Briere?

[deluca67]

``It's just frustration,'' Briere said. ``We don't know where to go anymore. We don't know what is a penalty, and what's not. We're trying to bang some rebounds in, just going to the net. I paid the price for trying to score a little too hard.''

 

What the hell is Briere talking about? The Sabres hit a skid and suddenly they "don't know what is a penalty, and what's not." I expect more from a "Captain."

 

The calls are the same as when this team was winning. The only change has been that the Sabres have decided that they don't need to skate the 60 minutes.

 

And could someone please FINISH A PLAY. What happened to al these guys that were supposed to make up for Satan's lost production. Did Drury even dress last night. His new nick name should be the "Invisable Women." $3 million for what? Connolly has looked better this season.

 

"Refuse to lose two"? How about "Refuse to lose five out of six" as the new team motto.

 

And a quick note about Max. If I would a blueliner I would let him skate free to the net and just be there to clear the rebound.

 

Also,

 

Could someone please post a response about my thought that Vanek needed a mentor and that his scoreless streak could be prolonged because he has no one to help him work through it? And please tell me again how I was wrong to be worried about placeing a huge offensive burden on a rookie who has yet to pee a drop in the NHL bucket.

<_<

[Corp000085]

``It's just frustration,'' Briere said. ``We don't know where to go anymore. We don't know what is a penalty, and what's not. We're trying to bang some rebounds in, just going to the net. I paid the price for trying to score a little too hard.''

 

What the hell is Briere talking about? The Sabres hit a skid and suddenly they "don't know what is a penalty, and what's not." I expect more from a "Captain."

 

The calls are the same as when this team was winning. The only change has been that the Sabres have decided that they don't need to skate the 60 minutes.

 

And could someone please FINISH A PLAY. What happened to al these guys that were supposed to make up for Satan's lost production. Did Drury even dress last night. His new nick name should be the "Invisable Women." $3 million for what? Connolly has looked better this season.

 

"Refuse to lose two"? How about "Refuse to lose five out of six" as the new team motto.

 

And a quick note about Max. If I would a blueliner I would let him skate free to the net and just be there to clear the rebound.

 

Also,

 

Could someone please post a response about my thought that Vanek needed a mentor and that his scoreless streak could be prolonged because he has no one to help him work through it? And please tell me again how I was wrong to be worried about placeing a huge offensive burden on a rookie who has yet to pee a drop in the NHL bucket.

<_<

vanek's mentor is chris drury. enough said!

 

This team stinks right now, and they're in a big hole. I'd be looking to package max with marty the second that miller's thumb turns from bluish black to dark green.

[deluca67]

vanek's mentor is chris drury. enough said!

 

This team stinks right now, and they're in a big hole. I'd be looking to package max with marty the second that miller's thumb turns from bluish black to dark green.

That's five weeks away. The season could be lost by that point.

 

The DAY the Sabres are eliminated from the playoffs Darcy should be FIRED.

[Kristian]

And while you're at it - fire Ruff too.

[Taro T]

And a quick note about Max. If I would a blueliner I would let him skate free to the net and just be there to clear the rebound.

 

Also,

 

Could someone please post a response about my thought that Vanek needed a mentor and that his scoreless streak could be prolonged because he has no one to help him work through it? And please tell me again how I was wrong to be worried about placeing a huge offensive burden on a rookie who has yet to pee a drop in the NHL bucket.   

<_<

Remember DeLuca, you said "please", so here you go. The thoughts are a little disconnected as I did not have time to try to force this into a "cohesive" discussion, so I apologize upfront (I have to try to get some trim painted before the rains come).

 

I do not think that Miro would be a particularily good mentor for Vanek. He never "mentored" Max, who is a player that I think having had someone to look to would have helped. His past refusal to take Max, Dumont, Kotalik, or even Connolly under his wing and "show them the ropes" in the NHL leads me to believe he would not have done so for Vanek either.

