Who Else? Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 The one and only issue I have with Pommer this year is that the only player he seems to be able to inspire to top performance is himself. Now, that isn't really his fault. He is who he is. He's not really a captain. He just happens to be the only adult on the team who knew it was time to pull his boot straps up and act like a veteran. It speaks to the roster more than it speaks to any particular failing on Pominville's part. Agreed 100%
apuszczalowski Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 But wouldn't you like to unload the overpaid underperformers and build up cap space? The NHL-ready players who are traded at the deadline are either rentals or underperformers like the Sabres are hopefully trying to get rid of (Roy, Stafford, Leopold, etc.). Remember, if the Sabres let go all of their UFAs and re-sign Ennis, they'll only have about $4MM in cap space -- but if they unload a few expensive vets and DON'T take back any salary, they'll have enough cap space for Parise, Doan, another vet center, etc. My point is, I don't want to see them go out and just dump players for picks so they can accumulate a bunch to restock the farm and do a full rebuild. If you trade away Roy and Stafford, etc and can only get picks for them, I would like to see the new GM then flip those picks to other teams for guys that can also help now. Why wait til the offseason and overpay for Free Agents? Get rid of some underperformers now and try and get a few pieces from other sellers now in a trade. I'm not a fan of overpaying guys on the FA market, cause more often then not, they end up like Leino and underperform compared to their salary. Parise and Doan are gonna get big salaries this offseason, and even if you dump Roy and Stafford and Leopold, Are you gonna have enough cap room to sign one of them and replace the players you just lost? I would be looking right now to be buyers AND Sellers. Unload some of the deadweight and try to get some help now for next year
Knightrider Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 I have no problem with him as a player... I just don't think he is captain material.
DumbPuck Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 It's weird, I can never actually cheer against a Buffalo team when the game is going on. But when it's done, I often find myself sitting there saying "ya know, we'd really be better off long-term if they had lost." This is more true with the Bills, as every additional win means a lot more with respect to draft position than for the Sabres. ... :: queue Yoda voice :: And this, young Skywalker, is why you have failed.
IKnowPhysics Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 With Hecht out, lines were: Vanek-Roy-Pominville Leino-Boyes-Stafford Gerbe-Ellis-Kaleta MAG-Adam-McCormick Leopold-Ehrhoff Sekera-Myers Regehr-Weber Interesting bits: - Ruff used a very short bench. MAG-Adam-McCormick only played about 4.5 minutes, primarily seeing time against the Devils' 4th line; MAG got an extra bit on the second shift of Buffalo's only PP. Halfway through the 2nd period Adam was either injured or benched and didn't see action again. Roy centered MAG and McCormick for one final shift about 5 minutes into the 3rd. - Boyes lined up at center. - Ellis lined up at center and won 7 of his 9 faceoffs (77.2%). - Ehrhoff led in ice time (24.5 minutes) right off of injury. Regehr and Weber logged the lowest defensive minutes (about 18 minutes each). Same as before, roughly, everyone logs the same minutes (24-29 shifts each). - Buffalo only registered 14 shots and blocked 11. Wrap up: Sabres did what they said they'd do: focus on playing better defensively. They didn't generate a whole of a lot of offense, but they did seem to limit turnovers and oddman rushes. Maybe this marks the change of the season's game plan away from the run-and-gungiveupatwoonone offense.
spndnchz Posted January 25, 2012 Author Report Posted January 25, 2012 Pomminstein was prematurely given this contract, but why do people dislike him because of Darcy's mistake? Was there some sort of future captain clause in there? Sure this team is lacking any sort of leadership, but someone has to have the C on their jersey. Who else was going to wear it? Myers after having a horrible 50 games last year? Regehr who is a new defenceman, see Craig Rivet. Gerbe who had 3 good months to his entire NHL career. Gaustad, who also has an inflated salary and plays like the same little school girl Pomminstein does, but puts up no offensive numbers. Miller, he's a goalie. Roy Stafford? Vanek is the only other "worthy" one and probably doesn't see eye to eye with the head coach. On this team anyone wearing the C should probably treat is as a scarlet A. He is producing and making that 5.3 comparatively look like a good deal. Saying you should be Captain is a bit pompous dontchathink?
Who Else? Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Saying you should be Captain is a bit pompous dontchathink? Got that did ya. I'm practicing right now for try out. I just got to get hit in the head a few more times.
fiftyone Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 I was at the game last night as well, and I agree with what most others have said. I thought Kovalchuk was the best player on the ice (other than Miller) for both teams. Every time he touched the puck I became worried. Even down to the passes he can make, which sometimes seem to surprise even his own teammates. I think someone needs to make Leino shoot the puck. There were a few times last night where he was in a great position to shoot but tried to find a pass. While I realize he doesn't have the best shot, he's gotta take those chances. Finally, I really like the player that Sekera has become.
