shouldn't get it. I think your distaste for SR's style is overwhelming your ability to objectively evaluate the level of his optimism.

No, I clearly said it in my first reply. Dog's been at it much, much longer, and he's been doing it on two boards (here and TSW).

[Bmwolf21]

You have raised him well. :)

He asked to do two things for his birthday - Chuck E Cheese, and go to a Monsters (AHL) game. I've never been prouder. I have a nice pic from the hockey game I'll have to post later. The guys will love it.

[nfreeman]

The "close" point is a interesting one. I am wondering why you think the Sabres are "close?" They have good goaltending which is a major part. Outside of Myers and Butler is there any certainty as to who will be back on the blue line next year? The only veteran bluliners under contract next season are Rivet and Montador. Both of whom have shown themselves to be tremendous liabilities. They won;t get younger or better.

 

Looking at the forwards, do the Sabres have six "top six" forwards? Connolly, Vanek, Roy, and Pominville. They have a top four. I like Kaleta, but he, Kennedy and Gaustasd best serve this team on the third and fourth lines. Hecht is hit or miss. The "grit" on this team is old. It's really old. Mair and Grier are only going to get a year older and a step slower and are UFA's. That leaves Stafford and MacArthur. A set of twins born of separate mothers. Stafford has a contract so is assured to be back baring a trade.

 

I see a team with 4 holes on defense and 2 in the "top six" forwards. I am interested to know which players in Portland you think/feel will fill holes next season. And do you think that Regier will make deals to fill in the "top six" forward spots.

This is a very good post. Here is my response:

 

1. I expect the top 6 on D next year to be Myers, Butler, Rivet, Montador, Sekera and either Weber or a FA/trade pickup. (Paul Martin from NJ is a UFA after this year -- he would be a great add.) While Rivet and Montador have struggled lately, I don't agree that they have shown themselves to be tremendous liabilities. Rivet may be on the downside, but I think he still has enough in the tank to give the Sabres another respectable year.

 

As for Montador, he had a very solid 1st half of the year (which I think even you admitted to at one point), and I do expect him to be better next year. He's only 30 (Rivet is 35), which is not at all old for a defenseman. Spacek struggled quite a bit in his first year here too (and he was older then than Montador is now).

 

I think Sekera will be ready for prime time next year and will add a lot of speed and offense to the Sabres' blue line, albeit with some turnovers and other screwups that make everyone pull their hair out. I see him following a career path similar to Soupy's. Campbell was still getting healthy-scratched for defensive deficiencies until he was 25. Sekera is 23 and his game really reminds me of Campbell's.

 

I think next year will probably be Weber's last shot to grab an NHL job. I'd love to see him do it, as he has the body and the temperament to put an opposing forward through the boards if he hits Miller, and I'd love one of the young defensemen to be the guy who does it, but he hasn't shown anything in about 2 years. Alternatively, if Weber isn't able and Lydman will re-sign a cheap contract, I can see them re-signing Lydman.

 

2. As for the top 6 forwards, what happens in the offseason will, I think, be driven by what happens in the remainder of this season and playoffs. I would guess the most likely outcome is that unless Mac lights it up over the rest of the season, he'll be traded in a Paille-type move to make room for Ennis (who is 13th in the AHL in scoring). I also think a trade is possible for a Nathan Horton type (ie a talented underachiever like Briere or Dumont). I do not expect them to dump Stafford, although I could see him being traded in my hypothetical trade. I also do not expect a Kovy-type UFA signing.

 

3. Conclusion: I expect 2 new faces in the top 6 D next year (Sekera and either Weber or a player from outside the organization) and 1 or 2 faces in the top 6 forwards (probably Ennis and maybe a trade). I also expect guys like Myers, Butler, Montador, Vanek, Stafford, Gaustad and Kaleta to continue to improve. If it all works out per my master plan, I would expect the Sabres to be Cup contenders next year -- and then maybe you'll see the February trade for the stretch run that you want.

 

No, I clearly said it in my first reply. Dog's been at it much, much longer, and he's been doing it on two boards (here and TSW).

Dog joined this board in October 2009, while SR joined in December 2009. Total # of posts is something like 130-110 in favor of Dog. Not much of a spread.

 

Moreover, I don't think longevity is a real factor in the analysis of who is more optimistic. I think the only factor is the nature of the posts themselves. Dog is optimistic, and I cheer him for it, but SR quite often seems to be posting from fantasyland.

 

It's really like comparing Ovechkin (a supernova) to Vanek (a star when he's on his game, but not a transcendent player).

[Stoner]

DeLuca/PA Optimistic:

 

Your kid is smart, but hasn't been applying herself and comes home with a C in math.