 

Miro, while being blessed with an awesome shot when he feels inclined to use it, is also an extremely moody and temperamental player. I do not want his displays of selfishness being the "role model" for Vanek to follow.

 

Vanek has Briere on the team. I know you don't think of Briere as much of a natural goal scorer, but when he was a kid in junior he averaged just barely under a goal per game. He also has been a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL and IMHO is a power play specialist. He also knows a little bit about coming back from adversity as his 1st stint in Phoenix was not impressive. He battled back, earned a spot in the NHL, and is now the captain of an NHL club.

 

Vanek had issues with getting his first goal last year in the AHL as well. Once he finally got that goal he lit the league up pretty well. He did not have a "mentor" to get over the hump last year. Would it be good for him to have a Lemieux to bounce ideas off of? I think so. The Sabres don't have that, and even if Miro were here, I don't think Vanek would have that. Additionally, just as you cannot teach a player how to score a goal, I don't know that you can teach a goal scorer to change the way he scores goals. Miro has a different style than Vanek, so I don't know how much him saying what he would do in a particular situation would help Vanek. (Although, Miro does know something about getting out of goal scoring slumps as he has had a ton of them through the years! :P )

 

As I've posted before, I am not happy that the Sabres did not get anything for Miro, but I don't think the team's record would be appreciably different if he were still in Buffalo. That's a tough one, because we can both argue about that one until we are blue in the face but have no way of knowing for certain which position is correct. (Zhitnik on the otherhand would have improved the Sabres, unfortunately it was not up to the Sabres whether he came back or not.)

[Larry Playfair]

``It's just frustration,'' Briere said. ``We don't know where to go anymore. We don't know what is a penalty, and what's not. We're trying to bang some rebounds in, just going to the net. I paid the price for trying to score a little too hard.''

 

Id have to say this is frustration talking..and that is a good sign. I want these guys to pissed that they have squandered a good start and lost 5 of 6. I want to see fire and frustration, hustle and intensity. I hope the home and home sweep buy a division foe gets to them, and I hope Ruff can actaully do something to that will asisst the players in changing this streak.

 

As for Vanek, I hope the kid keeps playing like he does. He is obviously "getting" the game, as evidenced by his ability to set up of his linemates (8 assists). Once he puts one in, I have a feeling he will continue to put more in, but I think he ends up with 20, and 60pts.

[deluca67]

Remember DeLuca, you said "please", so here you go. The thoughts are a little disconnected as I did not have time to try to force this into a "cohesive" discussion, so I apologize upfront (I have to try to get some trim painted before the rains come).

 

I do not think that Miro would be a particularily good mentor for Vanek. He never "mentored" Max, who is a player that I think having had someone to look to would have helped. His past refusal to take Max, Dumont, Kotalik, or even Connolly under his wing and "show them the ropes" in the NHL leads me to believe he would not have done so for Vanek either.

 

Miro, while being blessed with an awesome shot when he feels inclined to use it, is also an extremely moody and temperamental player. I do not want his displays of selfishness being the "role model" for Vanek to follow.

 

Vanek has Briere on the team. I know you don't think of Briere as much of a natural goal scorer, but when he was a kid in junior he averaged just barely under a goal per game. He also has been a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL and IMHO is a power play specialist. He also knows a little bit about coming back from adversity as his 1st stint in Phoenix was not impressive. He battled back, earned a spot in the NHL, and is now the captain of an NHL club.

 

Vanek had issues with getting his first goal last year in the AHL as well. Once he finally got that goal he lit the league up pretty well. He did not have a "mentor" to get over the hump last year. Would it be good for him to have a Lemieux to bounce ideas off of? I think so. The Sabres don't have that, and even if Miro were here, I don't think Vanek would have that. Additionally, just as you cannot teach a player how to score a goal, I don't know that you can teach a goal scorer to change the way he scores goals. Miro has a different style than Vanek, so I don't know how much him saying what he would do in a particular situation would help Vanek. (Although, Miro does know something about getting out of goal scoring slumps as he has had a ton of them through the years! :P )

 

As I've posted before, I am not happy that the Sabres did not get anything for Miro, but I don't think the team's record would be appreciably different if he were still in Buffalo. That's a tough one, because we can both argue about that one until we are blue in the face but have no way of knowing for certain which position is correct. (Zhitnik on the otherhand would have improved the Sabres, unfortunately it was not up to the Sabres whether he came back or not.)

