He SUCKS. He is a -42. Look at just the last 5 games, Dahlin, Montour and Risto have all played just about the same number of mins and shift give or take a bit, Montour -1, Dahlin -3, Risto -8.

I think as a fan base we have to stop making excuses for Risto. He is not good enough to play against the other teams top lines.
- hehateme

Because Tampa Bay is known for accruing sucky players.

Do we have to throw away any d-man who can’t defend the opponents top line or can they still have value?

So you use the last 5 games to show he is a -8 but don't mention that the team gave up 23 goals in those 5 games. Against Pittsburgh, Washington and Tampa Bay he is a combined +3.
- adambuffalo

I was just doing a short comparison between what I think our top d-men did in the last 5 games. Nothing more, nothing less.

regarding the +/-

risto has played 420 games as a sabre

the sabres have been really bad for those 420 games

-38 goal differential this year
-81 last year
-36 the year before
-21 the year before
-113 the year before
-91 in his rookie year


he was on the ice for 33 to 45% of the time during those seasons


he was probably on the ice for 80% of the short handed goals scored against during those 6 seasons

probably 95% of those empty net goals allowed during those 6 seasons


right now, as bad as some people think risto is, the team is much worse leaning on nelson or borgen for 23 minutes a night next season

I'd move risto for the right price, but I would not move him just to move him
- homiedclown

This isn't the place to be rational.

Do we have to throw away any d-man who can’t defend the opponents top line or can they still have value?
- Der Kaiser

It would be appreciated.

Eichel could be the first player in Sabres franchise history to score 25+ goals in a season with >10% shooting percentage. Right now he’s at 9.5%.

Do we have to throw away any d-man who can’t defend the opponents top line or can they still have value?
- Der Kaiser

Risto has value. I just don’t think it is as high has a lot of people on here believe it to be.

Risto would be better served as a 3-4 d man. Not a top two.

Risto has value. I just don’t think it is as high has a lot of people on here believe it to be.

Risto would be better served as a 3-4 d man. Not a top two.
- hehateme

Risto is a 4 or a 5 the way he’s playing this year.

Malkin has the worst +/- on Pittsburgh at -24 (Crosby is a +20), however I sure most would take him on this team in a heartbeat even at his age and salary.

Did you see where I said he is a -42!!!
- hehateme

yep

I’m just happy Nylander is just proving everyone wrong

Like I said his game is Meant for the NHL not the AHL
- gerbe75pts

It's been three games, easy Hoss.... Would love for him to keep it up but gotta prove it now.

that's a good team over there

Malkin has the worst +/- on Pittsburgh at -24 (Crosby is a +20), however I sure most would take him on this team in a heartbeat even at his age and salary.
- adambuffalo

Got me there. I would take Malkin in a second.

regarding the +/-

risto has played 420 games as a sabre

the sabres have been really bad for those 420 games

-38 goal differential this year
-81 last year
-36 the year before
-21 the year before
-113 the year before
-91 in his rookie year


he was on the ice for 33 to 45% of the time during those seasons


he was probably on the ice for 80% of the short handed goals scored against during those 6 seasons

probably 95% of those empty net goals allowed during those 6 seasons


right now, as bad as some people think risto is, the team is much worse leaning on nelson or borgen for 23 minutes a night next season

I'd move risto for the right price, but I would not move him just to move him
- homiedclown

Thank you!!! Finally someone gets it.... Im sure Tampa wanted him because he's a -42 player to them. he plays the most minutes, of course he's a minus player on this poop team.

It's been three games, easy Hoss.... Would love for him to keep it up but gotta prove it now.
- gordong

Yeah, in 6 games he has 4 points. I seem to remember another kid that had 5 points in 6 games last year. How's he doing this year? Hopefully Nylander continues to play well and that the AHL time really did help his development.

Thank you!!! Finally someone gets it.... Im sure Tampa wanted him because he's a -42 player to them. he plays the most minutes, of course he's a minus player on this poop team.
- gordong

Tampa must not have wanted him that bad because he is still a Sabre. [/img]

Thank you!!! Finally someone gets it.... Im sure Tampa wanted him because he's a -42 player to them. he plays the most minutes, of course he's a minus player on this poop team.
- gordong

Exactly, OEL the last 3 years including this season is -18, -28 and -25. He will be 28 in July and just signed a new contract for 8 more years at $8.25. Arizona should have traded him though because he could have gotten them a nice piece in return, right?

Risto is a 4 or a 5 the way he’s playing this year.
- Pegullaville

He is a 4. Since he’s been an NHL’er.

Yeah, in 6 games he has 4 points. I seem to remember another kid that had 5 points in 6 games last year. How's he doing this year? Hopefully Nylander continues to play well and that the AHL time really did help his development.
- adambuffalo

Mitts is fine. Housley sitting him shouldn't be an indictment of his play, the coach doesn't know what he's doing.

Mitts is fine. Housley sitting him shouldn't be an indictment of his play, the coach doesn't know what he's doing.
- RhinoFan

he also got mercilessly thrown to the wolves this year.
Welcome to the NHL, kid. You're now a 2nd line center. LOL.

I’m just happy Nylander is just proving everyone wrong

Like I said his game is Meant for the NHL not the AHL
- gerbe75pts

I was right there with you.

Yes, it's only 6 games, but 90% on here were calling him a "bust". Good thing no one gave up on most of these posters when they were 21-22 years old. And after being thrust in to a men's league at 18-19, Nylander is coming around. For some, it takes time.

Hopefully he keeps it going.

Completely off topic, saw this on FB today. Never heard of the place, but seems like a pretty cool daytrip.

https://www.onlyinyoursta...F9bWbIg_a4EBjjE5QLJMl49WY

Yeah, in 6 games he has 4 points. I seem to remember another kid that had 5 points in 6 games last year. How's he doing this year? Hopefully Nylander continues to play well and that the AHL time really did help his development.
- adambuffalo

The kid you're talking about is a rookie. And he wasn't picked 1st, 2nd or even 5th overall. If Nylander has struggles next year as a full timer, let's remember he's a rookie.

Not saying you're calling Mitts this, but people are way too quick to pull out the "bust" or "I expected WAYYYY more" crap.

Trash panda

I was right there with you.

Yes, it's only 6 games, but 90% on here were calling him a "bust". Good thing no one gave up on most of these posters when they were 21-22 years old, after being thrust in to a men's league at 18-19.

Hopefully he keeps it going.
- Powerslave

No, you don't completely give up on a player unless they're a 24 y/o dman who typically take longer to fully develop. I bet the Islanders are glad they traded a 24 y/o Chara and a 1st for Yashin.