 

"You're really not trying hard enough and don't seem to be committed to getting that A. You CAN do better and WILL."

 

(Insert name of "optimistic" poster) Optimistic:

 

"Yayyyyyy! That's AWEsome honey. Here's a cookie."

[Figster]

This is a very good post. Here is my response:

 

1. I expect the top 6 on D next year to be Myers, Butler, Rivet, Montador, Sekera and either Weber or a FA/trade pickup. (Paul Martin from NJ is a UFA after this year -- he would be a great add.) While Rivet and Montador have struggled lately, I don't agree that they have shown themselves to be tremendous liabilities. Rivet may be on the downside, but I think he still has enough in the tank to give the Sabres another respectable year.

 

As for Montador, he had a very solid 1st half of the year (which I think even you admitted to at one point), and I do expect him to be better next year. He's only 30 (Rivet is 35), which is not at all old for a defenseman. Spacek struggled quite a bit in his first year here too (and he was older then than Montador is now).

 

I think Sekera will be ready for prime time next year and will add a lot of speed and offense to the Sabres' blue line, albeit with some turnovers and other screwups that make everyone pull their hair out. I see him following a career path similar to Soupy's. Campbell was still getting healthy-scratched for defensive deficiencies until he was 25. Sekera is 23 and his game really reminds me of Campbell's.

 

I think next year will probably be Weber's last shot to grab an NHL job. I'd love to see him do it, as he has the body and the temperament to put an opposing forward through the boards if he hits Miller, and I'd love one of the young defensemen to be the guy who does it, but he hasn't shown anything in about 2 years. Alternatively, if Weber isn't able and Lydman will re-sign a cheap contract, I can see them re-signing Lydman.

 

2. As for the top 6 forwards, what happens in the offseason will, I think, be driven by what happens in the remainder of this season and playoffs. I would guess the most likely outcome is that unless Mac lights it up over the rest of the season, he'll be traded in a Paille-type move to make room for Ennis (who is 13th in the AHL in scoring). I also think a trade is possible for a Nathan Horton type (ie a talented underachiever like Briere or Dumont). I do not expect them to dump Stafford, although I could see him being traded in my hypothetical trade. I also do not expect a Kovy-type UFA signing.

 

3. Conclusion: I expect 2 new faces in the top 6 D next year (Sekera and either Weber or a player from outside the organization) and 1 or 2 faces in the top 6 forwards (probably Ennis and maybe a trade). I also expect guys like Myers, Butler, Montador, Vanek, Stafford, Gaustad and Kaleta to continue to improve. If it all works out per my master plan, I would expect the Sabres to be Cup contenders next year -- and then maybe you'll see the February trade for the stretch run that you want.

 

 

Dog joined this board in October 2009, while SR joined in December 2009. Total # of posts is something like 130-110 in favor of Dog. Not much of a spread.

 

Moreover, I don't think longevity is a real factor in the analysis of who is more optimistic. I think the only factor is the nature of the posts themselves. Dog is optimistic, and I cheer him for it, but SR quite often seems to be posting from fantasyland.

 

It's really like comparing Ovechkin (a supernova) to Vanek (a star when he's on his game, but not a transcendent player).

 

 

dog forfeits to SR, I'm really not worthy fella's :(

 

Besides, I think Lindy Ruff is losing his marbles and I need someplace to vent :angry:

[darksabre]

Moreover, I don't think longevity is a real factor in the analysis of who is more optimistic. I think the only factor is the nature of the posts themselves. Dog is optimistic, and I cheer him for it, but SR quite often seems to be posting from fantasyland.

 

There's a reason SR is on my block list. I simply cannot read his posts. They are beyond reason.

[nfreeman]

There's a reason SR is on my block list. I simply cannot read his posts. They are beyond reason.

He's blocked? Just for excess optimism? You are tough, my friend.

[wonderbread]

There's a reason SR is on my block list. I simply cannot read his posts. They are beyond reason.

You are a tough customer. I read it for the humor!

[Bmwolf21]

Dog joined this board in October 2009, while SR joined in December 2009. Total # of posts is something like 130-110 in favor of Dog. Not much of a spread.

 

Moreover, I don't think longevity is a real factor in the analysis of who is more optimistic. I think the only factor is the nature of the posts themselves. Dog is optimistic, and I cheer him for it, but SR quite often seems to be posting from fantasyland.

 

It's really like comparing Ovechkin (a supernova) to Vanek (a star when he's on his game, but not a transcendent player).

That's exactly why I went with Dog. SR is in fantasyland.