korab rules Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 I was at the game last night as well, and I agree with what most others have said. I thought Kovalchuk was the best player on the ice (other than Miller) for both teams. Every time he touched the puck I became worried. Even down to the passes he can make, which sometimes seem to surprise even his own teammates. I think someone needs to make Leino shoot the puck. There were a few times last night where he was in a great position to shoot but tried to find a pass. While I realize he doesn't have the best shot, he's gotta take those chances. Finally, I really like the player that Sekera has become. It is shocking to you that his team mates would be surprised by a pass from Kovalchuck?
nfreeman Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 The one and only issue I have with Pommer this year is that the only player he seems to be able to inspire to top performance is himself. Now, that isn't really his fault. He is who he is. He's not really a captain. He just happens to be the only adult on the team who knew it was time to pull his boot straps up and act like a veteran. It speaks to the roster more than it speaks to any particular failing on Pominville's part. Well said. Even so -- would you trade him for a #1 and a #2 from a playoff team (i.e. picks that would probably be, say, the 22nd pick in the 1st round and the 22nd pick in the 2nd round)? My point is, I don't want to see them go out and just dump players for picks so they can accumulate a bunch to restock the farm and do a full rebuild. If you trade away Roy and Stafford, etc and can only get picks for them, I would like to see the new GM then flip those picks to other teams for guys that can also help now. Why wait til the offseason and overpay for Free Agents? Get rid of some underperformers now and try and get a few pieces from other sellers now in a trade. I'm not a fan of overpaying guys on the FA market, cause more often then not, they end up like Leino and underperform compared to their salary. Parise and Doan are gonna get big salaries this offseason, and even if you dump Roy and Stafford and Leopold, Are you gonna have enough cap room to sign one of them and replace the players you just lost? I would be looking right now to be buyers AND Sellers. Unload some of the deadweight and try to get some help now for next year I don't disagree with this. However, I think you can use the prospects/picks you get at the deadline to trade for NHL roster players over the summer. I think the NHL roster players you can trade for at the deadline are either rentals or overpriced mediocrities like Boyes. I think someone needs to make Leino shoot the puck. There were a few times last night where he was in a great position to shoot but tried to find a pass. While I realize he doesn't have the best shot, he's gotta take those chances. Finally, I really like the player that Sekera has become. Totally agree on Leino looking to pass instead of shoot. I actually thought quite a few guys were guilty of that last night, and it speaks to an overall lack of leadership and determination on offense -- i.e. everyone is looking for someone else to be the guy who scores the big goal. As for Sekera, I think he's become more solid on D, but I think he needs to re-find his offensive assertiveness, especially as regards carrying the puck deep into the offensive zone.
spndnchz Posted January 25, 2012 Author Report Posted January 25, 2012 Just want to point out for all you Pomminstein haters out there. If Gerbe doesn't score the shootout goes on. If Pomminstein doesn't score. Game over. Quote from Pommer today: "We have Lindy's back," Pominville said. "He's an elite coach in this League and that's why he's been in the League for so long."
LGR4GM Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Quote from Pommer today: "We have Lindy's back," Pominville said. "He's an elite coach in this League and that's why he's been in the League for so long." Keeps me wondering if its the players and the GM and that maybe Ruff can't do anything about it until players go bye bye Well said. Even so -- would you trade him for a #1 and a #2 from a playoff team (i.e. picks that would probably be, say, the 22nd pick in the 1st round and the 22nd pick in the 2nd round)? As for Sekera, I think he's become more solid on D, but I think he needs to re-find his offensive assertiveness, especially as regards carrying the puck deep into the offensive zone. If I were a top 4 team and I thought I had a shot at the cup, yes. I would trade a 1st for Pomminstein because he can play in all situations and he will score and produce for you. Not to mention you could keep him for a couple years due to his contract. Pominville is a 65pt a year player its an easy decision. Sekera has been a quiet bright spot this season.
LabattBlue Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Quote from Pommer today: "We have Lindy's back," Pominville said. "He's an elite coach in this League and that's why he's been in the League for so long." Nice "feel good" quote, but in reality, about a 1000 miles away from the truth. If they had Lindy's back, you would not have witnessed the numerous horrific individual and team performances over the last two months.
shrader Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Nice "feel good" quote, but in reality, about a 1000 miles away from the truth. If they had Lindy's back, you would not have witnessed the numerous horrific individual and team performances over the last two months. And Pominville is a class individual. Do we expect him to come right out to the public and say "Lindy sucks"?
korab rules Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Nice "feel good" quote, but in reality, about a 1000 miles away from the truth. If they had Lindy's back, you would not have witnessed the numerous horrific individual and team performances over the last two months. I think "we" was the exaggeration. Lindy has almost certainly lost a portion of te room - that portion seems to be smaller with mature vets like ehrhoff and Regehr back in the room. Its the age old problem 0 fire the coach or fire the players who aren't buying in. We know which one is easier, but all that does is delay the problem a little longer. When you have a tumor, you have to cut it out. Just make sure you get all of it. Hay Seuss! I can't type for crap today!
