synergy,he uses that word a lot
- homiedclown

Great twigs



Krueger stinks like old school even though he speaks contemporary.

[/img]

He is another example of being a victim of playing on a bad team. His first 4 years in the league Vancouver has been horrible. 75 points, 69 (he only played 10 games), 73 and 81 last year. Having been a 6 OA pick, the potential should still be there to become more than a 3/4 line player.
- adambuffalo

His top linemate was Horvat, who is no offensive slouch. Statistically, I don't see any reason why he deserved top 6 minutes.

I was surprised they sent him back as quick as they did. I haven't paid a ton of attention during preseason, but clearly they did NOT like what they saw out of him at camp/in preseason games.
- HonkFortheGoose

I watched every game and read all there is to read about the team. He did absolutely nothing to show that he deserved to be here. You can say that about a bunch of guys, but, seeing as he wasn't claimed off of waivers, 30 other teams agree.

why, they will play sobotka, larsson, girgens and okposo over him anyhow
- homiedclown

He's like a young version of the current Okposo.

I watched every game and read all there is to read about the team. He did absolutely nothing to show that he deserved to be here. You can say that about a bunch of guys, but, seeing as he wasn't claimed off of waivers, 30 other teams agree.
- TheSabresTaco

That was pretty much what I figured.

Olofsson-Eichel-Reinhart
Skinner-Johnasson-Sobotka


These guys are not going to play on Saturday. Hence the reason for Slobbo on the 2nd line.

"Now, Impossible Foods will tell you that there’s nothing to fear when it comes to soy, and that’s actually true, however all the way back in the 2000’s a few small studies appeared to show that compounds within soy called phytoestrogens might disrupt hormones, which could lead to low sperm count and man boobs."

So just curious Gerbe, do your man boobs affect your body fat?

I havent watched but does Okslopoke really look that bad?

Also, Im not mad at Zemgus making the final roster, I can see a 25 point season from him if he gets his poop together.

Larsson is horrible. Sobotka better not be on the team a week from now.

Lazar should have made the big club.

Risto for Kadri, do it botts.
- BeadyEyedDouche

I like Lazar. He does have offense capabilities contrary to popular belief. I’m with ya on Sobotka. Please make his untrying ass go away

Olofsson-Eichel-Reinhart
Skinner-Johnasson-Sobotka


These guys are not going to play on Saturday. Hence the reason for Slobbo on the 2nd line.
- TheSabresTaco

I think this makes sense. Good point and I think you are right.

His top linemate was Horvat, who is no offensive slouch. Statistically, I don't see any reason why he deserved top 6 minutes.
- TheSabresTaco

Last year he played less than 15 minutes a night and Horvath was almost 21 minutes. The year before he had 12 minutes a night compared to 20 for Horvat. Not questioning your statement, but how some of these sites track linemates and how accurate they are.

He is another example of being a victim of playing on a bad team. His first 4 years in the league Vancouver has been horrible. 75 points, 69 (he only played 10 games), 73 and 81 last year. Having been a 6 OA pick, the potential should still be there to become more than a 3/4 line player.
- adambuffalo

He has a very low hockey IQ he was supposed to be this elite scoring Machine but the game is too fast for him .. he will just be a 10 goal guy like Bust Brandon Lemieux

Bellows and 2019 1st.
- Lilroot9

"You lay on the ice like a broad, Bellows?"

Last year he played less than 15 minutes a night and Horvath was almost 21 minutes. The year before he had 12 minutes a night compared to 20 for Horvat. Not questioning your statement, but how some of these sites track linemates and how accurate they are.
- adambuffalo

It simply means Horvat had more linemates than simply Virtanen on his wing. Means Virtanen played on the 2nd line occasionally on 5v5. Horvat is an all situations player, Virtanen is not.

Ristolainen and 2 first
- gerbe75pts

I'm not sure that gets him, and I wouldn't want to pay the 2 - 1sts for him in a deal with Risto.
I'd rather include a roster player and they likely wouldn't want what I have to offer.
Not Olofsson, Skinner, Sam, Mitts, Cozens, nor obviously Jack.
Sheary, Thompson, Asplund, Smith ... sure.

