... Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 This is Drew Stafford at home - this is his brain on Skyrim: You see, hockey players shouldn't play video games like Skyrim. They should just play hockey.
Weave Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 With Kassian's strong play, combined with Stafford's poor start, I would think Stafford might be expendable (might depend on how bad Boyes' injury is). Teams will remember Staff's 30 goal year last year... but would they want his $4 mil. salary? I can't help but think something has to give when Boyes and Hecht are back from injury. We'll have an excess of NHL caliber scoring wingers. RW - Pomminstein, Stafford, Kassian, Boyes LW- Vanek, Ennis, Hecht, Leino, maybe add Gerbe to this list At this point I cannot see sending Kassian down when Boyes is back. He is outplaying and outworking Stafford. By alot. And right now I prefer Boyes' game over Staffords game. I wouldn't mind seeing Stafford moved. And as much as I like his spunk, I don't think Gerbe makes us better either. I certainly don't see him as an upgrade over Ennis, Hecht, or Leino.
tom webster Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 Lindy threw Stafford under the bus without a second thought, but there is blood on his hands as well. Lindy, when it's your system that has preached getting in lanes instead of taking a man you have to expect that play to happen. But 4 on 4 in overtime is man on man and Stafford knows it but couldn't even admit it after the game and all the captain could muster was that "we probably would like that play back.". That's all you need to know.
SwampD Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 But 4 on 4 in overtime is man on man and Stafford knows it but couldn't even admit it after the game and all the captain could muster was that "we probably would like that play back.". That's all you need to know. I have been a Stafford apologist forever. No more. That play was awful. But I just can't bring myself to let Lindy off the hook. When does it actually become the coaches fault in Buffalo? Either he's not getting through or they aren't getting it. Either way, we've tried enough combinations of players where I believe he's not getting through and it's now time to try a new coach.
... Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I have been a Stafford apologist forever. No more. That play was awful. But I just can't bring myself to let Lindy off the hook. When does it actually become the coaches fault in Buffalo? Either he's not getting through or they aren't getting it. Either way, we've tried enough combinations of players where I believe he's not getting through and it's now time to try a new coach.
tom webster Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I have been a Stafford apologist forever. No more. That play was awful. But I just can't bring myself to let Lindy off the hook. When does it actually become the coaches fault in Buffalo? Either he's not getting through or they aren't getting it. Either way, we've tried enough combinations of players where I believe he's not getting through and it's now time to try a new coach. While I'm done with DR, Staff and Roy. I'm still a Ruff fan but don't hold him blameless. However, I was just pointing out he didn't deserve blame in the situation you presented. Its man on man in OT.
SwampD Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 While I'm done with DR, Staff and Roy. I'm still a Ruff fan but don't hold him blameless. However, I was just pointing out he didn't deserve blame in the situation you presented. Its man on man in OT. While I tend to agree, how does a player under Ruff not know this? And if it's the player's fault, then how does the coach not recognize that and not have said player on the ice in overtime?
... Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 While I tend to agree, how does a player under Ruff not know this? And if it's the player's fault, then how does the coach not recognize that and not have said player on the ice in overtime? Have you ever witnessed Stafford blowing coverage in a situation like that? I mean, such an epic failure on Stafford's part would be legendary around here. Isn't that kind of coverage fundamental, like something you know well before you go pro? In trying to find a simple answer - maybe it's an assumption that had never been tested before, or, maybe Stafford has played it correctly in the past - so why even mention it before now because it's so fundamental to the pro level?
qwksndmonster Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 You see, hockey players shouldn't play video games like Skyrim. They should just play hockey. You really gotta cool it with the Skyrim stuff. It was maybe a little funny at first... Now it's just obnoxious. I thought that Stafford didn't have too horrible of a game (excluding the obvious brain fart in OT). A lot of people want to run the guys out of town who caused the last two overtime goals against (Gragnani, Stafford). These players have not been living up to their potential since the very beginning of the season. Despite this, I think that Stafford is going to heat up. Whether or not we trade him is another matter entirely.
... Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 You really gotta cool it with the Skyrim stuff. It was maybe a little funny at first... Now it's just obnoxious. Aww shucks, Pops. Okay, I'll find a new gag for Stafford. In other news, what makes you think Stafford is going to "heat up" - the fact that he has been cool so long now?
Bullwinkle Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I can't help but think something has to give when Boyes and Hecht are back from injury. We'll have an excess of NHL caliber scoring wingers. RW - Pomminstein, Stafford, Kassian, Boyes LW- Vanek, Ennis, Hecht, Leino, maybe add Gerbe to this list At this point I cannot see sending Kassian down when Boyes is back. He is outplaying and outworking Stafford. By alot. And right now I prefer Boyes' game over Staffords game. I wouldn't mind seeing Stafford moved. And as much as I like his spunk, I don't think Gerbe makes us better either. I certainly don't see him as an upgrade over Ennis, Hecht, or Leino. Weave, I think you're right on here. I've never liked Stafford but now it will be harder than ever to trade him since he is so overpaid. You're right about Gerbe too...great fireplug, but still not what we need. I have soured on Roy as well. I was once a big fan of his, but no more. He's a third line center and is certainly trade bait. I also think that Miller has taken a step down in status as a major goalie in this league. He's still good - just not elite. On the other hand, Leino is improving lately and I'm thinking that this is Ennis' time to shine or be traded. He didn't impressed me against NY and was only a bit better tonight. In short, this team needs an overhaul. We had to wait until the injured returned, and while they aren't all back, enough of the core is. And what it's saying is that we need to get rid of the dead wood. The energy and drive of the AHL kids make this more obvious than ever.
LGR4GM Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 When will something give? Pegula has been silent, the team has been painful to watch, and our captain can't even man up and say "Stafford needed to get back on him there and he didn't". I know people hate Ruff but when they play his system it works and when they do what staffy did tonight it looks like crap. If any team in the nhl needed a major shakeup of its top core players its this one. Roy, Stafford, Hecht, Vanek, Pommers, Gaustad... someone or someones need to go and I know who my obvious two choices are. I used to love Roy and think he was great and defended him earlier this year but i dont think he fits on this particular team. Stafford just like sekera and leino and hecht and probably even miller are overpaid and overrated by their GM. 4 mil for 1 season of 30 goals and the only season over 50pts... subtract about 1 mil from that and your in the right ballpark. idk anymore, this team is just painful to watch and they come off as slightly arrogant. Other teams have new players and they have gelled by now so that excuse can suck it. I almost want this season to go down in flames at this point. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity but sucking breeds change... we need change, big change (Darcy needs to go buh bye)
LaLaLaFontaine Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 Another awful loss. I don't believe that you can stand behind your coach and management staff anymore. The highest payed team in the NHL played like chicken, again. I don't believe it is a talent issue, but our coaching team is not able to get the power on the road. I can't understand why we combine the less talented center with our best wingers. Nobody would do this. You give them minimum the second best available center ( which is Adam). LA did it right, they send their coach home, we have to do it too. We need a shakeup like Pittsburgh before they made their run to the cup.
kishoph Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 On the other hand, Leino is improving lately and I'm thinking that this is Ennis' time to shine or be traded. He didn't impressed me against NY and was only a bit better tonight. i disagree about Ennis, I think the last few games he has played some of his best hockey as a Sabre, he's not hanging on to the puck too long and playing much smarter. The last 2 games I think he's been one of the brighter spots on Offense. He'd have more points if Stafford could hit the net once in a while.
