james duncan Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I agree with all of this. I thought MAG was much improved as compared with the Pittsburgh game and that he didn't make many defensive mistakes (as opposed to, say, Myers, who made quite a few in the first period). I'll also note that he played a critical role in Vanek's goal -- he gathered in the puck from Gaustad's faceoff win and dished it to Pommer perfectly. He's the best passer on the team. Also, the Florida/TB games are usually track meets (I can sense a Vanek hattie coming on), so these matchups should suit his game. I wouldn't be shocked if he got benched for Weber, but I'm not expecting it tomorrow night. Gotta disagree. Instrumental in the Vanek goal for sure. But otherwise, it looked like he was playing scared. We saw Myers overthink things in his sophomore year and I think MAG is doing much the same now. Played on instinct last year and looked great. I think watching a few games would be a good thing for him right now. If the PP were humming right now, it'd be hard to take him out. But it's not.
darksabre Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Gotta disagree. Instrumental in the Vanek goal for sure. But otherwise, it looked like he was playing scared. We saw Myers overthink things in his sophomore year and I think MAG is doing much the same now. Played on instinct last year and looked great. I think watching a few games would be a good thing for him right now. If the PP were humming right now, it'd be hard to take him out. But it's not. And instead of pulling Myers, he was left in to learn, which might be what Grags needs. We've already seen glimpses of his upside, why stop now?
X. Benedict Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I agree with all of this. I thought MAG was much improved as compared with the Pittsburgh game and that he didn't make many defensive mistakes (as opposed to, say, Myers, who made quite a few in the first period). I'll also note that he played a critical role in Vanek's goal -- he gathered in the puck from Gaustad's faceoff win and dished it to Pommer perfectly. He's the best passer on the team. Also, the Florida/TB games are usually track meets (I can sense a Vanek hattie coming on), so these matchups should suit his game. I wouldn't be shocked if he got benched for Weber, but I'm not expecting it tomorrow night. They should be fun games. At least Florida shouldn't be a trapping snoozefest.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I agree with all of this. I thought MAG was much improved as compared with the Pittsburgh game and that he didn't make many defensive mistakes (as opposed to, say, Myers, who made quite a few in the first period). I'll also note that he played a critical role in Vanek's goal -- he gathered in the puck from Gaustad's faceoff win and dished it to Pommer perfectly. He's the best passer on the team. Also, the Florida/TB games are usually track meets (I can sense a Vanek hattie coming on), so these matchups should suit his game. I wouldn't be shocked if he got benched for Weber, but I'm not expecting it tomorrow night. This thing about MAG's great passing has been mentioned many many times, even when he was in Portland, but I haven't seen much of it, at least this season. Not that his passing has been horrible but he fumbles the puck so much and is so indecisive, I can't remember the last clean outlet pass from him. He's been lucky to get a backhand pass behind the net over to Sekera off in a panic most of the time. I understand the idea of giving him a chance to work it out and not bench guys at the first sign of trouble in a very long season, but the other side is how will Weber respond? I think they need to get him a game just like sometimes you need to get your backup goalie a game ... this isn't Nathan Paetsch, the guy was a very reliable player for the last 2/3 of last season. If the PP with MAG was clicking, fine, but it has been nothing to get too excited about. It's taking Leino a little longer to get going than I had hoped too, based on preseason, but I keep reminding myself that Lydman looked like the worst FA signing ever for about a month in 2005-06 but was a rock with Tallinder by Christmas. Hopefully they will find the right fit for Leino ... I don't have a complaint with the PP forwards so far, they have earned their time, but Leino and Ennis might be sparked if they got an easy one on the PP or something ... I hate to see Ennis going so long without a point.
LaLaLaFontaine Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 ok i just saw the whoe game. Yeah Montreal got many shots but not so many quality shots. With a goalie like Miller on the other end this is not enough I think our PK units were sharp tonight, Regehr is a beast, i believe with him on the ice we won't give up to many goals this season. I hope offensively we will improve against Florida. I like Leino, but he needs some people who will click with him. Maybe Hecht can help here.
