Jimmy can suck it.

I can live with that. I'd rather trade a 1st OA than a 6th.
- TheSabresTaco

There are a few reasons why I believe Tage is and should be sitting

1.) He is young and just like what happened in the beginning of the season sitting a game or two tends to help younger players develop by watching the game from upstairs

2.) He is a winger, both Sobotka and Girgensons can play center

3.) He doesn't kill penalties and both Sobotka and Girgensons are excellent at it.

4.) When an offensive player is struggling like Tage is he grips the stick even tighter and ends up making more mistakes, guys like Sobtoka and Girgensons have no offensive upside so at least they still play well enough in the defensive zone.

5.) This is a short term benching for him, now if Tage sits more than 2 games then there is an issue

This is one of the few instances where I don't mind Phil sitting a player.
- Stripes77

They took turns trying to lose the game in their own zone against minny. Sobotka was terrible in his own zone last game. Sobotka's turnovers - particularly in OT - were egregious. (It is a whole other issue as to why he's out there at all in OT). Girgensons didn't tie up his man and let the guy hit the puck out of the air for a goal.

One look at the current NHL standings tells us all we need to know about the purpose of the third point (three-point game).

The last place team in the West is only like 6 points out of the last playoff spot, and the East isn't too much behind.

But those last place teams are actually bad this season, regardless of skill. I think this can compound frustration for fans like where we are at: We really were dreadful last year and we really are playing a lot better this year, but the separation we see within the current points system doesn't show just how much better we are than a team like Ottawa this season.

They really need to drop the 3-point game or just bring back the tie, god forbid. When you play an 82-game season, a tie isn't a bad thing. Or move to the three-point shoot-out format after the all-star game to make the playoff race more exciting.
- BeadyEyedDouche

I haven't run the numbers to compare, maybe you have?
This comes from my gut...
But my question really is...are they really?
Last year they lost a bunch of 1 goal games...and the sohotouts were a virtual guaranted loss
This year they have won alot more of those games, and Im guessing their shootout win rate is much better.
Skinner, Jack and Sam are playing better and Dahlin has helped for sure.
Other than that, they are marginally better.

I haven't run the numbers to compare, maybe you have?
This comes from my gut...
But my question really is...are they really?
Last year they lost a bunch of 1 goal games...and the sohotouts were a virtual guaranted loss
This year they have won alot more of those games, and Im guessing their shootout win rate is much better.
Skinner, Jack and Sam are playing better and Dahlin has helped for sure.
Other than that, they are marginally better.
- IonSabres

Even the most basic numbers: goals for and against, show a significant improvement.

from last blog

a few quick takes from what I heard

1 no truth to the benn rumor
2. talks with wild in case they become sellers, heard coyle
3. they are probably done with nylander, expect him moved in the off season
4. still focused on being sellers aside from skinner
5. if they can't move a few certain guys at the deadline, expect them to not be offered contracts this summer (larsson, girgens, beaulieu
6. the goal is to get 1 or 2 difference makers and 1 or 2 other pieces this offseason
don't be shocked if a few are under the radar signings, euro free agents
7. o regan may very well be the next call up
the main off season goal is to get 1 center, a top 6 winger, a 3rd line winger and the best d man they can get (top 4)

they feel good the skinner deal will get done
- homiedclown

Seems like WAY to much to try and accomplish in one off season. thanks for the info Homie!

Even the most basic numbers: goals for and against, show a significant improvement.
- Lunaion

And - even more basic - games won and points.

5-3 Sabres

5-3 Sabres
- BINGO!

4-2 Canes

4-2 Canes
- mattmoulson

Let's not get carried away

Interesting.
Some posters who loved Tage 8 weeks ago have soured on him recently.
Not saying you are orcwere wrong, jyst interesting.
Equally so, I was sour on him initially, but have come around and deferred expectations of him until alot more development time is given him.
I'm not convinced he will ever be a top 6 and he sure isnt a 4th liner...so I guess I am hoping he can deliver suitable 3rd line production in another 12 -18 months.
- IonSabres

You're 2 weeks behind:

In 2 weeks:
when tage is playing good again, you will be mad at him.

The rest of us will like him again.

Jcrag won't notice the difference of whether tage is playing well or not. As long as 22 or 28 sit.

They took turns trying to lose the game in their own zone against minny. Sobotka was terrible in his own zone last game. Sobotka's turnovers - particularly in OT - were egregious. (It is a whole other issue as to why he's out there at all in OT). Girgensons didn't tie up his man and let the guy hit the puck out of the air for a goal.
- jcragcrumple

Yeah and that is just one game

None of the 3 played well last game

Tage has struggled for a bit lately

Tage doesn't play center

Tage is younger and younger players respond better to being a healthy scratch (in theory)

Tage sits

It's not that complicated

You're 2 weeks behind:

In 2 weeks:
when tage is playing good again, you will be mad at him.

