Weird how we won the President’s trophy with the best overall record in the league,
yet we had guys like Gaustad, Jiri Novotny, Adam Mair, Andrew Peters, Michael Ryan & Dan Paille playing on our 4th line nightly
- jdfitz77

Gaustad contributed offensively and was way more of a physical force than any Larry.

Jiri Novotny, irrelevant.

Mair and Pailla are the types of guys I’m talking about. Peters was fine but more of a “staging a hockey fight” role player.

Who were our skill players???

Workhorse from Whitehorse.

Fits him to a tee.

I love those red sweaters too. Might have to get a Cozens one with the “C” on it
- Pegullaville

Agreed on the bold above.

Can you share a link?

Gaustad contributed offensively and was way more of a physical force than any Larry.

Jiri Novotny, irrelevant.

Mair and Pailla are they types of guys I’m talking about. Peter’s was fine but more of a “staging a hockey fight” role player.

Who were are skill players???
- Bufsaints8

Point is that those guys weren’t any more skilled than the LOG line
So acting like they are the reason we’d finish 6th is a fallacy

We’ve had a LACK of “skill players” on lines 2&3
And that’s what has killed us

On those PIT Cup winning teams,
Cullen played about 14min a night with over 83% defensive zone starts

There is more than ONE way to build a winner
PIT didn’t want Crosby & Malkin focused on defense, they wanted them scoring
Thus they built a 4th line to handle those duties

Point is that those guys weren’t any more skilled than the LOG line
So acting like they are the reason we’d finish 6th is a fallacy

We’ve had a LACK of “skill players” on lines 2&3
And that’s what has killed us

On those PIT Cup winning teams,
Cullen played about 14min a night with over 83% defensive zone starts

There is more than ONE way to build a winner
PIT didn’t want Crosby & Malkin focused on defense
Crosby Def zone starts- 43.8%
Malkin Def zone starts- 30.8%
They wanted them focused on scoring
Thus they built a 4th line to handle those tough defensive duties
- jdfitz77

Yes, the argument about how to build a championship team in football has been excruciating to read. But yes, there are different ways to build a championship team in hockey. I like strength down the middle, a D pair that can play and dominate 25 mins and a consistent goalie. Skill always wins though, you want the best guys and then comes coaching. IMO of course.

And the bolded...i think we might finally be getting there. Hopefully.

Yes, the argument about how to build a championship team in football has been excruciating to read. But yes, there are different ways to build a championship team in hockey. I like strength down the middle, a D pair that can play and dominate 25 mins and a consistent goalie. Skill always wins though, you want the best guys and then comes coaching. IMO of course
- Bufsaints8

I’d agree with all that for the most part

It’s just wrong for ppl to be blaming the “Larrys” for us losing
We’ve lost bc we didn’t have a Malkin on line2 and a Kessel on line3

The #1 move of like to see us do NOW,
is trade for Kuemper to solidify our goaltending
He’s definitely a top10 guy in the league
And having him can allow us to not rush UPL’s development

I’d agree with all that for the most part

It’s just wrong for ppl to be blaming the “Larrys” for us losing
We’ve lost bc we didn’t have a Malkin on line2 and a Kessel on line3

The #1 move of like to see us do NOW,
is trade for Kuemper to solidify our goaltending
He’s definitely a top10 guy in the league
And having him can allow us to not rush UPL’s development
- jdfitz77

The "Larrys" actually helped us win games, some. Problem is we'll never be a cup contender with them. so.. Eichel, Cozens, Dahlin....we almost have our Pittsburgh blueprint.

Not that it's the only way...

Not bad seats Boss, you on about the 40 or so. We are usually on the other side in 113
- Buff36

I'm close to the 20 yard line.

Sister and her husband had the neighbor sign his longtime seats over. (Bill's dont allow between the 20's)
About 10 years ago. They opted out this year.

She had them a couple years, then 1 seat opened up next to them and the Bill's called. #Perfect

Wife prefers Sabres games 😉. So 1 seat is perfect. Suprisingly it's easy to sell a single or 3 together. Most seats are pairs and 4's...

Generally sell all 3 to a few games, but my sister is super cool will let my son use her ticket now that he's old enough.

The "Larrys" actually helped us win games, some. Problem is we'll never be a cup contender with them. so.. Eichel, Cozens, Dahlin....we almost have our Pittsburgh blueprint.

Not that it's the only way...
- Bufsaints8

I literally just showed how PIT used a 4th line very similar to how we were using them

Cullen played 14min a night with 83% Def zone starts (in playoffs for 2nd Cup win)
Larsson played:
Last year- 15min a night, 61% Def zone starts
Year before- 14min a night, 84% Def zone starts

The Larrys aren’t preventing us from anything
We NEED our “Malkin” & “Kessel” (hopefully that’s Hall & Staal/Cozens)

And a goalie upgrade.... still tbd

New player cards from Evolving Hockey.