neverenough Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 i disagree about Ennis, I think the last few games he has played some of his best hockey as a Sabre, he's not hanging on to the puck too long and playing much smarter. The last 2 games I think he's been one of the brighter spots on Offense. He'd have more points if Stafford could hit the net once in a while. Dude these little guys,( Ennis and gerbe) will never be good enough! Get off the cool aid! Terry P stop being a fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ross Rhea Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 Stafford should be taken out behind the woodshed and beat bloody. Yes Stafford blew it but i don't understand why Miller didn't poke the puck away, it was only a foot in front of him. It almost looked as if he backed up to let the puck go through the crease. Still Stafford should be gone, maybe that is the final straw.
kishoph Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 Dude these little guys,( Ennis and gerbe) will never be good enough! Get off the cool aid! Terry P stop being a fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess you're right, we should probably have 12 Paul Gaustad's.
HopefulFuture Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 When will something give? Pegula has been silent, the team has been painful to watch, and our captain can't even man up and say "Stafford needed to get back on him there and he didn't". I know people hate Ruff but when they play his system it works and when they do what staffy did tonight it looks like crap. If any team in the nhl needed a major shakeup of its top core players its this one. Roy, Stafford, Hecht, Vanek, Pommers, Gaustad... someone or someones need to go and I know who my obvious two choices are. I used to love Roy and think he was great and defended him earlier this year but i dont think he fits on this particular team. Stafford just like sekera and leino and hecht and probably even miller are overpaid and overrated by their GM. 4 mil for 1 season of 30 goals and the only season over 50pts... subtract about 1 mil from that and your in the right ballpark. idk anymore, this team is just painful to watch and they come off as slightly arrogant. Other teams have new players and they have gelled by now so that excuse can suck it. I almost want this season to go down in flames at this point. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity but sucking breeds change... we need change, big change (Darcy needs to go buh bye) I disagree with the bolded statement. Ruff's system, in point of fact, has never been proven to "work". If it has been, we'd have some Cup banners in the rafters. And before we go into the excuses of injuries during the Carolina series or other excuses, the bottom line is talent combined with hard work, doing the little things in games and proper roster make-up that creates the appropriate chemistry amongst the players is what gets it done. This current team doesn't have that, there are major holes in the roster, especially the forward ranks. Ruff's system isn't going to fix that, and although he is a good coach, I don't see the outcome on the ice changing. He's had 3 roster turnovers since he took the reigns, and each one has failed. I don't believe it's just the players any longer, it's also his system that needs to change, otherwise we'll be seeing the same results we have seen for 13 seasons now IMHO.
DumbPuck Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 Weave, I think you're right on here. I've never liked Stafford but now it will be harder than ever to trade him since he is so overpaid. You're right about Gerbe too...great fireplug, but still not what we need. I have soured on Roy as well. I was once a big fan of his, but no more. He's a third line center and is certainly trade bait. I also think that Miller has taken a step down in status as a major goalie in this league. He's still good - just not elite. On the other hand, Leino is improving lately and I'm thinking that this is Ennis' time to shine or be traded. He didn't impressed me against NY and was only a bit better tonight. In short, this team needs an overhaul. We had to wait until the injured returned, and while they aren't all back, enough of the core is. And what it's saying is that we need to get rid of the dead wood. The energy and drive of the AHL kids make this more obvious than ever. I'm not sure which team you've been watching for the past 12 months, but you seem to be forgetting very quickly who has been arguably the most energetic and hard-working player on the team in Nathan Gerbe. To see him put in the same basket as Drew Stafford or Derek Roy by intelligent people makes me a little ill to be honest. Did you forget the playoffs last year where he was 100% hustle the entire serious when the rest of the team decided not to show up? Or how many times this season thus far has he been the only guy showing up? Quite often. I'm truly astounded... and look at his salary hit... it's nearly non-existent. You guys are off your rockers. "Not what this team needs". Let's for a minute assume that Nathan Gerbe is the OPPOSITE of what this team needs. Then that would imply that what this team needs is a 6'3" 250 lber who can't skate, is afraid to play physically, and has a terrible work ethic. I don't think I've ever been angry reading posts on this forum before, but already two posters that I typically respect have made what I consider to be very nearsighted posts and I am a bit boggled. /endrant