 

BTW - they might be closer on this board, but Dog over on TSW:

 

Posts: 4,898

Joined: 3-March 06

 

That might be why I've felt like I have been reading dog's eternal sunshine forever. I've blurred the line between TSW and Sabrespace.

 

There's a reason SR is on my block list. I simply cannot read his posts. They are beyond reason.

It's tough, but I can respect it. Can't say I haven't considered it, but then again I tend to use the Ignore User button pretty liberally, especially on TSW.

[Figster]

That's exactly why I went with Dog. SR is in fantasyland.

 

BTW - they might be closer on this board, but Dog over on TSW:

 

Posts: 4,898

Joined: 3-March 06

 

That might be why I've felt like I have been reading dog's eternal sunshine forever. I've blurred the line between TSW and Sabrespace.

 

 

It's tough, but I can respect it. Can't say I haven't considered it, but then again I tend to use the Ignore User button pretty liberally, especially on TSW.

 

doggonit!

 

Your dogs eternal sunshine will never use the smiley face emoticon again.

[Bmwolf21]

doggonit!

 

Your dogs eternal sunshine will never use the smiley face emoticon again.

:lol:

 

No disrespect intended, dog. Your optimism may occasionally irk me like a pebble in the shoe, but I can respect your passion.

[Figster]

:lol:

 

No disrespect intended, dog. Your optimism may occasionally irk me like a pebble in the shoe, but I can respect your passion.

 

and I can appreciate you saying as much

[Bmwolf21]

and I can appreciate you saying as much

:beer:

[SabresFan526]

This is a very good post. Here is my response:

 

1. I expect the top 6 on D next year to be Myers, Butler, Rivet, Montador, Sekera and either Weber or a FA/trade pickup. (Paul Martin from NJ is a UFA after this year -- he would be a great add.) While Rivet and Montador have struggled lately, I don't agree that they have shown themselves to be tremendous liabilities. Rivet may be on the downside, but I think he still has enough in the tank to give the Sabres another respectable year.

 

As for Montador, he had a very solid 1st half of the year (which I think even you admitted to at one point), and I do expect him to be better next year. He's only 30 (Rivet is 35), which is not at all old for a defenseman. Spacek struggled quite a bit in his first year here too (and he was older then than Montador is now).

 

I think Sekera will be ready for prime time next year and will add a lot of speed and offense to the Sabres' blue line, albeit with some turnovers and other screwups that make everyone pull their hair out. I see him following a career path similar to Soupy's. Campbell was still getting healthy-scratched for defensive deficiencies until he was 25. Sekera is 23 and his game really reminds me of Campbell's.

 

I think next year will probably be Weber's last shot to grab an NHL job. I'd love to see him do it, as he has the body and the temperament to put an opposing forward through the boards if he hits Miller, and I'd love one of the young defensemen to be the guy who does it, but he hasn't shown anything in about 2 years. Alternatively, if Weber isn't able and Lydman will re-sign a cheap contract, I can see them re-signing Lydman.

 

2. As for the top 6 forwards, what happens in the offseason will, I think, be driven by what happens in the remainder of this season and playoffs. I would guess the most likely outcome is that unless Mac lights it up over the rest of the season, he'll be traded in a Paille-type move to make room for Ennis (who is 13th in the AHL in scoring). I also think a trade is possible for a Nathan Horton type (ie a talented underachiever like Briere or Dumont). I do not expect them to dump Stafford, although I could see him being traded in my hypothetical trade. I also do not expect a Kovy-type UFA signing.

 

3. Conclusion: I expect 2 new faces in the top 6 D next year (Sekera and either Weber or a player from outside the organization) and 1 or 2 faces in the top 6 forwards (probably Ennis and maybe a trade). I also expect guys like Myers, Butler, Montador, Vanek, Stafford, Gaustad and Kaleta to continue to improve. If it all works out per my master plan, I would expect the Sabres to be Cup contenders next year -- and then maybe you'll see the February trade for the stretch run that you want.

First, great post. Second, I think I agree, on the whole. Here's what I'd throw out there and why I think the Sabres are close but probably closer next year. This is purely my own speculation, but I could see a situation where the Sabres reunite Drury and Grier. I think people generally don't want to revisit that situation, but I think there is a distinct possibility that Drury will get bought out from his contract by the Rangers. He's been absolutely horrible with them. It's just an awful situation. The question is, is he that bad of a player? At his age, which is 34-35, would you be willing to give him a deal around $2 million since he'll be getting buyout money from the Rangers? I think a UFA defenseman to replace Tallinder and Lydman and making Sekera full time on defense and then signing and bringing back Drury might legitimately put this team back into the hunt. No, I'm not suggesting the Sabres should bring the entire band back together again. But, I think a guy like Drury on that third line with Grier and Gaustad is exactly the type of shutdown defensive line the Sabres need that can be relied on. I think that grit, attitude, and swagger are still missing from the lineup. I don't know, I'm throwing it out there, and I expect to be flamed for even throwing out that type of situation, but I think it could work and I'm hoping that Drury gets bought out this summer.

