I agree with you, but I don't see why this has to be. Watching other teams (I'm thinking specifically of the Bruins ), it simply doesn't matter when Tim Schaller is on the ice. They still carry play. I'm not sure if it is development, bad FA choices, or just the system they run, but for the past decade the Sabres 3rd and 4th lines have consistently gotten caved in. To me, that's the biggest difference between where the Sabres are and where they should be. When Moulson/Sobotka/Deslaurier/Legwand get a shift, not giving up a goal is a fantastic outcome. This must change, immediately. Even if they obtain a legit 2C, they need all 4 lines to be dangerous. This can come partly from having a more mobile and fast defense, but there must not be any weak links within the forwards. I believe the fastest way to this result is to cut, demote, or bench players that are regardless of contract status (sunk cost). Perhaps that would release the brakes on the offense.