I don't even think they are playoff team right now, very close though. Do I think they need another high end player (perhaps better than Reinhart) to be a legit cup contender? Yeah. But as for right now, to get in the playoffs (the short term goal) the core is fine, its the middle that will kill their chances.
- Sabresfan-365

And what's between the pipes, arguably.

Last year's collapse plus a much better Bills team.

People forget that this is how it's been when both teams were at least playoff contenders or even pretenders because it's been so long. Until the Bills are over, Sabres' attendance takes a hit.
- buffalofan19

This may be it then but bottom 7 (less than NJ?!) is worse than I would imagine even with the Bills being good.

I actually think they're close enough that it may not be necessary. It looks like they just need a forward in general who can create his own offense without giving back twice as much defensively.

It tends to have a trickle down effect because the 2nd line has that problem now. If someone with that upside slides in their, then the offense is no longer running through incapable players such as Mojo or Vesey. They instead become the beneficiaries, a role they are much better suited to play.
- Sabresfan-365

I want the center. Someone who could reasonably fill in for Eichel if he - god forbid - missed 5 to 10 games.

If he misses any time, we are screwed. There needs to be a plan there and there isnt

If Skinner had more secondary assists, it would entice the crowd to show up to games.

Perfectly reasonable opinion
- sbroads24

Well, better, had more than, how many points does he have in the last 13 games? He had a goalie playing like an ECHL one to pad his minuscule stats against NJ so good for him. Like I said, this is like HS where broads supports his heroes come hook or crook.

Great game last night, nice to see Ullmark settling in. LOG line keeps up the puck pressure. Mitts needs to go to Rochester to gain some confidence and get his game back.

I want the center. Someone who could reasonably fill in for Eichel if he - god forbid - missed 5 to 10 games.

If he misses any time, we are screwed. There needs to be a plan there and there isnt
- jcragcrumple

That’s a good plan, but take the MVP off any team and it’s a serious hit.

You don’t have too many Malkin/Crosby Matthews/Tavares situations.

And it isn’t reasonable to expect that to be the case here.

If Eichel is out, we’re (frank)ed.

We were (frank)ed when he went out and ROR was the #1 center

And what's between the pipes, arguably.
- LandlordTom

Imo the answer to that is both yes and no.

Among the 30 highest played goalies, Ullmark is 8th in goals saved above average. He also sees some of the fewest high quality chances against. (4th least)

So in reality he's basically playing to the average. Good goaltender receiving very good treatment from the D in front of him.

Hutton is 13th in GSAA and receives the 2nd best XG against so your upgrade may have to come there.

The reason I would say they aren't an issue though is because you're getting exactly what you paid for with them. They make like nothing on the cap and aren't poopting the bed like Carter Hart or whatever. But the issue is the reason you pay these two so little is so you can dedicate that cap elsewhere. And so far, they've dedicated it to keeping some of the worst value players on the ice.

I want the center. Someone who could reasonably fill in for Eichel if he - god forbid - missed 5 to 10 games.

If he misses any time, we are screwed. There needs to be a plan there and there isnt
- jcragcrumple

If you're glass half full you could argue this may be why Botts hasn't pulled the trigger on a deal yet.

The market dried up once the season started. He may need to wait till some teams officially but unofficially throw in the towel.

Well, better, had more than, how many points does he have in the last 13 games? He had a goalie playing like an ECHL one to pad his minuscule stats against NJ so good for him. Like I said, this is like HS where broads supports his heroes come hook or crook.
- GilPerreault11

I can't put my finger on why were stopping at 13 games.

Must be a reason.

That’s a good plan, but take the MVP off any team and it’s a serious hit.

You don’t have too many Malkin/Crosby Matthews/Tavares situations.

And it isn’t reasonable to expect that to be the case here.

If Eichel is out, we’re (frank)ed.

We were (frank)ed when he went out and ROR was the #1 center
- sbroads24

We are less (frank)ed if we had ROR and not Skinner and lost Jack. Doh!!!

That’s a good plan, but take the MVP off any team and it’s a serious hit.

You don’t have too many Malkin/Crosby Matthews/Tavares situations.

And it isn’t reasonable to expect that to be the case here.

If Eichel is out, we’re (frank)ed.

We were (frank)ed when he went out and ROR was the #1 center
- sbroads24

Most playoff teams could limp by and play at least .500 hockey. There arent many teams in the playoff race that would be more vulnerable than the Sabres in this regard. You cant just punt the season and go 2-6-2 if Eichel misses 10 games

I can't put my finger on why were stopping at 13 games.

Must be a reason.
- sbroads24

They have only played 32 this year, do you want to go into the final 25 of last year again?

You walk into these things

They are 2nd in their division and they have two players who have some jam, Jack and Dahlin when he is on his game, lately just Jack.

Do you think the Sabres can go deep into the playoffs with Reinhart and Skinner as the 2 and 3 best forwards and then paid like it to take up space from potentially better players? If so, I give you a golf clap for your optimism.
- GilPerreault11

No, I don't think Sam is a core piece, and I think he will be marginalized in the playoff's when the going gets much more physical. That is why I would be fine if he were traded for an upgrade...but they then need to backfill...60-65pt RW don't grow on trees.
Sabres need a player or two in the top 6 with some truculence coupled with scoring ability. Somebody like Tuch would be a fit.
Skinner seems to like the physical play and jawing back and forth. His production at 5v5 is very helpful.

They have only played 32 this year, do you want to go into the final 25 of last year again?

You walk into these things
- GilPerreault11

I personally think we should just use sample sizes of when he doesn’t produce, so that it looks more favorable for your position.

Screw this October or the first 60 games of last year

They have only played 32 this year, do you want to go into the final 25 of last year again?

You walk into these things
- GilPerreault11

What's wrong w the first 55 of last year?

What's wrong w the first 55 of last year?
- Powerslave

I think you already know the answer to this

The Bills traded KC the pick to take Mahomes. The Sabres passed on Leon. Both players they had the chance to take and passed on, I feel it’s a warranted comparison.
- Pegullaville

Tre white and josh Allen for pat mahomes.
We used that extra first to trade down.

Allen's in his 2nd year, mahomes in his 3rd
9 other teams passed on mahomes
1 team passed on sam

Not the same

What's wrong w the first 55 of last year?
- Powerslave

It's a what have you done for me lately league?

Next question

It's a what have you done for me lately league?

Next question
- GilPerreault11

disagree

reinhart had a goal and an assist last night and he sucks a$$

disagree

reinhart had a goal and an assist last night and he sucks a$$
- homiedclown

He likes to walk right into these things

It's a what have you done for me lately league?

Next question
- GilPerreault11

Obviously not, since every goal scorer gets paid, regardless of when they scored them.

Lamar jackson = pominville

Picked later, nothing handed to him. Had to wait his turn

Allen = reinhart

Picked early. Handed the ball in the first game

Good post
- jcragcrumple

Good post lips

Baker mayfield = reinhart

Not as good as guys picked later in the same round at the same position. Richardy on the outside too


*didnt my guy nate start the season?

disagree

reinhart had a goal and an assist last night and he sucks a$$
- homiedclown

Oh my

He likes to walk right into these things
- sbroads24

Oh my
- Powerslave

In a perfect world we draft 12 all stars with our 12 first round picks

doesn't work out that way


also in a perfect world, fedex delivers me the $600 worth of fish tank lights they have had since 1 am Saturday, 20 miles from my house

instead I have to wait until tomorrow because 150 hours is not enough time to get them from the warehouse to the delivery truck