LabattBlue Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 How did we go from one of the franchise's greatest moments(Pegula's first press conference as owner of the team) just 9 months ago, to this? :( I'd love to know how recent conversations have gone between Pegs and Black? :rolleyes:
nfreeman Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I've been saying this for a while now and I'm going to keep doing so until someone convinces me otherwise: Roy is a net negative on this team, and not a small one. There's something about his personality and his game that materially contributes to losing. He's like the bizarro Drury -- whereas Drury brought out the best in his teammates, Roy brings out the worst. The Sabres need to dump Roy. I'm not quite there yet with Stafford but I wouldn't be disappointed if he left as well. The question is whether to wait until the deadline, which is when their trade values will be highest -- I could see Roy fetching a low #1 pick -- but by then the Sabres' season might effectively be over. Unloading those 2 creates room for Gerbe and Boyes when they return, as well as an $8MM salary slot to bring in an elite player like Parise next summer. As for the game last night -- the Sabres played well in parts and lousy in other parts (first 6 min. or so of the 1st period and most of the 3rd period). When they were up 2-1 and playing well in the 2nd period, though, that was the time for Stafford or Vanek or Pommer or SOMEONE who gets paid to score goals to pump in an insurance goal. But once again, no one steps up when a win is there for the taking and seizes it.
DumbPuck Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I've been saying this for a while now and I'm going to keep doing so until someone convinces me otherwise: Roy is a net negative on this team, and not a small one. There's something about his personality and his game that materially contributes to losing. He's like the bizarro Drury -- whereas Drury brought out the best in his teammates, Roy brings out the worst. The Sabres need to dump Roy. ... This is the precise intangible I have been trying to verbalize for quite some time when discussing Roy with friends. Yeh he can score, yeh he can skate .... but whatever evil aura he emits is REAL.
LabattBlue Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 I've been saying this for a while now and I'm going to keep doing so until someone convinces me otherwise: Roy is a net negative on this team, and not a small one. There's something about his personality and his game that materially contributes to losing. He's like the bizarro Drury -- whereas Drury brought out the best in his teammates, Roy brings out the worst. The Sabres need to dump Roy. I'm not quite there yet with Stafford but I wouldn't be disappointed if he left as well. The question is whether to wait until the deadline, which is when their trade values will be highest -- I could see Roy fetching a low #1 pick -- but by then the Sabres' season might effectively be over. Unloading those 2 creates room for Gerbe and Boyes when they return, as well as an $8MM salary slot to bring in an elite player like Parise next summer. As for the game last night -- the Sabres played well in parts and lousy in other parts (first 6 min. or so of the 1st period and most of the 3rd period). When they were up 2-1 and playing well in the 2nd period, though, that was the time for Stafford or Vanek or Pommer or SOMEONE who gets paid to score goals to pump in an insurance goal. But once again, no one steps up when a win is there for the taking and seizes it. I agree with you on Roy. The only problem being your weakest position on the team and in the organization(center) would get even worse if they trade him. That being said, if they trade him, I think the only viable solution over the next couple of years would be to try and trade for and/or sign a UFA center who is capable of putting up 50 or so points, but is more of a well rounded player. Finding the center who can put up 70+ points is not going to be easy, especially with DR at the helm.
G-Daddy Posted December 14, 2011 Report Posted December 14, 2011 DGW54321, on 13 December 2011 - 08:54 PM, said: Apparently they are having a closed door meeting. And why is Connolly my default avatar....yeesh. Because he had two goals tonight for the Laughs including the game winner in OT ? That might be the most compelling indictment of Lindy's system ever. His 15 points now for the Leafs (6 G, 9A) would put him in the top six in scoring on the Sabres.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.