No. Probably not unless things went really south and they needed a big shakeup. But he has so many options that have promise, it's a shame his tinkering will be limited to switching one guy.

I was momentarily excited when I saw Koivu with Niederreiter and Coyle on the 2nd unit last night for a short stretch. I thought if they put together some chances Yeo might try them 5-on-5. But on the PP it's unlikely they will have a chance to display that wall play and cycling that I think would make them a more effective 5-on-5 line.
- Chinaski

Niederreiter and Vanek showed some promise, and I was impressed with Brodziak at times. His check behind the net led to the turnover which led to Vanek feeding Nino on that goal. Koivu just looks so slow out there, even next to Vanek.

Niederreiter and Vanek showed some promise, and I was impressed with Brodziak at times. His check behind the net led to the turnover which led to Vanek feeding Nino on that goal. Koivu just looks so slow out there, even next to Vanek.
- SotaPopinski

I forgot to look, but was Vanek on the right side of that line? I thought one of the explanations for Vanek's slow start was that he was on the right side when paired with Koivu and Cooke and naturally he's a left winger. I also thought that was Yeo's reasoning for moving Coyle to the line - it slid Vanek to the left where he was more comfortable.

I don't know which side all of our wingers prefer, but from what I've heard the natural left wingers are Parise, Vanek, Niederrreiter, Cooke, and Zucker. So someone has to play the right side at times and that someone has been Zucker mostly. But Yeo dismissed playing him with Koivu and Vanek earlier because he said he didn't think he was up to handling the right side even though that's where he had him playing on the 4th line. Maybe it was handling the right side with more minutes - I can't follow all of Yeo's bullpoop explanations.

Jesus, maybe I should quit complaining about the line combinations and just watch. I just can't, for the life of me, figure out why you would bring in a guy like Vanek to help out the scoring and pay him $6.5 million and then play him with Brodziak before you would play him with Granlund.

Jesus, maybe I should quit complaining about the line combinations and just watch. I just can't, for the life of me, figure out why you would bring in a guy like Vanek to help out the scoring and pay him $6.5 million and then play him with Brodziak before you would play him with Granlund.
- Chinaski

I was confused as well, but at the same time, I have become so fed up with Koivu that I started hoping Vanek would come out and have a monster game alongside Brodzy. It's like pulling teeth, finding the right linemates for Koivu and it's getting really old.

What are your guys' thoughts on Dumba? He's been making me nervous the past couple of games. Just doesn't look comfortable defending.
- Chinaski

Well it's clear he needs more size and it's also quite prevelant that he doesn't have the speed he needs to be taking chances. He got beat at least twice last night where he couldn't get himself back into the play. He got lucky on the one where Marchand lost the puck and held him.

I haven't been all that impressed with him thus far. I'd send him back down when Folin comes back and tell him to put on 20 pounds.

Thought Fontaine had a tremendous game. That kid is small, but he's got the no-quit factor on every play. I'd like to see him on the 1st PP.

The sabres boards are getting a little stale, so I thought I would check in with you guys.

How have Pominville and Vanek been received by the fans so far? I saw Pominville had a goal the other night - guy was pretty consistent(something Buffalo is really lacking) and Vanek had a tendency to be a little streaky at times. Just thought maybe I could get some thoughts/opinions.

The sabres boards are getting a little stale, so I thought I would check in with you guys.

How have Pominville and Vanek been received by the fans so far? I saw Pominville had a goal the other night - guy was pretty consistent(something Buffalo is really lacking) and Vanek had a tendency to be a little streaky at times. Just thought maybe I could get some thoughts/opinions.
- Jtr1p

I don't think you will find a single Wild fan that regrets the Pommer trade. He has been great for this team. My only complaint with him is, if he's not scoring, I hardly notice him. Also, it was pointed out on last night's broadcast that if he connected with the amount of one timers that come his way and had better accuracy on his shots, he could be a 50 goal scorer. So true

The excitement level is quickly fading with Vanek. His skating is not strong, rarely do I see him win a board battle, and he's not getting any scoring chances. I think in 3 months, when Yeo figures out the right line combinations, Vanek will get it going and be a solid addition to this team.

