Kristian

I understand what you mean completely, and if you look at the numbers only, it definitely seems off, so allow me to elaborate : What I mean when I say "if Vanek is your 1st line LW, you're short on offense", what I mean is that he's likely playing for a team like the Sabres. IMHO, Vanek is a PP specialist, who's strong on the puck, and excellent in front of the net. He's not a playmaker, and he's not a pure sniper either, who routinely picks corners from the circles, or off the rush. He gets most of his goals from banging home loose pucks, and his fair share of tip-in's. He's a better skater than he gets credit for, but I still think he's at his best in front of the net. IMHO, you need a more versatile game from your top-wingers than Vanek brings, although I believe if used right, he can score 30-35. But I don't believe playing him 1st line minutes is using him right. If any of that makes sense at all :blink:

While I have intention of defending Vanek, you'd have to think that getting used to not one, but two different playing styles over the course of 7 months, would yield some doubtful results. Especially since he's played his entire NHL career with one team, prior to getting traded twice this season. That said, Vanek won't carry a team. Chances are he'll score 30 perhaps 35 in a good season, in a 2nd line role. But if Vanek plays the 1st line, it means his team is short on offense.

Makes sense, as his right skate is off the ice at the point of impact. The impact itself is still massive though. Good for Ovi though. I get the feeling a blown knee would've impaired his skating some going forward, and seeing as explosiveness is a big part of his game, losing even 5% could mean a lot.

Pretty much my take on it too. I'm wrong half the time, people rarely rub it in. And when I'm right, I don't go "told you". Live and let live.

Dustin Byfuglien was Chicago's Lucic, until he became too pricey and they chose to stick with the Towews/Kane combo instead. I don't follow the Jets, so I have no idea how he's done since he came here, except we always lose to the Jets, no matter who's playing.

Trading for Lucic is not an option. The second he puts on a Sabres sweater, he either starts playing like a wimp, or gets suspended 7 times a year. The only team in the league he can flourish on, are the Bruiins, due to their "suspend only Thornton" status with the league.

I agree. Anyone else think Brooks Orpik would've been suspended for drilling Loui Eriksson, had Thornton not cheapshotted him?

How Marchand wasn't suspended for that attempted slash is beyond me. Oh wait... It isn't....

Same here.

Bylsma? No thanks.

Chris Pronger against the Sabres? Too bad the only reason that series went to seven games, was due to atrocious goaltending from Philly.

Yeah, doesn't exactly make you want to part with assets for a guy who most likely will end up ditching you.

Any chance they make a push for Miller? Or do they have too much salary tied up in Crosby and Malkin already?

This one definitely ranks up there. Had a buddy at the time who was a die-hard Flyers fan, and the year before we lost to the Cryers in 5 games, in one of the worst officated series I ever saw. He of course, couldn't see anything wrong with the officiating. That 8-0 whoopin' was the biggest, baddest, "in your face" game I ever saw. The 2006 series whoopin's rank up there as well.

This is going to sound ridiculous, but I think my *lowest* point as a Sabres fan, was when Timmy was resigned to his final contract here. The guy was handed a 50% raise for being injured and lazy, on a team starved for depth down the middle. Darcy then went to the press, and told them that he looked around the league for a center, and then realised he had the best center available, already on the roster. I was ready to have a heart attack right there and then. The final shred of doubt in my mind that this franchise was going nowhere until Darcy was gone, finally disappeared. I cannot describe how empty I felt during that time. Darcy getting the can wasn't exactly in the cards.

The fact is, Lucic is probably the last player who should be running his mouth against anyone, period. That guy and his band of goons gets away with so much crap, I would expect someone to two-hand him or Marchand during warmups some day. If anyone should be running their mouths in a handshake line, it should be *at* Lucic.

I'm not argueing the hate amongst certain players, I'm argueing how to express that hate. It belongs on the ice, running your mouth in a handshake line is just foolish, and an embarrasment to both the player and the team.

Like hell - You leave it on the ice. If you truely loathe someone, you pull a Brodeur and don't shake hands. Simple.

"Was gonnna .... Uuuuuhmmmm... Say something clever, but uuuuhhhh,..... Uuuhhmm, forgot what it was .........".

That one made me chuckle :P

Take one look at him, and tell me you're suprised? The guy's a knuckle-dragging neanderthal, with an IQ of 55 at best.

Did 255 on average for the first 5. Tried again, and got 237 avg. for 5. Tried once more, and hit 234 avg. for 5. Makes sense that you get faster as you "warm up", as long as you don't get jumpy. Ouch.... Wonder if Philly will be trading for him anytime soon?

Tough loss for the Wild, but when you can't bury one of those chances in the 2nd, you usually end up losing.

I agree. But I also believe if the Sabres did any of this, they'd be both penalized, suspended and fined. I've seen teams get away with BS against the Sabres time and again in the playoffs, and as soon as we try to play that game, we're in the box. So I doubt we'll be seeing the Sabres gooning it up anytime soon.

Doesn't apply to Boston.