Let it go...he does what he does. Everyone grows at a different pace. NOT to mention, this is a team game.... Teams can shut down one player if they have too.
- gordong

Teams shut down the best player all the time the elite ones step up their game to the next level I'm hoping he does the same and continues it to the World Juniors

That may be true. I'd like to see Thompson's physical game take the next step. He looked like Bambi out there too often last year.
- HonkFortheGoose

I’ve given TT some grief here, but I truly think we’ll see a different player whenever it is that he comes back to Buffalo...in a good way.

How about this - Risto is playing well

so is Jake McCabe and Marco Scandella.

Is Risto that much better than either? Is he better than Brandon Montour?

With him being improved, he still doesn’t move the needle, at all, like a top pairing D should.

If there’s a team that wants him for a 2RW/C, it should’ve been done
- OneKaneOneCup

I think there are two things going on here.

1) He doesn't move the needle at all - I don't necessarily buy that. Ralph has shown that he believes in him by handing in 25 mins a night. While he may not be doing anything that makes you say Wow, as of right now he's still chewing up a ton of minutes.

2) If you can get value for him at a position of need you do it, I agree with that.

What I'm typically responding to is the statement that Risto is a terrible player.

Despite this being the internet there are more than two arguments at a given time. This isn't an either/or proposition where Risto is either a #1D or garbage.

I’ve given TT some grief here, but I truly think we’ll see a different player whenever it is that he comes back to Buffalo...in a good way.
- PrinceChill

I think so as well. While the speed of the game in the AHL is slower, the league itself is more physical, so if he can up his physical game there, he'll be fine in the NHL, IMO anyway.

I think so as well. While the speed of the game in the AHL is slower, the league itself is more physical, so if he can up his physical game there, he'll be fine in the NHL, IMO anyway.
- HonkFortheGoose

He needs to fix his decision making or he will be a meme 4life

He needs to fix his decision making or he will be a meme 4life
- gerbe75pts

Dont get your hopes up with Tage. At this point of his career he is who he is. He wont change much, at best he is a 10-15 goals a year, bottom 6 forward.

Dont get your hopes up with Tage. At this point of his career he is who he is. He wont change much, at best he is a 10-15 goals a year, bottom 6 forward.
- hehateme

I don't think this is true. Look at the kids AHL stats. He played 16 games for the Chicago Wolves in 2016-2017 and had 1G 1A. He is on the NHL club for St Louis the next year, why? He clearly didn't earn it in the AHL. He gets 3G 6A in 41 games, and with the AHL club gets 18 points in 30 games.

He comes to Buffalo and gets 12 points in 65 NHL games. He's never been given a chance to be good at the AHL level. He hasn't come close to good production in 2 AHL stints or 2 NHL stints.

Thing is, combined last year with this year, he has 8G 6A in 12 games for Rochester. He's finally succeeding. This isn't some tweener who puts up AHL points but can't play NHL, its a kid who was rushed through and never succeeded at any pro level. The 12 games in Rochester are a great sign that he is finally where he needs to be. Let him do that for 30 more games, and then we can judge him at the NHL level.

Teams shut down the best player all the time the elite ones step up their game to the next level I'm hoping he does the same and continues it to the World Juniors
- gerbe75pts

yeah except you have some schedule in your head that says it has to be this year... You haven't learned anything from Sam have you? People mature at different rates... both Physically and mentally. it might take 3 years for him to get to the NHL.... doesn't mean he's a bust it just means he not ready.

yeah except you have some schedule in your head that says it has to be this year... You haven't learned anything from Sam have you? People mature at different rates... both Physically and mentally. it might take 3 years for him to get to the NHL.... doesn't mean he's a bust it just means he not ready.
- gordong

I am the one that says he needs lots of work why are you coming at me some people wanted him in the lineup now

He needs to fix his decision making or he will be a meme 4life
- gerbe75pts

What meme could you possibly be talking about?

I think so as well. While the speed of the game in the AHL is slower, the league itself is more physical, so if he can up his physical game there, he'll be fine in the NHL, IMO anyway.
- HonkFortheGoose

Tage needs to get up to the NHL speed level. The AHL does nothing for him.

