I assume Luke is scratched?
- SuperSchennBros

That's what Sam Carchidi said on the Twitter.

Yes, they are. Why is that? In your opinion.
- GOA88

The reasons I would give are, not in any order

Lack of intensity and emotion on a regular basis
Lack of execution, poor passing, blown coverages, failed clears.
Roster issues ie: Lack of a top defenseman, forwards aren't a perfect fit.

Flip 40 and 78 on that fourth line. Pepe is playing center.
- Jsaquella

Umberger playing in favor of Vinny of the 3rd..... Jesus!! ya know maybe Couts with Vinny could help.

Datsyuk is still questionable for tonight's game.

The reasons I would give are, not in any order

Lack of intensity and emotion on a regular basis
Lack of execution, poor passing, blown coverages, failed clears.
Roster issues ie: Lack of a top defenseman, forwards aren't a perfect fit.
- MJL

I see that too.

In bold has to be lack of skill. Only plausable excuse.

Are injuries factored into this? Also Richards is a 4th line center and Nielsen or Cogliano are not players I would want to strive to be like if I was Couts. Just saying....
- GOA88

he can strive to be Nielsen during the shoot out, that would be fine

I see that too.

In bold has to be lack of skill. Only plausable excuse.
- GOA88

Yeah.

It is amazing how many passes are fumbled getting out of the zone. There is only a handful of guys that can make simple plays. Even read seems to be handling the puck like a hand grenade.

On a positive note.

It has been nice to see Del Zotto really come along. He could be a nice piece to keep around next year. Dare I say he could be kept around and maybe MacDonald could be moved then? I have ben impressed with Del Zotto in his own zone.

So ist a lack of skill. Either one is upsetting and frustrating to watch.
- GOA88

I think that is part of it...

We really only have a few guys that are good with the puck. Three of them are on the first line, and then it tappers off. We also are not a very fast team.

Here is an example.

The puck goes behind the net, Luke Schenn gets its and begins to travel towards the far boards...

Now, this is situation normally occurs...

1- Schenn slows down.
2-Schenn turns back and makes a D-to-D pass BEHIND the net.
3- Schenn's partner sends it back to Schenn.
4- Schenn sends it straight up to the left wing who receives the pass from behind him.
5- Since the pass was coming from behind him, the player has to stop moving, collects puck, DUMPS it in.
6- Flyers are now forced to win a puck battle for a puck they had originally possessed.

Umberger playing in favor of Vinny of the 3rd..... Jesus!! ya know maybe Couts with Vinny could help.
- GOA88

Some of us suggested this be done at the start of the season.
- ob18

holds up hand

The reasons I would give are, not in any order

Lack of intensity and emotion on a regular basis
Lack of execution, poor passing, blown coverages, failed clears.
Roster issues ie: Lack of a top defenseman, forwards aren't a perfect fit.
- MJL

The bold are the real issues.

- Tomahawk

Bernie Lomack?!

Wait, Alex Trebek?

I see that too.

In bold has to be lack of skill. Only plausable excuse.
- GOA88

In some ways, yes. But they've also had games where they've executed well.

Flip 40 and 78 on that fourth line. Pepe is playing center.

Have not seen the D pairs posted yet.
- Jsaquella

And I think Umbeger will be LW and Read will be RW.

The bold are the real issues.
- jak521

They are real issues, yes. But the first issue that isn't bolded is the biggest issue with this current team as is.

They are real issues, yes. But the first issue that isn't bolded is the biggest issue with this current team as is.
- MJL

Of course that would be an opinion.

My opinion just differs...

- Tomahawk

Of course that would be an opinion.

My opinion just differs...
- jak521

I'm aware of that. We disagree on that. But the player know it, and the coach knows it. Up to the players to fix it. And it doesn't take talent to do so.

D pairs per Isaac:

32-8
15-55
47-5

I'm aware of that. We disagree on that. But the player know it, and the coach knows it. Up to the players to fix it. And it doesn't take talent to do so.
- MJL

Have you watched any Sabres games this year?

And I think Umbeger will be LW and Read will be RW.
- Feanor

According to what he typed, he had Read on LW

Have you watched any Sabres games this year?
- jak521

No

MacDonald-Coburn...

According to what he typed, he had Read on LW
- Jsaquella

He also has Streit at LD and Grossmann at RD.

D pairs per Isaac:

32-8
15-55
47-5
- Jsaquella

No complaints.

They are real issues, yes. But the first issue that isn't bolded is the biggest issue with this current team as is.
- MJL

Is emotion and intensity the biggest problem.

Yes I think they could do better but I think the lack of skill is biggest. Does Pavel Daytsuk show a huge amount or emotion or does he rely on his skill to pull him through. He has a solid focus to execute and then allows his skill set to do that.

I think Emotion and intensity help when you don't have your skill working on some nights and that may be able to pull you through. I would prefer a lineup with more skill and speed.