 

I think guys like Ennis and Gerbe will likely be coming into the fold next year, but I really just see them more as a replacement to the current fourth line. I expect that Mair and Paetsch will be gone this summer. That would likely put a fourth line of Gerbe-Kennedy-Kaleta and perhaps Ennis might come in as a call-up or might see healthy scratch action next year in my dream situation. If not and we assume Drury is not in Buffalo and the Sabres sign no forwards, then we must continue to hope for the improvement of the "brat pack" and expect a fourth line of Gerbe-Ennis-Kaleta next year, which really does not seem all that bad at all. Either way, I think the future is bright in Buffalo, and it'll be fun whatever happens.

[nfreeman]

First, great post. Second, I think I agree, on the whole. Here's what I'd throw out there and why I think the Sabres are close but probably closer next year. This is purely my own speculation, but I could see a situation where the Sabres reunite Drury and Grier. I think people generally don't want to revisit that situation, but I think there is a distinct possibility that Drury will get bought out from his contract by the Rangers. He's been absolutely horrible with them. It's just an awful situation. The question is, is he that bad of a player? At his age, which is 34-35, would you be willing to give him a deal around $2 million since he'll be getting buyout money from the Rangers? I think a UFA defenseman to replace Tallinder and Lydman and making Sekera full time on defense and then signing and bringing back Drury might legitimately put this team back into the hunt. No, I'm not suggesting the Sabres should bring the entire band back together again. But, I think a guy like Drury on that third line with Grier and Gaustad is exactly the type of shutdown defensive line the Sabres need that can be relied on. I think that grit, attitude, and swagger are still missing from the lineup. I don't know, I'm throwing it out there, and I expect to be flamed for even throwing out that type of situation, but I think it could work and I'm hoping that Drury gets bought out this summer.

 

I think guys like Ennis and Gerbe will likely be coming into the fold next year, but I really just see them more as a replacement to the current fourth line. I expect that Mair and Paetsch will be gone this summer. That would likely put a fourth line of Gerbe-Kennedy-Kaleta and perhaps Ennis might come in as a call-up or might see healthy scratch action next year in my dream situation. If not and we assume Drury is not in Buffalo and the Sabres sign no forwards, then we must continue to hope for the improvement of the "brat pack" and expect a fourth line of Gerbe-Ennis-Kaleta next year, which really does not seem all that bad at all. Either way, I think the future is bright in Buffalo, and it'll be fun whatever happens.

I'd be thrilled to get Drury back on a cheap contract, but it seems pretty unlikely. It's not impossible that the Rangers would buy him out (although I think it could only happen if they miss the playoffs this year), but I think there is probably too much water under the bridge for him to come back to the Sabres.

[SabresFan526]

I'd be thrilled to get Drury back on a cheap contract, but it seems pretty unlikely. It's not impossible that the Rangers would buy him out (although I think it could only happen if they miss the playoffs this year), but I think there is probably too much water under the bridge for him to come back to the Sabres.

I once thought the same thing of Mike Grier, especially after what he said when he left the organization in 2006. I think time can heal all wounds, and I think players like going back to a familiar situation where they had the best times of their life. We'll see, I could be wrong, and it's only my own speculation. But yeah, I think the Sabres are pretty close and probably better next year if they can get a little bit older, mature, and maybe bring in one veteran center for the third line (and re-sign Grier) and one UFA defenseman to replace the holes of Tallinder and Lydman.

[Figster]

I'd be thrilled to get Drury back on a cheap contract, but it seems pretty unlikely. It's not impossible that the Rangers would buy him out (although I think it could only happen if they miss the playoffs this year), but I think there is probably too much water under the bridge for him to come back to the Sabres.

 

 

I would love to see Drury in a Sabres Uni again :thumbsup:

[Bmwolf21]

I would love to see Drury in a Sabres Uni again :thumbsup:

I would too, if they can figure out how to slash that cap number.

[nfreeman]

I would too, if they can figure out how to slash that cap number.

Well, I think the idea that 526 put forth was that the Rangers could conceivably buy Drury out, making him a UFA and thus able to be signed for whatever the market will bear (which presumably will be much less than his current deal). I don't think this will happen if the Rangers make the playoffs, but if they don't, I could see it happening.