LabattBlue Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 This thing about MAG's great passing has been mentioned many many times, even when he was in Portland, but I haven't seen much of it, at least this season. Not that his passing has been horrible but he fumbles the puck so much and is so indecisive, I can't remember the last clean outlet pass from him. He's been lucky to get a backhand pass behind the net over to Sekera off in a panic most of the time. I understand the idea of giving him a chance to work it out and not bench guys at the first sign of trouble in a very long season, but the other side is how will Weber respond? I think they need to get him a game just like sometimes you need to get your backup goalie a game ... this isn't Nathan Paetsch, the guy was a very reliable player for the last 2/3 of last season. If the PP with MAG was clicking, fine, but it has been nothing to get too excited about. I agree. The only pass I care about(and this applies to all the blueliners) is the one that helps the Sabres get out of their zone when they are being forechecked. Gragnani's ability to make a simple pass from one point to another on the PP is not going to win me over. PS It is great to be talking hockey again, and not banging my head against the wall after the 1000th stupid trade proposal of the off-season.
waldo Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 And instead of pulling Myers, he was left in to learn, which might be what Grags needs. We've already seen glimpses of his upside, why stop now? I guess it depends on whether you think the Sabres need another offensive defenseman or a big, physical defender who does not make mistakes in his own end when under pressure and who knows how to clear the crease. Chicken and egg I guess. Personally I think the Sabres need more grit in their own end right now. Especially when they match up against teams like Tampa, Boston, Philly, Pitt, etc.I think that makes me an egg guy. No disrespect intended to Benedict.
LabattBlue Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I guess it depends on whether you think the Sabres need another offensive defenseman or a big, physical defender who does not make mistakes in his own end when under pressure and who knows how to clear the crease. Chicken and egg I guess. Personally I think the Sabres need more grit in their own end right now. Especially when they match up against teams like Tampa, Boston, Philly, Pitt, etc.I think that makes me an egg guy. No disrespect intended to Benidict. It's all about balance, and the way I see it, you have one defensive defenseman(Regehr), and a bunch of puck movers most of whom do not play a physical game on a regular basis. If Weber can keep his mistakes to a minimum, yet provide shot blocking and physical play each and every game, I take him every day of the week over Gragnani.
thesportsbuff Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 If that were the case, Weber would have played in Pittsburgh. The real reason was in the News: Ruff doesn't want young players looking over their shoulder every time they have a bad game. But now, it's two bad games in a row. Well, no, Weber has played in Pittsburgh plenty of times (I would assume.. don't feel like looking it up lol). This was MAG's first game in front of his home town crowd. Maybe it didn't weigh that much on the decision, but seems like that's just even MORE pressure to put on him.. either way, dating back to Carolina game which he was subpar as well, this is three bad games in a row.
That Aud Smell Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I like Leino, but he needs some people who will click with him. Maybe Hecht can help here. :w00t:
james duncan Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 And instead of pulling Myers, he was left in to learn, which might be what Grags needs. We've already seen glimpses of his upside, why stop now? I thought of this too. But was there ever any doubt that Myers was the future of this franchise? MAG is currently on a one year deal.
james duncan Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 It's all about balance, and the way I see it, you have one defensive defenseman(Regehr), and a bunch of puck movers most of whom do not play a physical game on a regular basis. If Weber can keep his mistakes to a minimum, yet provide shot blocking and physical play each and every game, I take him every day of the week over Gragnani. Exactly. And I do like MAG.
dEnnis the Menace Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 It's all about balance, and the way I see it, you have one defensive defenseman(Regehr), and a bunch of puck movers most of whom do not play a physical game on a regular basis. If Weber can keep his mistakes to a minimum, yet provide shot blocking and physical play each and every game, I take him every day of the week over Gragnani. Why not sit Sekera first? IMO he's more of a liability than MAG. Well, no, Weber has played in Pittsburgh plenty of times (I would assume.. don't feel like looking it up lol). This was MAG's first game in front of his home town crowd. Maybe it didn't weigh that much on the decision, but seems like that's just even MORE pressure to put on him.. either way, dating back to Carolina game which he was subpar as well, this is three bad games in a row. Weber has played 1 game in Pitt...last year actually if I'm not mistaken.
shrader Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Why not sit Sekera first? IMO he's more of a liability than MAG. It probably shouldn't be decided this way, but Grags and Weber are the only defensemen not making serious money. The decision is almost always going to come down to those two when the entire roster is healthy.
