nostyle126 Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I apologize if I'm regurgitating a topic that has already been discussed elsewhere, but I just don't understand why Boyes appears to be on our 4th line at this point. Boyes is a true talent who, we thought, "needed a change of scenery". That "change of scenery" was supposed to be a fresh start on a solid line that would give him a play-making center. Now, I understand that he isn't a fit on our top line (Vanek-Roy-Pominville) and I even understand that he isn't a fit on our second line (Ennis-Leino-Stafford), but wouldn't he be a better fit on our third line (Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta) than Kaleta? Kaleta has shown some ability with the puck, but he doesn't have the skillset of Boyes. Put Boyes on that line and you have the potential for some real chemistry to develop between Gerbe (a small playmaker), Gaustad (an underrated playmaker and tremendous faceoff man), and Boyes. Then you can put Kaleta on the 4th line with McCormick and whoever else you want to plug in (Hecht, Ellis, etc). Am I off base on this? I don't think I'm throwing some radical idea out there. I think it's the most logical combination of lines, really. What is it that Ruff sees/knows that I'm missing?
dEnnis the Menace Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I apologize if I'm regurgitating a topic that has already been discussed elsewhere, but I just don't understand why Boyes appears to be on our 4th line at this point. Boyes is a true talent who, we thought, "needed a change of scenery". That "change of scenery" was supposed to be a fresh start on a solid line that would give him a play-making center. Now, I understand that he isn't a fit on our top line (Vanek-Roy-Pominville) and I even understand that he isn't a fit on our second line (Ennis-Leino-Stafford), but wouldn't he be a better fit on our third line (Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta) than Kaleta? Kaleta has shown some ability with the puck, but he doesn't have the skillset of Boyes. Put Boyes on that line and you have the potential for some real chemistry to develop between Gerbe (a small playmaker), Gaustad (an underrated playmaker and tremendous faceoff man), and Boyes. Then you can put Kaleta on the 4th line with McCormick and whoever else you want to plug in (Hecht, Ellis, etc). Am I off base on this? I don't think I'm throwing some radical idea out there. I think it's the most logical combination of lines, really. What is it that Ruff sees/knows that I'm missing? Ruff sees the combo of Gaustad, Gerbe, and Kaleta as one he just cannot break up right now, and I don't blame him one bit. That line notched all 3 goals in the first preseason game, and were VERY effective. At the end of last year, it was the same thing, the line is very effective as a true checking line that can score. It works, and if Ruff sees that kind of chemistry, he'd be pretty dumb to break it up. I think you'll see Boyes moving around. I suspect you're going to see more of the rolling lines that were seen in '05-'06, '06-'07 years this year since all 4 lines have scoring abilities.
spndnchz Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 By Gaustad, Gerbe, and Kaleta practicing together all summer they've built some great chemistry. Whether it was a plan to push Boyes down remains to be seen. A tricky move for them but if it gets more goals for the team then....
nostyle126 Posted September 30, 2011 Author Report Posted September 30, 2011 I see your point(s) about the chemistry that line appears to have right now, but I guess my question is, is Kaleta benefiting from being on a line with Gerbe and Gaustad, or is he truly an asset to that line? If you plugged Boyes into Kaleta's spot on that line, wouldn't the line be every bit as good, if not maybe even better? Kaleta brings a grit to that line while Boyes would bring more speed and skill. I think a line of Gerbe-Gaustad-Boyes would be less of a checking line, but it would also allow you to make a very strong 4th line that would be your real checking line, with Ellis/Hecht-McCormick-Kaleta. Just my opinion. It's an odd dilemma, because this issue only arises because we have too much talent and it's like Tetris to make it all fit together. It's a good problem to have.
waldo Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 He continues to center the Vanek line with Roi even after 35+ games of proof last year that it performed better with Hecht ? Why would you expect more from him in the way he uses Boyes?
nostyle126 Posted September 30, 2011 Author Report Posted September 30, 2011 My number one criticism of Ruff has always been his line combinations. I just don't want to see the Sabres give up on Boyes, that's all. His name came up a lot when speculating about offseason trades, but I think Boyes can be a tremendous asset to this team if used the right way. I'm not sure that having him "float" between lines or putting him on a 4th line of leftovers is going to bring Boyes' full potential out.
spndnchz Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I see your point(s) about the chemistry that line appears to have right now, but I guess my question is, is Kaleta benefiting from being on a line with Gerbe and Gaustad, or is he truly an asset to that line? If you plugged Boyes into Kaleta's spot on that line, wouldn't the line be every bit as good, if not maybe even better? Kaleta brings a grit to that line while Boyes would bring more speed and skill. I think a line of Gerbe-Gaustad-Boyes would be less of a checking line, but it would also allow you to make a very strong 4th line that would be your real checking line, with Ellis/Hecht-McCormick-Kaleta. Just my opinion. It's an odd dilemma, because this issue only arises because we have too much talent and it's like Tetris to make it all fit together. It's a good problem to have. I don't think Boyes is faster than Kaleta. Kaleta has speed, IMO He's one of the faster skaters on the team. I think that until Hecht gets his feet under him again (although he's practicing he's prolly not in game shape) he'll be centering the fourth line of McCormick-Hecht-Boyes. Ellis will sit until the first guy gets injured.