Weave Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Well said. Even so -- would you trade him for a #1 and a #2 from a playoff team (i.e. picks that would probably be, say, the 22nd pick in the 1st round and the 22nd pick in the 2nd round)? I don't know. I wouldn't complain if it happened but I'm not sure I would go looking for it. Pommer *is* one of the few playing like an adault and not a fragile little child. He's not a corner stone, but he's someone that wouldn't look out of place on the team going forward. Now, dangle him for a real good center with size who is ready to jump to the NHL and I might go looking for it. I guess you have to be willing to wait 3+ years if you are willing to trade him for picks. If you do that you are looking at total rebuild. Miller will be on the back side of his career and Vanek will be on the wrong side of 30 when the fruits of a Pommer trade are ready to step in. I think you end up with a very short window that way. Then again, if you are looking at a total rebuild maybe Vanek and Miller aren't here.
nfreeman Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 I don't know. I wouldn't complain if it happened but I'm not sure I would go looking for it. Pommer *is* one of the few playing like an adault and not a fragile little child. He's not a corner stone, but he's someone that wouldn't look out of place on the team going forward. Now, dangle him for a real good center with size who is ready to jump to the NHL and I might go looking for it. I guess you have to be willing to wait 3+ years if you are willing to trade him for picks. If you do that you are looking at total rebuild. Miller will be on the back side of his career and Vanek will be on the wrong side of 30 when the fruits of a Pommer trade are ready to step in. I think you end up with a very short window that way. Then again, if you are looking at a total rebuild maybe Vanek and Miller aren't here. Well, a #1 and a #2 are good assets to use in trade this summer for NHL-ready forwards. And the cap space is the real key for me. And I really think the team needs a different group of letter-wearers next year.
deluca67 Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Nice "feel good" quote, but in reality, about a 1000 miles away from the truth. If they had Lindy's back, you would not have witnessed the numerous horrific individual and team performances over the last two months. Seems like they had Lindy's back the same way they had Miller's. We all know why Lindy has been with the Sabres and it has nothing to do with being an "elite" coach. If anything Lindy is the Pomminstein of coaching. He's just another guy in the league.
Weave Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Well, a #1 and a #2 are good assets to use in trade this summer for NHL-ready forwards. And the cap space is the real key for me. And I really think the team needs a different group of letter-wearers next year. Using the picks as trade bait works for me. And like I said, I don't think I'd complain if he was moved for those picks. I agree that cap space is invaluable but I have my doubts that Parise makes it to UFA status, and even if he does there is still the not insignificant problem of convincing him to sign here. I had started to write in my post that a #22 pick is a crap shoot and Pommer is worth more than a crap shoot but then I took a look at recent #22 selections and was rather impressed, Eberle, Pacioretty, Giroux, Tuuka Rask at 21. (seems like a few teams have gotten more bang from their late 1st round picks than we did) Whether Pommer stays or goes, I do NOT want him as a captain next year. I could live with him as A. maybe. Hopefully there are more grownups on the team next season and better bodies to stitch an C and A to.
deluca67 Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Using the picks as trade bait works for me. And like I said, I don't think I'd complain if he was moved for those picks. I agree that cap space is invaluable but I have my doubts that Parise makes it to UFA status, and even if he does there is still the not insignificant problem of convincing him to sign here. I had started to write in my post that a #22 pick is a crap shoot and Pommer is worth more than a crap shoot but then I took a look at recent #22 selections and was rather impressed, Eberle, Pacioretty, Giroux, Tuuka Rask at 21. (seems like a few teams have gotten more bang from their late 1st round picks than we did) Whether Pommer stays or goes, I do NOT want him as a captain next year. I could live with him as A. maybe. Hopefully there are more grownups on the team next season and better bodies to stitch an C and A to. You can't strip the 'C' off of Pomminstein and keep him around.
Weave Posted January 26, 2012 Report Posted January 26, 2012 You can't strip the 'C' off of Pomminstein and keep him around. If anyone could accept that it is probably Pommer. Pominville is about the most level headed and easy going player on the team. And that is why I think it would work OK. I would agree with you if it was most anyone else. It certainly wouldn't be the first time an NHL'er was replaced as captain and stayed on the team.
deluca67 Posted January 26, 2012 Report Posted January 26, 2012 If anyone could accept that it is probably Pommer. Pominville is about the most level headed and easy going player on the team. And that is why I think it would work OK. I would agree with you if it was most anyone else. It certainly isn't the first time an NHL'er was replaced as captain and stayed on the team. You are probably right and I don't know how I feel about that.
Weave Posted January 26, 2012 Report Posted January 26, 2012 You are probably right and I don't know how I feel about that. LOL It certainly isn't the kind of trait you typically see in a captain.
nfreeman Posted January 26, 2012 Report Posted January 26, 2012 If anyone could accept that it is probably Pommer. Pominville is about the most level headed and easy going player on the team. And that is why I think it would work OK. I would agree with you if it was most anyone else. It certainly wouldn't be the first time an NHL'er was replaced as caIptain and stayed on the team. Just happened recently with Marleau on SJ.
X. Benedict Posted January 26, 2012 Report Posted January 26, 2012 Just happened recently with Marleau on SJ. Jim Schoenfeld handled it. Not wearing the C is no big deal. Having the C without corresponding ice time is the hurt, especially being a healthy.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.