I didn't mention Miro?

 

There was what? 20-30 quality goal scorer types available in free agency this year? Not one would could have been a mentor? They all suck or are selfish? Even an older vertern past his prime couldn'thelp.

 

Take a look at all the top Rookie goal scorers. They all at least one or two NHL level goal scorers on the team. Someone to work witht he kid. You don't think having a Gary Roberts or Joe Nieuwendyk has a little soemthing to do with the early success of the kid in Florida. Who does Vanek turn to? A roster of 10-15 goal scorers?

 

Regier failed on three major fronts :

 

1) The blueline is a mess.

 

2) He has made two of three goalies untradeable.

 

3) He's screwing up Vanek's career.

 

If it means Regiers job. At least one positive thing will come if the Sabres miss yet another playoffs. :(

[ThePolishSabre]

What the hell is Briere talking about? The Sabres hit a skid and suddenly they "don't know what is a penalty, and what's not." I expect more from a "Captain."

Briere mean that for some reason, it seems like the Sabres forgot how to play hockey.

[Taro T]

I didn't mention Miro?

 

There was what? 20-30 quality goal scorer types available in free agency this year? Not one would could have been a mentor? They all suck or are selfish? Even an older vertern past his prime couldn'thelp.

 

Take a look at all the top Rookie goal scorers. They all at least one or two NHL level goal scorers on the team. Someone to work witht he kid. You don't think having a Gary Roberts or Joe Nieuwendyk has a little soemthing to do with the early success of the kid in Florida. Who does Vanek turn to? A roster of 10-15 goal scorers?

 

Regier failed on three major fronts :

 

1) The blueline is a mess.

 

2) He has made two of three goalies untradeable.

 

3) He's screwing up Vanek's career.

 

If it means Regiers job. At least one positive thing will come if the Sabres miss yet another playoffs. :(

No, you didn't mention Miro, my bad. :( I thought this was based on one of the Miro rants, not the Bondra rant. :P Again, my bad. :(

 

Of the top 3 rookie scorers, I am having difficulty determining the mentor for Vorobiev and for Ovechkin. Perhaps you could fill me in on which veteran on either of those 2 teams would be a better mentor than Briere. As I mentioned, I think Briere is a pretty decent guy for a kid to look to for both scoring touch and work ethic.

 

I will agree that the blueline is below average. It has been that way since at a minimum they started wearing the S(h)atanic Goathead on their chests. Dom covered up a LOT of deficiencies on D. The goalies the Sabres have used since, including Miller, are not nearly as effective at masking the deficiencies. We are in agreement that it would have been good to have Zhitnik on this blueline corp. I do not think Buffalo would have signed Teppo if Z were here, but I do think they still would have added Lydman. Z and Dmitri, McKee and Lydman, and then Rory with either Campbell or Tallinder would definitely be an improvement over what we have as Z&D could play 26-30 minutes per game, and McKee and Toni could play 20-22. (Yes, I know that supposedly the "best" teams are going to 7 and 8 d-men, but considering what the Sabres would have, well, beggars can't be choosers.) Unfortunately, the Sabres could not / would not give him an offer like he got from the Islanders.

 

I don't necessarily agree that Mika and Marty are untradeable. They are not tradeable for what Darcy currently wants in return (whatever that may be). This next month will make one or both more tradeable as either other GM's will agree with Darcy's evaluation of their talent and potential or it will force Darcy to lower his assessment of their value to that of other GM's. I would say Ruff's handling of the goalies has had a bigger factor in making the goalies "untradeable" than Darcy's negotiation style.