Weave Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I think you can make a case that Lindy is wasting Gerbe too. As much chemistry as they have built, does anyone believe that Gerbe won't get more points playing with more talented linemates? I still want to see a 3rd line of Gerbe - Hecht - Boyes (or Pominville). I realize that Hecht needs to get healthy first. IMO Goose and Kaleta are 4th liners. I'll go so far as to say that Kaleta ought to be the guy scratching and clawing for the last forward roster spot.
qwksndmonster Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I think you can make a case that Lindy is wasting Gerbe too. As much chemistry as they have built, does anyone believe that Gerbe won't get more points playing with more talented linemates? I still want to see a 3rd line of Gerbe - Hecht - Boyes (or Pominville). I realize that Hecht needs to get healthy first. IMO Goose and Kaleta are 4th liners. I'll go so far as to say that Kaleta ought to be the guy scratching and clawing for the last forward roster spot. I agree. I'd rather have Hecht centering Gerbe and Boyes rather than the 3rd line we have now.
Derrico Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I agree. I'd rather have Hecht centering Gerbe and Boyes rather than the 3rd line we have now. I'd have to disagree on this one. As much as I think Gaustad is next to useless other than in the faceoff circle, I hate having Hecht play centre. Somehow we have to find a way to get 'The German' and Boyes on the wing. Just by our lack of talent up the middle, I think Gaustad almost has to play on the third line. Unless Adam plays well and makes the team that is....
apuszczalowski Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 What has Boyes really done to make you think he shouldn't be fighting for a roster spot? The guy is inconsistent and is getting by on "potential". So far he has just been another one of Darcys wonderful deadline "Diamond in the rough" pickups. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The 3rd line (or the checking line) is working great as is, why mess that up? The point of this line is that they are a checking line that can also score
Drunkard Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 What has Boyes really done to make you think he shouldn't be fighting for a roster spot? The guy is inconsistent and is getting by on "potential". So far he has just been another one of Darcys wonderful deadline "Diamond in the rough" pickups. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The 3rd line (or the checking line) is working great as is, why mess that up? The point of this line is that they are a checking line that can also score I agree. The Gerbe Gaustad Kaleta line should be kept intact leaving a 4th line of Hecht McCormick and Boyes. It may not be a traditional grinder line but I think this roster of forwards has the potential to roll 4 scoring lines and keeping Hecht and Boyes on the wings should give them a chance to produce. Nobody said the 4th line has to be reduced to 5 minutes of ice time and should be forced to do nothing but hit and change the tempo.
LabattBlue Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I think you can make a case that Lindy is wasting Gerbe too. As much chemistry as they have built, does anyone believe that Gerbe won't get more points playing with more talented linemates? I still want to see a 3rd line of Gerbe - Hecht - Boyes (or Pominville). I realize that Hecht needs to get healthy first. IMO Goose and Kaleta are 4th liners. I'll go so far as to say that Kaleta ought to be the guy scratching and clawing for the last forward roster spot. I agree. Gerbe's upside is much greater with talented line mates. At some point, I expect the 4th line to consist of McCormick, Gaustad & Kaleta. Boyes is a waste on the 4th line and I for one would be disappointed if it played out that way.
dudacek Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I'm not much for labels (1st line, etc), But Adam between Boyes and Hecht has some potential to me as a good two-way "third" line. That would leave Goose line as the best "fourth" line in hockey. Even better though, Vanek with Adam and Boyes and Hecht with Roy and Poms. Four-line hockey, like back in 06.
spndnchz Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 Surprised no one has said anything about the thread title. Peace out.
