Just getting my Ben Bishop prediction on the record, so it's not Monday morning quarterbacking.

3 years from now he will be 40th in the NHL in save %, with a 5+ million dollar cap hit. Then, and only then will he be the answer.

Sincerely,


- PLindbergh31

Just put it in your location and you'll never be doubted again

To be fair you could pay less $ and get the same results from another goalie.

Thats not ripping Bryz apart but its the truth. He needs to be better. I know you have said that yourself many of times.
- stveshdy

I don't disagree. But, if he somehow found his game behind a better defensive team/system and put up Vezina type numbers, it would be worth it. I'm not for or against a buyout. I just know either way some people will female dog about it for 20 years regardless.

Just put it in your location and you'll never be doubted again
- Just5

Too big for the profile. Would screw up the page formatting.

So, uhh...who's getting sauteed tonight? Still Bryz?

Do you believe there is any contract elements that might force the organization to buy him out this upcoming summer. Ie. Actual realized salary jump to 8 million which would be the highest for the rest of the contract... vs say 23 million over 14 years or about actual realized salary of 1.65 million. Thx
- ParentMcleish

It's definitely a savings of that $8mm. They'd have two years extra of making payments, but it's not a $8mm cost in one year.

I don't know what they will do. I do feel if Holmgren pushes for a buyout, Snider will OK it, but I think that he'd like to keep Btyz.

I don't disagree. But, if he somehow found his game behind a better defensive team/system and put up Vezina type numbers, it would be worth it. I'm not for or against a buyout. I just know either way some people will female dog about it for 20 years regardless.
- Jsaquella

My issue is your not going to play perfect team defense every single night during the course of an NHL season. Bryz is suppose to be an X factor for those occassions. Will he have slip ups? Most definately. However, when your paying that kind of $ for a goalie to be a Top 10 goalie you expect better production whether your defense is great or bad. His skills should be able to bail you out more often than not thats why hes getting the big money imo.

By the way I was an advocate for getting Bryz but imo he hasnt lived up to expectations so far.

So, uhh...who's getting sauteed tonight? Still Bryz?
- tangent_man

Of course. Although now that the Blackhawks have clinched, I expect that we'll hear female doging about Sharp soon.

So, uhh...who's getting sauteed tonight? Still Bryz?
- tangent_man

The winners are

Tankers on the other hand are about to see nj/buff go to OT

Buffalo giving the Devils PP after PP so they can get the 2 points.

- FlyerGuy

Another 3 point game it looks like.

10 games left, flyers have to win 7 if not 8 of them.

Devils and Sabres going OT.

If anyone cares.

Another 3 point game it looks like.

10 games left, flyers have to win 7 if not 8 of them.
- Yosimar89

I'm thinking at least 8.

9 would help.

My issue is your not going to play perfect team defense every single night during the course of an NHL season. Bryz is suppose to be an X factor for those occassions. Will he have slip ups? Most definately. However, when your paying that kind of $ for a goalie to be a Top 10 goalie you expect better production whether your defense is great or bad. His skills should be able to bail you out more often than not thats why hes getting the big money imo.
- stveshdy

They didn't play perfect defense against Boston and Bryz played great. It's limiting the chances that exploit his weaknesses that is the key.

I'm not defending him. I've noted several times I'm not against a buyout this summer. He has not played well enough for me to be 100% confident that he will find his game again.

Of course by any non criticism of Bryz, I'm immediately saying he's the greatest goalie ever. Because of course I am.

Of course. Although now that the Blackhawks have clinched, I expect that we'll hear female doging about Sharp soon.
- Jsaquella

'The Hindsight GM'. Would make a great book.

Another 3 point game it looks like.

10 games left, flyers have to win 7 if not 8 of them.
- Yosimar89

If they lose more than two, they are toast

Edit: actually, maybe if they lose more than one in regulation. Lot of teams to hurdle

The winners are

Tankers on the other hand are about to see nj/buff go to OT
- Just5

Not the 3 point game you wanna see. Figures.

'The Hindsight GM'. Would make a great book.
- tangent_man

Brian Lawton would still be a GM if he had traded Paul Ranger for Giroux back when Giroux was an AHLer in 2009...I mean he wasn't, but can you imagine if he was!

They didn't play perfect defense against Boston and Bryz played great. It's limiting the chances that exploit his weaknesses that is the key.

I'm not defending him. I've noted several times I'm not against a buyout this summer. He has not played well enough for me to be 100% confident that he will find his game again.

Of course by any non criticism of Bryz, I'm immediately saying he's the greatest goalie ever. Because of course I am.
- Jsaquella

Not sure why this is even being typed. I haven't accused you of that at all. I stated that you said several times he hasnt been good enough.

I think it can also go the other way. People who think Bryz isnt very good get looked at as negative, whining, complainers.

If they lose more than two, they are toast

Edit: actually, maybe if they lose more than one in regulation. Lot of teams to hurdle
- Jsaquella

the bright side is that these games should have a playoff atmosphere. so we kind of get 10 playoff games.

Not sure why this is even being typed. I haven't accused you of that at all. I stated that you said several times he hasnt been good enough.

I think it can also go the other way. People who think Bryz isnt very good get looked at as negative, whining, complainers.
- stveshdy

I just don't want to ruin my cred as a spin doctor. Got to stay consistent.

It's a two way street. I don't deal in absolutes, because that's what children deal in. People that come out and do the whole Bryz sucks thing and beat the fact he's 40th in save percentage are as irritating as those who throw no blame on him.

I've always tried to be on middle ground. I'm a bit more optimistic than most, because I don't see the point in acting like an idiot because a team loses a game. My Richard still works if they don't make the playoffs, and Ill still support the team if they buy out Bryz or name him a part owner.

That's why I don't sit here and flaunt Bishop's 38 games as a sign he'll be the next great young goalie. He's played very well, for sure. But look at Mason over his first 61 games, or Anders Lindback over his first 38 games. He could be the next Lundqvist...could also be the next Blaine Lacher. I don't know which path he will take.

I don't like absolutes, because there's no such thing as an absolute in hockey.

the bright side is that these games should have a playoff atmosphere. so we kind of get 10 playoff games.

- FlyerGuy

Wonder if Snider will charge accordingly

the bright side is that these games should have a playoff atmosphere. so we kind of get 10 playoff games.

- FlyerGuy

Mason has definitely added an element for the rest of year. Providing they actually play him

Mason has definitely added an element for the rest of year. Providing they actually play him
- Just5

hope he gets a few games.

not convinced he will, though.

Sabres beat the Devils in OT.

Sabres beat the Devils in OT.
- FlyerGuy

Yup. Nice save by Miller for the win.

Sabres beat the Devils in OT.
- FlyerGuy

Miller stopping odd man rushes, point blank shots, making all 3 saves in the shootout.

Full marks to the Buffalo team defense.