*has the ability* and *has done it* are two entirely different things.

And I just stated I believe he can
- OneKaneOneCup

That's what should be looking for from him this year.

I'm also fine if he can piggyback off Eichel and get 70-75 points, but if he can get 60 points on the second line, that's even better imo

The only one on this roster who has proven himself to elevate those around him is Eichel

*has the ability* and *has done it* are two entirely different things.

And I just stated I believe he can
- OneKaneOneCup

some people might suggest that the next sentence "he has had a positive impact on a handful of players" should inform the analysis as to whether the author is writing about the ability as a mere prediction.

but we both believe he can do it and thats what important.

No you don’t..you’re doing great sweetie, go Sabres.
- jimmy mcnaulty

Your cover is already blown.

Most of the data is from the year prior because that's when he spent most of the time without Eichel.

You can't have your cake and eat it, too, dude.

The data from last year, though less voluminous, is consistent with the data from the prior year. I get that there is a distinction. But there isnt a difference.
- Der Kaiser

I have different take on it. If he wants to say Sam was driving a line with RoR, that's fine. There isn't a lot of data and I don't think it's legit to present is as proof. I like a lot of his work, but some I find very selective.

Watching the games, did you ever feel like Sam was consistently driving an effective second line?

Read this part, please:

While he may never be that top-six center he was drafted as back in 2014, he has the ability to drive his own line as a winger in the NHL. He’s had a positive impact on a handful of players that have seen their numbers and scoring chances grow.
- Der Kaiser

Can’t say the same about Skinner. He can score and produce on his own but doesn’t raise the play of others.

Your cover is already blown.
- Der Kaiser

Please don’t tell my staff I have a hockeybuzz account, and definitely don’t tell them I enjoy a few of your fellow posters. Not you, but some of your peers for sure. Don’t respond either, just move on, I’m good, thanks!

I have different take on it. If he wants to say Sam was driving a line with RoR, that's fine. There isn't a lot of data and I don't think it's legit to present is as proof. I like a lot of his work, but some I find very selective.

Watching the games, did you ever feel like Sam was consistently driving an effective second line?
- Lunaion

I don't study analytics and rely entirely on the eyeball test. And I am a fan of Sam, so I recognize that I view things through that lens.

Given the small number of games, its hard to say anything was done "consistently"

But both with and without Jack, I see him do a lot of small things that improve the play of his linemates. His positioning, his set ups, his net front play, his vision.

So yes, I see him driving a line.

Please don’t tell my staff I have a hockeybuzz account, and definitely don’t tell them I enjoy a few of your fellow posters. Not you, but some of your peers for sure. Don’t respond either, just move on, I’m good, thanks!
- jimmy mcnaulty

Wow you have a staff?

I don't study analytics and rely entirely on the eyeball test. And I am a fan of Sam, so I recognize that I view things through that lens.

Given the small number of games, its hard to say anything was done "consistently"

But both with and without Jack, I see him do a lot of small things that improve the play of his linemates. His positioning, his set ups, his net front play, his vision.

So yes, I see him driving a line.
- Der Kaiser

The more I think about it, driving a line is a very subjective term.

When Sam and ROR got hot together, who was driving?

Guess I just naturally consider Sam more of a complimentary player than a driver.

Wow you have a staff?
- Der Kaiser

Unfortunately yes. And the skilled labor shortage makes it a real challenge when you’d like to “do some weeding.”

The more I think about it, driving a line is a very subjective term.

When Sam and ROR got hot together, who was driving?

Guess I just naturally consider Sam more of a complimentary player than a driver.
- Lunaion

I agree, like a lot of hockey phrases, the term is open to different interpretations.

I always considered anyone who is improving the play around them to be contributing to the others success, and to me that is what a "driver" is. I don't think there can only be one driver on a line. Boston's top line probably has three drivers.

When he scores 40 goals he can have all words he wants, take away Skinner from this team and we don’t even have the 10 game streak to be happy about.
- Sabres1523

This IS the best take all day.

I think he is overpaid by $1m.
I also believe they had no choice but to sign him, trying to minimize the damage...I thi k Bitts failed us on that, ut what option does he really have...none.

He scores 5v5, AND is a leader in Game-winning and game-tying goals.
He is a gamer. We are better off with him than without him..

Now, he has to stay close to 40 G's per, else it is a bad contract.
Let's see what happens.

Next? The draft.
Caufield,

The more I think about it, driving a line is a very subjective term.

When Sam and ROR got hot together, who was driving?

Guess I just naturally consider Sam more of a complimentary player than a driver.
- Lunaion

Is this a Tim Hortons scenario

Is sam going to pay the PRICE?

This IS the best take all day.

I think he is overpaid by $1m.
I also believe they had no choice but to sign him, trying to minimize the damage...I thi k Bitts failed us on that, ut what option does he really have...none.

He scores 5v5, AND is a leader in Game-winning and game-tying goals.
He is a gamer. We are better off with him than without him..

Now, he has to stay close to 40 G's per, else it is a bad contract.
Let's see what happens.

Next? The draft.
Caufield,
- IonSabres

baller-tax

baller-tax
- jimmy mcnaulty

You don't understand hyphens, but you keep using them

You don't understand hyphens, but you keep using them
- jcragcrumple

you’re obsessed with me.

You don't understand hyphens, but you keep using them
- jcragcrumple

And you have a hard time with the comma, I gather.

you’re obsessed with me.
- jimmy mcnaulty

I think you're obsessed with you

And you have a hard time with the comma, I gather.
- jimmy mcnaulty

Mine was a compound sentence with two independent clauses, smrtguy

I agree, like a lot of hockey phrases, the term is open to different interpretations.

I always considered anyone who is improving the play around them to be contributing to the others success, and to me that is what a "driver" is. I don't think there can only be one driver on a line. Boston's top line probably has three drivers.
- Der Kaiser

I'm stingier with the term.

I think Sam + Mitts + someone can be a good second line. Guess it's fair to debate who should be considered the driver.

you’re obsessed with me.
- jimmy mcnaulty

I totally get it though dude. I’m the shiny mysterious thing that’s way more eloquent than you and I’ve been around here way longer. We have different opinions too and your blind homer-ism has to be suffocating for your peers. No apology necessary but if you don’t mind, just stop engaging me. I want zero to do with you and would rather spend my time engaging with some of the more enlightened board members..while I’m here. Thanks you for the punctuation correction, I appreciate you looking out.

Mine was a compound sentence with two independent clauses, smrtguy
- jcragcrumple

That’s Mr. Smartguy, according to that other boring guy.

I totally get it though dude. I’m the shiny mysterious thing that’s way more eloquent than you and I’ve been around here way longer. We have different opinions too and your blind homer-ism has to be suffocating for your peers. No apology necessary but if you don’t mind, just stop engaging me. I want zero to do with you and would rather spend my time engaging with some of the more enlightened board members..while I’m here. Thanks you for the punctuation correction, I appreciate you looking out.
- jimmy mcnaulty

Np. Just trying to help you express yourself in an intelligible manner

Np. Just trying to help you express yourself in an intelligible manner
- jcragcrumple

That’s sweet! Thank you “jcragcrumple”

Np. Just trying to help you express yourself in an intelligible manner
- jcragcrumple

But again, if you could just resist your urges to keep reaching out to me that’d be best. This is tiresome. Sweet & helpful, but, you’re unlikable. Thank you.