In fact, Risto, Sheary, Thompson and a 2021 1st ...fine.

He has a very low hockey IQ he was supposed to be this elite scoring Machine but the game is too fast for him .. he will just be a 10 goal guy like Bust Brandon Lemieux
- gerbe75pts

"Talent Analysis
Virtanen is a complete power forward. He shoots the puck hard and is strong along the boards. His key asset is his great acceleration and speed. Virtanen moves well laterally without gearing down. He can be relied upon in all situations and has a heavy physical presence to his game.

Future
Virtanen is expected to be a power forward with some scoring ability as he adapts to the increased tempo and sophisticated tactical play in the NHL."

Yes, this definitely reads as an "Elite Scoring Machine "

He has a very low hockey IQ he was supposed to be this elite scoring Machine but the game is too fast for him .. he will just be a 10 goal guy like Bust Brandon Lemieux
- gerbe75pts

Hmm...

Jake Virtanen is a power forward prospect who never hesitates to get involved physically. He loves to hit, and be involved in battles along the boards. Virtanen takes the puck to the net at every opportunity. He has the creative stickhandling and good agility to beat a defender with slick moves, but is also willing to go right through them if necessary to get to the net. Virtanen is a pure goal scorer who can score in tight with soft hands, and also has an excellent shot with big time power, great accuracy and a tremendously quick release that fools goaltenders. Virtanen has taken his game to another level of late, and has shown flashes of true dominance in the WHL. He also has good hockey sense and the ability to get open and elude defenders. Virtanen is more of a goal scorer than a playmaker, but he does have decent passing skills and vision as well.

An outstanding skater, with impressive speed on the wing, Virtanen has the ability to take a defender wide before cutting back to the net. He was the fastest skater at the CHL top prospects game skills competition in both forwards and backwards skating. He has great acceleration, and his long and powerful stride gives him good balance and allows him to fight through hooks, holds, and other checks.

"Talent Analysis
Virtanen is a complete power forward. He shoots the puck hard and is strong along the boards. His key asset is his great acceleration and speed. Virtanen moves well laterally without gearing down. He can be relied upon in all situations and has a heavy physical presence to his game.

Future
Virtanen is expected to be a power forward with some scoring ability as he adapts to the increased tempo and sophisticated tactical play in the NHL."

Yes, this definitely reads as an "Elite Scoring Machine "
- adambuffalo

Just another one of gerbe's pro analyses. Tyler Dubinsky would be proud.

"Now, Impossible Foods will tell you that there’s nothing to fear when it comes to soy, and that’s actually true, however all the way back in the 2000’s a few small studies appeared to show that compounds within soy called phytoestrogens might disrupt hormones, which could lead to low sperm count and man boobs."

So just curious Gerbe, do your man boobs affect your body fat?
- adambuffalo

So your not going to bring up if Dylan Scores in the WHL ? Ok then talk about hate
- gerbe75pts

Lol. Hate, ya sure.
With you constant berating of Cozens, you need to look in the mirror.
SMFH

"Talent Analysis
Virtanen is a complete power forward. He shoots the puck hard and is strong along the boards. His key asset is his great acceleration and speed. Virtanen moves well laterally without gearing down. He can be relied upon in all situations and has a heavy physical presence to his game.

Future
Virtanen is expected to be a power forward with some scoring ability as he adapts to the increased tempo and sophisticated tactical play in the NHL."

Yes, this definitely reads as an "Elite Scoring Machine "
- adambuffalo

Canucks probably wanted him to be a lighter Rick Nash. They got an ultra light Rick Nash.

Lol. Hate, ya sure.
With you constant berating of Cozens, you need to look in the mirror.
SMFH
- IonSabres

Hey I am just trying to make sure he’s not a bust If they would have kept him he probably turn into Brandon Dubinsky

I see the goal posts have been moved...yet again.

