Michael Pachla: Kaleta's back. Deslauriers is (kinda) sorry, and the Sabres' "Twin Towers" news, notes, Minnesota

I wouldnt normally be on board with an 18 year old staying. But im fine with zadorov doing it. Waive ony one of the "three chumpketeers" to make room for him.

Give me a stick and I will hit you in the groin and see if you dont fall down.

Tarasenko went down like he was shot is not a great way to phrase that. He got hit with a stick in the man region. It probably didnt feel good.

I wouldnt normally be on board with an 18 year old staying. But im fine with zadorov doing it. Waive ony one of the "three chumpketeers" to make room for him.
- seedy

*shrugs*

who knows what will happen with him...but, the not too distant future looks pretty bright

I wouldnt normally be on board with an 18 year old staying. But im fine with zadorov doing it. Waive ony one of the "three chumpketeers" to make room for him.
- seedy

I'm glad to see Zadorov seems to be figuring things out. I wasn't sure if would be able to handle things without another year in juniors and some time in Rochester.

He looks no worse than any of the other defensemen on the Sabres. I guess that isn't necessarily a compliment but it was meant to be.

I'm glad to see Zadorov seems to be figuring things out. I wasn't sure if would be able to handle things without another year in juniors and some time in Rochester.

He looks no worse than any of the other defensemen on the Sabres. I guess that isn't necessarily a compliment but it was meant to be.
- The Don

Yup. Mezaros is here more to fill cap space and he's playing like it. I would have to imagine if the management surrounds Zadorov with the right people off ice, the "maturity issues" will solve them selves. Guys like Girgensons and Risto are only a year or two older, but work on their game off the ice just as much as they do on it.

What is going on with Cody Hodgson? 4th Line now?

Yup. Mezaros is here more to fill cap space and he's playing like it. I would have to imagine if the management surrounds Zadorov with the right people off ice, the "maturity issues" will solve them selves. Guys like Girgensons and Risto are only a year or two older, but work on their game off the ice just as much as they do on it.
- seedy

I fully expect the maturity issues to be a thing of the past. Especially if he sticks around all year. Everything I've heard about since the start of the season seems to indicate he gets it now.

Hopefully it was just a bump in the road that many professional athletes seem to face. Many of them have been THE guy since a young age. Finally they are at a level were they can't just coast by on their amazing skill level since every one else is just, or nearly, as skilled.

Zadarov seems to have listened and taken it to heart. Let's hope it is a lesson learned that sticks with him.

Zadorov's getting close to his 9 games...tonight will be #7, and they're still over five weeks away from the World Juniors. I guess the Sabres are gonna keep him.

Anyone thinking that Dallas moving Gonchar to MTL is a way to clear capspace for someone like...Tyler Myers? Nichuschkin? Or maybe a couple prospects like Brett Ritchie and Devin Shore.....Jim Nils has shown he's not afraid to pull the trigger on a big deal and Myers may be just what the Stars need to push them to the top.

Michael Pachla: Kaleta's back. Deslauriers is (kinda) sorry, and the Sabres' "Twin Towers"
news, notes, Minnesota
- Michael Pachla

Steady drumbeat of really quality stuff, Mike. Still lovin' it.

Thanks for the work the rest of us enjoy so much.

Give me a stick and I will hit you in the groin and see if you dont fall down.

Tarasenko went down like he was shot is not a great way to phrase that. He got hit with a stick in the man region. It probably didnt feel good.
- sycsam

He got hit in the thigh, barely.

Yup. Mezaros is here more to fill cap space and he's playing like it. I would have to imagine if the management surrounds Zadorov with the right people off ice, the "maturity issues" will solve them selves. Guys like Girgensons and Risto are only a year or two older, but work on their game off the ice just as much as they do on it.
- seedy

There is no question that Mez made some mistakes in his last two games and that he like others has yet to show up offensively.

I have always believed when you are dealing with young men, confidence is crucial.
When a vet is brought to a new team and embarrassed by being benched after three games, you have to wonder if the coach has something else in mind.
He promised to hold everyone accountable and has only held Mez, Benoit and Weber to account.

The problem is for the team is goals for - where is the accountability for the forwards?

Michael - you say Mez is "disinterested"- not sure what you mean.
I think he is being put in a position that every mistake leads to a hanging.

Also, Nolan called him a coward on his very last play before benching.
That is total crap.

This kid has played 600 games in the NHL, is a plus player and normally scores at a pace of .4 points per game. He is not finished yet at 29.
Just needs some traction

What is going on with Cody Hodgson? 4th Line now?
- VanHockeyGuy

Yeah, it's hard to believe Hodgson has only 2pts in 17 games, but the Sabres have only 21 goals total so far. He's been ping-ponging throughout our ever changing line combinations. Our power play is flat-lining.

