Hey everyone. I'm a long time reader and decided that this would be an appropriate time to finally make an account. I don't know if I'll be able to contribute much, but man I must say I'm glad this ride seems to finally be coming to an end for all of us! Quick question that has been driving me insane. Why is Garth allowed to write for this website?

Hey everyone. I'm a long time reader and decided that this would be an appropriate time to finally make an account. I don't know if I'll be able to contribute much, but man I must say I'm glad this ride seems to finally be coming to an end for all of us! Quick question that has been driving me insane. Why is Garth allowed to write for this website?
- 50GinosIn07

Welcome aboard!
Share your thoughts, have fun. There have been quite a few new entrants this year who have contributed much.

Hey everyone. I'm a long time reader and decided that this would be an appropriate time to finally make an account. I don't know if I'll be able to contribute much, but man I must say I'm glad this ride seems to finally be coming to an end for all of us! Quick question that has been driving me insane. Why is Garth allowed to write for this website?
- 50GinosIn07

Welcome!!
As we all started this way, read more, post less!!
Good luck!!!

I feel dirty saying this but this whole season has been dirty. I hope Ottawa makes the playoffs.

Eff the sens

Hey everyone. I'm a long time reader and decided that this would be an appropriate time to finally make an account. I don't know if I'll be able to contribute much, but man I must say I'm glad this ride seems to finally be coming to an end for all of us! Quick question that has been driving me insane. Why is Garth allowed to write for this website?
- 50GinosIn07

Welcome Gino50. I too am new to this board in the past 6 weeks or so. It is a great place to socialize and verbalize about our beloved Sabres (and Bills).

Regarding Garth, good question. He is perhaps the most talked about blogger on the site so he generates lots of comments (mostly negative). As we all know, notoriety (positive or negative) is usually a good thing when it comes to this type of thing.

I feel dirty saying this but this whole season has been dirty. I hope Ottawa makes the playoffs.

Eff the sens
- SabresFaninIndiana

Eff the Sens, and Devils!!!!

Eff the Sens, and Devils!!!!
- Sabresfan88

I'm actually glad the stupid Bruins are prob gonna make the playoffs.
Could u imagine if they missed & then won the lotto?!!!
I'd be so pissed
They are by far the team I hate the most
Ottawa is right up there too though

I'm actually glad the stupid Bruins are prob gonna make the playoffs.
Could u imagine if they missed & then won the lotto?!!!
I'd be so pissed
They are by far the team I hate the most
Ottawa is right up there too though
- jdfitz77

Can you imagine if Pittsburgh missed and won the lotto.

Can you imagine if Pittsburgh missed and won the lotto.
- Carubba-Kaleta

Didn't even think of that...
What about LA?!

Can you imagine if Pittsburgh missed and won the lotto.
- Carubba-Kaleta

If they did Edmonton would get the pick

Didn't even think of that...
What about LA?!
- jdfitz77

Would feel so cruel to be obscure for how many years and miss the prize to a fan base who already has many riches.

If they did Edmonton would get the pick
- metzeric

That's right the Perron trade, that would be horrible as well. They have enough top picks. Them getting mcdavid and hanifin would instantly make them a playoff team.

If we don't win the lotto, I really hope Arizona does.
They really need it.
Edmonton picks 3rd & takes Hanifin
Toronto pick their future #1 center in Strome with the 4th pick

Everybody wins

That's right the Perron trade, that would be horrible as well. They have enough top picks. Them getting mcdavid and hanifin would instantly make them a playoff team.
- Carubba-Kaleta

That would be crazy!
They still need a goalie though.
Most likely they get Hanifin, plus they'll add Nurse to their lineup, so their defense can finally start improving

FLYERS = 4

PENS = 1

Wow that team is a tire fire, they will definitely NEED to beat us, just hope they can!
- MEBSabresFAN

I'll be honest, I'm hoping that we can actually support buffalo to win that game! Not leaving it till that late haha

Didn't even think of that...
What about LA?!
- jdfitz77

Better LA than freaking Boston!!
I hope the Bruins get knocked out in the first round!!!

Better LA than freaking Boston!!
I hope the Bruins get knocked out in the first round!!!
- Sabresfan88

They probably will.
If a decent team wins the lotto I wouldn't mind if it's Columbus. I like that team. They'd have made the playoffs this year if it weren't for all those injuries that crushed them.

