Will Gerbe be pushed out of the lineup?

[Eleven]

If Gerbe was closer to 6' than 5' I'd be his biggest supporter. But let's get real, as hard as he works and as much as he tries, his size is a major detriment to his game. How many times this season have we seen him just get pushed around and forced off the puck by a bigger player who does nothing but leans on him? (Hint: Your answer should be "too many.")

 

Send him to Rochester and let him have a prolific AHL career. The Sabres are just fine without him.

 

Oh, I agree with the general principle of this thread; the kid is too small and isn't Theo Fleury.

 

But he does have heart.

[Weave]

Oh, I agree with the general principle of this thread; the kid is too small and isn't Theo Fleury.

 

But he does have heart.

 

Biologically, yes that is fact. :P

[Campy]

Oh, I agree with the general principle of this thread; the kid is too small and isn't Theo Fleury.

 

But he does have heart.

Oh, no doubt. And that makes it so easy for us to pull for him. He has all the "want to" in the world. Imagine what he could do if he was 8 inches taller; he'd be a beast.

 

But for a team that already has challenges in terms of size and playing a physical game, Gerbs doesn't really add a whole lot. I'd rather have Tropp's size in the lineup than I would Gerb's heart. Especially at this time of year...

[LTS]

With Ehrhoff and Sulzer playing so well together (and taking 1/3 of the ice time) and things going right, I don't see Lindy changing it up. He's too superstitious.

 

Very true, although didn't Sulzer of them get pulled out a few games ago for Weber? I don't think they need the fighting right now however.

 

Oh, no doubt. And that makes it so easy for us to pull for him. He has all the "want to" in the world. Imagine what he could do if he was 8 inches taller; he'd be a beast.

 

But for a team that already has challenges in terms of size and playing a physical game, Gerbs doesn't really add a whole lot. I'd rather have Tropp's size in the lineup than I would Gerb's heart. Especially at this time of year...

 

Perhaps it's me.. the Sabres have the second best record in the NHL over the past 6 weeks and I don't see them really playing a physical game. What I see the Sabres playing is a much more defensively sound game with the ability to finally control the puck, both in and outside their own zone. Players are controlling the puck near the boards and they are making more intelligent plays. I haven't seen the Sabres knocking anyone around and I think that holds true when Derek Roy gets your Carubba Collision. But then you are talking about Tropp... I wouldn't take him out either.

 

Playing Gerbe with Kaleta makes sense. Putting Boyes in the middle is fine. Pulling McCormick out of the lineup isn't going to matter in the least to the Sabres and while I like Turnbull he's green and no where near comparable to Gerbe and/or Kaleta for experience in playing at the NHL level.

 

What you also ignore with Gerbe is how his teammates respond to him. Does he instill more in them because he's out there playing hard? Could be. It's hard to judge. I think he's well liked in that dressing room and sitting him could cause a problem there.

 

So, in the end. Remove McCormick and Turnbull. Insert Kaleta and Gerbe and play the game.

[bunomatic]

Very true, although didn't Sulzer of them get pulled out a few games ago for Weber? I don't think they need the fighting right now however.

 

 

 

Perhaps it's me.. the Sabres have the second best record in the NHL over the past 6 weeks and I don't see them really playing a physical game. What I see the Sabres playing is a much more defensively sound game with the ability to finally control the puck, both in and outside their own zone. Players are controlling the puck near the boards and they are making more intelligent plays. I haven't seen the Sabres knocking anyone around and I think that holds true when Derek Roy gets your Carubba Collision. But then you are talking about Tropp... I wouldn't take him out either.

 

Playing Gerbe with Kaleta makes sense. Putting Boyes in the middle is fine. Pulling McCormick out of the lineup isn't going to matter in the least to the Sabres and while I like Turnbull he's green and no where near comparable to Gerbe and/or Kaleta for experience in playing at the NHL level.

 

What you also ignore with Gerbe is how his teammates respond to him. Does he instill more in them because he's out there playing hard? Could be. It's hard to judge. I think he's well liked in that dressing room and sitting him could cause a problem there.

 

So, in the end. Remove McCormick and Turnbull. Insert Kaleta and Gerbe and play the game.

