More on Greenway

https://theathletic.com/4...n-greenway-sabres-oilers/

I was in the minority when I said I didn't want Greenway here.

But give the kid a (frank)ing chance. 20 games with this team should give you an idea of what he can actually provide.

For all the new Casey lovers, how long did he take. 30 games?
- TheSabresTaco

I still want to move on from Mittelstadt. We're 5-6 years in and he's finally graduated to the level of "not a complete disaster". He should be easily replaceable.

I agree. I found it odd that there was no pre-game show last night, though.

Also, I know Sean McDonaugh is the main play-by-play guy with Ray Ferraro, and I don't particularly mind him, but Steve Levy and John Buccigross need to switch roles. I love Buccigross's enthusiasm for the game, but it does not translate well for play-by-play.
- buffalofan19

I feel we had a couple with no pregame. I agree with the switch as well.

I know I wasn't saying this in the Fall, but Mitts has turned into an excellent NHL player. Thought he had one of his best games of the year tonight and got robbed by Skinner at least twice. Casey might be one of the best guys on the team on the wall with the puck or cycling in the corners. Hope he ends up sticking around and I can't believe he'll put up 50 points this season. Perfect 3rd liner that can play up in a pinch and contribute on PP 2.
- The_Inkwell

I agree

I still want to move on from Mittelstadt. We're 5-6 years in and he's finally graduated to the level of "not a complete disaster". He should be easily replaceable.
- buffalofan19

That's fine to want to move on from him.

But this version of Mittelstadt, at that cost, probably doesn't get you a better player.

For the past 25 games, he's been one of the most dominant players against his competition on the entire team.

At 2.5M, he's played at almost point a game pace since then (50 points over the year). There's low risk of keeping him vs trading him and finishing the next 20 games like he's performed the previous 25, he deserves a spot.

Or at the most, be traded for a legitimate top 4 defenseman.

I begged folks to be patient on Casey. Then I threw up my hands. Then 10 games later, he emerged.

I was in the minority when I said I didn't want Greenway here.

But give the kid a (frank)ing chance. 20 games with this team should give you an idea of what he can actually provide.

For all the new Casey lovers, how long did he take. 30 games?
- TheSabresTaco

Yes OLO and Casey had good games..... I want both out the door in the offseason.

Both ESPN and the NHL went into that deal knowing that it had a massive emphasis on streaming, more than any sports TV deal in history. ESPN didn't sign it to try to increase viewership on the main channels. They signed it to attempt to get more subscribers to ESPN+, hence the deal to essentially become NHL Center Ice. Hockey fans are a cult, and the entire sports world knows it. They're going to go to whatever platform gets them their fix. The running joke is that there are 18,000 hockey fans in every city, and they're all season ticket holders.
- buffalofan19

Yes, while that is all true, it is still bullpoop. NHL should’ve done better negotiating to get more games broadcast on ESPN 1 or 2.

Yes OLO and Casey had good games..... I want both out the door in the offseason.
- hubie

Olofsson has been bad sauce.

I would listen to Don Granato's interview from 8am today. He specifically explaines Stillman and Greenway and what physical presence and toughness do in today's game.

Suffice it to say he's on the "hitting" side of things, but don't take my word. Listen to the coach (just not about line matchups 😉).

Yes, while that is all true, it is still bullpoop. NHL should’ve done better negotiating to get more games broadcast on ESPN 1 2
- Ratsreign

I miss VS

Olofsson has been bad sauce.
- TheSabresTaco

Id say that Quinn has more than made OLO expendable, i thought it would take longer... it has not

I miss VS
- lacaprup

gross

Yes, while that is all true, it is still bullpoop. NHL should’ve done better negotiating to get more games broadcast on ESPN 1 or 2.

- Ratsreign

It would be pretty hard to fight against the bigger sports that draw so much more.

Id say that Quinn has more than made OLO expendable, i thought it would take longer... it has not
- hubie

I think Olofsson has made Olofsson expendable tbf.

Sucks to be a Quinn doubter my man

gross
- TheSabresTaco

They gave a lot of coverage.

That's fine to want to move on from him.

But this version of Mittelstadt, at that cost, probably doesn't get you a better player.

For the past 25 games, he's been one of the most dominant players against his competition on the entire team.

At 2.5M, he's played at almost point a game pace since then (50 points over the year). There's low risk of keeping him vs trading him and finishing the next 20 games like he's performed the previous 25, he deserves a spot.

Or at the most, be traded for a legitimate top 4 defenseman.

I begged folks to be patient on Casey. Then I threw up my hands. Then 10 games later, he emerged.
- TheSabresTaco

And that leads to the $64,000 question: is this the rule or the exception? Has he turned the corner and become a good player, or is he really a "meh" player that's having a good stretch of games? The cynic in me says it's the latter.

I think Olofsson has made Olofsson expendable tbf.

Sucks to be a Quinn doubter my man
- TheSabresTaco

Olofsson's role on the power play has to be the only thing keeping him in the lineup.

I miss VS
- lacaprup

OLN baby!!!

It would be pretty hard to fight against the bigger sports that draw so much more.
- hubie

A broadcast partner that was more interested in growing the game (as well as their own viewer numbers) and maybe starting to change the fact above would be nice to see.

Olofsson has been bad sauce.
- TheSabresTaco

VO, this years 1 at the draft for Tom Wilson

A broadcast partner that was more interested in growing the game (as well as their own viewer numbers) and maybe starting to change the fact above would be nice to see.
- Ratsreign

The NHL is in an odd position imo they are too big for a "fringe" network but too small for the big boys.

Like that slap league you can easily tie it in with the ufc and its broadcasts

And that leads to the $64,000 question: is this the rule or the exception? Has he turned the corner and become a good player, or is he really a "meh" player that's having a good stretch of games? The cynic in me says it's the latter.
- buffalofan19

Mitts isn't going anywhere unless it's for a really good player. I don't think he's near what he can be yet. He thinks the game really well. That buys him more time IMO. He was a boy, physically, when came into this league. He's got the hallmarks of a late bloomer. Vic is what Vic is. I'm sure he's got one more heater in him this season, but he is never ever going to be a consistent player except on a PP. Mitts has a season of 70 really well played games in him.

I still want to move on from Mittelstadt. We're 5-6 years in and he's finally graduated to the level of "not a complete disaster". He should be easily replaceable.
- buffalofan19

Mitts has been playing really good this season.

Effort has been outstanding, great shot on occasion, developing his vision and passing game.......

Needs to stop turning the puck over , but mitts is a keeper. IMO

You know what Jack Eichel is? A much better version of Victor Olofsson who plays center. Convince me I'm wrong.

Edit: Jack's not tough, but he's not soft. I'm wrong, but he's just as clueless in his own end.

Olofsson's role on the power play has to be the only thing keeping him in the lineup.
- buffalofan19

Olofsson is still getting looks, 10 shots in the last 4 games.

Management needs to play olofsson, whether they need him to score or need him to improve his offseason trade value.

His contract and semi veteran status on the team ,keeps him in the lineup as well.