7/8 points in the last for games. I'm probably too critical
- jcragcrumple

Never

Two days ago, it was posted that Sam was on pace for 60pts.
Now after 11 games with 1-5-6 and -6, he's on pace for 45 pts; 8-37-45, and -44

The boy is quite the enigma.
A PP force down low with goals and pretty set-ups, while also "taking away the goalie eyes".
Last year 21 of his 50 points (42%) came on the PP
One must give him props for that, and be concerned about filling that void if he was ever moved.
He needs to find greater production at even strength IMO, and find that scoring away from Jack.

My issues with him are
- he is historically slow to ramp up, last year was an extreme case
- he is generally a pretty soft player, loses a ton of puck battles
And while there is no proof yet, I foresee him disappearing in the playoffs when the style of play changes to a much more physical game

I'm not proclaiming he must go, but he would be a piece I would consider moving for the right fit.
Before that is done, I would really like to see him play several games with Mitts to see if their style matches and gets a force-multiplier effect for the two of them (sum is greater than the parts).

11 games in...


https://www.nhl.com/standings/2018/league

11 games in...


https://www.nhl.com/standings/2018/league
- cabin

If the playoffs ended today.....we'd have the 2nd wildcard

If the playoffs ended today.....we'd have the 2nd wildcard
- feetontheair22

And the Bills won't lose today . Cold and dreary just doesn't matter to me today .

If you're good with 4 goals per year from 22, and 7 per year from 28, then they're great. I'd like at least chance that we get 10+ from a 4th liner. Derek Grant had almost 15 last year.
- jcragcrumple

Man, not every line has to put up massive point totals 22 and 28 are doing a very good job as a fourth line, I don’t see what the issue with them is tbh.

Man, not every line has to put up massive point totals 22 and 28 are doing a very good job as a fourth line, I don’t see what the issue with them is tbh.
- Sabres1523

The only difference that ranks 1st line through 4th line is the ice time they should get .

nothing else.

cream ales and football at 10 am is not a bad thing

Two days ago, it was posted that Sam was on pace for 60pts.
Now after 11 games with 1-5-6 and -6, he's on pace for 45 pts; 8-37-45, and -44

The boy is quite the enigma.
A PP force down low with goals and pretty set-ups, while also "taking away the goalie eyes".
Last year 21 of his 50 points (42%) came on the PP
One must give him props for that, and be concerned about filling that void if he was ever moved.
He needs to find greater production at even strength IMO, and find that scoring away from Jack.

My issues with him are
- he is historically slow to ramp up, last year was an extreme case
- he is generally a pretty soft player, loses a ton of puck battles
And while there is no proof yet, I foresee him disappearing in the playoffs when the style of play changes to a much more physical game

I'm not proclaiming he must go, but he would be a piece I would consider moving for the right fit.
Before that is done, I would really like to see him play several games with Mitts to see if their style matches and gets a force-multiplier effect for the two of them (sum is greater than the parts).
- IonSabres

skunk for simmonds and a d prospect

Friedman reports Edmonton Oilers winger Zack Kassian could be on the move soon, as he’s been granted permission to seek a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kassian’s signed through 2019-20 at an annual cap hit of $1.95 million. He’s never played up to expectations as a power forward but could have some value as an affordable physical winger to clubs in need of checking-line depth. We’ll find out soon if there’s a market for him.



Would anyone be interested in bringing this guy back? I would take him over someone like Larsson. Would add some toughness and wouldn't really be a downgrade playing on the fourth line.

5 on 5 points per 60 ranks so far (minimum 75 min)

18th - Jason Pominville
25th - Jeff Skinner
28th - Evander Kane
31st - Ryan O’Reilly
44th- Colin White
77th - Jack Eichel
327th - Sam Reinhart

Among D men
#9 Jake McCabe

Seems like the team is in a decent place when we spend 2 pages after a loss debating who should or shouldn't be on the 4th line.

That said, you could move Larsson and/or Girgensons right now, and you wouldn't see much of a difference. They're playing roles they belong in. It's refreshing to have a roster where they can do that.

