I really would prefer him to be in the top 6. But, that's also where I want Girgs, Eichel, and O'Reilly. So that's 4 centers out of 6 guys. It's quite the conundrum.
- HonkFortheGoose

I still think Girgs can be a Jere Lehtinen like player if they move him to the wing and commit 18 minutes of ice time a night to him

Canadians traveling around the world to root against USA hockey is an affirmation of their deep rooted inferiority complex
- Buffalo--Sabres

Agreed, but let's be honest. When is the last time fans of USA Hockey collectively rooted for Canada?

I really would prefer him to be in the top 6. But, that's also where I want Girgs, Eichel, and O'Reilly. So that's 4 centers out of 6 guys. It's quite the conundrum.
- HonkFortheGoose

it's a helluva problem to have especially in light of where they came from, like you pointed out...

sheltered minutes on the third line would be a good way for the skunk to continue to grow

I passed on ovi this week

holtby, quick, seguin, benn, byf and p kane were my money players in the cap this week
- homiedclown

http://fantasy.hockeybuzz.com/hbsl/boxscore/4888

Agreed, but let's be honest. When is the last time fans of USA Hockey collectively rooted for Canada?
- buffalofan19

there is a difference between booing and quietly hoping they lose though

http://fantasy.hockeybuzz.com/hbsl/boxscore/4888
- cabin

I thought I was doing good with 255 points

I thought I was doing good with 255 points



- homiedclown

Tough division.
1st place 11-1
2nd-5th 9-3

I'm 3rd

Moulson and ennis underperforming hasn't helped this year...anyone who thought Gionta was more than a third-line, locker room guy at this point in his career was mistaken...

there's still a long way to go this season
- Michael Pachla

Yeah Dan...

Agreed, but let's be honest. When is the last time fans of USA Hockey collectively rooted for Canada?
- buffalofan19

Everytime i am out and USA vs Canada is on i end up in Erie County holding center

it's a helluva problem to have especially in light of where they came from, like you pointed out...

sheltered minutes on the third line would be a good way for the skunk to continue to grow
- Michael Pachla

It depends on how you look at it. So far this season, Bylsma has had the 3rd line going against the oppositions top line. It's what he's been using as his "shut down" line. Now, that's with Girgensons as the center, so I'm not sure it would stay that way if he put Reinhart there.

I honestly can't even speak to who he was trying to match up against Ovi last night, as I missed a good portion of the game.

I just don't know that playing that type of role would help Reinhart grow or if it could stunt his development, at least from an offensive standpoint.

Tough division.
1st place 11-1
2nd-5th 9-3

I'm 3rd
- cabin

http://fantasy.hockeybuzz.com/hbsl/standings

there is a difference between booing and quietly hoping they lose though
- homiedclown

The only reason US fans are "quiet" about it is because they never show up. See Buffalo in 2011.

The only reason US fans are "quiet" about it is because they never show up. See Buffalo in 2011.
- buffalofan19

honestly, I prefer we play them in the finals vs any other team

makes the few times we win more special

the 2 caps games, shows me this team needs a few more pieces, and they need to trim a few guys

2 wingers and a top d man and try to move moulson and hope gionta retires after this season
- homiedclown

Winger A comes from the draft. Could easily pick top 5 and if you do you get your guy.

Winger B could either come from free agency or promotion, but the AHL guys aren't ready yet. Maybe they will be next year but I think if anything they'd be 3rd line at best atm. Free agent wingers include Lucic, Versteeg, Ladd, Boedker, Johansson (RFA), Eriksson.

Defenseman is going to be the hardest one to get. Pysyk will come back but he's likely a 2nd or 3rd pairing guy. Guhle is young. Free Agency has some guys like Yandle, Goligoski, Luke Schenn, and Byfuglien.

If we get Puljujarvi, Eriksson, and Yandle I think you make a run for playoffs. How likely is that? No idea.

Yes. I dont think the general fan base will stomach another playoff-less season next year.

Granted, I think this team is definitely on a trajectory to the playoffs pretty soon, but I just want to stay the course
- sbroads24

I was talking about this season, but you know that.

Staying the course would mean trading away those you think are not part of the future at the TDL (Foligno?) and enjoying the hopeful top 5 pick and therefore top round pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

honestly, I prefer we play them in the finals vs any other team

makes the few times we win more special
- homiedclown

I want no part of them next week. It's very difficult to beat a team of that caliber twice in a short tournament like this.

