Michael Pachla: December quick hits on the Sabres forwards, Part 2

Fist

Love this. Sometimes we need to remember that this deal was about addition by subtraction.
- HonkFortheGoose

I’d like to see this by years end.

We’d know if we have their pick, we can see if Tage continues to get better, and we will see how much Mittelstadt improves.

I look at it this way

Larsson and the 4th line have been just as or close to as effective defensively as O’Reilly was last year, and O’Reilly didn’t score well 5 on 5 kind of like how Mittelstadt is struggling.

I’ll take the futures and cap flexibility.

O’Reilly is playing big time minutes once again and his team is below average to bad.

His all around game was over rated and he wanted to leave.

(frank) ROR.... he's a quitter... yeah I said it!!!!

the record speaks for itself. he was a boat anchor to this team, he's gone they are better off. we have more cap room to sign someone to actually help us now. Good riddance!


God I hope they have ROR line against Eichel tomorrow...

Michael O'Reilly: December Ryan O'Reillys on the former Sabres forward, Part 2 Million
- Michael Pachla

Happy O'Reilly

Happy O'Reilly
- jcragcrumple

looking forward to the matchup tomorrow night

Once Wilson comes back, I hope the following occurs:

- Elie is put on waivers.
- Sobotka put in the press box
- Wilson plugs in on the 4th line with Angry Larry and Girgs. That line would have some bite to it.

Our issue isn't the 1st or 4th lines, it's obviously the second and 3rd lines. We desperately need some secondary scoring. They need to move Thompson up into the Top 6 and bring up one of CJ Smith or Nylander and give them a whirl in the Top 6 as well. And sit Okposo for a couple of games.

looking forward to the matchup tomorrow night
- Michael Pachla

Should be a good 'un

Once Wilson comes back, I hope the following occurs:

- Elie is put on waivers.
- Sobotka put in the press box
- Wilson plugs in on the 4th line with Angry Larry and Girgs. That line would have some bite to it.

Our issue isn't the 1st or 4th lines, it's obviously the second and 3rd lines. We desperately need some secondary scoring. They need to move Thompson up into the Top 6 and bring up one of CJ Smith or Nylander and give them a whirl in the Top 6 as well. And sit Okposo for a couple of games.
- SabreWest

Nylander still isn't there yet...nor is Thompson for that matter, at least in a top-nine role...he's been inconsistent, save for a real good stretch...both have skill, but both still struggle with having enough compete to bring those skills to the fore on a consistent basis

If we are looking to add toughness and someone with some playoff experience, would it be worth considering trying to get Patrick Maroon from the Blues? It shouldn't cost much to get him and the Blues won't need him for the playoffs this year. He will be a UFA, so it's not like we would be stuck with him long term like the Oilers with Lucic. I like our team and the direction we are headed, however it would be nice to add toughness to a pretty soft team.

We have the same problem as last year, but are getting much better results. Our bottom 9 could be 4th liners on almost any other team. I know they're being patient with Mitts and Thompson, but guys like Okposo and Sheary made their bread and butter playing with great centers, which they no longer have. I think we're one decent center away from getting those two going.

If we are looking to add toughness and someone with some playoff experience, would it be worth considering trying to get Patrick Maroon from the Blues? It shouldn't cost much to get him and the Blues won't need him for the playoffs this year. He will be a UFA, so it's not like we would be stuck with him long term like the Oilers with Lucic. I like our team and the direction we are headed, however it would be nice to add toughness to a pretty soft team.
- adambuffalo

I would much rather add scoring than toughness.

I would much rather add scoring than toughness.
- The Don

I would argue that adding scoring would cost much more than adding toughness. Also, scoring could come from within the organization through a call up rather than giving up assets.

Nylander still isn't there yet...nor is Thompson for that matter, at least in a top-nine role...he's been inconsistent, save for a real good stretch...both have skill, but both still struggle with having enough compete to bring those skills to the fore on a consistent basis
- Michael Pachla

This is the entire team sans the goalies and top line. And maybe 1-2 D men.

What the young guys need is a little more space to work. For Mitts, Sheary, Okposo, Sobotka etc are providing none.

The “4th line” the last two games have been getting shots and playing good D, including 4 shots from Thompson last game.