 

Vanek leads the team in assists and either leads or recently led the team in shots. I have a hard time discerning how that is "ruining" his career 14 games in.

[deluca67]

No, you didn't mention Miro, my bad. :( I thought this was based on one of the Miro rants, not the Bondra rant. :P Again, my bad. :(

 

Of the top 3 rookie scorers, I am having difficulty determining the mentor for Vorobiev and for Ovechkin. Perhaps you could fill me in on which veteran on either of those 2 teams would be a better mentor than Briere. As I mentioned, I think Briere is a pretty decent guy for a kid to look to for both scoring touch and work ethic.

 

I will agree that the blueline is below average. It has been that way since at a minimum they started wearing the S(h)atanic Goathead on their chests. Dom covered up a LOT of deficiencies on D. The goalies the Sabres have used since, including Miller, are not nearly as effective at masking the deficiencies. We are in agreement that it would have been good to have Zhitnik on this blueline corp. I do not think Buffalo would have signed Teppo if Z were here, but I do think they still would have added Lydman. Z and Dmitri, McKee and Lydman, and then Rory with either Campbell or Tallinder would definitely be an improvement over what we have as Z&D could play 26-30 minutes per game, and McKee and Toni could play 20-22. (Yes, I know that supposedly the "best" teams are going to 7 and 8 d-men, but considering what the Sabres would have, well, beggars can't be choosers.) Unfortunately, the Sabres could not / would not give him an offer like he got from the Islanders.

 

I don't necessarily agree that Mika and Marty are untradeable. They are not tradeable for what Darcy currently wants in return (whatever that may be). This next month will make one or both more tradeable as either other GM's will agree with Darcy's evaluation of their talent and potential or it will force Darcy to lower his assessment of their value to that of other GM's. I would say Ruff's handling of the goalies has had a bigger factor in making the goalies "untradeable" than Darcy's negotiation style.

 

Vanek leads the team in assists and either leads or recently led the team in shots. I have a hard time discerning how that is "ruining" his career 14 games in.

Vanek is not here for assists. His job is to score goals. This team has only one finisher right now. Briere. Kotalik is a tease. Briere is there every night. I am sure the Sabres would rather have Vanek score 40 G's and 10 'A's then 10 G's and 40 A's. Like Drury, Vanek is here on for a purpose. If he ends up doing other things well but can't score. He is a failure. A failure compared to the investment in him.

 

As far as the goalies. Teams are signing Steve Shields for God's sake. Who is next? Tom Draper? IMO. Ruff and Regier are burying Mika out of spite. Since Mika spoke out a few seasons ago he never has been given a chance. They are more then happy to let him rot. I have nothing to back this up. It's just what I feel.

[Sabresince70]

Amen on Mika.

[Taro T]

Vanek is not here for assists. His job is to score goals. This team has only one finisher right now. Briere. Kotalik is a tease. Briere is there every night.  I am sure the Sabres would rather have Vanek score 40 G's and 10 'A's then 10 G's and 40 A's. Like Drury, Vanek is here on for a purpose. If he ends up doing other things well but can't score. He is a failure. A failure compared to the investment in him.

 

As far as the goalies. Teams are signing Steve Shields for God's sake. Who is next? Tom Draper? IMO. Ruff and Regier are burying Mika out of spite. Since Mika spoke out a few seasons ago he never has been given a chance. They are more then happy to let him rot. I have nothing to back this up. It's just what I feel.

Yes, it is frustrating that Vanek has not scored a goal yet (other than the one that beat TB). However, during this season, he is not going to score 40 goals; he is a rookie.

 

He will score more than 10, my guess is he will get somewhere between 20 - 25. I'd like to see him get 40+ assists, but realistically expect somewhere in the low to mid 30's. In his rookie season, those sorts of stats will not be failure. (In his 4th year, they would be, but I don't expect his stats to be that low once he's been in the league for a while.)