 

Good post. McCormick is one good hit( giving or receiving ) away from another concussion anyways. I will add that the playoffs will be a much more physical contest should they make it.

[I am Defecting]

Gerbe = Jody Gage + Tim Tebow?

[Marvelo]

if Gerbe's motor was put into Tyler Myers body, the NHL would have the most fearsome machine ever.

[Weave]

I took the title in the OP to ask the question, is the makeup of the team changing to the point where Gerbe is no longer an obvious name on the game day roster. And I think it is. And that is a good thing because it implies that the team has improved. But I don't really expect Gerbe to be a healthy choice for the pressbox for the remainder of this season and post-season. Really, this is a subject for next season.

 

The emegence and good showing of Foligno and Tropp especially bode well for the team next year. They are both showing the same spirit that Gerbe plays with but it is encased in a larger, more effective body type. But their emergence appears to have forced Gerbe down the depth chart to 4th line status. In essense he has moved closer to the margin, meaning that the roster spot is more tenuous. Like I said, this is a good thing in that it is an indication that the lines above have improved.

[DumbPuck]

I took the title in the OP to ask the question, is the makeup of the team changing to the point where Gerbe is no longer an obvious name on the game day roster. And I think it is. And that is a good thing because it implies that the team has improved. But I don't really expect Gerbe to be a healthy choice for the pressbox for the remainder of this season and post-season. Really, this is a subject for next season.

 

The emegence and good showing of Foligno and Tropp especially bode well for the team next year. They are both showing the same spirit that Gerbe plays with but it is encased in a larger, more effective body type. But their emergence appears to have forced Gerbe down the depth chart to 4th line status. In essense he has moved closer to the margin, meaning that the roster spot is more tenuous. Like I said, this is a good thing in that it is an indication that the lines above have improved.

 

I agree with this. It is definitely a hopeful sign that we have some players coming up with a bit of intensity. I think Tropp looks great out there and Foligno's numbers speak for themselves. I think it is the case that the average quality of Buffalo Sabre players is improving. However, I do think Gerbe is being sold short. It doesn't help that there appears to be a contingent of people who think that short people simply have no place in NHL hockey.

 

I do believe that Gerbe should have an opportunity to reclaim his roster spot. It appears to me that Gerbe just hasn't been right since eating Gaustad's skate blade mid-season. Hopefully, when he comes back we get pre-skate-eating Gerbe.

[shrader]

Please provide your argument as to why Tropp/Kaleta/Turnbull are more valuable to have on the ice than Gerbe. My argument was already presented in an earlier post in this very thread. Tropp is getting a golden opportunity to play opposite one of the team's best scorers (in a slump perhaps, but still) and centered by another top prospect in Hodgson. Kaleta has been invisible all season aside from being penalized for breathing. Turnbull has made no case to stay up in the NHL aside from a bit of hustle and a freakishly lucky goal.

 

Gerbe has shown that he knows when to turn up the intensity. Are you forgetting that he was one of the best looking forwards in our short playoff run last year? Also, several games this season I recall posters on this forum saying Gerbe was the only one who showed up for the Sabres. All of this while never being given the golden opportunity that I'm seeing Tropp get right now.

 

Where's your argument again? Or will you just argue that I shouldn't be allowed to present a case in English since my forum name has English words in it? Oh, and Gerbe is a natural center... says so on NHL.com so it must be true.

 

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

[Punch]

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

 

He was just officially returned to Rochester, a few moments ago.

[nfreeman]

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

 

But what about McCormick?

[korab rules]

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

Ruff strongly hinted on GR this morning that Kaleta is in, and Gerbe will remain out.

[shrader]

But what about McCormick?

 

That's one I'm fine with, but I might be inclined to keep someone in the lineup who can play center.

[Weave]

However, I do think Gerbe is being sold short.

 

 

*giggle*

 

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

 

 

I'll second all of this.

[Samson's Flow]

You really might want to stay away from mentioning having a hard on for anything when you based your username on a specific player. Nevermind if you're trying to point out bias in other people's posts by stringing together a gem like this one. You want to make an argument, fine, but basing it on "you guys are nuts" gets you nowhere.