They need another fast winger IMO, and CJ Smith could be that guy

I would argue that adding scoring would cost much more than adding toughness. Also, scoring could come from within the organization through a call up rather than giving up assets.
- adambuffalo

Very slow he is.. can’t do anything without Cm

I’d like to see this by years end.

We’d know if we have their pick, we can see if Tage continues to get better, and we will see how much Mittelstadt improves.

I look at it this way

Larsson and the 4th line have been just as or close to as effective defensively as O’Reilly was last year, and O’Reilly didn’t score well 5 on 5 kind of like how Mittelstadt is struggling.

I’ll take the futures and cap flexibility.

O’Reilly is playing big time minutes once again and his team is below average to bad.

His all around game was over rated and he wanted to leave.
- sbroads24

He's not a bad player, but he wasn't a good fit here. It's that simple. Seems to be the common theme that follows him around. I don't wish him poorly, but I'm not sad he's gone.

Things

Things
- jochfr

Don't forget the others

I’d like to see this by years end.

We’d know if we have their pick, we can see if Tage continues to get better, and we will see how much Mittelstadt improves.

I look at it this way

Larsson and the 4th line have been just as or close to as effective defensively as O’Reilly was last year, and O’Reilly didn’t score well 5 on 5 kind of like how Mittelstadt is struggling.

I’ll take the futures and cap flexibility.

O’Reilly is playing big time minutes once again and his team is below average to bad.

His all around game was over rated and he wanted to leave.
- sbroads24

Good grief
You’re ridiculous

Michael, love your blogs as always...you deserve a bigger stage!

However, sometimes I don't agree with you takes, which I find myself disagreeing with respect to your take on Tage in this blog, more specifically as follows ..." and though he skates very well, especially when he gets active, he's still seems to be behind the play a bit. "...

I don't really think he skates all that well, in a straight line yes, but when he forechecks and requires quick turns and change of direction, he becomes off-balance and loses his position, quickly out of the play...same can be said on the backcheck, which is why he seems to be behind the play often.
I have noticed the same when he tries to become fancy and make several moves with the puck on the rush...he loses balance and takes himself out of the play.
He does have some decent puck skills, but seems to take too long to get his shots off. Hopefully he continues to be highly coachable and invests the time to improve his skating...he has good hockey sense, just needs the physical skills to catch up and be able to play faster.

Michael, love your blogs as always...you deserve a bigger stage!

However, sometimes I don't agree with you takes, which I find myself disagreeing with respect to your take on Tage in this blog, more specifically as follows ..." and though he skates very well, especially when he gets active, he's still seems to be behind the play a bit. "...

I don't really think he skates all that well, in a straight line yes, but when he forechecks and requires quick turns and change of direction, he becomes off-balance and loses his position, quickly out of the play...same can be said on the backcheck, which is why he seems to be behind the play often.
I have noticed the same when he tries to become fancy and make several moves with the puck on the rush...he loses balance and takes himself out of the play.
He does have some decent puck skills, but seems to take too long to get his shots off. Hopefully he continues to be highly coachable and invests the time to improve his skating...he has good hockey sense, just needs the physical skills to catch up and be able to play faster.
- IonSabres

Oh christ. Here comes the yin yang again.

Ryan O'Reilly
- jochfr

Agreed

Good grief
You’re ridiculous
- jdfitz77

Not sure how you can argue results.

The Sabres are much better this year than they have been in recent years.

Good grief
You’re ridiculous
- jdfitz77

He's got some merit to his points.
The 4th line is playing well defensively with 75% of starts in the D-zone...yet they are able yo consistently flip the ice ... which is one of the points the article in the Athletic made about ROR. That aspect of ROR's game has replaced.
The Sabres are in fact, as we all know are lacking in a reliably scoring 2C. Mitt's D game has been his focus and it is generally working. It would be nice to see him scoring and creating opportunities for his linemates to cash in though.

I am happy for ROR that he is playing well, good on him.
I also think it is kore of a coincidence that 3 teams he has played for each end up being a complete disaster with strife between players...rumblings of discontent. Also the coincidence that 2 former teams both see their teams play well and both have a lighter locker room atmosphere.

Meh. It is what is.
I am happy with the post ROR Sabres so far.

Oh christ. Here comes the yin yang again.
- TheHank

I guess it is unacceptable to offer another perspective...in a respective fashion no less?