I'll be honest, I'm hoping that we can actually support buffalo to win that game! Not leaving it till that late haha
- squeakzor

That would be nice.
I've struggled all year with cheering against them. Just feels wrong, ya know?

I'll be honest, I'm hoping that we can actually support buffalo to win that game! Not leaving it till that late haha
- squeakzor

I agree of course. But I am glad that they will NEED to play hard with their stars, Crosby and now Malkin is back and go after it full on against us!

Columbus has been RED - HOT and are a REALLY good team, not just playing over their heads, without all those injuries they would have been in t playoffs. And its in Columbus where they play HARD EVERY SHIFT!

Carolina is playing ok, they just won their last game and the STALLs and GERBS have been putting up points, Skinner is still out there(I would take a flyer on him if we get the chance and not to costly) I of course will be frozen to my seat during the game MONDAY hoping we can all breath a HUGE sigh of relief, but knowing that playing at home and against Carolina is our best chance to win in our 3 remaining games. I know the CANES are a better team and hope they can beat us but we could get outshot or the CANES could drop an egg, they do that.

I agree of course. But I am glad that they will NEED to play hard with their stars, Crosby and now Malkin is back and go after it full on against us!

Columbus has been RED - HOT and are a REALLY good team, not just playing over their heads, without all those injuries they would have been in t playoffs. And its in Columbus where they play HARD EVERY SHIFT!

Carolina is playing ok, they just won their last game and the STALLs and GERBS have been putting up points, Skinner is still out there(I would take a flyer on him if we get the chance and not to costly) I of course will be frozen to my seat during the game MONDAY hoping we can all breath a HUGE sigh of relief, but knowing that playing at home and against Carolina is our best chance to win in our 3 remaining games. I know the CANES are a better team and hope they can beat us but we could get outshot or the CANES could drop an egg, they do that.
- MEBSabresFAN

Those will be 3 tough games for Sabres....and they get tougher as the week goes on.

I don't think Reinhart or McDavid start next season centering a top 6 line.

Also, no Larsson?
- sbroads24

Warning: Long post incoming, HardHat please dont respond.

Kane-McEichel-Ennis
Moulson-Reinhart-Girgensons
Foligno-Larsson-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grigorenko-Hodgson
McCormick

Line 1: Best offensive talent on the team, a true top line threat, will command the best matchups from other teams

Line 2: Veteran goal scoring winger, young experienced hard working 2 way flex winger centered by a defensively responsible playmaking center. Will feast on 2nd pairings and be responsible to take on secondary matchups. Line has all the needs for Reinhart to excel at what hes best at.

Line 3: A two way shutdown line that can handle heavy defensive responsibilities and will drive possession for the team. Will handle secondary scoring too.

Line 4: A line you can roll to feast on favorable matchups -- other teams bottom lines and bottom pairings.

I dont think McEichel or Reinhart should be wingers. They will benefit from driving play up the middle of the ice. Both are defensively responsible players. Yes they are young. Yes they wont be completely built into their bodies. BUT They have more or similar talent than some players who have come into the league at their age and performed in those roles (Toews, Monahan, Coots, etc)

I dont expect us to be a playoff team or a bubble team next year. I do see massive improvement on both offense and on defense though. Like massive improvement. Like +30-40 more goals for and -50-60 goals less. Im expecting a record around .500 (perhaps 35-35-12) -- something like Philly, CBJ or NJD this season. Finishing in 7-10 and having a small shot at a lottery top 3 pick.

The more I analyze this roster and my expectations for where we should finish next year, the more I'm fine with not having to really make any big moves (IE selling off on Larsson/Grigorenko + McCabe/Pysyk + 1st for ROR type of move). I would prefer not to package any of the draft picks this year (the other 1st and our 2nd rounder) to move up in the draft because I think some actual quality players will fall to our spot and put us in position to make value picks. We also need to start drafting more D to fill our pipeline, and I think the other 1st and pick 31 would be good start.

Theres only 4 things I expect to see Murray do for next years team:

1. Find a top 4 D for the left side. We currently have Gorges, Weber and Zadorov on the depth chart with McCabe knocking at the door. Personally, I'd send Zads and McCabe back to Rochester. Could be through UFA (no lost assets) or trade... but my top options would be Sekera, Oduya, and get ready... Ehrhoff!