 

With Mika, you may be right, but it doesn't make much sense for them to intentionally bury him. It is more plausible to me that the Sabres believe Mika is worth at least a 2nd rounder (possibly more) (please note: this is not necessarily my assessment of his value, but my assessment of the Sabres' assessment of his value; ha, bet you didn't think I could put "assessment" into one sentence 3 or more times!) and the only team that has offered that much for him is a team that the Sabres will have to beat out to reach the playoffs (Atlanta). I expect they will/would trade Mika to Atlanta if the offer is right, but based on the circumstances, I do not expect to see the Sabres make a trade with Atlanta unless a currently rostered player comes back to Buffalo. If somebody out west offers a 2nd, I'd expect the Sabres to accept the offer, but do not expect to see either goalie go for a draft pick within the east.

 

IF Miller HAD to get hurt this year, the timing of his injury probably could not have been better for Buffalo. (Note: I obviously would have preferred Ryan not getting injured but am trying to see the silver lining.) The "bright side" of this injury is:

 

1. Marty appears to have only needed 2 games to get back into good form (not great, but good). Had he been playing 1 game every 10-12 for another 2-3 months, I believe it would have taken a lot more time to get him back to NHL ready.

 

2. The Sabres now have a chance to showcase Mika in a few games over the next month. This should increase his trade value (although it might send it right through the floor). (Anyone got a coin?)

 

3. Miller has clearly been established as the #1 and Marty has IMHO established that he needs to play at least occasionally to stay in game shape.

 

4. Lindy has observed #3 and hopefully he will alter the way he handles the goalies based upon #3. He should now be able to allow Marty to play every 3rd or 4th game without it messing up either goalie's head or fearing that he will mess up Ryan's head.

 

5. There is now an outside shot that instead of Mika being the traded goalie, that Marty plays so well that someone will give the Sabres something of worth for Marty and the Sabres can have Mika as the backup. I realize this is a reach (thus the phrase 'outside shot'), but I believe Mika has more upside POTENTIAL than Marty and if Ruff were ever to become comfortable with Mika, the Sabres could down the road convert Mika into a real asset and use Leighton or someone else in the role of the young backup to Miller.

[deluca67]

If I were building a team I'd grab Mika. When he plays over time he plays well.

 

I feel spite is a strong feeling. I do think that Ruff and Regier are the types to play favorites and to hold grudges. I think Kotalik falls under that. He is the first to be benched. While others get a free pass.

[Sabresince70]

and Max a few years ago. I know he's not finishing, but when you can't get offense going at least he's exciting. And I've noticed he's getting pk time now too. And been somewhat effective. It may have taken him 4 years to get out of the dog house, but I hope he is out. (and maybe he could have help in learning too). I still think even if it was someone on the bench it would be good. Arniel was a very good penalty killer and Ruff was always defense first- but how much time did either of them spend playing the power play so that they speak from experience? I know you don't have to have been on one to teach it, but who do the go to for real experience?

[deluca67]

It's funny. ;)

 

In baseball they don't have sluggers coaching pitching.

 

In football they don't have a d-lineman coaching RB's

 

In basketball they don't have centers coaching gaurds.

 

In the NHL thay have Blueliners coaching forwards?

 

Just funny I think ;)

[Taro T]

It's funny. ;)

 

In baseball they don't have sluggers coaching pitching.

 

In football they don't have a d-lineman coaching RB's

 

In basketball they don't have centers coaching gaurds.

 

In the NHL thay have Blueliners coaching forwards? 

 

Just funny I think    ;)

Sabres coaching staff:

 

Lindy Ruff - Head Coach. Defenseman / Left Wing.

 

Scott Arniel - Assistant Coach. Left Wing.

 

Brian McCutcheon - Assistant Coach. Left Wing.

 

Jim Corsi - Goaltending Coach. Goaltender.

 

Doug McKinney - Strength & Conditioning Coach. N/A.

