klos1963

Rental players have helped. Why do most fans against this think that the future is traded away. Rarely does a team trade a high pick for a rental. We traded for Barnes and Warrener in 1999. Those trades helped us reach the finals that season.

How many teams actually 'leverage the farm' for a rental player? I don't think this is a legitimate thing to worry about. I mean, who would want to do that? What if we can acquire a player that would help a playoff run, what good reason would there be to not try to improve the team? This approach makes no sense.

He would also be practicing with an NHL club, a good one too. That's not a bad way to get your feet wet a bit.

He didn't, but he kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win , just like he has most of the time this year. That did not happen last season, among other issues with the team.

They remind me a little bit of Nashville when Housley was there. They were a fun team to watch , in part because of their defensemen. They moved the puck, they jumped in on the play and they were physical. I loved watching them during their playoff run. I see some similarities now.

I was looking back at 1999, the Finals season. We picked up Rhett Warrener and Stu Barnes at the deadline or near it, didn't give up much and picked up key players for the playoff run. These are more like the trades most teams would make, not superstars but players that fill a need. Gave up Barnaby and Mike Wilson. Good deals.

I think the goal would be to at least win 1 round, I'm sure it's not to buy a rental to get eliminated in round 1.

Murray was a poor GM. JBot traded for Skinner, signed FA Hutton, traded for Pommer and Scandella... I understand not wanting to give up the farm for a rental, I don't really think that happens as often as people seem to think. Trying to improve your team at the deadline to help the playoff push makes total sense.

and you can't do that with trades?

I said if we stay on this pace. Buying at the deadline doesn't necessarily mean you give up the farm for a one shot deal, not if done properly.

Buyers are looking for a push to advance them in the playoffs. If we continue on the pace we are now, we would be considered legitimate contenders, why not try to make a push to shore up a weak spot or add some depth. We don't need to give up a first to add a vet defenseman or a rental forward. I'm not saying make a stupid trade, but to forego an opportunity to strengthen the roster for a playoff run makes no sense at all.

even if it improves the team? I don't get it.

Why aren't we? We traded for Skinner in the offseason, that would seem to be an effort to help win now, since he only has a year left on his deal. Just because the 'process' may have sped up a bit more than expected , no reason to not try to win. I wouldn't expect a block buster but there are many high end RFA's that may be on the block this season.

He's an extremely valuable part of this team. I don't understand the criticism of him.

i'm ok with that

secondary scoring is often provided by a 2C- we don't have that right now. We are playing well, but that is a weak spot currently.

I think Dahlin will force the issue by his play when he is ready. He is not our top defenseman now, he's playing well but still making mistakes. I think they are handling him very well and he'll get his chances. He was on the top PP unit at times yesterday and was firing some shots, so I think we'll see more PP time for him. He's contributing quite well for an 18 year old.

I've never been there at the right time, I should plan on it though.

I live a few blocks from this memorial.

He's hardly our best defenseman, but he's not out of place for an 18 year old. Although a big splash by him would have been fun, it's encouraging to see him developing a complete game. Again, he's only 18.

Talent certainly makes a difference, doesn't it?

Does everyone else notice that Rob Ray always comments that the Sabres need to slow the game down. Every game, many times during the game. The team goes after speed this offseason and he wants them to slow down. He says many other dumb things too, but this one is almost comical. How does he even have a job? - One more doozy- After the first period. ' don't think Vancouver is going to quit, they'll fight to the end' It's 1-0 after 1 period. What makes him think they may quit?

I was thinking the same thing.

i'm not dismissing the wins out west, just saying to get to a playoff opportunity, need to win a lot at home.

The team needs to become dominant at home. Teams need to be uncomfortable playing games in Buffalo. If we can do this, that will show we are a good team.