2. Has to do something about the goalies obviously. I want Murray to chase down a Ben Bishop (when he was traded to TB) type of goalie. A young goalie who has proven himself at the NHL level but is sitting behind another starter.... Talbot, Hammond, Gibson or Anderson... something like that. Im fine with Johnson as a backup since he only has 1 year remaining. Let Ullmark and Makarov battle it out in Rochester next year. I think the price for these guys wont be too high.

3. Make a decision on Hodgson. Either seek out a team who is in need of a young player like him as filler who can still return you good value (Im looking at you ARI and Darcy) or give him a shot in the role I defined above or buy him out.

4. Get rid of Nolan.

Can't say aI disagree with any of it.
I too would not want to rade our young assets, for one player.
Let's get a coach in here that can develop these guys properly...I think we will be better off

[quote=theblueandgold]Warning: Long post incoming, HardHat please dont respond.

Kane-McEichel-Ennis
Moulson-Reinhart-Girgensons
Foligno-Larsson-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grigorenko-Hodgson
McCormick

Line 1: Best offensive talent on the team, a true top line threat, will command the best matchups from other teams




Nice post, I don't by adverse Jinxing tend to speak of things that aren't locked up so I wont speak to the top line center until it is ours, we will have 6 months to enjoy and relish in the Sunshine that is the lines, hopes and dreams of us all. I look forward to that asap.

Concerning putting Gergensen's to wing would be a mistake, he has proven to show strength in both ends of the rink and his offense is coming just fine. I leave him put. Reinhart, some teams, like to put young Centers on the wing in their first year or so to get them adjusted to the game with less responsibilities but that is what the coaches will determine during training camp. I do believe he will be here in September.

Concerning your Defense. Zads will and should be up here all year, no questions, McCabe will continue to develop or force our hands to bring him up and that is fine. You must be kidding with Erhoff, we bought him out, he has concussion issues and Pittsburgh is really screwed right now with what might happen with him.

Warning: Long post incoming, HardHat please dont respond.

Kane-McEichel-Ennis
Moulson-Reinhart-Girgensons
Foligno-Larsson-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grigorenko-Hodgson
McCormick

Line 1: Best offensive talent on the team, a true top line threat, will command the best matchups from other teams

Line 2: Veteran goal scoring winger, young experienced hard working 2 way flex winger centered by a defensively responsible playmaking center. Will feast on 2nd pairings and be responsible to take on secondary matchups. Line has all the needs for Reinhart to excel at what hes best at.

Line 3: A two way shutdown line that can handle heavy defensive responsibilities and will drive possession for the team. Will handle secondary scoring too.

Line 4: A line you can roll to feast on favorable matchups -- other teams bottom lines and bottom pairings.

I dont think McEichel or Reinhart should be wingers. They will benefit from driving play up the middle of the ice. Both are defensively responsible players. Yes they are young. Yes they wont be completely built into their bodies. BUT They have more or similar talent than some players who have come into the league at their age and performed in those roles (Toews, Monahan, Coots, etc)

I dont expect us to be a playoff team or a bubble team next year. I do see massive improvement on both offense and on defense though. Like massive improvement. Like +30-40 more goals for and -50-60 goals less. Im expecting a record around .500 (perhaps 35-35-12) -- something like Philly, CBJ or NJD this season. Finishing in 7-10 and having a small shot at a lottery top 3 pick.

The more I analyze this roster and my expectations for where we should finish next year, the more I'm fine with not having to really make any big moves (IE selling off on Larsson/Grigorenko + McCabe/Pysyk + 1st for ROR type of move). I would prefer not to package any of the draft picks this year (the other 1st and our 2nd rounder) to move up in the draft because I think some actual quality players will fall to our spot and put us in position to make value picks. We also need to start drafting more D to fill our pipeline, and I think the other 1st and pick 31 would be good start.

Theres only 4 things I expect to see Murray do for next years team:

1. Find a top 4 D for the left side. We currently have Gorges, Weber and Zadorov on the depth chart with McCabe knocking at the door. Personally, I'd send Zads and McCabe back to Rochester. Could be through UFA (no lost assets) or trade... but my top options would be Sekera, Oduya, and get ready... Ehrhoff!