The rest of us will like him again.

Jcrag won't notice the difference of whether tage is playing well or not. As long as 22 or 28 sit.
- Boss34

I wanted Sobotka to sit. I really have no problem with Larsson coming back in. Out of Sobotka, Girgs and Larsson, he's probably the best ATM. Sobotka was terrible, and TT might score a goal. I would prefer Girgs-Larry-TT because I think it's a balance. Maybe Sobotka plays better tonight

Let's not get carried away
- BINGO!

If that Corsi guy has anything to say about it... 8-1 Canes

Crazy idea (I am bored):

Skinner agrees to sign with us in offseason for 8.5

We trade Skinner to contender for playoff run for a 1st (this year) +

Trade all 4 picks (+?) to move up to 1st pick

Draft Jack Hughes

Center position is solidified and Skinner is here long term

- homiedclown

Him

There are a few reasons why I believe Tage is and should be sitting

1.) He is young and just like what happened in the beginning of the season sitting a game or two tends to help younger players develop by watching the game from upstairs

2.) He is a winger, both Sobotka and Girgensons can play center

3.) He doesn't kill penalties and both Sobotka and Girgensons are excellent at it.

4.) When an offensive player is struggling like Tage is he grips the stick even tighter and ends up making more mistakes, guys like Sobtoka and Girgensons have no offensive upside so at least they still play well enough in the defensive zone.

5.) This is a short term benching for him, now if Tage sits more than 2 games then there is an issue

This is one of the few instances where I don't mind Phil sitting a player.
- Stripes77

Agree with the 1, 4 and 5.

Girgs plays wing for Larry. And with Larry coming back into the lineup, he can take the PK spot, so it's a clean exchange. I just want to give the kid minutes to learn to be honest. I'm willing to take some growing pains and stick grips.

If that Corsi guy has anything to say about it... 8-1 Canes
- mattmoulson

I wish.

points minus powerplay

Girgensons--11
Thompson--10
Sobotka--10


*giggles*

I get your point...just saying
- Michael Pachla

Girgs + Sobotka = 6 goals
Tommer = 7 goals

Girgs + Sobo = 102 shots
Tommer = 81 shots

And Tommer averages less ice time than both and has been scratched more often. I see your point as well, just think he needs more time to put it all together. The points will come.

I wanted Sobotka to sit. I really have no problem with Larsson coming back in. Out of Sobotka, Girgs and Larsson, he's probably the best ATM. Sobotka was terrible, and TT might score a goal. I would prefer Girgs-Larry-TT because I think it's a balance. Maybe Sobotka plays better tonight
- jcragcrumple

There could be some "showcasing" of sobotka.

Let's be realistic, tonight is a mini playoff game.

Would you start a guy with less then a 100 games of NHL experience, coming off a brutal game (opinion).

Or a smaller gentleman with years of nhl experience. Good pk guy.

Housley is coaching to win tonight not develop

I think I'm gonna get a new jersey tonight.

The safe bets are obviously Eichel and Dahlin. Those seem boring though. Do I commit to buying an Evan Rodrigues jersey? It seems so dumb, but so right

There could be some "showcasing" of sobotka.

Let's be realistic, tonight is a mini playoff game.

Would you start a guy with less then a 100 games of NHL experience, coming off a brutal game (opinion).

Or a smaller gentleman with years of nhl experience. Coming off a brutal game. Good pk guy.

Housley is coaching to win tonight not develop
- Boss34

FTFY

Not saying you're right or wrong, but they both played poorly as Stripes pointed out.

I think I'm gonna get a new jersey tonight.

The safe bets are obviously Eichel and Dahlin. Those seem boring though. Do I commit to buying an Evan Rodrigues jersey? It seems so dumb, but so right
- jcragcrumple

Pull the trigger. Be provocative.

Girgs + Sobotka = 6 goals
Tommer = 7 goals

Girgs + Sobo = 102 shots
Tommer = 81 shots

And Tommer averages less ice time than both and has been scratched more often. I see your point as well, just think he needs more time to put it all together. The points will come.
- RhinoFan

Now's the time to win a game, we can put stuff together once we've been eliminated

Pull the trigger. Be provocative.
- RhinoFan

I wanted to wait for the 50th anniversary jersey and see if Olofsson made the team. But other than Risto, there's not really a jersey I'd buy now except Erod. He's gonna be an RFA though. That is some risky damn business