MattPie Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 Surprised no one has said anything about the thread title. We're trying to keep it high-minded here, geez! :) Besides, "Why isn't Ruff loving Boyes?" would be way better.
nfreeman Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I think you can make a case that Lindy is wasting Gerbe too. As much chemistry as they have built, does anyone believe that Gerbe won't get more points playing with more talented linemates? I still want to see a 3rd line of Gerbe - Hecht - Boyes (or Pominville). I realize that Hecht needs to get healthy first. IMO Goose and Kaleta are 4th liners. I'll go so far as to say that Kaleta ought to be the guy scratching and clawing for the last forward roster spot. The Gerbe point is a reasonable one, although I think we'll all be quite happy with the GGK line once the real games start. In fact I will predict that on many nights it will be the most effective line (although Leino-Stafford-Ennis has the potential to knock our socks off). As far as that goes, I think you are well undervaluing Kaleta. Nobody else on the team does what he does. He makes the other team insane, he gets the home crowd fired up, and he has more offensive game than he gets credit for. He's also very good on the PK. I'm not much for labels (1st line, etc), But Adam between Boyes and Hecht has some potential to me as a good two-way "third" line. That would leave Goose line as the best "fourth" line in hockey. Even better though, Vanek with Adam and Boyes and Hecht with Roy and Poms. Four-line hockey, like back in 06. Beat me to it. I think once Hecht is healthy there is a high likelihood that the "4th" line will be Hecht-Adam-Boyes, which will be a pretty good 4th line. That will leave McCormick as the healthy scratch, but he's a good guy to bring off the bench when a forward goes down. And any of Hecht, Adam and Boyes is capable of sliding up in the rotation if one of the scoring forwards goes down.
wonderbread Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 Surprised no one has said anything about the thread title. Peace out. I thought i was on the wrong message board for a moment... :bag:
X. Benedict Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I apologize if I'm regurgitating a topic that has already been discussed elsewhere, but I just don't understand why Boyes appears to be on our 4th line at this point. Boyes is a true talent who, we thought, "needed a change of scenery". That "change of scenery" was supposed to be a fresh start on a solid line that would give him a play-making center. Now, I understand that he isn't a fit on our top line (Vanek-Roy-Pominville) and I even understand that he isn't a fit on our second line (Ennis-Leino-Stafford), but wouldn't he be a better fit on our third line (Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta) than Kaleta? Kaleta has shown some ability with the puck, but he doesn't have the skillset of Boyes. Put Boyes on that line and you have the potential for some real chemistry to develop between Gerbe (a small playmaker), Gaustad (an underrated playmaker and tremendous faceoff man), and Boyes. Then you can put Kaleta on the 4th line with McCormick and whoever else you want to plug in (Hecht, Ellis, etc). Am I off base on this? I don't think I'm throwing some radical idea out there. I think it's the most logical combination of lines, really. What is it that Ruff sees/knows that I'm missing? Short answer is that I wouldn't put too much stock in pre-season lines. Lindy is certainly not married to lines. Most likely he wanted to give Adam some different combos in the contingency that Roy and Hecht aren't ready. Boyes and Vanek and Adam together looked good last week.
Bullwinkle Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 Another possible advantage of having Boyes on the fourth line is motivation. If this guy is capable of returning to his old form, there's nothing like fourth line duty to motivate him - excepting of course, the press box.
Weave Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 Another possible advantage of having Boyes on the fourth line is motivation. If this guy is capable of returning to his old form, there's nothing like fourth line duty to motivate him - excepting of course, the press box. I don't know how a guy returns to scoring form on a line with McCormick and Ellis. He needs to play with skill players if he is going to score.
Weave Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 As far as that goes, I think you are well undervaluing Kaleta. Nobody else on the team does what he does. He makes the other team insane, he gets the home crowd fired up, and he has more offensive game than he gets credit for. He's also very good on the PK. Kaleta is Sean Avery without the Attention ###### Syndrome and less offensive upside. He's a 4th liner, and 2nd unit PK alternate. Very repalceable on the roster.
Formerly Allan in MD Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I agree. I'd rather have Hecht centering Gerbe and Boyes rather than the 3rd line we have now. I'd rather have Hecht not centering any lines.
Marvelo Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 I always liked the idea of the Cashman-Hodge-Esposito line where they put guys together whose strengths are different. with Cashman - cornerman and digger - Hodge - grinding policeman - and Esposito - scorer from the slot, you had 3 complimentary guys who focused on giving Espo the puck. I'd like Buffalo's lines to reflect that type of savvy. For each line to have a scorer, a digger and a grinder. IMO Boyes should not be on the third or fourth line. You've got to give him quality minutes with complimentary linemates on one of the top two lines to maximize his potential. You can't relegate him to third or fourth checking, defensive forward role like he has in preseason or his game will continue to slide.Finding the right chemistry is complicated and I don't know if Ruff has the brains to do it.
Kristian Posted September 30, 2011 Report Posted September 30, 2011 My number one criticism of Ruff has always been his line combinations. I just don't want to see the Sabres give up on Boyes, that's all. His name came up a lot when speculating about offseason trades, but I think Boyes can be a tremendous asset to this team if used the right way. I'm not sure that having him "float" between lines or putting him on a 4th line of leftovers is going to bring Boyes' full potential out. No need to worry - The first game of the season where the team is down 1-0 halfway through the 2nd, no current lines will be left intact. It's a Ruff thing.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.