Yeah, it's hard to believe Hodgson has only 2pts in 17 games, but the Sabres have only 21 goals total so far. He's been ping-ponging throughout our ever changing line combinations. Our power play is flat-lining.
- notalent

It's not really.

The whole team is snake bitten.

What is going on with Cody Hodgson? 4th Line now?
- VanHockeyGuy

Future #1 C man

Steady drumbeat of really quality stuff, Mike. Still lovin' it.

Thanks for the work the rest of us enjoy so much.
- Der Kaiser

thx for reading (reeding,) schultzie

There is no question that Mez made some mistakes in his last two games and that he like others has yet to show up offensively.

I have always believed when you are dealing with young men, confidence is crucial.
When a vet is brought to a new team and embarrassed by being benched after three games, you have to wonder if the coach has something else in mind.
He promised to hold everyone accountable and has only held Mez, Benoit and Weber to account.

The problem is for the team is goals for - where is the accountability for the forwards?

Michael - you say Mez is "disinterested"- not sure what you mean.
I think he is being put in a position that every mistake leads to a hanging.

Also, Nolan called him a coward on his very last play before benching.
That is total crap.

This kid has played 600 games in the NHL, is a plus player and normally scores at a pace of .4 points per game. He is not finished yet at 29.
Just needs some traction
- strongsupporter

in a way, saying meszaros is "disinterested" was being kind...he plays like he doesn't want to be here, similar to ehrhoff last season...

that's just what I see

I'm glad to see Zadorov seems to be figuring things out. I wasn't sure if would be able to handle things without another year in juniors and some time in Rochester.

He looks no worse than any of the other defensemen on the Sabres. I guess that isn't necessarily a compliment but it was meant to be.
- The Don

To be honest, in a year like this, I feel that just about any of this team's upper echelon prospects would eventually "figure things out". Ironically, it's the one who essentially held a gun to the Sabres' head ("if you send me back to Juniors, I'm going to the KHL") is the one that gets the best opportunity.

in a way, saying meszaros is "disinterested" was being kind...he plays like he doesn't want to be here, similar to ehrhoff last season...

that's just what I see
- Michael Pachla

Is it a case that both have bad attitudes, or do offensive defensemen simply not like playing in this kind of "system", if you can even call it that?

Is it a case that both have bad attitudes, or do offensive defensemen simply not like playing in this kind of "system", if you can even call it that?
- buffalofan19

if ehrhoff's production of zero goals and four assists on the highest scoring team in the league is any indication, i'd say it's the former

Is it a case that both have bad attitudes, or do offensive defensemen simply not like playing in this kind of "system", if you can even call it that?
- buffalofan19

I think he (and everyone else) is playing badly but I don't think the cause is disinterest (kind or not).
There obviously is no system as some very talented players (Moulson, Giona etc) can't get untracked.

Also, the team doesn't use the points effectively to open up the ice and have shots leading to rebounds for scoring opportunities.

Nolan and his coaches seem to be getting a free ride.

in a way, saying meszaros is "disinterested" was being kind...he plays like he doesn't want to be here, similar to ehrhoff last season...

that's just what I see
- Michael Pachla

He's cap-filler. Nothing more, nothing less. The sad thing is, if he really impressed, he would most likely get an extension or at the very least, get traded to a playoff team at the deadline.

He's cap-filler. Nothing more, nothing less. The sad thing is, if he really impressed, he would most likely get an extension or at the very least, get traded to a playoff team at the deadline.
- seedy

The other writer Garth (who has an answer for everything) blamed Mez for Rostaleinen's defensive struggles (minus13).
Some research shows they were on the ice together for one GA this season.
Be great if the writing critics did some research.

I enjoyed watching him on Tuesday. I had never heard of him prior, but my brother and I immediately noticed his size. He probably needs to work on his agility and skating a little, but that will come with maturity and a more complete off-ice workout.

I would think you'd want him to only play 9 games and return to his junior team and play for a potential competitor in the WJC. Creating a winning mentality and strong confidence is a big part of development in my opinion.

And a spear is a spear, just go hit a guy cleanly to get the energy going. Don't be mad that the other guys is better than you.

To be honest, in a year like this, I feel that just about any of this team's upper echelon prospects would eventually "figure things out". Ironically, it's the one who essentially held a gun to the Sabres' head ("if you send me back to Juniors, I'm going to the KHL") is the one that gets the best opportunity.
- buffalofan19

I hate that he did that. I just hope he learned from his benching during the Traverse City Tournament and the fact that they didn't allow him any game time for a few weeks into the season.

He really could have benefitted from more Jr time and at least a small stint in the AHL. However, I would hate to have lost him to the KHL even more so I guess I'll just suck it up. It certainly left a bad taste in my mouth though.

That said, he seems to be holding his own. In the 3 games he has had 15+ mins of ice time, he's a -1. And over all 3 of those games, the Sabres have been outscored 15-4.