Hall at his best is very similar to Eichel at his best.

Then there's the advanced stats god on skates.

I literally just showed how PIT used a 4th line very similar to how we were using them

Cullen played 14min a night with 83% Def zone starts (in playoffs for 2nd Cup win)
Larsson played:
Last year- 15min a night, 61% Def zone starts
Year before- 14min a night, 84% Def zone starts

The Larrys aren’t preventing us from anything
We NEED our “Malkin” & “Kessel” (hopefully that’s Hall & Staal/Cozens)

And a goalie upgrade.... still tbd
- jdfitz77

He was 40 yrs old. Good at his job, yes, but there are a lot of players out there that can do that. Bonino did one year. those types of players can get added in any offseason. First and foremost is what can't come any offseason....Crosby, Malkin and Kessel but I would argue Letang is more important than Kessel though I'm not a huge Letang fan. I think we have those players coming. Next offseason will be a big one for this franchise. Pretty sure we're on the same page.

New player cards from Evolving Hockey.

Hall at his best is very similar to Eichel at his best.

Then there's the advanced stats god on skates.






- kingcong39

Did you see Tarasenko isn't thrilled with not being named captain?

Also:

And the official weigh-in for Rasmus Dahlin is ...

207 pounds.

The 6-foot-3 defenseman was 193 last year.

"When I reflected on the last season, I wanted to put on some weight in the gym, get some more muscles," Dahlin said. "That was my main focus."

Sabres now have a decent roster. Certainly not Contender, and likely not PO team, but much better than last season. They will be more fun to watch at least, especially the new comers and new kids. Still some holes.

I'm now more concerned/interested with tthe Coaching Staff, more specifically their ability adapt and being open to try different combinations. Hopefully Krueger and team took a good look 8n the mirror and learned a few things. I like Ralph, and do hope he can take a step up in that regard.

Sabres now have a decent roster. Certainly not Contender, and likely not PO team, but much better than last season. They will be more fun to watch at least, especially the new comers and new kids. Still some holes.

I'm now more concerned/interested with tthe Coaching Staff, more specifically their ability adapt and being open to try different combinations. Hopefully Krueger and team took a good look 8n the mirror and learned a few things. I like Ralph, and do hope he can take a step up in that regard.
- IonSabres

IMO - the #1 issue for them is goal-tending. Fix that, and I feel they are a legit Top 4 team in their conference.

How about trading middle-shat, slowpokso and retaining 2 large for MAF?

Thoughts? Would you of you were Vegas?

He was 40 yrs old. Good at his job, yes, but there are a lot of players out there that can do that. Bonino did one year. those types of players can get added in any offseason. First and foremost is what can't come any offseason....Crosby, Malkin and Kessel but I would argue Letang is more important than Kessel though I'm not a huge Letang fan. I think we have those players coming. Next offseason will be a big one for this franchise. Pretty sure we're on the same page.
- Bufsaints8

Problem is that i think we need to make the playoffs THIS season
Otherwise Hall will likely walk,
& Jack might ask out

Yeah, Cullen was old- but that’s not the point
The Point is that we want Eichel, Hall, Skinner, etc focused on the offense we will need-
and NOT defensively

There may be “a lot of guys out there” that can do the defensive center role well... but do we have one of them???
Many here think Asplund or Lazar can....
But we really don’t know if they can do it WELL or not- and with no goalie upgrade, i think that’ll be very important

I’m nervous about this season bc i think we really have to make a big step forward here
This division we’re in doesn’t help either

IMO - the #1 issue for them is goal-tending. Fix that, and I feel they are a legit Top 4 team in their conference.
- SabreWest

Sabres definitely have a shot at making the playoffs with the top 6 forward group we have.

It’s the things we beat to death on here on a daily basis.

Is our bottom 6 going to ruin what we’ve built in the top 6 ?

How will the defence fair this year ?

And can Ullmark/Hutton perform better then they did last season.

How about trading middle-shat, slowpokso and retaining 2 large for MAF?

Thoughts? Would you of you were Vegas?
- hehateme

Absolutely not
Fleury has a big Cap hit
and he’s been declining for a few years now
And he’s 36, so unlikely to bounce back

I think Fleury is done
So does Vegas (I’m assuming) bc they trade for & then found a way to sign/keep Lehner

EDIT:
I didn’t see you included us getting rid of Okposo
That makes it worth thinking about
But Fleury’s $6mil cap hit, PLUS keeping $2mil is a lot
I’d only consider it if we couldn’t make another goalie deal-
bc it’s risky & expensive

Did you see Tarasenko isn't thrilled with not being named captain?

Also:

And the official weigh-in for Rasmus Dahlin is ...

207 pounds.

The 6-foot-3 defenseman was 193 last year.