 

Jeff Holbrooke - Administrative Assistant Coach (essentially Video Guy). Played Div III, no data on position. Maybe he was the blueliner you were referring to? <_<

[deluca67]

Sabres coaching staff:

 

Lindy Ruff - Head Coach.  Defenseman / Left Wing.

 

Scott Arniel - Assistant Coach.  Left Wing.

 

Brian McCutcheon - Assistant Coach.  Left Wing.

 

Jim Corsi - Goaltending Coach.  Goaltender.

 

Doug McKinney - Strength & Conditioning Coach.  N/A.

 

Jeff Holbrooke - Administrative Assistant Coach (essentially Video Guy).  Played Div III, no data on position.  Maybe he was the blueliner you were referring to?  <_<

It's like an All-Star Team :lol:

 

Ruff a Left Wing? Are you talking politics?

 

Arniel? Perfect for the team of 10-15 goal scorers ;)

 

I'm not sure if the rest of your list equals 1 NHL player :o

 

Ruff is a Blueliner. Arniel might as well have been. The point is the same. No Sabre coach could ever be called a "finisher". They have nothing to offer a Vanek as far as improving his game. Look how well they have done with the rest of the roster :lol:

[Taro T]

It's like an All-Star Team :lol:

 

Ruff a Left Wing? Are you talking politics?

 

Arniel? Perfect for the team of 10-15 goal scorers ;)

 

I'm not sure if the rest of your list equals 1 NHL player :o

 

Ruff is a Blueliner. Arniel might as well have been. The point is the same. No Sabre coach could ever be called a "finisher".  They have nothing to offer a Vanek as far as improving his game. Look how well they have done with the rest of the roster :lol:

Too funny.

 

McCutcheon was a very good college player that captained Cornell in the '71 season. Had parts of 3 non-descript seasons for Detroit in their early '70's heyday. :huh:

 

Corsi played several seasons in the WHA and then backed up Mio in Edmonton's 1st year in the NHL.

[Sabresince70]

As far as I can find Lindy's stats are 105 goals in 691 games, Arniel's 149 in 730, McCutcheon 3 in 37. Arniel would be the sniper at about 1 goal every 4.89 games (about 16-19 a year and that sounds real familiar)

Cunneyworth is 189 in 866, slightly better.

Not counting ex players who are listed as "ambassadors" or such, the real ex scorers are in scouting:

Luce 225 in 894 1 goal every 3.9

and Khymelev 64 in 263 1 in every 4.1

 

and Luce was an assistant for a year in the 90's.

 

If you look at past players under Ruff's regime its kinda scary how their stats start to look like his. Curtis Brown 112 in 568 1 in 5.07 games. It's like players that score in other cities come here and start to hit a wall at 20 goals (save Miro). Does anyone remember exactly what Gilmour's frustration was about? Eventually you have to look at systems for part of the reason for players' performances. (And Vanek is too early to be considered in this, but I hope it won't happen to him).

[inkman]

Sabres coaching staff:

 

Lindy Ruff - Head Coach. Defenseman / Left Wing.

 

Scott Arniel - Assistant Coach. Left Wing.

 

Brian McCutcheon - Assistant Coach. Left Wing.

 

Jim Corsi - Goaltending Coach. Goaltender.

 

Doug McKinney - Strength & Conditioning Coach. N/A.

 

Jeff Holbrooke - Administrative Assistant Coach (essentially Video Guy). Played Div III, no data on position. Maybe he was the blueliner you were referring to? <_<

Maybe they need coaches who played right wing. ;)

[inkman]

Since when does a player who excelled at a certain task a good teacher of said task. Anybody who could pump 50 goals into a net, has to have a certain level of talent. You can't teach hands, timing and being able to read a play. These are inate things that you either have or don't have.

[deluca67]

Since when does a player who excelled at a certain task a good teacher of said task. Anybody who could pump 50 goals into a net, has to have a certain level of talent. You can't teach hands, timing and being able to read a play. These are inate things that you either have or don't have.