It depends on how you look at it. So far this season, Bylsma has had the 3rd line going against the oppositions top line. It's what he's been using as his "shut down" line. Now, that's with Girgensons as the center, so I'm not sure it would stay that way if he put Reinhart there.

I honestly can't even speak to who he was trying to match up against Ovi last night, as I missed a good portion of the game.

I just don't know that playing that type of role would help Reinhart grow or if it could stunt his development, at least from an offensive standpoint.
- HonkFortheGoose

Preferably I'd like the 4th line to have that roll. I want 3 lines that can score and then the line that you put out against the top guys. Not saying that the top 3 can't play defense, I'm just saying I don't want to have a line for "energy". Roll 3 scoring lines and someone is going to play against the lower guys.

Obviously you need the guys for that which I don't think we have yet.

Winger A comes from the draft. Could easily pick top 5 and if you do you get your guy.

Winger B could either come from free agency or promotion, but the AHL guys aren't ready yet. Maybe they will be next year but I think if anything they'd be 3rd line at best atm. Free agent wingers include Lucic, Versteeg, Ladd, Boedker, Johansson (RFA), Eriksson.

Defenseman is going to be the hardest one to get. Pysyk will come back but he's likely a 2nd or 3rd pairing guy. Guhle is young. Free Agency has some guys like Yandle, Goligoski, Luke Schenn, and Byfuglien.

If we get Puljujarvi, Eriksson, and Yandle I think you make a run for playoffs. How likely is that? No idea.
- Zschalberg

Many like Boedker. I'm unsure how they can bring in either a Boedker or Eriksson without getting 2 of the following 4: Moulson, Ennis, Gionta, Foligno.

I was talking about this season, but you know that.

Staying the course would mean trading away those you think are not part of the future at the TDL (Foligno?) and enjoying the hopeful top 5 pick and therefore top round pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
- kingcong39

I think that's the smart move. We're developing right now. Trim some fat, let the kids play, and if we pick top 5 then great. If they string some wins together and we pick top 10, hey that's good too. We shouldn't try to push for a high pick this year, but if it happens then that's fine.

Preferably I'd like the 4th line to have that roll. I want 3 lines that can score and then the line that you put out against the top guys. Not saying that the top 3 can't play defense, I'm just saying I don't want to have a line for "energy". Roll 3 scoring lines and someone is going to play against the lower guys.

Obviously you need the guys for that which I don't think we have yet.
- Zschalberg

I agree. I like that model as well. I just don't know how Bylsma feels about it, since history so far this season dictates otherwise.

Many like Boedker. I'm unsure how they can bring in either a Boedker or Eriksson without getting 2 of the following 4: Moulson, Ennis, Gionta, Foligno.
- kingcong39

I think we can agree that Moulson, Gionta, and at least for me Foligno wouldn't be missed at all. Sabres have 9.5M in cap space today. Around 24.5 after the year. Signing Risto for 6M, Girgensons for 4 to be safe in the estimation, McGinn to 4, McCabe to 2 and you're at 12M left. If you can get rid of Gionta that's another 4.25 and Moulson is another 5 if somehow he leaves. Foligno is an RFA after this season so he can easily drop if needed.

I agree. I like that model as well. I just don't know how Bylsma feels about it, since history so far this season dictates otherwise.
- HonkFortheGoose

If he doesn't have the players I think he could be tailoring the way he plays to what he has.

Unlike Rex.

Kane-O'Reilly-Reinhart
Puljujarvi-Eichel-Ennis
Eriksson-Girgensons-McGinn
Deslauriers-Schaller-Larsson

Ristolainen-Yandle
Bogosian-Pysyk
McCabe-Gorges
Franson

Eichel has his winger. 3rd line can score goals. 4th line can play shut down. Risto has a partner. Eventually O'Reilly will likely slide over but not next season. Not a bad team IMO. Could likely fight for a playoff spot and maybe even win a round.

Samson has been largely invisible the last few games, imo...has reverted to coughing up the puck along the boards again
- Michael Pachla

Rumor is, he's been seen out with Kane. Not joking, not sarcasm.

Rumor is, he's been seen out with Kane. Not joking, not sarcasm.
- SabresPanacea

Did Kane give him a fake ID?

Welcome back by the way!