I don't think you will find a single Wild fan that regrets the Pommer trade. He has been great for this team. My only complaint with him is, if he's not scoring, I hardly notice him. Also, it was pointed out on last night's broadcast that if he connected with the amount of one timers that come his way and had better accuracy on his shots, he could be a 50 goal scorer. So true

The excitement level is quickly fading with Vanek. His skating is not strong, rarely do I see him win a board battle, and he's not getting any scoring chances. I think in 3 months, when Yeo figures out the right line combinations, Vanek will get it going and be a solid addition to this team.
- SotaPopinski

Thanks Sota, sounds pretty familiar actually. Typically those two worked pretty well together - have they seen time together yet? Also, Vanek absolutely needs to park his butt in front of the net to have some success. Some nights he would back check and pick pockets like a champ and other nights...

Ahhh nostalgia...

I don't think you will find a single Wild fan that regrets the Pommer trade. He has been great for this team. My only complaint with him is, if he's not scoring, I hardly notice him. Also, it was pointed out on last night's broadcast that if he connected with the amount of one timers that come his way and had better accuracy on his shots, he could be a 50 goal scorer. So true

The excitement level is quickly fading with Vanek. His skating is not strong, rarely do I see him win a board battle, and he's not getting any scoring chances. I think in 3 months, when Yeo figures out the right line combinations, Vanek will get it going and be a solid addition to this team.
- SotaPopinski

On Pominville I find myself being a bit underwhelmed by his missed opportunities either because he misses the net completely or shatters his twig. Pominville is a productive player and he does a lot different things well. His chemistry and fit with Mikael Granlund and Zach Parise is pretty remarkable. That line is fun to watch and seems to always be a step or two ahead of their opponents most every game in passing the puck and creating offense.

On Vanek he can be very stationary most of the time BUT I would argue that he has created plenty of scoring chances for his linemates already. Vanek and Mikko Koivu have both nearly complete passed on most every shot choosing to make the extra pass which has been extremely frustrating. I argue though that is still so early and these guys/lines are still feeling each other out.

Vanek has lost a step ATLEAST on his skating but his Hockey IQ and hands are still top notch. Once Yeo gets the right combination with him I have little doubt his production will justify his reputation and expectations.

That Pomminville trade seemed like the return warranted Vanek not Pommer when it was made but now in hindsight although Sabres got some good young players, Chuck Fletcher got it right IMO. Johan Larsson is still in the AHL and projects to be a bottom 6 forward maybe not even a center while we had Erik Haula to replace him in the system. Matt Hackett looked near ready and has the NHL family pedigree but he has failed to launch and was beaten out by Darcy Kuemper in Houston before the trade. The Picks in that deal got the Sabres a couple good players but Pominville was a strong selling point to sign Vanek so its a wash at minimum.

Typically those two worked pretty well together - have they seen time together yet?
- Jtr1p

Nope. Except on the power play when Pominville is at the point. I can't give you a good explanation as to why they haven't played together other than to say in Mike Yeo's world your day doesn't seem complete unless you overcomplicate things by first ignoring the obvious.

Nope. Except on the power play when Pominville is at the point. I can't give you a good explanation as to why they haven't played together other than to say in Mike Yeo's world your day doesn't seem complete unless you overcomplicate things by first ignoring the obvious.
- Chinaski

I get that Yeo doesn't want to tinker with the chemistry of the first line, but as it was already pointed out... they're paying a guy over $6 million a year to score goals in which so far he has zip(which has to be a career low for him at this point of a season I would imagine without doing the research) and has yet to figure out a way to get him with the ONE player he's very familiar with and had great success with in Pommer.