It's about seeing the game at a different level. Why do you think the Av's produce so many great young players? Those same players, like Drury, have problems when they leave. When you have players like Sakic and Forsberg (extreme example) it's like having an offensive coach on the bench. They see the game differently then other players and fans do. It's at an almost slow-motion pace. They see things opening up. It's the same for goalies. Goalies see a compeltely different game then forwards do.

 

It's this knowledge the Sabres lack and Vanek needs. IMO, if Vanek had that type of mentor on the bench he could talk to? We wouldn't be here going into game 15 wondering when he is going to score a goal.

 

Next time you watch the Pens. Watch Mario sitting next to Crosby. He always has the kids ear pointing things out that only the two of them could truely understand. I know the Sabres can't get a Sakic or Mario. There were many other quality players they could have signed that could have done the job. That's OK. I'm sure Vanek is getting many pointers from Connolly, Drury and the like.

[inkman]

It's about seeing the game at a different level. Why do you think the Av's produce so many great young players? Those same players, like Drury, have problems when they leave. When you have players like Sakic and Forsberg (extreme example) it's like having an offensive coach on the bench. They see the game differently then other players and fans do. It's at an almost slow-motion pace. They see things opening up. It's the same for goalies. Goalies see a compeltely different game then forwards do.

 

It's this knowledge the Sabres lack and Vanek needs. IMO, if Vanek had that type of mentor on the bench he could talk to? We wouldn't be here going into game 15 wondering when he is going to score a goal.

 

Next time you watch the Pens. Watch Mario sitting next to Crosby. He always has the kids ear pointing things out that only the two of them could truely understand. I know the Sabres can't get a Sakic or Mario. There were many other quality players they could have signed that could have done the job. That's OK. I'm sure Vanek is getting many pointers from Connolly, Drury and the like.

Maybe Brett Hull is available now that he is old and washed up. They can bring him in as an advisor. He can show Vanek how to be an a-hole, divide the team, bring unneccessary attention to himself and score 40 goals. I might have just convinced myself. :huh:

[Kristian]

It's about seeing the game at a different level. Why do you think the Av's produce so many great young players? Those same players, like Drury, have problems when they leave. When you have players like Sakic and Forsberg (extreme example) it's like having an offensive coach on the bench. They see the game differently then other players and fans do. It's at an almost slow-motion pace. They see things opening up. It's the same for goalies. Goalies see a compeltely different game then forwards do.

 

It's this knowledge the Sabres lack and Vanek needs. IMO, if Vanek had that type of mentor on the bench he could talk to? We wouldn't be here going into game 15 wondering when he is going to score a goal. 

 

Next time you watch the Pens. Watch Mario sitting next to Crosby. He always has the kids ear pointing things out that only the two of them could truely understand. I know the Sabres can't get a Sakic or Mario. There were many other quality players they could have signed that could have done the job. That's OK. I'm sure Vanek is getting many pointers from Connolly, Drury and the like.

While I see what you're getting at, I don't see how it would help much.

 

The Sabres have never had a problem creating chances, it's putting the puck those last inches over the line they're having probs with.

 

Problem with that, is that you can teach a player to find the right spots, dish the puck off in the right direction, perform the right moves to break free from your cover, but you just cannot teach the final 3 inches. And the final 3 inches are the problem, not getting scoring chances.

 

The Sabres need a scorer though, no argument there.

 

And they need to deal Drury, if he's not scoring they need to give those 3 mill to someone who does, and I don't give a crap if he wins faceoffs, we can get that a lot cheaper than 3 mill.

 

That said though, I still think that if they were kick Ruff's way-too-comfy behind and hire a real coach, they'd light the lamp a whole lot more.

[inkman]

Whether it's a trade, benching , or firing, this team needs to do something to let the players know that this crap won't be tolerated. How about beching Teppo and calling up Janek?

 

Almost forgot, please send Jillson back. He doesn't belong here.