Rally night. Awesome to see the Sabres come back in the 3rd and get a point in the Bus and my Red Sox rallying in the 7th to smoke those Dodgers!! WooHoo!! Wrap it up tonight boys!!

5 on 5 points per 60 ranks so far (minimum 75 min)

18th - Jason Pominville
25th - Jeff Skinner
28th - Evander Kane
31st - Ryan O’Reilly
44th- Colin White
77th - Jack Eichel
327th - Sam Reinhart

Among D men
#9 Jake McCabe
- sbroads24

I think Pommer is on pace for a 35 goal season. Who saw that coming?

Seems like the team is in a decent place when we spend 2 pages after a loss debating who should or shouldn't be on the 4th line.

That said, you could move Larsson and/or Girgensons right now, and you wouldn't see much of a difference. They're playing roles they belong in. It's refreshing to have a roster where they can do that.
- buffalofan19

The 4th line is interchangeable, can put a lot of players in that situation. Girgs and Larsson have been decent and I'm no fan of Larry but admit that line with Bergy is doing it's job. if the only complaint you have is the 4th line you got a good team.

I think Pommer is on pace for a 35 goal season. Who saw that coming?
- mhp

He's the epitome of a crafty veteran. He'll be moved off that line soon, but it's nice to know you can put him up there for a few games and he won't kill you.

The 4th line is interchangeable, can put a lot of players in that situation. Girgs and Larsson have been decent and I'm no fan of Larry but admit that line with Bergy is doing it's job. if the only complaint you have is the 4th line you got a good team.
- mhp

Sheary, Reinhart, Sobotka and Casey need to start scoring more at EV.

Our top line and 4th lines are absolutely dominant. Middle 6 is hurting us

Rally night. Awesome to see the Sabres come back in the 3rd and get a point in the Bus and my Red Sox rallying in the 7th to smoke those Dodgers!! WooHoo!! Wrap it up tonight boys!!
- mhp

I am calling this two years out.

The Dodgers will be the next "Buffalo Bills" and lose four straight World Series'.

He's the epitome of a crafty veteran. He'll be moved off that line soon, but it's nice to know you can put him up there for a few games and he won't kill you.
- buffalofan19

I think he stays on that line till they hit a prolonged slump.

Sheary, Reinhart, Sobotka and Casey need to start scoring more at EV.

Our top line and 4th lines are absolutely dominant. Middle 6 is hurting us
- sbroads24

I thought Sheary was awful last night. He's gonna sit for a game soon imo.

Nice to see Casey get a goal last night, huge for his confidence. Slobotka looks like a 4th liner to me but his salary is ugh.

Anyone hear what happened with ERod last night? Saw that he was sent home for personal reasons.

Man, not every line has to put up massive point totals 22 and 28 are doing a very good job as a fourth line, I don’t see what the issue with them is tbh.
- Sabres1523

Maybe the expectations for 22 and 28 are low, but I think they have played good. The Sabres are playing good.

Maybe the expectations for 22 and 28 are low, but I think they have played good. The Sabres are playing good.
- Boss34

Sabres are playing well.
Of course, some can play better.

28 and 22 aren't my favorites, but they are playing strong on L4, where it is more about
-D play
-flipping the ice
-high energy
Not so much about production right now.
Any production they get is a bonus.

That said, in anther year or two, I expect production to go up when some of the kids from Roch graduate up here...Malone, Asplund, Davidsson, etc.

Sheary, Reinhart, Sobotka and Casey need to start scoring more at EV.

Our top line and 4th lines are absolutely dominant. Middle 6 is hurting us
- sbroads24

For the record, here's the Even Strength time on ice last night:

Eichel 16:20
Mittelstadt 5:37
Sobotka 12:47
Larsson 11:59

Our 3rd and 4th lines both played 2nd line minutes.

If the playoffs ended today.....we'd have the 2nd wildcard
- feetontheair22

If the playoffs ended today, a team would be drinking champagne out of the stanley cup.