"When I reflected on the last season, I wanted to put on some weight in the gym, get some more muscles," Dahlin said. "That was my main focus."
- Stripes77

Do Larsson and Staal lol

Problem is that i think we need to make the playoffs THIS season
Otherwise Hall will likely walk,
& Jack might ask out

Yeah, Cullen was old- but that’s not the point
The Point is that we want Eichel, Hall, Skinner, etc focused on the offense we will need-
and NOT defensively

There may be “a lot of guys out there” that can do the defensive center role well... but do we have one of them???
Many here thing Asplund or Lazar can....
But we really don’t know if they can do it WELL or not- and with no goalie upgrade, i think that’ll be very important

I’m nervous about this season bc i think we really have to make a big step forward here
This division we’re in doesn’t help either
- jdfitz77

That says it all. I think we all are. I would argue that we're all more anxious than nervous to see what this team is. I'm right there with yah. Can't wait for the puck to drop and see how this all unfolds!

I literally just showed how PIT used a 4th line very similar to how we were using them

Cullen played 14min a night with 83% Def zone starts (in playoffs for 2nd Cup win)
Larsson played:
Last year- 15min a night, 61% Def zone starts
Year before- 14min a night, 84% Def zone starts

The Larrys aren’t preventing us from anything
We NEED our “Malkin” & “Kessel” (hopefully that’s Hall & Staal/Cozens)

And a goalie upgrade.... still tbd
- jdfitz77

Penguins have always been very good defensively.

They won 2 cups with Matt Murray, I think that says everything you need to know

Guys like Cole, Dumolin, Hainsey on the back end.

Letang is probably the most under appreciated d-man of his time. His defensive game is never talked about but was just as good as what he brought offensively.

Over the past 10 years they have had guys like Cullen, Kunitz, Guerin (on the back 9), Dupuis, Hornqvist, Aston-Reese all play their roles.

Crosby and Malkin are also good in their own end too.

Sabres now have a decent roster. Certainly not Contender, and likely not PO team, but much better than last season. They will be more fun to watch at least, especially the new comers and new kids. Still some holes.

I'm now more concerned/interested with tthe Coaching Staff, more specifically their ability adapt and being open to try different combinations. Hopefully Krueger and team took a good look 8n the mirror and learned a few things. I like Ralph, and do hope he can take a step up in that regard.
- IonSabres

Vegas has the Sabres 7th just beating out NJ

We are adding an nhl 1b/2a line with hall - stahl -cousins
Even if they stay with olo jack sam @#1

Skinner is going to be stahl -skinner 2018 guy hopefully
Olofsson is healthy and 1 yards older, no longer a rookie
Tage is finally good size/age prospect.
Mitts is a 21 year old former 8 oa
Log line 2/3 intact.

Dahlin and joker older and stronger, more experienced
Risto played better under ralph
World juniors guys playing great
Coaching staff with a year of experience

Goaltending older- Ullmark
Hutton - healthy and can see


On paper we should be in the hunt for the playoffs
Bill's are winning!@@

Happy 2021

Penguins have always been very good defensively.

They won 2 cups with Matt Murray, I think that says everything you need to know

Guys like Cole, Dumolin, Hainsey on the back end.

Letang is probably the most under appreciated d-man of his time. His defensive game is never talked about but was just as good as what he brought offensively.

Over the past 10 years they have had guys like Cullen, Kunitz, Guerin (on the back 9), Dupuis, Hornqvist, Aston-Reese all play their roles.

Crosby and Malkin are also good in their own end too.
- Pegullaville

The Penguins blogger disagrees with the bolded.

That says it all. I think we all are. I would argue that we're all more anxious than nervous to see what this team is. I'm right there with yah. Can't wait for the puck to drop and see how this all unfolds!
- Bufsaints8

Anxious is a good word too

Nervous in that if we don’t make a stride forward,
we could lose Hall & Jack
If that happens,
then it’s time to completely start over again

Penguins have always been very good defensively.

They won 2 cups with Matt Murray, I think that says everything you need to know

Guys like Cole, Dumolin, Hainsey on the back end.

Letang is probably the most under appreciated d-man of his time. His defensive game is never talked about but was just as good as what he brought offensively.

Over the past 10 years they have had guys like Cullen, Kunitz, Guerin (on the back 9), Dupuis, Hornqvist, Aston-Reese all play their roles.

Crosby and Malkin are also good in their own end too.
- Pegullaville

I agree with just about all of that
But my point was about how we are building our team in comparison
We’ve got a ways to go still imo

Gaustad contributed offensively and was way more of a physical force than any Larry.

Jiri Novotny, irrelevant.

Mair and Pailla are the types of guys I’m talking about. Peters was fine but more of a “staging a hockey fight” role player.

Who were our skill players???
- Bufsaints8

I kinda feel like the Darcy era is similar to Richard jauron.
Play everything safe. Keep it close.

Darcy made "safe picks"
Paillie won a cup with the bruins I believe?
Just a role type guy that we could have used here.
Larry like 🤔