First, the very valid complaint that nothing was being done to fix the roster was met with, "wait for the hockey trades, Botts is nowhere near done with this roster." Then the hockey trades didn't happen. Instead Risto isn't traded, sobotka isn't waived, the twins are resigned, but WAIT! There is no harm in letting them come to camp! They can be moved after camp if the kids aren't ready.

Then of course, the jobs just get handed to the same old losers who got three coaches fired. Now the narrative is, well how much did Asplund and Cozens and Ruotsoleinen and Lazar REALLY do?

If you aren't being a ridiculous sabres homer, you can clearly see how much better Cozens is than Mittelstadt, who is still lost at the NHL level. You can easily see Lazar playing a much more talented game than the twins. Asplund is honestly probably one of the best 9 forwards in the organization, let alone 12.

Not to mention, Pekar and CJ Smith didn't even get a chance. So what am I left with?

My first line of Sam Jack and Skinner, good enough to keep me in games but not an elite first line and not good enough to carry this team, already proven last year.

My second line? Fatboy can't center it, clear this year just like last year. If only I had a third line Swede who could jump up to the 2nd line until he is ready. Hello, Berglund. errr, I mean Johansson, The good news is he will have some quality third liners for 2nd linemates, like Sheary and Pominville, errr Vesey.

Can't wait to see that stellar third line of ERod Okposo and whatever pieces are left over. Maybe fatboy can score 15 from the wing. Maybe it's Tage and I get to what THAT show again. Maybe his wrist shot has gotten even slower.

I do return a monster 4th line of defensive stalwarts like Larsson, Girgs, and Sobotka. The big move of the off season might be Lazar at 13th forward. Exciting stuff.

Frank this team.

Hey I am just trying to make sure he’s not a bust If they would have kept him he probably turn into Brandon Dubinsky
- gerbe75pts

I see the goal posts have been moved...yet again.

First, the very valid complaint that nothing was being done to fix the roster was met with, "wait for the hockey trades, Botts is nowhere near done with this roster." Then the hockey trades didn't happen. Instead Risto isn't traded, sobotka isn't waived, the twins are resigned, but WAIT! There is no harm in letting them come to camp! They can be moved after camp if the kids aren't ready.

Then of course, the jobs just get handed to the same old losers who got three coaches fired. Now the narrative is, well how much did Asplund and Cozens and Ruotsoleinen and Lazar REALLY do?

If you aren't being a ridiculous sabres homer, you can clearly see how much better Cozens is than Mittelstadt, who is still lost at the NHL level. You can easily see Lazar playing a much more talented game than the twins. Asplund is honestly probably one of the best 9 forwards in the organization, let alone 12.

Not to mention, Pekar and CJ Smith didn't even get a chance. So what am I left with?

My first line of Sam Jack and Skinner, good enough to keep me in games but not an elite first line and not good enough to carry this team, already proven last year.

My second line? Fatboy can't center it, clear this year just like last year. If only I had a third line Swede who could jump up to the 2nd line until he is ready. Hello, Berglund. errr, I mean Johansson, The good news is he will have some quality third liners for 2nd linemates, like Sheary and Pominville, errr Vesey.

Can't wait to see that stellar third line of ERod Okposo and whatever pieces are left over. Maybe fatboy can score 15 from the wing. Maybe it's Tage and I get to what THAT show again. Maybe his wrist shot has gotten even slower.

I do return a monster 4th line of defensive stalwarts like Larsson, Girgs, and Sobotka. The big move of the off season might be Lazar at 13th forward. Exciting stuff.

Frank this team.
- matty12345

There's way to much to dissect here. This post essentially takes the stance of 'your opinion of these players is right and the coach and GM is wrong'

There's nothing wrong for wanting better players. I do too. But it's the only part of the post I can agree with.

- TheSabresTaco

Tell me why would you want them to Rush him ? Did we not learn from Grigorenko, Casey ,Tage ?

Let’s let them develop