dEnnis the Menace Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 It probably shouldn't be decided this way, but Grags and Weber are the only defensemen not making serious money. The decision is almost always going to come down to those two when the entire roster is healthy. sadly, I realized after my post that I did not take into account the $$ factor.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Why not sit Sekera first? IMO he's more of a liability than MAG. It probably shouldn't be decided this way, but Grags and Weber are the only defensemen not making serious money. The decision is almost always going to come down to those two when the entire roster is healthy. Sekera has not been perfect but I like that when he gets in a bad spot he can just take the puck and skate it out of trouble. MAG seems to eat it and hopes he can keep it in his skates until help comes. I also just wonder if they are a bad fit together ... several times Sekera has "activated" with the puck down the boards after an offensive zone faceoff, and a forward covers for him, which is fine ... and then you see MAG down by the other faceoff dot waiting for a back-door pass or something. That might be fine on the PP but you can't have both defensemen down so low 5-on-5, it's just asking for trouble. I can't help but think Weber playing the role of Regher to Sekera's Myers would be better. As I said above, I hate to kill MAG so soon into the season, he hasn't been HORRIBLE, just the worst of the 6 playing now IMO, and I'd like to see Weber get some action. I guess it's a good problem to have.
shrader Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Sekera has not been perfect but I like that when he gets in a bad spot he can just take the puck and skate it out of trouble. MAG seems to eat it and hopes he can keep it in his skates until help comes. I also just wonder if they are a bad fit together ... several times Sekera has "activated" with the puck down the boards after an offensive zone faceoff, and a forward covers for him, which is fine ... and then you see MAG down by the other faceoff dot waiting for a back-door pass or something. That might be fine on the PP but you can't have both defensemen down so low 5-on-5, it's just asking for trouble. I can't help but think Weber playing the role of Regher to Sekera's Myers would be better. As I said above, I hate to kill MAG so soon into the season, he hasn't been HORRIBLE, just the worst of the 6 playing now IMO, and I'd like to see Weber get some action. I guess it's a good problem to have. Killing him obviously isn't the best route or what would happen. He's going to play plenty of games this year as will Weber. They do both need to get their time in though.
james duncan Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Not to take anything away from the puck-movers, it's absolutely a skill. But don't you think learning to be a truly solid, physical, stay-at-home defenseman in the NHL takes longer to develop than puck-moving? I do and this is another reason why I get Weber out there.
LabattBlue Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 It probably shouldn't be decided this way, but Grags and Weber are the only defensemen not making serious money. The decision is almost always going to come down to those two when the entire roster is healthy. I agree that it shouldn't be decided that way, but you are absolutely correct in that is what will happen.
spndnchz Posted October 19, 2011 Author Report Posted October 19, 2011 Why not sit Sekera first? IMO he's more of a liability than MAG. Weber has played 1 game in Pitt...last year actually if I'm not mistaken. Weber played all 4 games against the Pens last year. Averaged over 14 minutes of TOI. In regards to Leino finding chemistry, you would think they'd look at who he played with in Philly for a start. Yeah I know he played wing but still. I think it was Briere? and who else? Briere type would definitely be Ennis or Gerbe but who's the other winger on the Flyers?
korab rules Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Weber played all 4 games against the Pens last year. Averaged over 14 minutes of TOI. In regards to Leino finding chemistry, you would think they'd look at who he played with in Philly for a start. Yeah I know he played wing but still. I think it was Briere? and who else? Briere type would definitely be Ennis or Gerbe but who's the other winger on the Flyers? Carcillo? Carcillo = Kaleta?
Weave Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 Weber played all 4 games against the Pens last year. Averaged over 14 minutes of TOI. In regards to Leino finding chemistry, you would think they'd look at who he played with in Philly for a start. Yeah I know he played wing but still. I think it was Briere? and who else? Briere type would definitely be Ennis or Gerbe but who's the other winger on the Flyers? Carcillo? Carcillo = Kaleta? I'm pretty sure the line was Leino Briere Hartnell Sounds like Kassian needs to come up. :D
korab rules Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 I'm pretty sure the line was Leino Briere Hartnell Sounds like Kassian needs to come up. :D Yup - you are right. Hartnell was the one.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Posted October 19, 2011 As I said above, I hate to kill MAG so soon into the season ... Killing him obviously isn't the best route ... I sometimes wonder how message board banter/lingo/etc. would play with a sports fan like my great grandfather or something ... I suspect they would be glad to see we agree we will not be murdering players .... yet.
spndnchz Posted October 19, 2011 Author Report Posted October 19, 2011 I'm pretty sure the line was Leino Briere Hartnell Sounds like Kassian needs to come up. :D Yep. Looked at some TOI sheets from the playoffs. It was Hartnell-Brier-Leino. Maybe LR's got the right idea putting McCormick on left wing of that line. Sure he doesn't score like Hartnell but plays the same. Edit: I mean on a line of McCormick-Leino-Stafford. Put Boyes with Roy.
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