That to me is puzzling. IMO, the chemistry of the first line lies with the number one centerman, Granlund and secondly Parise. IMO Pommer is the pluggable guy in that scenario. I wouldn't mind seeing Zucker or even Fontaine move up to take Pommers spot and have Mikko, Pommer and Vanek together. Or even Haula with them when he returns.

Then again, maybe rekindle Mikko and Zach with maybe Fontaine or Zucker. Make the first line Vanek, Granny and Pommer?! Just a thought.

I would hate to see Yeo kill another great goal scorers career (like Heatley) by forcing him to play with players non-conducive to his style of play.

BTW, this team will go no where in the playoffs this season playing the soft style of play they've played so far.

I love this roster, but lack of size and toughness is starting to become a glaring issue. Reminiscent of Buffalo just a few years ago. Fast and could score, but got beat up a lot.

Lucic was having his way checking the poop out of the Wild defensmen and a couple of wingers all game long last night with really no answer from anyone.

BTW, this team will go no where in the playoffs this season playing the soft style of play they've played so far.

I love this roster, but lack of size and toughness is starting to become a glaring issue. Reminiscent of Buffalo just a few years ago. Fast and could score, but got beat up a lot.

Lucic was having his way checking the poop out of the Wild defensmen and a couple of wingers last night with really no answer from anyone.
- MnGump

Ugh, don't remind me. Got tough to watch sometimes, especially when he started taking liberties with goalies too. And no, bringing in big John Scott is not the answer.

Thanks to all who responded, good stuff.

I get that Yeo doesn't want to tinker with the chemistry of the first line, but as it was already pointed out... they're paying a guy over $6 million a year to score goals in which so far he has zip(which has to be a career low for him at this point of a season I would imagine without doing the research) and has yet to figure out a way to get him with the ONE player he's very familiar with and had great success with in Pommer.

That to me is puzzling. IMO, the chemistry of the first line lies with the number one centerman, Granlund and secondly Parise. IMO Pommer is the pluggable guy in that scenario. I wouldn't mind seeing Zucker or even Fontaine move up to take Pommers spot and have Mikko, Pommer and Vanek together. Or even Haula with them when he returns.

Then again, maybe rekindle Mikko and Zach with maybe Fontaine or Zucker. Make the first line Vanek, Granny and Pommer?! Just a thought.

I would hate to see Yeo kill another great goal scorers career (like Heatley) by forcing him to play with players non-conducive to his style of play.
- MnGump

This is the thing that is pissing me off to no end. You just walked through several plausible and what look like pretty good line combinations. With the depth they have, it's hard not to come up with several combinations that, on paper, would seem to be worthwhile to try out.

Yet Yeo isn't going anywhere near this.

I don't want to come off like Yeo's stupid and I know everything about hockey. There's a ton I don't know and I would have no problem accepting some reasonable hockey explanation as to why some of these combinations can't be tried. It would seem to me that if there was some kind of detailed, system-related reason why, he could just lay it out for us. But we never get it. We get - "Charlie's fast and has chemistry with Mikko", "I don't want to break up the first line".

Check out this quote from him last night before the game (from Russo's blog):
Vanek has one shot the past three games and no goals this season. Other than a seven-shot game in Anaheim, Vanek has two or fewer in the other six.

Asked if that's a concern, Yeo said, "Yeah. I don’t want to say concern, but we have to make sure that we’re looking at everything we can. He was brought here to add offense and we’ve definitely seen his playmaking ability and some of the plays he has set up, but we definitely want to find a way on our end to try to get him on the scoresheet in the goal column as well."

And he comes up with BRODZIAK!!! Christ, I guess he really meant EVERYTHING.

Look at Nino's goal and Parise's goal. Both of those goals are bang-bang type plays. Vanek makes one of them and Granlund the other. It would seem to me that this might close the circuit and turn the light on in Yeo's head that the most obvious way to get Vanek going is to play him with more like-minded offensive players. Namely Granlund and Pominville.