You don’t send a player down to “become more physical.” [url]

What meme could you possibly be talking about?
- PrinceChill

Dancing Tage .gif > Spinorama .gif


Come at me

Dancing Tage .gif > Spinorama .gif


Come at me
- jcragcrumple

He’s got the moves both on and off the ice.

Ftfy
- jcragcrumple

You can change the numbers if you want on Sobotka, would I like to see a more gifted player on that line, yeah I think we all do, but he has put up over 30pts 2or3 times in his career, so again it isn't out of the realm to think he couldn't do it again with those 2

You can change the numbers if you want on Sobotka, would I like to see a more gifted player on that line, yeah I think we all do, but he has put up over 30pts 2or3 times in his career, so again it isn't out of the realm to think he couldn't do it again with those 2
- Buff36

It's true that in his best season, he scored at a half-point-per-game pace. He also played 17 minutes a night with PP time. I would think 30 points would be a superb season for him, production wise. He's currently on pace for 14.

None of this is crucial now while the PP is clipping along at a historic pace, but there will come a time when it will go into a cold spell.

I also understand that trades are incredibly unlikely to happen at this point in the season

You can change the numbers if you want on Sobotka, would I like to see a more gifted player on that line, yeah I think we all do, but he has put up over 30pts 2or3 times in his career, so again it isn't out of the realm to think he couldn't do it again with those 2
- Buff36

Until he starts really stalling the play of the 2nd line he can stay but like you said I would like to see some more production out of him.

But I do want better eventually this season on that line.

Okay so I didn't realize we are #1 in the league with a huge goal differential...

This feels A LOT different than the win streak last year. I enjoyed the 10-game streak like everyone, but most of us were throwing caution to the wind...

What that win-streak represents, in hindsight, is a team's potential shining through for a large chunk before coaching ultimately did them in. We saw what the team was capable of, under the right influence. Nightmare on Elm St. seems to have calmed the room.

What a difference.

Now just keep Bogosian and his cocaine away from the locker room and everything will be fine. Talk about a cancer - his rehab is 100% the reason for his "long-term injury". He is a well-known cocaine/ecstasy addict - but is a good DJ
- BeadyEyedDouche

WOW - had no idea cocaine led to hip surgery, I guess you learn something every day

Until he starts really stalling the play of the 2nd line he can stay but like you said I would like to see some more production out of him.

But I do want better eventually this season on that line.
- Stripes77

I think we're still learning how Ralph handles lines. He's almost as extreme on zone starts as Phil, but he's willing to mix Skinner with 2 strong defensive forwards and have them take heavy dzone starts. For all the talk of Mitts playing strong defensively, the line has high ozone starts and almost no production.

Predicting lines is really predicting Ralph. You can't argue with the results so far. If you suddenly swap Tage in for Sobotka, you have a defensive issue that needs to be accounted for.

I'll be at the game tonight anyone want to chill before the game

I'll be at the game tonight anyone want to chill before the game
- gerbe75pts

Didnt know you were in the O.C.
Ill have to stop by for a beer next time im in town for work.

Yeah the same place Jack was in
- gerbe75pts

Twinkbuzz?

I'll be at the game tonight anyone want to chill before the game
- gerbe75pts

That’s cool, you going to the Kings’ game as well?

I agree that he does his role well, but there has to be the ability to get Skinner and Johannson the puck. Sobotka is really good at pressuring the opposing team to give up the puck, but the points do not reflect.

I would almost rather him have that job on a line with Mitts and Vesey to give them some space to make plays, and let Sheary provide additional offense on the MoJo line.
- thatsapickle

He dished a nice pass to him last game for goal 3, just sayin.

I think I might be the biggest a-hole Sabres fan here. Let me prove it : I'd be P.O'd if Sobotka scored the Cup-winning overtime goal. Not sure if I'd be happy - or if I'd even accept it.

Your Sobotka crush is showing 😂😂. Sobotka isn't killing us this year, and faceoffs are helping, but when he goes to the boards for a puck battle he loses almost every time. Ideally he is a third liner at best, but he is working hard as a stop gap for now.
- Wyohomeboy

I have not seen this at all, id say the opposite he comes out with a turnover more often than not.