2. Has to do something about the goalies obviously. I want Murray to chase down a Ben Bishop (when he was traded to TB) type of goalie. A young goalie who has proven himself at the NHL level but is sitting behind another starter.... Talbot, Hammond, Gibson or Anderson... something like that. Im fine with Johnson as a backup since he only has 1 year remaining. Let Ullmark and Makarov battle it out in Rochester next year. I think the price for these guys wont be too high.

3. Make a decision on Hodgson. Either seek out a team who is in need of a young player like him as filler who can still return you good value (Im looking at you ARI and Darcy) or give him a shot in the role I defined above or buy him out.

4. Get rid of Nolan.
- theblueandgold

I have said from day 1 that Reinhart isn't a winger, and neither is Grigo. But I don't see having your entire center ice being occupied by 4 guys with little to no experience.

Kane/Girgensons/Ennis
Moulson/Grigorenko/McEichel
Foligno/Reinhart/Gionta
Deluauriers/Schaller/Hodgson/Kaleta

Warning: Long post incoming, HardHat please dont respond.

Kane-McEichel-Ennis
Moulson-Reinhart-Girgensons
Foligno-Larsson-Gionta
Deslauriers-Grigorenko-Hodgson
McCormick

Line 1: Best offensive talent on the team, a true top line threat, will command the best matchups from other teams

Line 2: Veteran goal scoring winger, young experienced hard working 2 way flex winger centered by a defensively responsible playmaking center. Will feast on 2nd pairings and be responsible to take on secondary matchups. Line has all the needs for Reinhart to excel at what hes best at.

Line 3: A two way shutdown line that can handle heavy defensive responsibilities and will drive possession for the team. Will handle secondary scoring too.

Line 4: A line you can roll to feast on favorable matchups -- other teams bottom lines and bottom pairings.

I dont think McEichel or Reinhart should be wingers. They will benefit from driving play up the middle of the ice. Both are defensively responsible players. Yes they are young. Yes they wont be completely built into their bodies. BUT They have more or similar talent than some players who have come into the league at their age and performed in those roles (Toews, Monahan, Coots, etc)

I dont expect us to be a playoff team or a bubble team next year. I do see massive improvement on both offense and on defense though. Like massive improvement. Like +30-40 more goals for and -50-60 goals less. Im expecting a record around .500 (perhaps 35-35-12) -- something like Philly, CBJ or NJD this season. Finishing in 7-10 and having a small shot at a lottery top 3 pick.

The more I analyze this roster and my expectations for where we should finish next year, the more I'm fine with not having to really make any big moves (IE selling off on Larsson/Grigorenko + McCabe/Pysyk + 1st for ROR type of move). I would prefer not to package any of the draft picks this year (the other 1st and our 2nd rounder) to move up in the draft because I think some actual quality players will fall to our spot and put us in position to make value picks. We also need to start drafting more D to fill our pipeline, and I think the other 1st and pick 31 would be good start.

Theres only 4 things I expect to see Murray do for next years team:

1. Find a top 4 D for the left side. We currently have Gorges, Weber and Zadorov on the depth chart with McCabe knocking at the door. Personally, I'd send Zads and McCabe back to Rochester. Could be through UFA (no lost assets) or trade... but my top options would be Sekera, Oduya, and get ready... Ehrhoff!

2. Has to do something about the goalies obviously. I want Murray to chase down a Ben Bishop (when he was traded to TB) type of goalie. A young goalie who has proven himself at the NHL level but is sitting behind another starter.... Talbot, Hammond, Gibson or Anderson... something like that. Im fine with Johnson as a backup since he only has 1 year remaining. Let Ullmark and Makarov battle it out in Rochester next year. I think the price for these guys wont be too high.

3. Make a decision on Hodgson. Either seek out a team who is in need of a young player like him as filler who can still return you good value (Im looking at you ARI and Darcy) or give him a shot in the role I defined above or buy him out.

4. Get rid of Nolan.
- theblueandgold

I have said from day 1 that Reinhart isn't a winger, and neither is Grigo. But I don't see having your entire center ice being occupied by 4 guys with little to no experience.

Kane/Girgensons/Ennis
Moulson/Grigorenko/McEichel
Foligno/Larsson/Reinhart
Deluauriers/Schaller/Hodgson/Kaleta/Gionta