(frank), I need to go do my deep breathing exercises.

BTW, this team will go no where in the playoffs this season playing the soft style of play they've played so far.

I love this roster, but lack of size and toughness is starting to become a glaring issue.
- MnGump

I'm actually a little concerned with this as well. It will be interesting to see how Brodin plays when he comes back. He seemed to play more tentative last year after the broken cheekbone.

The only thing that might prevent their size from being a big issue is that more and more teams are trying to play the same way - speed/skill/possession.

The only thing that might prevent their size from being a big issue is that more and more teams are trying to play the same way - speed/skill/possession.
- Chinaski

And to make teams pay by scoring power play goals, when some of these hits are called penalties

And to make teams pay by scoring power play goals, when some of these hits are called penalties
- SotaPopinski

Wouldn't that be nice.

BTW, this team will go no where in the playoffs this season playing the soft style of play they've played so far.

I love this roster, but lack of size and toughness is starting to become a glaring issue. Reminiscent of Buffalo just a few years ago. Fast and could score, but got beat up a lot.

Lucic was having his way checking the poop out of the Wild defensmen and a couple of wingers all game long last night with really no answer from anyone.
- MnGump

I really think the Wild will figure it out. They are guaranteed a playoff spot and it will just come down to gelling at the right time. They haven't even played 10 games yet - if Yeo really learns from all the small mistakes at this point, the Wild will be difficult to contend with come playoff time. I mean the Wild are still winning games without playing perfect hockey. What a luxury.

In past years where they have been competitive it's come down to when they peak - that year they were 1st in the league half way through only to miss the playoffs is one bad extreme. Last year was a really good example of peaking at the right time. I'd love to see a rematch of MN and CHI this year but I would never think about predicting the outcome.

I really think the Wild will figure it out. They are guaranteed a playoff spot and it will just come down to gelling at the right time. They haven't even played 10 games yet - if Yeo really learns from all the small mistakes at this point, the Wild will be difficult to contend with come playoff time. I mean the Wild are still winning games without playing perfect hockey. What a luxury.

In past years where they have been competitive it's come down to when they peak - that year they were 1st in the league half way through only to miss the playoffs is one bad extreme. Last year was a really good example of peaking at the right time. I'd love to see a rematch of MN and CHI this year but I would never think about predicting the outcome.
- manchester33

I try to keep reminding myself this every time I feel like throwing my laptop thru the window.
poop, we're starting to sound like Blackhawk fans lately.... winning games, but needing to harp on something that's not perfect.
If this team can continue this level of play AND come up with a middle of the road or better power play, then this would be much more enjoyable to watch.

Moore gets 5 games for his hit on Haula. A few more would have been nice but whatever

I try to keep reminding myself this every time I feel like throwing my laptop thru the window.
poop, we're starting to sound like Blackhawk fans lately.... winning games, but needing to harp on something that's not perfect.
If this team can continue this level of play AND come up with a middle of the road or better power play, then this would be much more enjoyable to watch.
- SotaPopinski

I was thinking the same thing. And then I said "(frank) them" - this is the season, in my mind, that they are supposed to step up and be a real contender. I've had a lot of patience with this team through a lot of lean years. And I won't be satisfied with just getting by with this team. They have the ability to be great and right now, they're not showing it in my opinion. So, I b!tch.

I try to keep reminding myself this every time I feel like throwing my laptop thru the window.
poop, we're starting to sound like Blackhawk fans lately.... winning games, but needing to harp on something that's not perfect.
If this team can continue this level of play AND come up with a middle of the road or better power play, then this would be much more enjoyable to watch.
- SotaPopinski

Yeah, I think it would be a bit less overbearing had the Wild played even on bad game up until Mondays debacle at MSG. That's the first time they've given up a lead like that and lost in a very long time (to lazy to research stat )

Without that major anamoly, I think I'm okay with all their games so far. But it's still difficult to watch them outplay teams and lose.