Perreault > Gerbe.

I like this game...

 

Boyes < Gerbe ;)

[Taro T]

I like this game...

 

Boyes < Gerbe ;)

Holzinger < Gerbe

[DumbPuck]

You're doing fine and then you throw that last paragraph in there. This place is so much better without the condescending crap.

 

Anyway, I'd love for you to look back and find my view on this thing. You'll be searching for quite a while. As for the roster moves, I don't think I've seen one bit of serious support for Turnbull staying around. He's an emergency recall playing 5 minutes a night. We all know he's the first to go.

 

After that, you look to Tropp. Right now I think he adds something that Vanek needs on his line, someone to make a physical presence, something that Gerbe really can't do. All of that talk about energy and heart, Tropp's got it too. He's been a very welcomed addition to this team down the stretch.

 

So if it comes down to either Gerbe or Kaleta, the one big edge that Kaleta brings is that he kills penalties. He's second among our forwards in short handed ice time per game. That is tough to replace. Gerbe brings nothing of the sort.

 

Condescending? Did you read your previous post?

 

Anyways, while your statement about Kaleta being useful on the PK is true, I don't think he is necessary. Who ended up taking his PK time these last few games? Was it Hodgson? I don't recall, but I also don't recall our PK looking all that bad. And Kaleta's performance in 5-on-5 hockey has been extremely lacking.

 

If Gerbe's not ready (and by that I mean earlier this season style ready) then there is no argument. I would take Tropp over Post skate-to-face Gerbe any day of the week. But pre-skate-to-face Gerbe was the guy we were calling "little ball of hate". I want Gerbe to be 100% before he comes back to prove all you guys wrong. He's got a non-defeatist attitude and I don't think he'd accept himself filling a full-time AHLer role.

 

Only time will tell.

 

Last power play goal against the Sabres was in the first period of the Florida game. Kaleta was still in the game (not sure whether he was on the ice or not). Circumstantial, I know... but still interesting. PK is 100% since Kaleta has been out.

[That Aud Smell]

while your statement about Kaleta being useful on the PK is true, I don't think he is necessary.

 

i posted it elsewhere, but it bears repeating/re-posting. i really want kaleta in the lineup -- tonight, specifically.

 

[qwksndmonster]

After the second half of last year it seemed to me that Gerbe could produce consistently and be a ~20 goal a year guy. He has yet to show that sort of production this year, so I am perfectly fine with him losing his roster spot either right now, and/or next season. I also wouldn't be opposed to giving him another go at it next season if and only if we get more size (and skill) in the top nine. If Catnasty makes it to the NHL, though. I think that Ennis and Cat would have to be the only midgets on the squad.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

This thread is a hoot.

 

Last year at this time it was Gerbe who was playing the best out of anyone on this team and we had 30 new posters with screen names and avatars.

 

I think it's just wise to reflect the long term production of any of these guys. I like Tropp's hustle, but to me he is Matt Ellis with about 10lbs more of beef on him. Foligno is putting up, and he has desire, but he's pretty much matching Adam's pace from the first few weeks of the season. I won't knock garbage goals as it shows muck, but you can't expect 1 of every 2 goals to go off of an ass or a chest or a helmet of a guy.

 

I don't necessarily disagree with a 1 game decision, but just think of where this team is a year out, and your expectations going forward.

[That Aud Smell]

Last year at this time it was Gerbe who was playing the best out of anyone on this team and we had 30 new posters with screen names and avatars.

 

true that.

 

[Eleven]

true that.

 

I loved being at that game.

 

Interesting that only one of the five skaters on the ice for that goal is playing for Buffalo tonight.

[lost in dc]

gerbe is not going to play. kaleta is playing. i don't see lindy playing both tonite. as for whether he plays in the remaining games, i wouldn't touch the roster we used in this run. but, i'd rather have gerbe than boyes in the lineup

[shrader]

I loved being at that game.

 

Interesting that only one of the five skaters on the ice for that goal is playing for Buffalo tonight.

 

I don't remember the circumstances, but seeing Vanek on the ice with that line surprises me a bit.